openhagen (Kobenhavn in Danish> is divided, much like other large cities, into several neighbourhoods, each with its own flavour and character. I lived in a place called, Norrebro, a slightly bohemian working class area with a mix of Turks, Pakistanis, Chinese and Danes. There were plenty of small shops and grocers, plus cafes which had an obvious left wing stance, bordering on Communist.
Denmark, of course, is a social democracy and has the benefits of such a state: small gap between rich and poor, universial health care, free university tuition. High cost of living, however, and I was stunned when I had to pay $1 for a glass of water in a restaurant ($3 for a pitcher). I think I miss the lifestyle I had there more than the place itself, although it was charming. But after a few months of living, the sites which attract tourists no longer have that "magnetism". You begin to actually live rather than vacation. It was a simple life with many pleasures: a 10 minute bike ride to school, good beer, clean environment, good friends. Who could ask for anything more?
The church photographed here is called "The Marble Church" and it is located very close to Copenhagen's harbour, as well as the more "posh" area of the city. Marble because the ceiling and floor is made of it. I'm not sure of the building's history, but at first glance, it is most Catholic looking church you'll ever see. The architecture is very classical (Renaissance) and is much more ornate than any protestant building I've come across. Ajacent to it lies Amalienborg, the Royal family's city residence, if I remember correctly. It is there you will find those stoic Danish guards with large hats. The Marble church, I assume, was linked to the Royal family in some way, thus the close proximity. It is a remarkable building nonetheless and the entire area deserves a day of strolling around.
The second photo is of Egeskov castle on Fyn, the smallest of the three islands which Denmark is comprised of. I have cousins who live in Odense, the largest city on Fyn. Egeskov's claim to fame, if you wish to call it that, is that it is built on a pond, supported by hundreds (thousands?) of log columns. Another claim is that an exact replica of this building exists in a Japanese amusement park. Inside the castle it is quite typical, except the dozens of trophy heads of deer. The castle was used as a hunting residence by the Royal family.
