Copenhagen – Day 3

Today after breakfast we decided to split up and get some shopping done then meet up later in the morning. Martin headed off down the Stroget (on a mission!) and James and I took our time getting ready and explored some of the back streets surrounding our hotel. It was nice to just meander along and blend in.

We were to meet Martin at the Botanic Gardens at 11.30. Along the way James and I saw the guards going about some drills. We watched them for about 10 minutes. Along came Dad and we strolled through the gardens toward a playground for lunch. We passed the huge Palm House and a lake full of ducks. We were amused to see the sign to keep of the lawn (Mum!) which James promptly tried to remove from the ground.

After lunch we walked a short distance to the lovely Rosenborg Slot. This Dutch-Renaissance palace is now a museum and houses Denmark’s riches including the incredible crown jewels. They were so beautiful! Only 3 rooms were open due to renovation but it was enough of a glimpse of their rich history. By this time James was fairly grouchy. I whisked him off to the (relatively nice) loo and missed the changing of the guard in the process! Oh well!

On the way back to the hotel it was my turn to shop, so Martin strolled the exhausted James back along Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard and I set off (with a spring in my step!) It was lovely looking in all the shop windows, even the ones selling seafood and pastries and things that ordinary Danes come to buy on a Saturday afternoon. I bought two rings which I love and will always remind of our time in Denmark.

I arrived back to the room at nearly 4pm to find the lights off and drapes drawn. James slept for 2 hours and Martin listened to his i-pod. I had a looooong bath as there was no room in the bed! We eventually woke James and the weather was dry so we rugged up and set off for Tivoli over the road again! James and Martin went on a car ride and the boats again. I took him on a ride through a Hans Christian Andersen fantasy-land. Our carriage was an opened treasure chest and it weaved its way gently up and down past all the fairytales. It was a little surreal but totally magical with tinkly music. James was enthralled but I think it didn’t go fast enough for him!

On the way back through Radhauspladsen I went into 7 Eleven and bought 2 beers – Tuborg. The Danish breweries brew special beer for Christmas. Or it could be the same old beer with a festive label to suck us in! Either way, we sat up in bed and drank them. Unfortunately not enough to drown out the clock bells but great all the same! Ahhhh…!

Photos are here. Video clip here.