From Hamburg, we took the train 5 hours to Copenhagen. About halfway through, the train stopped and a lot of German things were announced as the passengers started to pack up their items and don their jackets. Finally, a helpful German realized we were clueless and explained that we would have to get off the train for a bit as we were about to board a ferry that would take us into Denmark.
"But what happens to the train and all our stuff?" I wearily questioned. He patiently explained that the entire train would pull onto the ferry, continuing its journey on the other side. Mind. Blown. (I get a little overly excited at big machinery, especially when you tell me that the entire train is going to pull onto a massive ferry, complete with a duty-free shop and multiple restaurants.)
We were greeted in Copenhagen with blue skies and not-too-chilly temperatures, first setting out on a lively walking tour with a hilarious Danish guy named Magnus, who did indeed live up to his epic name. Hans Christian Anderson resided here-- apparently he was a stalker and generally a pretty creepy dude.
Changing of the guards at the royal palace
After the tour, we checked out Tivoli Gardens, the second-oldest theme park in Europe. It's fabled that Walt Disney took his inspiration from the different areas set up by continents (think Epcot.) It was a bit packed due to the holidays, but beautiful nonetheless. We gawked at actual reindeer & rode a 100-year-old roller coaster, each car driven by actual people manning the brakes.
Also not to be missed in Copenhagen is a part of town called "Christiana," a lawless zone that boasts a slightly utopian society of people living together. Picture a cluster of old buildings with graffiti and gardens, ancient bikes and street art. Photography is not permitted within the town's limits due to the selling of weed that is allowed (no laws, remember?) If you ever find yourself in Copenhagen, it's worth a visit if only for epic people watching.
Christmas day was just another day in my book, which left me a bit hollow and missing home loads. We used it for a travel day, taking the train 5 hours to Stockholm in Sweden. Thank God there was wireless on the train so I could FaceTime the fam as they opened presents over mugs of coffee. When Annie was given a mandolin and an impromptu 'Christmas Time is Comin' 3-part-harmony was busted out I lost it right there in the dining car, ugly cry face and everything.
I'll make sure not to ignore Christmas ever again, even if I can't be surrounded by family...
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