I meant to go to Sweden, I really did. We were on the way to the train station in the pouring rain and planned to stop in at the National Museum for about an hour. But I just couldn't leave, I had to stay and see every inch of that museum. Plus it was warm and cozy and very quiet inside and I was soaked through from the rain. I spent one hour alone in the 1500's with trapestries, painted ceilings, and dower chests. I looked at those stitches and thought of the person who made them, the family who owned them and the travels they had made to arrive at this place. I felt like I was literally sucked into the bowels of the building, twisting and turning through time and place. Each time it spit me out into the middle of the bustling shop and cafe area, I felt a bit dazed and bleary having to adjust to the modern world. I was able to go through six of the eight exhibitions, visiting over 100 rooms in just under six hours. I could have spent another entire day!
I did eat lunch in the cafe which served a wonderful salmon "sandwich" for only 65 K. The word sandwich is misleading as there is no possible way to pick the thing up and bite it. It is meant to be eaten with a knife and fork and consisted of a mountain of salmon on thick bread with some kind of delicious sauce and red celery, carrots and lettuce. I had ordered a chocolate croissant and tea with it, but had to carry the croissant out since I was so full. Good thing, too, since I didn't come out for so long.
The rain stopped probably 10 minutes after I left the museum, so I went for a stroll around the palace grounds. I must say, I didn't even realize that Denmark had a Queen. They have the very same set up as England. It is a lovely palace but I did not tour since I had to be back to the hotel for our group meeting and dinner, which i am off to now.
I will find out how the others did on their trip to Sweden. Today was a very special day, the summer solstice, and apparently there is a huge celebration. Shops and restaurants are closed for everyone to come out in honor of summer! I could definitely agree with that, although it was a bit cold and rainy today. I will have to come back again so I can experience Sweden.
This is it, then. Tomorrow I fly home to North Carolina.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Denmark Day 5
I think I am finally adjusted to the 6 hour time change...now that it is time to return! Tonight is the first night I have actually been tired at the normal bedtime. I never made it to the pub last night. Instead I went with my friend to see if we could find her some vegetarian food. After many strikes, we finally ended up at the train station. She had a veggie sub and I had chocolate cake and latte (oh, maybe that is why I couldn't go to sleep last night:)
This morning we went to see a waste treatment plant to hear how they manage the recycling and incinerating of waste. I had no idea how much was involved, especially in the way of regulating the air based on what was emitted from the waste. Nasty! It does shed a whole new light on the importance of recycling.
Next, we took a bus out to Soro to visit a science camp for students. They are chosen by their teachers based on talent in science and math to spend a few days and nights at the facility learning in a very hands on way. The center is on a property that is over 800 years old and was formerly the home of monks that ran the church there. I loved standing on the grounds looking at the old dormitories facing the water and thinking it was the same view the monks had in their day. Following Denmarks conversion to Protestantism, the facility was turned into a boarding school for noble and common students. As far back as 1500, girls were educated at the school. That was a very progressive idea for the time! What was it that even so long ago made the Danes lean toward progressive, egalitarian systems and beliefs?
Most of our group traveled to Sweden this evening, but since it was late, I stayed behind with the "librarian" group and we went to Tivoli. Tivoli is a beautiful old amusement park with outdoor concerts, rides, gardens and shopping. We only walked through, but the Hans Christian Andersen influence was unmistakable. The water shooting game was full of top hats and there was a "small world" ride with all the different characters from his stories: Thumbelina, The Little Mermaid, Princess and the Pea, etc.
Tomorrow is the last day, so the librarian group is heading to Sweden early to tour a castle and possibly the canals. Heading home soon!
This morning we went to see a waste treatment plant to hear how they manage the recycling and incinerating of waste. I had no idea how much was involved, especially in the way of regulating the air based on what was emitted from the waste. Nasty! It does shed a whole new light on the importance of recycling.
Next, we took a bus out to Soro to visit a science camp for students. They are chosen by their teachers based on talent in science and math to spend a few days and nights at the facility learning in a very hands on way. The center is on a property that is over 800 years old and was formerly the home of monks that ran the church there. I loved standing on the grounds looking at the old dormitories facing the water and thinking it was the same view the monks had in their day. Following Denmarks conversion to Protestantism, the facility was turned into a boarding school for noble and common students. As far back as 1500, girls were educated at the school. That was a very progressive idea for the time! What was it that even so long ago made the Danes lean toward progressive, egalitarian systems and beliefs?
