Palaces, Gardens, and Guards

On Monday the 18th and Tuesday the 19th of my Mom's visit to Copenhagen, we took some time to catch up in between seeing Denmark. Due to the improvement of the weather we spend a fair amount of time in parks and gardens, both in Copenhagen as well as Allerød. Monday was spent in Allerød, while Tuesday was spent in Copenhagen. As soon as we got to the city on Tuesday we headed to Amalienborg, the palace complex where the Danish Royal family lives. After going to the museum, we were in the middle courtyard of the complex during the changing of the guard, which is done with much fanfare.

(Changing of the Guard)

Having watched the changing of the guard ceremony, we went for a leisurely stroll through the gardens, where every plant seemed to be just coming into bloom.

(Garden at Amalienborg)

On our way to the Botanical Gardens we stopped at La Glace for one of their famous slices of cake. Going to La Glace is in itself an experience. With a cozy ambiance, cheery service, and delicious cakes, it was just the break we needed.

 (our slices of cake)

During my Mom's visit we went to the Botanical Gardens twice. It is such a lovely and tranquil place that it is hard to resist resting amongst nature in between tourist stops. Located right in the middle of Copenhagen it has become one of my favorite places in the city. I definitely suggest a trip to the Botanical Gardens for anyone looking for a peaceful place in Copenhagen.

Vi Ses!

A Weekend With Family Part II

On Sunday,  the four of us (Birgitte, Gwen, Natasha, Ole) started our adventure in jægerspris, at the castle of King Frederik VII. Having chosen to marry a commoner, Frederik and his wife (Countess Danner) moved to Jægerspris in the 1850s. After Frederik's death the Countess turned the castle into a house for children, and still today a section of the estate is used for this purpose.

(Frederik VII's Study)

After seeing this great piece of history we headed up to Roskilde to see history of an older sort. The first stop in Roskilde was the Cathedral, which due to it being Easter Sunday, was closed for tours. Despite not being able to take a tour one can still tell from its looming presense the importance of this church. Having been studying Danish history for a year I know of its importance in many facets. From an architecture standpoint, Roskilde Cathedral was the first of gothic style to be built of brick. From a historical view of the monarchy, Roskilde Cathedral has served as a royal burial place since the 15th century, though it has only hosted one coronation that of Kind Canute VI. Queen Margrethe I was the first to find her place of rest here, when in 1414 her body was moved from its former resting place to set a precedent of Roskilde being the Royal resting place.

From the great piece of Danish history that is Roskilde Cathedral, we went to yet an older piece of history - the world of the Vikings.

One can not be in Denmark without hearing or seeing remnants of the nation's Viking past. In order to learn about this past, the best place to go is the Roskilde Viking Museum - complete with Viking tales, facts of Viking life, replicas of viking ships, and the remains of viking ships.

Besides just seeing the ships, due to Ole's encouragement, I doned Viking garments and boarded a replica vessel. Despite my initial reluctance, I actually think this was kind of nice. Now I have evident that I am a Modern Danish Viking at heart!!

And with the grande finale of becoming a Viking, our Sunday adventure came to a close. I can not thank Ole and Birgitte enough for this weekend of experiences!

Vi Ses!

A Weekend with Family!

Last Saturday and Sunday (16-17 April), were days jam packed with great adventures with my Mom, Birgitte, and Ole. Birgitte and Ole planned out our adventures for the weekend, taking us to Sweden, as well as Roskilde, and other places in Denmark. Due to the extensiveness of our adventures I will first be posting on Saturday's activities before completing a second post on Sunday's activities. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as we did!

Saturday morning I had no idea where we were going until I realized we were heading towards the Øresund, which separates Denmark and Sweden. This was my Mom's second european country she has been in (Denmark was the first), and was actually the first time I had been to Sweden.

Our first stop of the day was a replica of a viking fortress. Combined with the chilly weather that morning, the fortress really displayed the harshness of living in the viking day. It is amazing to see such structures, displaying a time before, as Ole pointed out, the country of my birth was even contemplated.

(Here is the front - what one would see when approaching the fort)

(My Mom and I at the Viking fort)

Our second stop was Torups Slott (spelled in the Swedish way). This privately owned castle has vast grounds surrounding it, allowing for a pleasant walk with quite scenic views.

Our third stop for the day was Lund Cathedral. There was first a church built on this site in 1060, though it was been rebuilt and renovated since. With its exquisite carvings, astronomical clock from the 1420s, and aurora of humility, this Cathedral is definitely a sight to see!

