Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Springtime in Denmark

The long trip from California to Copenhagen put us on the ground in Denmark at the beginning of the workday, last Friday. As we found our way from the airport to the hotel, only to learn—as expected—our rooms were not ready, we set out to enjoy a beautiful day in the Danish capital.

Old Europe, at least the “first world” part, thrives in the contrasts between high tech success and long-ago history, evident by buildings and art that span centuries alongside modern design and the latest gadgets.

Copenhagen is a cosmopolitan city with a unique style and pace. This time of year it’s light until about 9 in the evening. Danes enjoy good food and great beer. So, it’s easy to get into the atmosphere as long as you pay attention to your budget, as this is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

After two days in Copenhagen, we rented a van and drove our group of seven to Jutland, the green Danish countryside, the part of this old nation that is actually attached to the European Continent. Here, the pace is slower. Old friends welcome us and we get a sense of the national character away from the big city. Danish hospitality, good beer, and delicious food leave our hearts and taste buds happy.

No comments: