Seeing the Sights in Copenhagen-Carlyn

Copenhagen’s weather is definitely not one of the city’s best attributes. I have been here for less than two weeks and have already been soaked at least 5 times. Even on the days that start off looking nice, you still better bring an umbrella (even though I am warning you I still have not learned this rule myself).

            Saturday proved such a day. We initially had plans to go to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s famed amusement park. However due to the weather we settled for a trip to the Carlsberg Brewery (beer + indoors…done).  Still new to the city, we decided to walk so that we could explore a new area.  The Vandy crew equipped with some new friends and Waites eagerly embarked on what we assumed would be an easy journey. 45 minutes passed and still we were nowhere closer to our beer -laden haven.  After stopping twice for directions we finally made out the Carlsberg logo in the distance –marking what we thought to be the end of our journey. When we finally arrived at what we thought was the “ticket office” we could not find an entrance and there was no one to provide us with any helpful information. Waites, being the most traveled informed us that we had missed the road we were supposed to turn on to get to the actual entrance. Waites’ was successful in his navigation the day before which caused everyone to follow with full compliance. However, after another 20 minutes and still no beer we became skeptical of ever reaching the end. Our new friends became a little anxious and decided to take a bus back into town because at this point the brewery was about to close. Our Vandy crew decided that while we couldn’t drink Carlsberg at the brewery at least we could find a bar that sold Carlsberg and in essence it would be the same thing. As we began our new quest to find a bar, we noticed a large gathering across the street. We initially assumed it was a political rally related to the Country’s upcoming election, however as we got closer we discovered it was non other than the aptly named “Fit as Fuck” competition. In pure serendipitous fashion we decided to watch these herculean men and women compete in a co-ed weight lifting competition. The women were unlike anything I have ever seen—we wonder what type of men they date. So while we didn’t end up getting our Biliousness the day was an overall success.

            We found this great restaurant for dinner called Dalle Valle that has half price entrees on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. We initially wondered how they could stay in business but soon realized after paying $8 for an entrée and $5 for a drink. Still a meal for under $15 is a steal in my book!

            While Copenhagen is not as lively as London or New York, it still has a bar scene suitable for our raging Vanderbilt lifestyle. Saturday night we went to LA bar. Betsy and I, recently purchased bikes and while we had mastered our ride to school we decided to test our new “Danish” personas by biking to the bar. I am happy to say that we successfully made it there…(and back).

            As much as Sportsmans is equated to a Tuesday evening in Nashville, Kulor Bar is Copenhagen’s Tuesday night equivalent.  60 Kr (that’s about $12) buys you all you can drink beer from 11pm to 2am. However, cheap drinks are the only things Kulor Bar and Sportsmans have in common. If cages, crowds, neon, oh and looking like you went for a swim is your thing, then you better get yourself on a plane because there is nothing like Kulor Bar.  The other great thing about Tuesday night is that we DON’T HAVE CLASS ON WEDNESDAY! 

            Wednesday afternoon was overcast but nonetheless a gorgeous day by Copenhagen’s standards so our core Vandy crew decided to finally go to Tivoli.  I was extremely excited because not only do I absolutely love rollercoasters, but also I love rollercoasters with no lines! As upset as I was last Saturday that we could not go to Tivoli it actually worked out great. There are over 28 rides at Tivoli, so we decided to start of kind of slow (especially after our night at Kulor Bar!) Our first ride was called the Star Flyer, and though it was not that thrilling it was still one of my favorites because at 80m in the air nothing compares to this view of the city. My other favorite part was the bumper cars, which definitely were not as regulated as they are in the US because I still am feeling the effects of whiplash.  The biggest rollercoaster at Tivoli is called The Dragon, it has two upside down loops, and a few other twists—we went on it maybe three times. After we were successfully nauseous we headed for the Hans Christian Anderson ride, which was basically the Danish version of it’s a small world. Unfortunately it took me half the ride to figure out what was going on but I still really enjoyed it. Finally, after nagging the group for the entire day I convinced everyone to go to the Fun House. It honestly ended up being the most fun we had all day. I felt like I was competing on the 90s favorite Nickelodeon show Legends of the Hidden Temple my only disappointment was that there was no mirror maze.

            Fridays have also become a great day for city exploration. After class, Betsy, Becca, Lexi, Liza and I went to see Christiania the hippie establishment and center of “Smokenhagen”.  On our way we stopped at Our Saviors Church to climb the famed spiral stairway, adding an educational excursion to our agenda. The climb was approximately 35 flights of stairs (obviously, I decided to wear heeled booties), but the view was well worth almost breaking my neck.

            Our next stop, Christiania, is probably one of the most absurd places I have ever been. Before even entering the complex, its pungent smell overtakes your senses. No pictures are allowed inside the complex (or running for that matter, which the signs explicitly state creates a sense of fear…hmm wonder why?) Not only was it foreign to see hash and weed being sold in kiosks but also the fact that it was acceptable for people to smoke in public (or in general for that matter). We definitely were out of place but we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

            My day ended with a trip to Copenhagen’s newest food market Torvehallerne, which opened today! After passing the building for a few days on my ride to school I finally stopped to ask when it would be opening and was excited to find out that I no longer would have to resort to buying groceries at the discount grocery store (basically a large 7/11). Being the grocery shopping lover that I am I was looking forward to this excursion all day and was pleased to find that it did not fail to meet my expectations. Torvehallerne is comprised of two separate buildings where each grocer has his/her own kiosk. The complex also boasts a few restaurants, coffee shops and an outdoor farmers market. It reminded me of the Chelsea Market due to the artisan nature of the products. Since it was opening day and I was pressed for time I did not get a detailed look at all of the stores, however my greatest find inside was a Fro-Yo shop (1^st one I’ve seen in Copenhagen).

Well it’s a Friday Night so I better start getting ready (Ya’ll know how slow I am!)