Copenhagen 2011

After leaving Billund, we drove to a town called Sorø, which is about an hour from Copenhagen. We arrived too late to really explore the town, but we drove around a little, and I snapped a few photos.


Sorø Klosterkirke




An interesting part of the train station




A view of the town across the water.

After driving around a little, we headed toward Copenhagen and the church where Timo's parents were married. His grandfather and uncle are also buried in the church graveyard.


The front of the church from the road.



Side view



View from the rear



The kids sitting around the gravesite

After visiting the grave, we ate a quick lunch, then headed to our hotel to check in.

Our hotel from the side next to the water.



The view across the rooftops from our room.

After we were all checked in and settled, we headed out for ice cream and a boat tour. I snapped a ton of pictures during the boat tour, but I have only included a fraction of that.



At the start of our boat tour. I love all the color on this street.



Sorry for the glare on the camera lense. This used to be a submarine or ship yard. Now it holds exclusive (read: expensive) apartments.



The royal yacht




Where the royal family boards the yacht.




The National Museum. There is a replica of Michealangelo's David to the left. I bragged to Timo that I have seen the real thing.




The Copenhagen Opera House. This was right across the water from our hotel.



Our Saviour's Church spire. I really wanted to climb it, but we didn't have time.

Spire on top of the parliamentary building



One of the many churches of Copenhagen




Spire on top of the Danish Stock Exchange building

 After the boat tour, we stopped at one of the many restaurants along the water and ate dinner. The kids all ordered (and devoured) the salmon, and I chose veal. Following dinner, we walked back to the hotel, expecting to finally get to bed at a decent time.

We were getting settled in the hotel, and I had run to the car to get something, leaving K in bed with a stomach ache. When I returned, she was dressed again, and everyone was getting ready to go to Tivoli. I initially said I would not join them because I was exhausted, but I changed my mind when I acknowledged the fact that it was my one chance to see Tivoli before we drove back home.

It took three taxis to transport all of us to Tivoli, where we regrouped at the entrance.


K in front of Tivoli



AJ and Sarah at Tivoli. I love this picture.



Tivoli was a fun place to look around, and we opted to buy individual tickets for the rides. In hindsight, we should have just bought them the wristbands. The tickets cost 25 DKK a piece (about $5), and some rides took two. At least the number of tickets limited our time there, allowing us an excuse to leave before it got too late.   

 

AJ and K on the car ride



Just driving around. AJ was really upset because he wanted to drive, but he did have some fun.

 

Church visible from Tivoli



Timo with all three kids on the boat ride. We had to get our money's worth. :)



K and AJ on the panda ride. It was like the Frog Hopper at Legoland, but K said it was more fun because it was scarier.



Having a blast




K riding a giraffe on the carousel at Tivoli




H riding a horse next to Daddy at Tivoli




AJ on the giraffe

 After the carousel, we bought some popcorn to munch before walking back to the hotel. It was a pleasant walk, but we made a few wrong turns which lengthened the journey to our long-awaited beds. The kids were complaining and exhausted by the time we arrived, even though they rode most of the way back. It was at this time that we decided we needed to return home instead of spending an extra day in Copenhagen.

The following morning, after breakfast, most of the crew walked to the Marble Church for the morning service. I couldn't see my kids sitting through a church service in Danish, but K really wanted to go (good for her!), so she walked over with Farfar. Timo, the boys, and I took our time getting out of the hotel and slowly headed that direction, stopping for photo ops along the way.

Timo and the boys in front of the fountains and Marble Church



Danish soldiers guarding the palace



Timo and the boys in front of the palace

The Marble Church. K was inside listening to the service.



Rear doors to the Marble Church

 We had to wait several minutes for the service to end before they reopened the church to the public. Timo suggested that I just look at pictures online instead of waiting, but I am so glad I got to see it in person.


Inside the dome




Pipes for the organ




The altar

 After we left the church, we walked toward the Little Mermaid statue, walking through a military area on the way. This church was right before we got to the military area.



Barracks in the military center




Another building on the military grounds




A windmill on the military grounds. People are not permitted to walk on the grass, so this was the best shot I could get from this angle.




A church opposite the windmill.

 At noon, a small cannon was fired to announce the changing of the guards, and boy was it loud. Timo was taking video, and he at least got my audio reaction.  I didn't get the cannon, but I took a shot of the soldiers. It wasn't a huge deal, and I was kind of disappointed, but the cannon was cool.


Soldiers standing at attention during the changing of the guards.

After leaving the military grounds, we walked to the Little Mermaid statue. I saw this statue during the winter several years ago, so it was nice to see it during the summer. 


K and the Little Mermaid




K and Michaela in front of the Little Mermaid. Sorry about the glare.



Daniel and AJ in front of the statue

Here I am in front of the statue. I really wish the sun were shining in a different direction.

This concluded our tour of Copenhagen. We said goodbye and walked back to our car, which was parked in front of the hotel. It was a short visit, but I am satisfied that I saw more of the city. I feel like I have visited it more than the quick taxi-tour I had on my 25th birthday. It has such great architecture, and I have an idea of some of the places I would like to see if I ever get to return.