Hi again. This will need to be short, as we have very limited access to a computer.
Went to the Royal library yesterday: chairs outside to sit, read, and what the boats on the canal, bookstore and cafe downstairs, library upstairs. The outside is made of black granite and shiny, so it is called the "black diamond". Instead of a car parking lot, they had a bike parking lot. The escalator is typical for Copenhagen, a ramp instead of stairs.
Went to Tivoli last night. This is an amusement park, similar to when I was young, right in the middle of the city. So as you are standing in the park, you see the city hall, an old clock tower, and the national museum. We only got to see two shows because of how late we showed up. One was a big band show, that also played Ray Charles, James Brown, and disco. Several people in the audience got up and danced to the music. The second was a light show at the end of the evening. It was cool, but Disney has nothing to worry about.
Around the park, we saw old style arcades, candy stores, and rides from long ago. One of the rides had me completely confused. Kids would get on chairs in pairs, and when the ride started they would pull themselves to the top using a rope. Once they got to the top, they would let go for as long as they wanted, then pull themselves up again. There was no goal other than having fun. I kept thinking there would be some type of "winner", but no...I just don't get it. Another game that boys seem to like involved a soccer ball. Instead of hitting a hammer to find out how strong you are, you kick a soccer ball to see how good you are. The top category was "score".
Last note on the bicycles, since they are so predominant. Cathy and I thought about renting some, but decided it was safer not to. It would be like renting a car in Boston. Saw one lady who reminded me of the mean woman in the Wizard of Oz, with her black skirt, black tights, and pumping really hard. Saw many people biking with instruments, packages, and lots more in their hands or back. The classic was the guy who had a package in one hand and a cell phone in the other.
So on to Helsinki. We arrived mid-afternoon. Everyone recommended taking the bus, but they did not tell us it would take over an hour to reach the hotel because of all the stops. We got in too late to do much of anything. We are enjoying a glass of wine right now, then going to the "church in the rock". After that, we'll likely take a quick tram ride around the city.
We leave early in the morning for Rovaniemi, Finland. Not sure how much access to an Internet I will have there, but if I can, I will write again.
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