Denmark - Copenhagen, Helsingor and Beverages
Denmark is one of the hippest countries in Europe. Copenhagen is
the center of activity with a lively evening scene, palaces and
castles.
If you've traveled to Denmark, you'll understand when I
immediately bring up the subject of bars. The Danish like to
toss back a few when time permits. Time seems to permit a lot
and a few beers often become many. To this end, going out for a
night on the town with friendly Danes can be dangerous in the
summer. Due to its location on old mother earth, it doesn't get
dark in Denmark until elevenish during the summer. This can be
difficult to adjust to, particularly when you look down at your
watch and realize it is four in the morning. And the sun is
coming up! Ah, but Denmark is not all socializing.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of those cities that is large, but feels
small. I think this vibe arises from the fact there are a lot of
walking only areas. Even in the center of the city, the streets
are arranged like those in a neighborhood. This gives even the
biggest restaurant or bar on the biggest street a local tavern
feel.
If palaces and castles are your thing, Denmark has much to
offer. The palace of Amalienborg and surrounding neighborhood
area are definite examples of that over the top palace building
period of Europe. A quick minivan trip out of town will deliver
you to the castles of Kronborg and Frederiksborg. As castles go,
I use the one through five cake rating and give each of these
three cakes. The cake rating, of course, comes from the French
Queen who suggested the poor be given cake to stop the
complaints of starving.
Helsingor
Helsingor is a provincial city that represents the true Denmark
or so I was told. Surprisingly, many a Dane seemed to consider
Copenhagen a great city, but not really representative of true
Denmark. With a righteous desire to seek the truth, I visited
and stayed in Helsingor for three days. Indeed, the town was
much sleepier than Copenhagen and had more of an authentic feel
to it. But there was one problem.
Helsingor is full of Swedes. When I say "full", I mean it in the
most complete interpretation of the word. I like Sweden and the
people, so it wasn't a big deal. Still, did this mean the Danes
felt true Denmark was a Swedish colony? When I posed this
question one evening, I was educated in a tone of near outrage.
Turns out the Swedes were everywhere because Denmark has liberal
alcohol laws while Sweden is extremely repressive. Since the
countries are remarkably close to each other, the Swedes pop
over for a few days of fun in the sun. Ah, my mistake!
All and all, I enjoyed my time in Copenhagen and give it a my
highest "employment rating." By employment rating, I mean that I
liked it so much I tried to find a job so I could stay.