The Cadre

October 28, 1997

travel: Copenha gen :

by Kristen Patterson Shik eee

This is the land of sun- tans that never fade and hair so blond that you’ll see sun- spots if you look at it too long. Copenhagen is centre for pleasure seekers and escap- ists. From the turquoise har- bour to the extravagant build- ings, the city is a whirlwind of activity andcolour. Take time to walk along the canals, and notice the multi-coloured build- ings that run alongside them. As an aside, I must admit to not being in love with city. I felt particularly out of place among all the gorgeous blond creatures reclining in the sun- shine and left the city in a state of depression. I relate this to you because when travelling, there exist both good and bad experiences. Not that I mean to insult anyone who is Dan- ish. I included Copenhagen in this tour because I know that it really is a beautiful spot worth visiting. Just make sure you’re well dressed when you’re there!

Currency: the Danish Krone is worth roughly twenty cents to a Canadian dollar ($1.00 Canadian= 0.20 K) (1.00 K=approx. $5.00 Cana- dian)

How to get to Copen- hagen: The city can be accessed by train, car, plane or boat, all of which can be planned through Travel Cuts (where else?!). Contiki bus tours do not go to Denmark but there may be other bus tour companies do. Check with TC.

*note: Trains going to and from Denmark havea large theft problem. It’s not any- thing to worry aboutas long as you keep your compartment locked and your possessions by your side. And beware of Customs officers, especially if onan overnight train. It’s like experiencing the end of the world. Locked doors make no difference to them!

Where to stay: Check

out IBN Hostels at: www.iyhf.org/iyhf/ ehome.html orcontactDanhostelat ldv@danhostel.dk (which is where I stayed - a little out of the way but easy to get to and from by tram). How to get around Copenhagen: Walking is still the best way to see the city. Cyclists are as prominentas in Amsterdam but much more space is given over to cars and trams. The roads are wider and so there is less risk to your wellbeing as a pedestrian but keep an eye open. Boat tours are a good way to get out into the harbour. There is an island that is home to the remains of a naval base which the tours will take you to. If you can, splurge and get a tour with a guide. Silent trips are incred- ibly boring and uninformative.

Where to go: Asachild, it was one of my dreams to one day see the statue of the Little Mermaid that I’d seen pic- tures of. I cherished the image ofa beautiful maid sitting ona rock surrounded by water in the middle ofaharbour. Ifthis is your dream, then be pre- pared fora possible disappoint- ment.

The girl with flippers sitting on a rock in water as deep as two inches: visit this

masterful sculpture of the girl who wasn’t a mermaid but had disfigured legs. She’s basedon Hans Christian Anderson’s lesser-known but just-as-touching story “The Little Girl with Ugly Feet”.

Tivoli Gardens: not to be missed for those who love nature and amusement parks.

Langelinie: in other words, the waterfront which is just gorgeous to look at from the water.

Hans Christian Anderson’s Grave and

Monuments: Forthose of you -

who are fans, these are your Meccas.

I realize that I may have been unfair to good old Copen- hagen. It really is absolutely beautiful. Most people don’t mind that the Little Mermaid isn’t really amermaid and she actually is a lovely piece of sculpture on her own. There are many wonderful buildings to gaze at and there is a dome that remains on of my alll-time favourite domes. Flowers and trees grow in abundance and the food is wonderful. So, please, go to Copenhagen and say hi for me. Don’t forget to e-mail me at kepatterson@upei.ca.

Next week: Germany!

em

TR

Capone s Pizza and

Subs

79 University Avenue Phone: 892-1113 North River Phone: 892-3111]

9.99 fora:

Pizza OR

-> 2 med Donairs

-> 2 Pop * 355 mi.