Saturday, December 19, 2009

Copenhagen, multicultural metropolitan city - Day 1

23rd September 2008 - Sunny

As I woke up to a Sunny Morning, I realize it was going to be a great day with loads to see.

We quickly had breakfast, officially check ourselves into this apartment with the front desk. The guy in front was great in helping us to decide on how to get into Copenhagen city center. He told us that we should go to Hilleroed Station where there is a direct train to get into the city center.

From Wikitravel:

Indre By is the downtown area of Copenhagen, bounded by the lakes circling the inner city and the habour, it reflects the entire city’s extent during the reign of King Christian IV, when the town was fortified. As the historical center, it is the home of most of Copenhagens attractions, nightlife options, and hotels.

We were advised not to drive into Copenhagen since like most of the European countries, parking is really a headache in the city center.

Decided to get the car fueled up before heading out.

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Was wondering why petrol kiosk would sell carrot in big bags like this. Apparently it was for the horse!

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Then drove to Hilleroed, was a headache even to find parking there (coz it was free). We quickly board the train that leaves every 30min.

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Not surprise, the train are actually are in great tip top condition, looking so modern and clean. There were automatic doors between compartment, and some compartment require passanger to be quiet and no handphone allowed.

Some people came up to the train with the bicycle, and they were only allowed to stay in front of the entrance, between to compartments.

As we alight from the main train station, we were tad bit lost. Tivoli Park was just right next to the train station, but it was closed during winter times. I figure we didn't loose much, coz it just look so small from outside!

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Walked past the Christianborg Palace that was under renovation.

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Not sure where to go at first, so decided to go under the Christianborg, apparently the palace was build on top of the old one. Was quite interesting to see the old walls and wooden pipping + sewage left to rot underneath unknown to many.

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This Neo-baroque palace, completed in 1928, after 11 years of construction - is unique in the world, housing both the executive power, the legislative power, and the judicial power of Denmark, in a single building. It is the 5th construction at the sight, and the ruins of the original castle dating back to the 12th century - was excavated during the construction of the current palace, is open to the public, along with the halls of the parliament itself.


Since we came by to the dock where the DFSF canal tour was operating, we decided to see the city by boat.

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Børsen, the former stock exchange from 1640

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Nyhavn, once a poor loaded port, and where Christian Anderson used to do stay while searching for his breakthrough in theater play.

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Was this the new convention center, or theater again?

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Having enough with the boat tour, we got out and started walking around. We eventually reached Strøget, which claimed to be the biggest outdoor pedestrian shopping area in the world, regardless of whether this is true or not, it is a shoppers paradise, and the historic buildings as far as the eye can see, makes it a welcome alternative to any shopping center.

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The Danes love their bicycle, especially that city parking is hard to come by.

We came out from Strøget, and started walking more, passed by the Det Kongelige Teater (The Royal Theatre)

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Passed by the Amalienborg

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Amalienborg is the the Royal residence, and consists of four identical classical mansions, facing an octagonal courtyard. At the Queens birthday at the 14th of January, and at other highlights in the lives on the royal family, the square is jam packed with people waiving Danish flag, and greeting the Queen.


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Real crystal or what?


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It is interesting at here, people are welcome to wander around palace ground. Guess that's why the Danes love their "people-friendly" royal family so much.

Behind the Amalienborg is the Marble Church


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My mom thought she was in England, can go disturb the guard. SIGH!


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And finally, we end the day by saying Hi to the little mermaid, a story by Christian Anderson.

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