Our fourth and final stop in Sweden for the day was Malmö. Despite the rain I still enjoyed seeing what I had heard so much about.

And that my friends was the end of our little Swedish adventure. We headed back across the Øresund, and had a nice hyggelig aften, back home in Allerød.

Vi Ses!

Tasha And Gwen in Denmark

In order to write about the 14th and 15th of April, I (Natasha) have recruited the help of my Mom (Gwen). The following post is a combined account of our Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday we spent a wonderful day at Frederiksborg slot. Natasha has already been to the castle and is now used to the sight of its beautiful stonework, gardens, and sheer majesty; Gwen on the other hand spent the day in awe, remarking on every facet of the building and even the smallest flowers in the garden.

As we sat down to lunch in a nearby Cafe, Gwen described the whole experience of the Danish castles (so far Rosenborg and Frederiksborg) as quite "majestic". And she affirmed what Natasha has been trying to convey to her blogging audience since her arrival in Denmark; that one can not really describe or capture everything fully. It is impossible to fully convey the feel of cobblestones underfoot, and the towering splendor from times of old.

Since spring is slowly, but surely coming to Copenhagen the flowers are emerging. Needless to say for those of you that know Gwen, each flower is remarked about, and many have been photographed.

Our adventure on Friday was simply - the canals. Since Gwen's arrival it had been fairly cold (by Florida standards) in Copenhagen, but Friday was a fantastic early spring day, with sunshine, blue skies and warmth. Natasha could not contain her excitement about the weather through indoor activities, so we ended up spending the day by the canals in Copenhagen.

In addition to sitting on the edge of the canal (much to Gwen's dismay and constant warnings) we took a boat ride through the canals, seeing Natasha's home away from home by water. It ended up being a great day relaxing at the canals, and seeing the warmer side of Copenhagen.

(Gwen at the start of the Canal Tour)

(On a sunny day in Copenhagen the canals are lined with people enjoying the weather!)

(The Little Mermaid)

We (or just Natasha) will continue to update you on our Danish adventures!

Until Next Time! Vi Ses!

Tasha & Gwen

København med min Mor

As you may or may not know, last Sunday my Mom arrived in Copenhagen. I have two weeks off from school, so it was the perfect time for my Mom to come to Europe and get to know the place I have been calling home since August. My plan is to show her what I love about Copenhagen and Denmark, from castles to drinking tea with my Danish family; I want her to get a taste of my life here in Copenhagen.

Her first full day here it was nice and sunny, probably one of the warmest days we have had since the Fall. Due to this we spent our day walking around the city, showing her the football stadium Parken, where I take classes, city hall, Kongens Nytorv, Stroget, and of course the tranquility of sitting with a cup of hot chocolate at an outdoor cafe.

Though Skype is one of the best inventions for those who are far away from their family, it is definitely not the same. Thus the first full day was mainly spent just catching up on everything, followed by dinner with my host parents.

Tuesday the weather was a tad cold, windy, and rainy, so going to explore the Botanical gardens or something of that kind was out of the question. We ended up at the National Museum, learning about Danish days of old. I was very proud of my knowledge of Danish history when I was able to explain the exhibits beyond the simplified explanation that had been translated into English on the displays. After our museum adventure we decided to head back home to Allerød for soup, tea, and a movie.

Wednesday, despite it still being a little cold, we headed to Rosenborg Slot (castle). With its rooms full of royal history, the crown jewels, royal guards, the changing of the guard procession, and the extensive gardens, my Mom had an extremely “royal” experience.

Keeping to the royal theme, we headed to the royal tea house A. C. Perch’s. Knowing my Mother’s love for tea, I had made a reservation there weeks before for Ole, Birgitte, my Mom and I. This was a great experience. Stepping into the building one was engulfed in the scent of a plethora of different teas.

The four of us were so overwhelmed by the sheer number of different blends that it was a challenge to decide which to try. Ultimately we decided on Kronprinsesse Blanding (Crown Princess blend), Hvid Drømme The (white dream tea), and Gunpowder (a green tea).

Many finger sandwiches, cakes, scones, and three pots of tea later, the four of us headed home.

Today we plan to see Frederiksborg Slot (castle), and the adjoining gardens. I shall try to keep my blog up to date with pictures of our various adventures in Denmark.

Vi Ses!