The Swiss Adventure...: Colorful Copenhagen

The city was much larger than anticipated and felt a mix between bohemian, chic and pristine, old age charm. The streets were lively, the people friendly and the buildings were most colorful.

The first day we meandered through the city, exploring the waterways, the neighborhoods and the city flare.

The second day we put miles under our feet and felt an entire new appreciation for this unknown place. Robert and I skip public transportation when visiting big cities – we feel it is best to walk through city streets, get lost and rediscover our way, meet locals and stop in small, quaint shops to get a feel for the rhythm of the city.

We walked along the colorful, and famous New Harbor (Old), back along the waterway, where a cold, brisk breeze blessed us with her presence. And as we walked, Noah peacefully slept, bundled up in his compact stroller, a cocoon of sorts, sheltered from the wind, and happy to be in yet, another cool place. And as we made our way, we stopped to picture each moment, basking in the passing sunlight, wanting desperately to capture and hold on tight to each moment that was soon to become a beautiful memory.

And on we went, making our way to the icon of the city – The Little Mermaid. Which is a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen the author of this sweet, childhood story.

As the statue grew closer, the weather turned colder and began to rain and rain, our friends, was not in the forecast.

After turning a corner and seeing the tour buses in sight, we knew we were approaching this magical icon. It was almost as if we could hear her singing, and then, after rounding yet another corner, there she wasn’t.

A sad, pathetic, piece of technology sat in her place.

A giant size, flat panel TV sat on her rock displaying an image of what used to be.

And next to this modern piece of technology, was a board erected to explain that the Little Mermaid had been moved to Shanghai.

We were baffled, we felt jipped, we were saying to each other, “Just because you can do something, doesn’t always mean you should.” Why move a 175-kilogram statue, an icon of sorts that sits peacefully perched upon her rock in the harbor of the Danish capital, just because you can?

With that said, we took away a philosophical wondering, and passed on the cheap replicas, being sold in her memory.

And though the Little Mermaid will return to her original location, after her 5-month stint at the Expo 2010 in Shanghai, it was disappointing at best to not see her in her original home.

That day ended on a beautiful, happy note though.

We took Noah to his first ever amusement park.

Tivoli is a famously, sweet, old park that is designed for the children, but loved by all.

Noah was thrilled with all the lights, the sounds, and the action. His smile stretched from ear to ear, and we could often hear him saying, “more!”

He drove his first car, rode his first “horse” and took his first ever boat ride with Dad.

The park was certainly a big hit with Noah and with us as well!

Copenhagen Part II...coming soon!