Most of our group traveled to Sweden this evening, but since it was late, I stayed behind with the "librarian" group and we went to Tivoli. Tivoli is a beautiful old amusement park with outdoor concerts, rides, gardens and shopping. We only walked through, but the Hans Christian Andersen influence was unmistakable. The water shooting game was full of top hats and there was a "small world" ride with all the different characters from his stories: Thumbelina, The Little Mermaid, Princess and the Pea, etc.
Tomorrow is the last day, so the librarian group is heading to Sweden early to tour a castle and possibly the canals. Heading home soon!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Denmark Day 4
The day is not really over yet, but I am posting early tonight since we are planning to go out to visit a pub later. That is an "out of my comfort zone" activity since I usually prefer to stay home and knit or read:) I think it is a cultural experience I need to have, though.
This morning we went to a science camp similar to our science museums. Schools take field trips there to teach the children science in a hands on way. I wish I could take my boys...they would love getting flushed down the huge toilet! After you are flushed, you get to walk through the sewers and meet up with rats and spiders, etc. You feel in holes in the wall to see if they are items that are alright to flush. One hole held a diaper and another had false teeth. You know how kids love to flush the toilet! We also got to ride an electric bicycle. Denmark is very serious about fuel and energy issues, so most people ride bicycles if they are not traveling too far. There is a bike lane on every road and they are full. You really have to be careful not to get run over by bicycles. This new electric bike will allow people to travel farther and arrive less "sweaty". I did get to try one out...what a rush!
After the science camp, we were free to roam the city again. I went with a group to find the yarn shop and the library. Somehow we ended up shopping for souvenirs and then we got separated. I did find the yarn shop but I liked the one in Roskilde better. I never found the library but I happen upon a used bookstore/coffee house. That was marvelous I tell you...I found a 1956 Copenhagen printing of Hans Christian Andersen (in English) and a Little House in the Prairie copy in Danish! I ordered a latte and enjoyed a moment with my new books.
For dinner, I picked up a fantastic sausage from the hot dog vendor. The mustard and onions made perfect condiments. I've come back to the room to clean up, then back out in the sunshine. Today has been beautiful!
This morning we went to a science camp similar to our science museums. Schools take field trips there to teach the children science in a hands on way. I wish I could take my boys...they would love getting flushed down the huge toilet! After you are flushed, you get to walk through the sewers and meet up with rats and spiders, etc. You feel in holes in the wall to see if they are items that are alright to flush. One hole held a diaper and another had false teeth. You know how kids love to flush the toilet! We also got to ride an electric bicycle. Denmark is very serious about fuel and energy issues, so most people ride bicycles if they are not traveling too far. There is a bike lane on every road and they are full. You really have to be careful not to get run over by bicycles. This new electric bike will allow people to travel farther and arrive less "sweaty". I did get to try one out...what a rush!
After the science camp, we were free to roam the city again. I went with a group to find the yarn shop and the library. Somehow we ended up shopping for souvenirs and then we got separated. I did find the yarn shop but I liked the one in Roskilde better. I never found the library but I happen upon a used bookstore/coffee house. That was marvelous I tell you...I found a 1956 Copenhagen printing of Hans Christian Andersen (in English) and a Little House in the Prairie copy in Danish! I ordered a latte and enjoyed a moment with my new books.
For dinner, I picked up a fantastic sausage from the hot dog vendor. The mustard and onions made perfect condiments. I've come back to the room to clean up, then back out in the sunshine. Today has been beautiful!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Denmark Day 3
If yesterday was a people day, today was a tourist day, but not altogether since we started the day at the Danish Energy Department. Apparently, this was a special privelge becauses they don't usually take groups. I think they took ours because they know how desperately Americans need to hear about renewable energy! They presented their goal to be using 30% sustainable energy by 2020 and 100% by 2050. They have private companies doing a lot of research into renewable fuels like biomass, solar and especially wind. They already have the technology and the experience with wind turbines (windmills:) but they only lack space. The director was quite jealous of all the land in American and told us outright that we would be able to fuel our entire country with wind energy and no one would even notice the turbines. But hey, we've got coal to burn, right?
