From a Sky High View of Copenhagen to a FCK Football Game

Having taken Michael to King's garden on his first day in Copenhagen, it was only natural that one of the next stops in his exploration of the city would be Rosenborg Slot.

This castle, which is adjoined to King's Garden, was built by Christian IV, the same King who commissioned Frederiksborg Slot. Not only does this castle proffer a wide assortment of articles from royals of the past, but it also houses the Royal Crown Jewels. For those of you who know Michael, you can imagine how intrigued he was by every item in the collection.
Yet Rosenborg was not the entirety of our day, but only the beginning. From there we took to walking the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen, meandering towards our next stop, the Round Tower. The Round Tower extends back to the time of Christian IV. When one learns about the history of Copenhagen's magnanimous buildings of old, one finds that a large number were build by Christian IV. The round tower is no exception. Built as an addition to Copenhagen University (KU) the tower complex called the Trinitatis Complex (the tower is connected to a church) served the students as the University church, library and observatory until 1861. In the modern day the Round Tower is used primarily for its sky high views of the city, providing many a tourist with a bird's eye view.

 (Above are views from the Top)

(Below is the ramp which twist 7.5 times to bring one to the top of the tower.)

After the Round tower we walked to the Østerbro area of København, specifically Parken the football stadium. In February I had purchased tickets for a F.C.K. game while Michael would be visiting, giving them to Michael as a birthday present in addition to an F.C.K. football jersey. So Thursday evening we headed to the stadium for the F.C.København game against F.C.Midtjylland.

 (F.C.K. supporters)

 (Above and Below are some glimpses of the game)

All in all it was an exciting game, particularly since the experience was so new for Michael. F.C.København ended up winning the game 5-2.

And thus ends another day in the adventures of two siblings!!

Vi Ses!

A Day Spent at Frederiksborg Slot With My Brother

When I ask Michael to describe our day at Frederiksborg slot he truly had trouble putting it into words, for as I have maintained throughout my time in Copenhagen it is impossible to completely capture the feel of being in places of such extravagance. With its baroque gardens, windy paths around scenic lakes, and fountains which seem to tumble from endless heights, the grounds of Frederiksborg alone give one the impression that Michael should be clothed in a doublet and tabard. As for myself, I can only imagine strolling down the gorgeous gardens paths with a gown, and a light umbrella to offer protection from the sun.

Back in reality Michael and I were not wearing clothes of the time, but we still thoroughly enjoyed the gardens of Frederiksborg.

 I have now seen Frederiksborg garden five times throughout the year, but nothing quite compares to this garden in springtime. With the garden clothed in a bright shade of green, and brightly colored flowers artfully placed along the paths, it is simply beautiful.

When it started to look like rain we headed to the castle for refuge, as I am sure countless others have done before. Michael had a wonderful time roaming the royal chambers, looking at items from times long ago. As always, I am able to glean new information no matter how many times previously I have roamed these halls. There was actually a section of the castle, the Audience chamber, that had not been open the previous two times I have explored the interior of Frederiksborg Slot.

After having spent over six hours in the castle as well as exploring the grounds, Michael and I headed back to Allerød. Needless to say it was another amazing day in Danmark!

Vi Ses!

Michael And His Big Orange Suitcase

Tuesday morning I headed to Copenhagen airport to retrieve a boy with a noticeably familiar buzz cut. For those of you who weren’t aware, this week my brother Michael headed to Copenhagen for our European Adventures together. It is truly an opportunity of a lifetime to be able to spend quality time with your only sibling in the baroque gardens, prestigious palaces, and beautiful landscapes of Copenhagen, Paris, and London.

(Michael on the train heading into Copenhagen for the first time)

Tuesday, with Michael slightly suffering from jetlag, we explored the enormous National History Museum, particularly the exhibitions on the Middle Ages, our mutually favorite period of history to learn about.

From there we headed to King’s Garden; walking and talking amongst the winding tree lined paths. Of course, we also took advantage of some great photo opportunities.

(Michael standing in the main path in King's Garden)

 (All I need is a good book and I am set)

 (Michael pondering life... or just the garden...or he is asleep due to jet lag)

(apparently the best view of the gardens is from one of the trees)

And saving the best picture of the day for last, here is a picture of Michael sitting in King's Garden with Rosenborg castle in the background. Judging by his smile I am thinking he is happy to be in Copenhagen!!
Vi Ses!!

A day spent in Cisternerne and a Danish Community Garden

Since spring started to arrive in Copenhagen my Danish language instructor Mogens has been telling us about his little garden. Living in the city, many Danes own a little garden plot in a community garden near to where they are living. Mogens, who lives in Frederiksberg, has such a garden in the prestiguous community garden next to the baroque public garden of Frederiksberg. In order to celebrate the end of the semester Mogens invited our class to a cook out in his garden.

Before the cook out Mogens took us to the glass art museum called Cisternerne, which is not widely known to tourists despite it being a well rated museum by Forbes magazine. As the name may suggest, Cisternerne is located below ground in the area's old water cisterns.

(To be truthful walking around in the cold, damp cisterns is quite an experience in itself -It has an ambiance that is a little bit spooky) 

(The floor is not shiny because it has been lackered, but due to standing water)

After climbing out from the dark depths of Cisternerne we rented a rowboat, and took advantage of the canals in Frederiksberg's baroque gardens. It was a beautiful day, so the row boat was a perfect way of seeing this picturesque garden.

After our peaceful ride through the canals we headed to the community garden, and Mogens's little garden. This community garden that his garden is located in is so popular that typically if one wants a plot you will have to be on a wait list for roughly 30 years!! Needless to say, these little gardens, complete with garden houses are gorgeous.

Vi Ses!

Yo ho, Yo ho, a weekend at sea for me!

In the wee morning hours on the 30th of April I headed from the house in search of a relaxing weekend at sea. Around Christmas time I had signed up for a weekend sailing trip around Sjælland (the biggest island in Denmark).

(the Hjalm)

(Captain Poul)

The trip was just for Saturday and Sunday, which was a perfect break from writing final papers. It was a time to relax  aboard our tall masted wooden sailing ship, called Hjalm, which was built in 1901. Complete with our friendly Captain Poul, Søren  (the only crewmember) and the Captain's faithful dog Luna, the Hjalm was a great place to spend the weekend.

For the most part our time on the Hjalm consisted of merely Being. I think that this is something that is too often forgotten in life. Though Søren made us help with the sails, we spent our time basking in the sun that is now gracing Danmark with her presence.

On Saturday around lunchtime Søren let me try driving the little boat that is kept on board. Thankfully, I was able to get us safely back to the ship without any mishaps.

When night time came, we docked the boat in a nearby harbor. It was incredible to sit on the deck of the boat and watch the sun go down.

On Sunday, though it was a bit colder, we still enjoyed the day by sitting on deck and enjoying spring in Danmark.

Vi Ses!