This was outside, and the kids were four deep at the bar.
So I walked in, had a drink or three, or five, and suddenly found them as charming and eloquent as they thought they were.
Feeling more relaxed, I marched back up to the 5th floor, found the correct room, and fell fast asleep.
Ah, 6am already. Time for coffee, breakfast, coffee, aspirin, coffee, a shower, and coffee.
We took a different route to Freetown today, which took us past this modern theater.
Little Mermaid? I don't think that'll be on our agenda.
One of the rowing clubs turned a giant barrel into a sauna.
This staircase, on the spire of the church, is open to the public three days a week, not today
Hmm, getting closer.
Closer.
And, we're here.
If I were a rich man, I'd send my daughter to this for her birthday.
Art is everywhere.
Pyramid greenhouse.
Streets needn't be any wider, as only foot and bicycle traffic are allowed.
Isn't this what you picture when you hear the words, "happy little tire swing".
The school.
A bunker. For all I know, someone lives in there.
Walking through these neighborhoods, you are overcome with the charm of this place.
There is a calm individuality, mixed with a sense of community.
The waterfront homes are interesting and cool.
As we got back, closer to the center, we saw more commerce. This is a used window and door store.
WTF?
Oh.
We headed back into the heart, all the shops, restaurants and "Pusher's Alley" are there.
There are no cameras allowed in or near Pusher's Alley.
We figure they don't want any incriminating shots of people buying wares from the open pot market. Strangely, we got the best falafel I ever tasted, just across the street from a weed vendor.
Now that we had eaten, and downed a can of coke, we were ready for the second half.
Hi kitty.
We almost missed this amazing door, take a second and really look at it.
Bitchen, right?
We felt a little sorry for the horses, they had no dry ground to stand on.
On a brighter note, they get out almost every day for work, which they enjoy.
I can only imagine how beautiful this path is when the trees have leaves.
Interesting fence around a waterfront home.
We got a good view across the canal.
And saw this.
We had to check it out.
It was a large warehouse.
Huge, with wild graffiti.
Garsh? Did Scooby Doo write this?
Looks like they built a skate park in part of the building.
With our tour of Christiania done, we walked along a canal, and happened across a hop on hop off tour boat. So, we hopped on. The tickets were good for 48 hours, and we could pick it up at any stop during that time.
Not sure if we were happier about exploring the canals, or getting off our feet for a while.
Many of the old bridges are very low.
Poor little sunken boat.
Another palace.
The drawbridge we walked across.
The Royal Library. Mirror polished black granite is warmed by the sun, and the heat is pumped through the building. It is cooled by pumping sea water through pipes in the ducting.
It's fun to cuddle on a winter canal cruise.
The ornate bridge leading to the palace, we used it for our short cut.
The Standard, a former newspaper building turned restaurant.
Can't you just picture this harbor in the 1700's, filled with tall ships and sailors.
Most of the buildings were bars and brothels at the time.
Okay, some things change slowly.
The man-made jetties were built by Swedish prisoners of war.
This opera house has valet boat docking.
The Royal Navy
Danish battleship.
People from all over the world come to photograph,
The Little Mermaid.
She's really beautiful, and much smaller than I imagined.
Back on the boat we decided to go to the big square.
What a relaxing and fun way to see the city.
Hard to see, but these are bronze statues in the canal. The piece is called Neptune and his daughters.
Seemed like a good idea,
to everyone.
A little window shopping.
Julie was excited to find a street vendor with walnut stuffed dates.
I was glad to find the glove maker to the king.
They were closed last time we were here.
I finally got the buttery soft, perfectly fit gloves I've been dreaming about for years.
We always seem to be going against traffic.
The main church in the square.
Argh! They're everywhere.
But, not in the basement across the street from the hostel.
Here, is a traditional Danish restaurant, with only six tables.
Perfect liver and onions, for my last meal in Copenhagen.
Up in the morning for the short hop to Iceland.
If we had known how much we would love it there, we would have scheduled a few more days before our trip home. We only had 2 hours though, and that was just enough time for us to get through customs and make our flight.
First class always makes us feel better.
A little alcohol helps too.
Goodbye Arctic Circle.
And Iceland, you rock! We will definitely be back.
Thank you to our friends and family, who helped make this happen.
Some wondered, "Why would you want to go to the arctic in winter?"
After being there, I wonder why everyone doesn't go.
And to you, dear readers. Your patience, and well wishes, are much appreciated.
I look forward to sharing our next adventure with you.
