BICYCLES AND SMILES (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Once the travel bug bets there's no antidote and I know I shall be happily infected until the end of my life. 
- Michael Palin

Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world.

It's been so long since Brock and I did a long vacation after moving back to the US. We wanted to try to do a cruise for several reasons: 
      1. It is the fastest and hassle free way to see the Scandinavia and Baltic region. 
    2. We wanted to experience cruising, for a change. There's always a first time right? 
      3. The route that the cruise company offered is the best itinerary for us since it is stopping by St. Petersburg for 2 full days.

On the right is the statue of Hans Christian Andersen.

Denmark is the starting point of our cruise and we decided to fly in days early before the cruise to see this city. Copenhagen has started to become the destination - for gastronomy and is also a good starting point to feel and see what Scandinavia has to offer.

Danish people is said to be the happiest people in the world. One Danish guy made an interesting point and he said "I think a better word would be ‘content’. We accept our situation and our outlook on things is often ‘it’s not as bad as it could be’. We’re not happier, we just don’t have very high expectations." 

We stayed in Copenhagen for almost three days and walked around the town's cobbled streets, had a very nice off the beaten path meal and just enjoying the taste of Scandinavia.

What you shouldn't miss while in Copenhagen? The Icebar experience - just because you are already in Copenhagen, have this experience and sip your drink in a glass made of ice. There's only few Icebars in the world. Of course, a stroll at Nyhavn. Tip, go early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Stroget - Shopping Center in Denmark

Dozen of bicycles on cobbled streets at Christiansborg Castle Square. Riding a bicycle is the locals favorite mode of transportation. On the left is the Fountain of Charity. 

Radhus - Copenhagen City Hall

Icebar has to be maintained -5 degrees celsius or 23 degrees fahrenheit. 

This very recognized icon of Denmark is the Den Lille Havfrue - The Little Mermaid (by Hans Christian Andersen).

Amalienborg Palace is the winter home of the Royal Danish family. The palace is actually four identical Rococo buildings facing one another. The center of the square is a monumental equestrian statue of Amalienborg's founder, King Frederick V.

We are very lucky to witness the changing of the guards at noon.

Nyhavn is a 17th century waterfront, canal and entertainment district. This is where Hans Christian Andersen spent most of his time. 

Christianshavn or Christian's Harbor is a man-made island neighborhood in Copenhagen.

Of course when we see Danish pastries, we never fail to stop and grab one! 

And of course, while in Denmark, stop in one of the restaurants and have a traditional open faced sandwich. 

We ended our stay in Copenhagen by having a scrumptious dinner at Pastis, a local neighborhood restaurant. This Grilled Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts, Raisins and Croutons is to die for. 

We left gastronomically happy in Copenhagen and of we board Emerald Princess Cruise - the start of our 12 day itinerary around Scandinavia and the Baltic region. 

Categories: Europe, Denmark, Scandinavia and Baltic Cruise