The author points to a statue
When I was a young lad movie theaters would show travelogues before the feature that often focused on a particular city. Invariably those shorts would end with the narrator intoning “(name of city) is a combination of the old….and the new.” Every freakin’ time.
I’m now in Copenhagen for the first time and I’d like to tell you that it is a combination of….You guessed it.
Other single word thoughts on this city: clean, efficient, bicycles, modern, historic, friendly and (this next bit is more than one word) there are a lot of pretty young women. Indeed there are a lot of attractive young people in general. There are a lot of young mothers pushing strollers. There are a lot of cafes and pastry shops. There are a lot of happy people. Denmark is second only to Finland in the happiness index. Neither has a complete moron as a president so that helps.
I like the fact that there are bike lanes and everyone respects them. A lot of people ride bikes, I mean a helluva lot of people ride bikes and so far I’ve not seen one challenge cars or annoy pedestrians. (Berkeley bicyclists please take note.)
The subway is a marvel as is often the case in major western European cities. Like everything else in the city it is clean. The longest we’ve had to wait for a train — and this is literally true — is two-and-half minutes. Usually the wait is closer to — and again this is literally true — forty seconds. The system is easy to understand and gets you wherever you need to go. What a marvel.
We arrived Sunday and I immediately abandoned the missus and headed off to a pub to meet someone I’ve known online for over twenty-six years but never actually met. We got acquainted through our favorite football club, Arsenal so it was appropriate that we met live and in person for the first time to watch a match at Copenhagen’s number one Arsenal pub where he is a regular. I was introduced around to others who share my love for the Gunners so immediately felt at home. The ensuing match was nerve-wracking but the lads pulled it out, one-nil. Joy all around and a good start to this last leg of the trip.
Not so great was the weather yesterday. I love rain, except when I’m vacationing. It wasn’t heavy but was steady. I suppose I should go ahead and pun hear by saying it put a slight damper on our day.
Nonetheless we strolled around the city without getting too wet at all. An umbrella and rain jacket helped in this regard.
Today we took full advantage of the metro visiting various parts of the city. We made two stops at random stations. One turned out to be an excellent “choice” the other saw us emerging in what I assume is Copenhagen’s version of the bad part of town.
We got to see the royal palace and the ridiculously large church the royals attend to this day. There were statutes and parks, and waterfront areas and a stop for the most delicious ice cream bar I can ever remember having.
It should come as no surprise that I really like this city. I can’t think of a major European city that has ever disappointed me now that I think about it. Not sure where I’d rank Copenhagen if I were compelled to rank them. Maybe I’ll try after we conclude our visit.
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