I suppose I should consider myself quite widely-travelled, but actually both of my sons, and my parents, have moved around the globe to a much greater extent. I’m undecided what to do for summer vacation this year, favouring a trip to the Bible Belt, but also the southern French-Italian border, Thailand and Barbados – again – are possibilities.
I should also try to explore some areas of this great continent of Europe. Incredibly, I’ve never set foot on Irish soil, and also, to my great regret, I’ve never been anywhere in Scandinavia.
A couple of years ago I almost booked a weekend in København. I had to back out when I found out that my wife had other plans for that time. But should I ever venture to Scandinavia, Denmark is where I would go. København is full of attractions, and most of the well-known ones are free. But also, we in the UK so often hear that the Scandinavian countries are model societies that both respect and protect the rights of individuals to a degree that we wouldn’t be entirely familiar with.
There are a couple of minus points. The large brewer Carlsberg was associated with Liverpool Football Club for many years, and for this reason any discerning Danish drinker will prefer Tuborg, notwithstanding that Carlsberg actually owns Tuborg. And also, although Danish football has for many years punched above its weight, (as Denmark itself has), the Danish footballers that played for Everton have been far from successful – the thought of Claus Thomsen in a royal blue shirt still induces nightmares. But this doesn’t negate the wonderful memories of players such as Schmiechel, Tomasson, Olsen and Michael Laudrup.
København is a compact, yet fascinating, city. The well-known areas of Nyhavn and Cristiana, the Tivoli, the museums and the food add up to a place that I must see. Maybe next year.
But there is one reason above all to visit København. A new word has entered the English language – Forbrydelsen. The original story was compelling, full of twists and turns, and although I guessed the identity of the murderer from the outset, it was for the wrong reason. I’d also like to know, firstly, do Danish people ever switch lights on in the evening or do they just carry torches, and secondly, where can I buy my wife the indestructible Sarah Lund jumper for less than 250 euros?
Headbutter of the Gods 
April 4th, 2012 at 05:00
Duncan, my missed friend, you say you are not as traveled as your sons. But it’s all relative, I assure you. In 55 years, I have been out of the south ONCE!!!!
Once.
I had sincere intentions to come over there this last summer but plans got messed up.
In my eyes, you are a world traveler.
I would like to start traveling some. But I’m so cheap, I doubt I’ll ever part with the money. Which is a shame.
(By the way, I read all your posts and then I save them to “Duncan’s folder”)
Al
April 4th, 2012 at 07:08
So good to hear from you, Al. If I get my way I’ll be going from Washington to Savannah via Mount Vernon, Monticello, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Charleston. Chances are slim, though.
When are you going to give me a guest post?
April 5th, 2012 at 18:16
A trip to the bible belt is probably what I would choose, mainly because of southern Louisiana, but also because I have a good friend in Louisiana whom I would love to visit. In my opinion, it’s always more interesting to go places that are entirely different from what you are used to. I have seen most of Europe and been to California twice and to Dominican Republic twice. However, if I travelled to the Southern States, I would definitely choose a time when the humidity is lowest.
Being a Dane, it was funny to read your input on Copenhagen. You are right: there are many museums that are free (on a certain day) and various other attractions. Nyhavn, Tivoli and Christiania are a must. A canal tour, also. You will find any kind of food in the many restaurants and any kind of beer you could want (I sent a little story about this to our common friend, who I think will send it on to you).
As for football, I’m in the dark, but we do have a few good players. In 1992 I watched the game when we won the European Championship, that was special. Copenhagen was buzzing and everyone was happy.
The Sara Lund is apparently very popular now. I expect they sell it in a store on Strøget (the 1 km long walking street). I knitted a similar one for myself many years ago, but with a turtle neck. Have not worn it for years.
Well, if you do come to Copenhagen, I’ll be happy to show you around – I have been a “tour guide” for people from CA, South Africa, Belgium and Sweden. You could also just ask me some questions.
April 10th, 2012 at 19:13
Hi Randi, pleased to make your acquaintance.
As I’ve said, I’m a bit short of time at the moment. But WordPress do this thing where you can see the country locations of those that view the blog. I did notice that I was getting a lot (that’s a relative, not an absolute lot) of traffic from Denmark. So with the little time I had I thought I’d write something in praise. I could have said a lot a more – historically Danes have had a huge influence in Northern England, for example.
I did guess your identity but wasn’t entirely certain. Anyway, as I said I’m pleased to meet you. I don’t know when I’ll ever get to Scandinavia but it won’t be this year, that’s for sure. I hope you like the output so far, even with the football…