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.