(sunny?) Copenhagen

Panorama of Gråbrødretorv Square

Yes, tha'ts right. Copenhagen is being very kind to us. The sun is shining worming body and spirit. We have fully enjoyed Friday and Saturday in the Danish capital.

On Friday we visited Copenhagen City hall where the well photographed statue of Hans Christian Anderson sits out front. Inside City hall is spectacular. After passing through the entrance area the first room you encounter is The Main Hall, a grand interior public space. The entire building, just over a hundred years old is gorgeous. During our visit there was a constant stream of brides and grooms making there way to the Banquet Hall (registry office) for quick ceremony.

After our visit to City Hall we took a walk down Copenhagen's pedestrianized shopping street, Strogte. It was packed with people on a sunny Friday morning. Wandering just a couple of blocks off the main street the crowds dwindled to a small trickle and maybe a better glimpse into real Copenhagen life.

The Stroget

Side street just off the Stroget

Also just off the main street is the Cathedral of Our Lady. A spectacular church that was originally a pagan temple. Inside Ilya lighted a candle for his Grandma Mijker and took a moment for a special thought. But, I suspect he was hoping for a return visit to the Winnipeg Children's Museum.

Inside The Cathedral of our Lady Church

Kate and the boys inside Cathedral of our Lady

We also dropped into a large toy store on the Stroget to let Ilya pick out a birthday present for himself. The experience did not disappoint.

Ilya riding merry-go-round inside the toy store

After our walk down the Stroget both the boys were worn out, so we took them back to the cargo bike where they could rest. Kate and I took the opportunity of sleeping children to ride round the centre of Copenhagen and test out some of the City's cycling facilities.

bikes

more bikes

Oh, did I mention that nearly everyone rides a bike here. For those of you not in the know, Cycling in Copenhagen is why this City is one of our 2014 destinations.

and more bikes

We love it! Trying to fit in with the Danes, giving up our Dutch Bakfiets for the more traditional Danish three wheeled cargo bike

Kate studies guide book outside Danish Parliament Building.

Luckily Ilya woke from his afternoon nap in time to see the Royal District and the Changing of the guards at the Danish Royal Palace.

We have been blessed with the great fortune to experience this wonderful cycling city with our children. Our family is having a wonderful time here in Copenhagen.

Lots of love to our friends and family back home. We look forward to seeing you all.