The title is not actually true, I just wanted to appear literary by quoting Shakespeare. Its quite the opposite really, weve found it all but rotten and have really enjoyed our short stopover here. The apartment is in a great spot (perhaps not vertically) and weve really enjoyed being in the heart of such a walkable and relaxed city.
Yesterdays adventures were guided by Geoff (under some suspicion by the girls) and we visited Christianborg where the royal family used to reside. Its been their lodging place since the city was founded in the 1000s or so, so there are some ruins underneath, but theyre currently running an exhibition of medieval and renaissance monsters and their symbolism and connection to emotions. It was supposed to be ‘for kids but we all thought it was great and really brought particular aspects of the ruins to life, particularly the blue tower, where you got locked to live in everyone elses poo if you were particularly bad. We also visited the state rooms (plastic shoe covers and a degree of elegance required, that Im not sure we possessed) and the kitchens.
fulfilled the doubts of everyone on his ability to read a map and we got to see some extra parts of Copenhagen. A delicious lunch for all and a wander to visit Mary at Amalienborg, but she was unfortunately doing something in Bangladesh.
Back to the apartment for a quick rest/nap before heading to Tivoli. Some difficulty finding the entrance, but once we did, we really enjoyed wandering and looking at all the rides. A really old school amusement park that had some lovely gardens and restaurants and bars where people obviously to hang and enjoy. So we joined in! A quick drink in the sun, soaking up the atmosphere before a short metro ride back to our ‘hood to enjoy a pizza dinner
A sleep in again before kicking the day off with some pastries and a massive (but very good) coffee. Some confusion over the right station/train type before we found our train to Helsingor (Hamlets abodeand apparently meaningful for other things too) to hang with poor Yorrick. We had read about the Elsinore food markets but werent sure what it would involve - hugely impressed! They have redeveloped the old shipyard into
and international food court where there is Indian, Japanese, Turkish, Mexican and a whole lot of other really great food offerings available, all in a converted warehouse with couches and a funky atmosphere. Finally got the good Asian food I have been craving!
Beeb assumed after her double sushi meal that we were done and heading back, but the rest of us were keen to see the Kronborg castle and ponder what the question actually is. Many ‘state rooms, naked renaissance art (a family favourite) and some attempted stilt walking and none of us were really sure if we were to be or not, so took a walk in the town and gathered our thoughts with some ice cream.
Back to Copenhagen on the train and we took the chance of having slightly older children than last time we travelled to leave them at home (ha!) while we enjoyed a relaxing drink on the square in the fading sun.
And so draws to a close our first trip, as we begin the long journey home tomorrow. The girls are looking forward to getting back and seeing the animals (and being the lead in the year 8
play, hold the phone!!). I am so happy and thankful we have had the chance to travel once again and I feel, finally, filled with the joy of spending time together discovering new things. And if ‘brevity is the soul of wit, I think Ive failed in that regard, but my soul is full, and ready to go again, covid willing!