After the energy department, we hopped on a chartered bus and traveled to Roskilde. This is one of the most historic areas in Denmark dating back to the Viking days, 1050 ad. We visited the Viking Museum and saw 5 Viking ships that had been discovered in the 1960's. It was very interesting to hear about the Vikings as a people. They sounded more like farmers than warriors. Funny how history doesn't remember those parts. The most memorable part of the tour for me was discovering the source of our Viking ship images. Although they did not have photography then, there was something that lasted longer than a picture. Tapestry! There is a 1000 year old tapestry in a museum in Normandy, France that depicts the paintings on the outside of Viking ships. That is one big old important cross-stitch. Ah, the value of fiber arts! (Don't worry, I am getting to the yarn store part:) I was able to pick up some very reasonably priced souvenirs for my boys at the museum giftshop before eating lunch at Viking Pizza, good prices and good food. They had soft ice rolled in powdered chocolate, which is much better than any softserve ice cream I have had before.
Roskilde was formerly the capital of Denmark and all the old kings and queens are buried in the cathedral there. We toured the cathedral and were awed by the beauty of its ancient pillars and tombs. Harold Bluetooth (yes, the Danes came up with the Bluetooth device!) is rumored to be buried here. There is a certain excitement in exploring the depths of a cathedral full of sarcophagi.
From ancient history to shopping: Roskilde does have a yarn shop and a bookstore. I walked out with 6 balls of great yarn and only spent about $20! I have fiber friends who are going to be very happy. (Yes, Casey, that means you!) At the bookstore I was able to pick up 3 little books in Danish for 25k. I did get a Rasmus Klump story along with Curious George and Elmer (the elephant not the puppet).
A people story: on the train ride home, we sat across from a very sweet young Chinese lady who told us about her "unlucky" day. She had a big exam at the International School in Roskilde but when she got on the fast train this morning she didn't realize it was to Jutland, which is about a 5 hour trip. She missed her exam and had to spend the entire day on the train. I felt so sorry for her! She did recommend a very good Chinese restaurant by Tivoli near our hotel.
Back in Copenhagen, we decided to use the long daylight hours and head out to the end of the canals for a view of The Little Mermaid statue in honor of Hans Christian Andersen. We had a lot of fun climbing around on the rocks to take a picture with her. I kept reminding everyone how the real story ends...you know when you go to the beach and see all that foam on the ocean? Yep, that's Ariel!
After the energy department, we hopped on a chartered bus and traveled to Roskilde. This is one of the most historic areas in Denmark dating back to the Viking days, 1050 ad. We visited the Viking Museum and saw 5 Viking ships that had been discovered in the 1960's. It was very interesting to hear about the Vikings as a people. They sounded more like farmers than warriors. Funny how history doesn't remember those parts. The most memorable part of the tour for me was discovering the source of our Viking ship images. Although they did not have photography then, there was something that lasted longer than a picture. Tapestry! There is a 1000 year old tapestry in a museum in Normandy, France that depicts the paintings on the outside of Viking ships. That is one big old important cross-stitch. Ah, the value of fiber arts! (Don't worry, I am getting to the yarn store part:) I was able to pick up some very reasonably priced souvenirs for my boys at the museum giftshop before eating lunch at Viking Pizza, good prices and good food. They had soft ice rolled in powdered chocolate, which is much better than any softserve ice cream I have had before.
Roskilde was formerly the capital of Denmark and all the old kings and queens are buried in the cathedral there. We toured the cathedral and were awed by the beauty of its ancient pillars and tombs. Harold Bluetooth (yes, the Danes came up with the Bluetooth device!) is rumored to be buried here. There is a certain excitement in exploring the depths of a cathedral full of sarcophagi.
From ancient history to shopping: Roskilde does have a yarn shop and a bookstore. I walked out with 6 balls of great yarn and only spent about $20! I have fiber friends who are going to be very happy. (Yes, Casey, that means you!) At the bookstore I was able to pick up 3 little books in Danish for 25k. I did get a Rasmus Klump story along with Curious George and Elmer (the elephant not the puppet).
A people story: on the train ride home, we sat across from a very sweet young Chinese lady who told us about her "unlucky" day. She had a big exam at the International School in Roskilde but when she got on the fast train this morning she didn't realize it was to Jutland, which is about a 5 hour trip. She missed her exam and had to spend the entire day on the train. I felt so sorry for her! She did recommend a very good Chinese restaurant by Tivoli near our hotel.
