Michael in the Canals of Copenhagen!

On Monday the 23rd, we were back in Copenhagen. My brother Michael had not yet been on a Canal tour yet so we took advantage of the sunshine on Monday to see what there is to see from on board a canal boat.

(Our view from the canal boat.)

We both enjoyed seeing all the historical sites from the canals, and with the sunshine being present it was quite relaxing to be on the water.

(Michael, as the boat is leaving Nyhavn.)

(The view of the Royal Palace Complex - Amalienborg - from the water.)

 (A floating cafe in Christianshavn.)

 ( A view of the Danish Stock Exchange and Christiansborg (Parliament).)

(Some tall masted ships docked in one of the inlets.)

If you ever are in Copenhagen, it is a must to take a canal tour at some point. For to see the city from the canals that wind through the different neighborhoods helps put into perspective the historical and modern facets of Copenhagen.

Vi Ses!

Ans with Heidi and Johan!

Some of Ole and Birgitte's friends, Heidi and Johan, live in Ans which is a town in Jylland. During our trip to Jylland they were beyond kind in letting the four of us stay with them and enjoy their company.

(The view of Ans from the highest point. )

In life, it is the people that you surround yourself with that enable you to form the best memories. This family's extremely welcoming and friendly disposition makes it impossible to not associate Ans with good times.

(Ole and Michael at the Foosball table.)

 (Birgitte trying a roasted marshmallow.)

(Ole & Michael Versus Johan & Natasha)

After having found out about Michael's passion for cars, Heidi, Johan, Ole, and Birgitte made sure that we took Michael to a local classic car dealership. Michael was like a kid in a candy shop, and he simply couldn't stop smiling.

Needless to say, we greatly enjoyed ourselves in the town of Ans. It was a wonderful time with wonderful people. Times such as these are what I will miss when I leave Danmark.

Vi Ses!

Hjerl Hede - Life From The Old Days

On Saturday Ole, Birgitte, Michael and I spent the day exploring Danmark’s past, in the form of an Open Air Museum called, "Hjerl Hede". This was a fantastic way to spend the day with Ole, Birgitte, and Michael.

The set up of Hjerl Hede was amazing. I was quite impressed by this vast area of land dedicated to the preservation of authentic homesteads, shops, and other buildings from years past. Most of the buildings there are between 200-250 years old, though one is nearly 500 years old. The museum had moved these buildings to the site, preserving not only the structures but also the interiors.

At Hjerl Hede they truly show how people lived out in the country before the advent of the welfare society. From walking along a dirt path, with cows on one side, a water mill on another side, and countless other historical elements in between, the whole experience is authentic. It is authentic down to the free time activities.

(Ole is a natural biker, I however am not.)

The four of us had a wonderful time spending the day together. As always Ole and Birgitte have a knack for choosing good adventures!!

Vi Ses!

Tirpitz- Stillingen (The Tirpitz Battery)

Located in Blåvand, this partially finished German bunker/battery was our last stop on Friday before ending for the day in Ans. As many of you may know, Danmark was occupied by Germany from 1940-1945. During this time the German forces worked to build up coastal defences in case of allied attack. Work on this battery started in July 1944, and the Liberation of Danmark was on May 5th 1945, four months before the battery was slated for completion.

(where the white dome is located was the intended location of the gun turret)

According to the plans, the Tirpitz battery was to have: 2 gun emplacements, 2 ammunition bunkers, 1 fire control bunker, 2 gun crew bunkers guarded by anti-aircraft guns, 6 personnel bunkers, and 2 anti-aircraft emplacements. Needless to say it is a good thing that the Germans were not able to finish this defence project.

(parts of naval guns which were left behind)

When the war ended most of the equipment was stripped from the battery, and the surrounding area was cleared of land mines by German prisoners of war.

(A replicated mine field such as the ones which were located in this area of Denmark during the occupation)

It is incredible to see places like this, since it brings the events of WWII to life for two Americans who have never before seen such things. It also allows us to see an aspect of the war that is rarely talked about in the American education about WWII, that being the occupation of Denmark.

 (Here Michael & I are on 'Czech Hedgehogs' which were used on the beaches to keep

 tanks & vehicles away)

And that was our Friday in Jylland!

Vi Ses!!!

Ribe - The Oldest Town in Denmark

Friday, the 20th of May in Danmark was a public holiday, and as a result our family packed up the car to head into Jylland, or Jutland in english, for the weekend. With an enthusiastic American who has a passion for history in tow (Michael), our first and lengthiest visit on Friday was to Ribe. Ribe is the oldest town in Danmark where archeologists are still today uncovering pieces of Ribe's long and rich history as a viking town.

This town is known to be a viking town and trading post in the 8th century, though at that time it was primarily used seasonally. While this town in Southwestern Jylland used to be centered about Riberhus, a castle which was destroyed in 1658 by the Swedes, today the center of the town is undoubtedly the Cathedral. In Ribe we went to the Viking Museum, which has a significant amount of artifacts including some finds that were just made around Easter. It is amazing to see the level of development of this town at a time when the United States did not exist.

In order to really get a feel for the history in Ribe, one must take to its winding, cobblestone streets. Then when you are famished, I would recommend stopping at Weis Stue. This inn & restaurant is from the 1600s. The ambiance of the place is amazing, with antique furnishing and an authenticity that can not be replicated.

After eating a scrumptious meal of rye bread, herring, frikadeller, and local cheese, it is a perfect place to recharge before heading to the Cathedral, and the climb up its tower.

While the first church in Ribe was built in 860, the current cathedral,Vor Frue Maria Domkirke, has elements that remain from the original stone church built in the early 1100s. After exploring the church's interior we headed up the tower stairs to see the view from the top. On our ascent we also got to see the bell, which is still in use today. It is a very good thing we did not decide to start the climb when it was slated to ring.

The view from the top was incredible. With the countryside in the distance, and beautiful historical building dotting the landscape it is really a sight worth seeing.

Michael and I definitely enjoyed this family trip to Ribe with Ole and Birgitte. Ribe is a beautiful town, and seeing it with such amazing people is an experience that can not be surpassed.

Vi Ses!