Copenhagen; Or, the city which is not in Germany

View across the lake

I took a short trip to Copenhagen and stayed with a Danish family. The room had a separate entrance but no bathroom, so I got a key to their flat and used their kitchen and bathroom. I don’t know if they often build rooms like that there, or if it’s just an old building, but it was cool to (briefly) meet some friendly Danes instead of staying in a generic hotel. The flat was just off of the lakes that divide the city center from the more residential areas.

Nat was in Copenhagen for a math conference, but we managed to do some sight seeing.

Biking around the city was pretty exhilarating – and a few times kind of scary, since the faster you are going the faster you get lost or into awkward spots. Those Danes seem quiet and civilized when they are walking, but the viking spirit comes out when they mount their bikes (minus the helmets!). The statue in the background is of a woman plowing the water, so it’s probably symbolic of Danish marine commerce or something like that.

Obligatory photo of tourist with the famous mermaid statue.

Nat had an unfortunate encounter with a Danish bird in the Botanic Garden. I laughed at him mercilessly, and then received my sevenfold retribution from the bird’s English cousin within a week.

The King’s Gardens