Denmark
Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen,
Friendly old girl of a town.
‘Neath her tavern light
On this merry night
Let us clink and drink one down
To wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen,
Salty old queen of the sea.
Once I sailed away
But I’m home today
Singing Copenhagen, wonderful, wonderful
Copenhagen for me!
Summer is peak season in Copenhagen. Boats cruise up and down the canals. The cafes, bars and restaurants are full from morning until past midnight. Musicians entertain on the sidewalks. This is a friendly, busy city perfect for a social holiday.
Last week was especially exciting in Copenhagen because Jonas Vingegaard just won the Tour de France. This is only the second time in history that a Dane has won the Tour de France, so this was a very big deal for Denmark.
I was swept up by thousands of Jonas’s adoring fans who lined the streets and then crowded into City Hall Square to applaud his victory and welcome him home. This was unexpected!
From Copenhagen, I went west to visit my friend Bob, who lives in Korsør, on the west side of Zealand. Although Korsør is just 61 minutes by train from Copenhagen, it’s a world apart from the hustle and bustle of Denmark’s capital. I was surprised to find that rural Denmark is full of pastures, wheat fields, beaches, forests and the occasional Viking ruin. It was a treat to have a local friend with a car who knows where all the country roads lead. Bob also has a washing machine!
Bob and I ferried out to Agersø. This is a quaint and quiet island where time seems to have stopped. We had fresh fish for lunch at the traditional Agersø Kro where “1872” is stamped over the doorway. Classic!
Although Denmark is my 164th country, I still have many miles to go. From here, I’ll head south to visit two of Europe’s smallest countries. Can you guess what they are? Stay tuned!
I first heard that song “Copenhagen” when I was about six years old and our grandmother took me to see “Hans Christian Andersen” at a movie theater in midtown Manhattan. Danny Kaye, always one of my mother’s favorites, played the title role and sang the song.
I heard it again when I was in seventh grade and the Parmer school chorus participated in some kind of choral event with several other Nashville public schools, one of which sang “Copenhagen.”
Very cool that you saw the Tour winner. I had lost track of that race entirely this year, not keeping up with it while in Maine.
My Amherst College classmate David Nye taught for many years at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense.. He may be there now, or he may be in Minnesota. nye@sdu.dk. His specialty is the history of technology.
Small countries in Europe that you haven’t already visited? I thought you had already been to Lichtenstein and San Marino. I know you’ve been to Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican. Hm….
Hi John, I think I must’ve been exposed to some of the same family events because I also remember hearing it as a child. And yes, Lichtenstein and San Marino are where I’m going next. Thanks for the comment! Nick
Thanks Nick – what great traditions these small independent countries still have!! Safe journeys !
Bill Hargreaves
Wow. Would love to join a Tour de France party in Europe! I can only imagine what a scene that was. Vingegaard earned his victory the honest way, in the mountain stages. My college friend hailed from Jyderup and spoke well of his bucolic burg.
Your timing of visiting Copenhagen was perfect. A thrilling time to be in a small country with an international victory!
Jeremy, being in Copenhagen on July 27 was pure luck. How could we have known that Jonas would win? And that he’d ride through Copenhagen that afternoon. Sometimes I manage to be in the right place at the right time. (smile) Nick
Nick, I so love your blogs…The pics make it all so real…and that song ‘Copenhagen,’ I knew it! It brought back such good memories from my childhood….the video was so sweet. As so many have already said, what a treat to be there during the win of the Tour de France. To be able to vicariously see and live your trip with you (your market photos, and the scenery too) is a pure joy.
Ingrid
Ingrid, thanks for your kind words. I’m glad to be able to provide a vicarious travel experience to everyone. Stay tuned for more! Nick