Day 2, 19th June, 2019 – Copenhagen

My stars what a day, not even sure I can remember everything I’ve done in it, lol.

The day started early, it’s almost light at 3 am which is when I woke up to the sounds of someone doing some house renovating across from the hotel. Well it sounded like some sort of building works and as it ceased around 5. I reckon they were doing some personal work before heading off to real work! Went for a walk outside before the 6.30 breakfast. Several homeless sitting/sleeping on benches around the square or on the ground near the buildings, so decided I wasn’t venturing far.

Enjoyed breakfast, especially the pickled herring, the liver pate and the tiny whole potatoes. Back up to my room and then hit the streets about 9. Walked through the shopping precinct across to the botanic gardens and had a wander through them. Then headed towards Nyhavn, but discovered I had turned left at the wrong spot and was on the wrong side of Rosenborg Castle. So headed back and got onto the correct road. I noticed something going on ahead of me in the shape of police and pedestrians all standing around. Then, amazing enough I had timed something right, and the Queen’s guard where doing their shift change, so they came marching along and out through the gate. With a policeman in front and one behind they proceeded to march down the road holding up all the traffic.

Didn’t get to Nyhavn, got munzee sidetracked and then got to the spot where I was meeting the family for a canal cruise. Even though Jesse had phoned and said they were running late (they cycled in from home) we made the 2 pm sailing! It was rather sunny so I think I’m a little sun-burnt, but it was a good cruise, though I think the boys got a little bored. From there we went to the Round Tower. It’s a 9-storey building, but except for the last couple of floors, it is a paved spiral as the king who commissioned it wanted to ride his horse up and down it! The tower features in Hans Christian Anderson’s Tinderbox story with the dog with eyes the size of the Round Tower (I’m going to have a read of it again later tonight!) It was quite a hike, but there were interesting spots to visit along the way, like the privy, who’s contents went all the way down the basement. (Pleasingly not in use any more, lol) Also the gloss floor put in across the hollow core of the building, showing a very long drop down.

After the very narrow staircase at the top we had amazing 360 degree views of Copenhagen and surrounds. Lots of spires and other places of renown. Then the descent back down to the ground floor, easier than the going up!!!

Having worked up an appetite we had a buffet dinner at a restaurant Jesse and Cristina had heard was good. The two boys definitely enjoyed it, and so did the adults! Finally though we had to part company, so I gave them some Aussie gifts (Julius got the little kangaroo for his animal collection) and I wended my way back to the hotel. Bed very soon after this is posted!!!

Breakfast, check-out and cruise ship check-in tomorrow.

Botanic garden Bed of irises Marching along… The Round Tower