copenhagen

Waking early and getting around I was so excited as this was our day to go to Copenhagen and see the palace and the little mermaid statue. We all hurried about as we didn't want to miss the ferry that would take us across the water closer to the capitol. Brian was driving today and Jens was ready as navigator. It appears that we are ready now. Today would be a great day that I would always remember. My hopes high, the sun was shining and my walking shoes on I was ready... Let's do it!

Jan and Jens were always ready to smile for me no matter where we went. They had beautiful cities and buildings and were very proud of them. After parking the car we started in our tour of Copenhagen. I was so excited we passed through huge arched entries and rested. There were so many things to see, the architecture was amazing as we stopped and rested at Christiansborg Castle, the current seat of Danish Parliament.

	Stacy was ready for an adventure but really had no idea what the day had in store when we started. This building was designed with statues outside that represented many of the mythological characters that ruled the world once upon a time. The spire on top of the building was actually four sea serpents with their tails twisted forming this impressive landmark.
The face of this building had a battle being represented with armor and shields protecting its characters while wielding huge battle axes against each other. It is typical of the art work adorning the building as designed by the kings and princes of Denmark for their seaport capital.		The buildings here also followed the curve of the street as it fanned like an accordion billows along the streets bend. I was in awe of the many things I was seeing. The weather started spitting rain a bit at us as we hurried along trying to find a spot to rest and have something cold to drink before going further towards our goal of the sea edge where the little mermaid would be waiting for us. We found a cafe and rested while the rain picked up speed and then when it slowed to a mist we pressed forward in our expedition.

	Entering the square of the queens palace I went snap happy with my camera again. Trying to get a good picture was difficult as the rain continued to harass our progress. The Amalienborg guards were dressed in blue and black and reminded me of the more famous Buckingham guards as they marched with no regard for the rain and completely oblivious to my existence as I tried to get a close picture, they aren't ones for striking a pose but rather concentrate on their job. In today's world I'd say that's a good thing.
The decorative mosaic work of the street was beautiful and looked like it belonged inside as a floor of an art museum. There are four mansions facing the square and one of them houses Queen Margrethe II.		Many fine royal horseman were represented in statue throughout the city. This particular one was Fredrik V featured in the center of the Square of Amalienborg. With cars headlights reflecting over the wet surface and people scurrying about with rain coats and umbrellas we fit in as we continued our journey.

This area is known as Nyhavn and has canals leading out to the sea. In the 17th century it was popular with the sailors and sea merchants as these colorful businesses were filled with taverns and brothels. Today it is still a popular night spot filled with taverns and nightclubs.

After finding the little mermaid we took a cab back to other side of the city as stopped for a bite to eat at a restaurant close to an amusement park within the city. We could hear the thunder of the roller coaster as we sipped our beer and enjoyed a very good dinner. The interior was decorated nicely and had a Harlequin poster hanging, this reminded me of Jens after all it was his ICQ name (harlekin) and his true love of life as he spent so much time clowning around.

The Little Mermaid	Arhus		Legoland		Copenhagen
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