Denmark: Day One

We have conquered jetlag! Saturday, we arrived in Kobenhavn at noon Danish time. Arne (pronounced ARN-ah) was there to pick us up. He drove us to the guest house in Riso, where the alternative energy center is that husband will be working at. Armed with a bag of goodies for us to eat for breakfast Sunday since grocery stores would not open until Monday, we found our room. A huge window looking out a field of bright yellow rape seed flowers and a couple of wind turbines greeted us.

Although very tired, husband and I agreed the best thing was to stay awake, get some exercise, and enjoy the sunny day. We ventured out to walk to a small fishing village on the fjord down the way towards the city of Roskilde. We had a great walk and enjoyed the quaint town with thatched roofs, beautiful tulips, and a little marina. After that we headed for Roskilde- with no luck with a bus- we made it to the Domkirke Cathedral and the city's central square. Most everything was closed but we had a great time just finding our way around. The cobble stone streets lined with row houses of all different colors, with cute shutters, window boxes, and neat little variations were almost enough to make me swoon. The beautiful display of tulips and pansies in the town square made me realize just how wonderful it was to be in Denmark.

After what was probably about six miles of walking, Arne met us down town and brought us back to his family's home in a small suburb and cute little neighborhood.

Arne's family was really nice. For dinner they served what is a very traditional fare in Denmark: Smoresbrod or open faced sandwiches. They had a the whole spread: pickeled herring, curried herring, rye bread, various cheeses, boiled egg slices, tomatoes, greens, lox, capers, fried onion bits, and some strange sauces. It was delicious.

After dinner we walked out to a stone-age burial ground that is behind Arne and Athena's house for a quick look and then it was back to our cute little guest house for much needed sleep. After a 12 hour rest in what I can only describe as a bed that felt sublime, we were back to new and ready to explore on Sunday.