Copenhagen: to see my brunch friends

Post date: Nov 09, 2018 6:5:19 PM

When I moved to Berlin, my friend Ben (who lived there) was super excited. “We’re going to go to so many brunches” he exclaimed, before even congratulating me on getting the job that lead to my move. And brunch we did (a bit of cross selling: I have a brunch website about our brunch obsession).

But all good things must come to an end, and Ben and his girlfriend Asta (also a brunch enthusiast) moved back to Asta’s home town: Copenhagen. Before they had even driven away from Berlin (a sad morning for sure), we had planned a trip for me to visit.

And before I even attempted to plan, Ben and I discussed the train on a boat.

Hear me out. There is a train from Hamburg to Copenhagen. I know what you’re about to say: “But CJ, there is water between Hamburg and Copenhagen!”, and while there are many ways to solve this problem, the Germans have done so in the most ridiculous way possible: they have taken a train, put it on a boat and then the train/boat combo crosses the water. Which is just absurd. So I took a whole day off of work and voyaged over the water on a train. It was awesome.

One of my favorite things about Copenhagen is Tivoli. It’s a theme park right in the middle of the city. I love theme parks, and the glow and joyous noises that are perpetually pouring out of the gates into the surrounding area is infections. It makes you feel like Willie Wonka’s Factory got lost and landed in the middle of Copenhagen. It was such a delight!

And of course, it’s themed for Halloween. Apparently they also have Christmas decorations which are legendary.

Saturday morning, after a wonderful breakfast (I could write a whole blog post about how much I loved the bread in Copenhagen. It’s the first place I’ve ever been that gives France a run for it’s money), we set off for the National Museum.

Although not quite as bad as the British, the Danes have a long history of going to and taking things that aren’t theirs. Hence, the multiple roman rooms, and an Ancient Egyptian exhibit. Complete with mummies!

Apparently, this was all financed by one eccentric millionaire. And he felt it was necessary to put his collection of Roman noses on display.

Afterward we went to the Lego Store. Now, there is a lego store in Berlin (yes, of course I’ve been), but this one was the original. And I don’t think the staff there have ever seen two people more enthusiastic about legos. Ben and I were like kids in the lego store.

While I got out of there with a few new things, I didn’t spend nearly as much as I could have. I was informed of other great lego places around Denmark, and you had better believe we’ve already made plans to go visit.

Of course, not trip to Copenhagen is complete without a trip to see this little lady.

Not pictured above is the hordes of other tourists trying to take the same picture.

I was fascinated by her, and the legacy of Hans Christian Andersen's stories. However, in my youth I don’t think I was aware of how gruesome the tales actually were. Some of his stories are profoundly disturbing, including the Little Mermaid (the non-disneyfied version anyway).

But, getting back off the touristy track, we headed to Reffen. It’s an open air, container based food market. And yes, that is as delicious as it sounds.

Did I mention the food in Copenhagen? The food was amazing.

We all got different things, tried each other’s plates, and then settled into our favorite brewerie for a food break (we went back for seconds).

Mikkeler is world wide, but founded in Copenhagen. They have delightful brewery on the water, right next to the delicious food market. So a beer was in order. Before we went back for more food. Obviously.

We spent the afternoon in a hippie commune located in the middle of Copenhagen. It was an odd mix of people obviously smoking weed, self made houses and outhouses and generally pleasant people. They also believe that they are a separate country from the EU, and as such are not part of the continent. So this sign is hanging about the entrance/exit.

The ladies above were out rowing on a Sunday afternoon, for which, they deserve all the cool points.. Mad props ladies, mad props.

Thanks Ben and Asta! I can’t wait to come visit you again.