The Walk Continues

After making it to Radhusplads, we decided that since Spencer only had one day to be a tourist, he had better see the LIttle Mermaid. (The rest of the time, he will be in the convention center working). We went a different route than retracing our steps up the Storget and went along Norre Voldgade. 

canal next to Christiansborg

We went into the H.C Orstedsparken, an quaint park that seems to have to the only hill in Copenhagen.  We saw this stunning herron fishing on the island (making me wish even more that I had not left my superzoom lens at home).  Upon exiting this park, we entered into the Botanical Gardens (Botanisk Have). 

herron looking for lunch

Will and Spencer in the Botanical Gardens

The main building was built in 1872-74 and was inspired by the British Crystal Palace from the World Expo in 1852.  We walked through the glass building, were glasses and cameras all fogged from the drastic temperature change.

Once we left the gardens, we made a bee line for Den Lille Havfrue, the Little Mermaid.  She sits on a rock, gazing out of Copenhagen Harbor.  Created by Edvard Eriksen, she has only been sitting there since 1913.  She is tiny too, only 1.25 m tall.  Apparently she has been the victim of several beheadings (they have the original bronze cast so they can remake her) and a kidnapping or two. 

Turning back, we walked south along the harbor, running into one of the Danish Kings.  It is either Frederik or Christian-- the only names that the Danish kings seem to have.  I think that this is Frederik IX (1947-72).

Walking past Frederik, towards St. Alban's, the English Church, we came across the Gefionspringvandet (Gefion's Fountain), with raging bulls, sinister snakes, and strong men spitting out water.  Gefion is a Nordic fertility goddess and sister to Freja.  She married Odin's son, apparently.  

over the bridge to St. Albans

Gefion's Fountain

We left Langeline Park and headed back to the metro, passing the Mermorkirken (the Marble Church).  It was only finished in 1894.  Starting with expensive Swedish marble, when they ran out of money, they switched to cheaper Danish marble, so the church took over 140 years to build.   We couldn't go up in the doom and it is under some renovations at the moment.

don't stand so close to me

We then reached Amalienborg, which is four palaces together, and in one is where Queen Margrethe and her Crown Prince Henrick live.  Spencer had has photo taken with the guard, who informed him that no he couldn't talk, but still could explain just how close to Spencer was allowed to stand during the photo.  Don't worry, there will be more photos of here when I go back for the tour.  Here is just your taste.






And on the way back to the metro, we paused to see the progress of the plate painting.  Not bad for a day's work.

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