Copenhagen 6/1/05
Okay...excuse the subject line...I just couldn’t help myself after going on a day excursion to
different castles. The second one we went to was in Helsingor and it is called Kronborg. This is
also know as Hamlet’s castle. It’s on the Baltic Sea directly across from Sweden. So there is
your geographical fun fact for the day. The outside of the castle is beautiful. Almost medieval
looking. The inside...well...it looked like they had a decorating budget. Anyhow, it was actually
used for different things at different periods of time. Many of these things dealing with
different wars. We went to the ´casemates´ which was like a dungeon. Very damp. Almost felt
like being in catacombs...but of course without the bones and skulls. The view over to Sweden
would have been lovely if it weren’t for the huge wind gusts and rain that we have been
experiencing. ;) I just kept walking and repeating the quote "It could be worse. It could be
worse. It could be worse." The only thing that could have really been worse was if there were
full on monsoons occurring. I mean...let’s face it...it is JUNE!!! The weather is supposed to be
nice. Period. Anyway, we braved it.
Before Helsingor, we went to Hillerod to go to the Frederiksborg castle. This one was more
reminiscent of a fairy tale. It had beautifully manicured gardens (how is that for a cheesy
description???) and actually sits on a few islands. There is a ferry that takes you around, if you
choose. There was also a Hans Christian Anderson exhibit. Fitting, huh??? This place was much
more ‘castle-like’ on the inside with all of the trimmings. Plus, this castle, just like a good
amount of Copenhagen is made of bricks. I just looooove brick buildings! So it was
automatically love at first sight. ;)
Oh! I have discovered a phenomenal candy over here. They have it at the little ‘chokolade’
shops. There’s a thin layer of a marzipan cookie topped with a beautiful puff of this
marshmallow stuff. Almost a cross between marshmallow and meringue (the meringue that’s
on pie--not the cookie). It is super creamy. And then it is completely covered with yummy dark
chocolate. And they also have ones with the marshmallow with mocha flavoring. Not only do
they taste dee-lish, they are just quite a sight to behold. Sorry. Just had to give my shout out to
‘Jen’s food of the day’. While I am on the food topic, let me give props to the smoked salmon.
Mmm, mmm, mmm....
Oh! Forgot to mention my quest this morning. It was for the sunrise. I set my alarm for 4am.
AND I MISSED THE SUNRISE!!!!!!!!! I got out and the sky was already bright with just a hint
of pink in it. I guess I will further my quest when I go to Iceland. I will see a sunset/sunrise, I
will see a sunset/sunrise, I will see a sunset/sunrise. Just has not happened yet due to the San
Francisco-in-July type of weather over here.
Well, it is now time to go get ready for our night on the town. It is our night to do our ´good
meal in Copenhagen´.
Just like every other city I visit, I am eating my way through this place as well. Why should
Copenhagen be any different???
:) Jen