Tired But Here in Denmark, 6/27/2008

I arrived after a 1 hour delay in NY due to an auxiliary engine failure (oops, dad, better not read that part to mom).  Unfortunately we got to sit on the runway with no air.  Other than that, the flight was inconsequential.  Cathy & I traded seats at the last minute and ended up each with a row of seats to ourselves.  Unfortunately, that did not help me sleep - combination of busy mind and shorter flight than I have gotten used to the last few years.


Got a room in a family residence, but no one will be home until 5:30.  At the time we agreed, we didn't realize how tired we were.  We decided to start out with a boat tour on the canals.  I kept dozing off, but Cathy woke me for the important stuff.


We walked the Stroget (think Legacy Village, but longer and authentic=.  I guess this was the original that started all the copy-cat versions.  Walked all over the city.  Saw the little mermaid and a couple of parks.  Probably make an early night of tonight and focus on Trivoli and museums tomorrow.


So first impressions of Copenhagen:

• Bicycles everywhere.  They are outside of almost every building.  and Bicyclists are crazy - they are as aggressive as cars, move fast, and are not afraid to multi-task (I have seen several using their cell phones while pedaling).  Most bikes are utilitarian (plain black) and have been adapted for ease of use - baby carriages, baskets, etc.  I even saw one used as a rickshaw to show people around the city.
• Cars will drive anywhere they think they can fit.
• Cobblestone sidewalks are painful on the feet.
• Constant restoration or construction going on - good thing they have not heard of orange barrels.
• Ultra polite of others - on the train into town, they announced that no loud noises were allowed except at the edges of the car (which was a little separated from the main car).  Everyone on the trained whispered.

Alright, that's it for now.  I need to grab dinner then sleep.