Back in Copenhagen, we decided to use the long daylight hours and head out to the end of the canals for a view of The Little Mermaid statue in honor of Hans Christian Andersen. We had a lot of fun climbing around on the rocks to take a picture with her. I kept reminding everyone how the real story ends...you know when you go to the beach and see all that foam on the ocean? Yep, that's Ariel!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Denmark Day 2
Today I felt much more normal, although it is certainly not normal for me to still be awake at 12:30am. We started the day with breakfast of granola, fruit, lunch meat and cheese at the hotel. We then walked to the Femern A/S building to hear a lecture on the Oresund Bridge that connects Denmark to Sweden. This really was a fascinating presentation by a professor and an employee of the Femern company. There are plans currently underway to build an underwater tunnel from Denmark to Germany. They seem to have thought of everything as they are even setting the lights to get brighter as you reach the middle of the tunnel and grow dimmer as you head toward the end. This is to help people judge how much further they have to go. I find it hard enough to go through the little mountain tunnels from NC to Ohio, I can't imagine being in one underwater for longer.
Afterwards, we walked along the lakes to visit a private school, Ingrid Jespersen's Privatskole, and heard from the teachers about education in Denmark. I was thrilled to get to meet the librarian and see how they set up the library. I discovered that a favorite Danish story for young children is Rasmus Klump, a Paddington Bear like story about a stuffed bear who goes on adventures in a boat. Otherwise, the older children seem to read the same things as American students: Harry Potter, Twilight, and Hunger Games. We were very suprised to see the students outside playing in the rain and with little supervision. It seems children are taught at a young age to be responsible and find their way to class, etc. Imagine that! One of my favorite quotes from the principal involving the many opportunities for artistic expression was "...all the children are very fond of being creative." And what a creative place it was, indeed! The musical for the older students last year was Dorian Gray set to the music of Michael Jackson's Beat It. This year, there are plans for Alice in Wonderland meets Modanna. What child wouldn't be motivated by that?!
After the school, we were on our own for dinner and a group of us went to check out the famous commune, Christiania. The best part was stopping at a little art shop in a man's home and visiting with him and his brother. Come to find out, he was from Boston but had moved here 29 years ago. He was a very good artist and I picked up several postcards of his work. Walking back to the hotel, my walking buddy and I were momentarily unsure of our direction and had stopped to check our map when a young man asked if we needed help. Turns out he was walking to his bus in the same direction we were headed. He was telling us that he was just getting off work (10:30pm) as an IT game designer for GearWorks. We had a thoroughly intellectual discussion on the gaming world and its effects on the way children think today. Fascinating!
All in all, today was a great success, especially in the area of connecting with the real lives of Danes. Tomorrow we are hearing from the Danish Energy Agency about renewable energy followed by a trip into Roskilde to the Viking Ship Museum. I am determined to find a yarn store there:)
Afterwards, we walked along the lakes to visit a private school, Ingrid Jespersen's Privatskole, and heard from the teachers about education in Denmark. I was thrilled to get to meet the librarian and see how they set up the library. I discovered that a favorite Danish story for young children is Rasmus Klump, a Paddington Bear like story about a stuffed bear who goes on adventures in a boat. Otherwise, the older children seem to read the same things as American students: Harry Potter, Twilight, and Hunger Games. We were very suprised to see the students outside playing in the rain and with little supervision. It seems children are taught at a young age to be responsible and find their way to class, etc. Imagine that! One of my favorite quotes from the principal involving the many opportunities for artistic expression was "...all the children are very fond of being creative." And what a creative place it was, indeed! The musical for the older students last year was Dorian Gray set to the music of Michael Jackson's Beat It. This year, there are plans for Alice in Wonderland meets Modanna. What child wouldn't be motivated by that?!
After the school, we were on our own for dinner and a group of us went to check out the famous commune, Christiania. The best part was stopping at a little art shop in a man's home and visiting with him and his brother. Come to find out, he was from Boston but had moved here 29 years ago. He was a very good artist and I picked up several postcards of his work. Walking back to the hotel, my walking buddy and I were momentarily unsure of our direction and had stopped to check our map when a young man asked if we needed help. Turns out he was walking to his bus in the same direction we were headed. He was telling us that he was just getting off work (10:30pm) as an IT game designer for GearWorks. We had a thoroughly intellectual discussion on the gaming world and its effects on the way children think today. Fascinating!
All in all, today was a great success, especially in the area of connecting with the real lives of Danes. Tomorrow we are hearing from the Danish Energy Agency about renewable energy followed by a trip into Roskilde to the Viking Ship Museum. I am determined to find a yarn store there:)
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