From Paris to Copenhagen

Having never been to a Scandinavian country, it seemed time to remedy that situation and get myself to Denmark. It's a quick (and cheap) flight from Paris to Copenhagen and there is a train from the airport to downtown, three blocks from what looked like a good  hotel. Off I went!

Copenhagen is, of course, decidedly Danish. It was founded in the 12th century, so by other European standards it is relatively new. (Paris dates back to 250 BC.) But before the 12th century it was a Viking country, and the launching spot for many Viking excursions to pillage and plunder the surrounding northern countries. The buildings are mostly brick faced, the streets are often cobblestone and the city is crisscrossed with canals. It seems very neat and tidy, buildings lined up next to each other, clean designs everywhere.  Everyone (it seems) speaks English and it is very easy to be a tourist in Copenhagen.  Good food, good beer, great cocktails. It is flat and therefore easy to walk about, and there are many parks, botanical gardens, museums, churches, outdoor markets.  

However, as lovely as it is, it is definitely not Paris. In Paris, every couple of blocks brings something new to see, whether a church from the 12th century, a fountain honoring Joan of Arc, the place where heads were lopped off in the French Revolution, a magnificent museum or just a cobblestone street of historic restaurants. Copenhagen seems tame and a little boring compared to Paris, but I readily admit that I am quite prejudiced in that judgement. I enjoyed my time in Copenhagen but there is no need to return. 

But I must give credit:  the people of Denmark were incredibly friendly and helpful.  Customer service was outstanding everywhere: hotels, restaurants, train stations, historical sites, even the guides in the parks were lovely. The French can sometimes be a bit .... stuffy (some say rude) and the Danish never were. 

And ..... I'm back!

From my travels, of course.

It's always awkward writing about going to Europe because to me it feels so.... decadent. Like I'm some sort of entitled sap who jets off to foreign shores whenever the mood hits. Most people work and work and never have the time or money to go to Paris or Rome or even take a vacation in a prestigious American city like New York. Because, let's face it, it ain't cheap and it ain't easy.  

But I did it, once again.  Got myself to my favorite city in the world and then went to another city that was totally new to me. Yes, it was expensive but since I have decided to die a pauper, I spent the money and have zero regrets about doing so. In fact, I am looking forward to doing it again as soon as my bank account allows.

Paris is gearing up for the Olympics, of course, and the town is buzzing with activity: remodels, new construction, scouring the old statues, polishing everything so it is beautiful by July 26th. The city was quite crowded with vacationers already, I can't imagine being in town when millions descend to watch the games. 

However, crowded or not, Paris is still the best place to wander around.  Since I usually travel in the winter, seeing the Tuileries in the spring, seeing them blooming and green and lush, it was such a treat.  Lots of gardening is being done, flowers are being planted, hedges trimmed, trees pruned. 

The weather was lovely, rather chilly but perfect for walking, and when the sun came out the sky was a masterpiece of clouds and shadows.  Plus there was a great feeling in the air, one of joy and anticipation and happiness.  But then, it's difficult to be in Paris and not be happy.  At least to me.

After Paris I flew to Copenhagen, a city that was new to me.  More on that tomorrow.  Tune in.