Our main agenda revolved around food and biking - very Copenhagen appropriate. The original plan was to rent a bike again from the hotel, but unfortunately they were out of the lower bikes. So I headed over to nearby Rosenborg Cycle as recommended by our concierge.
The shop provided me a brand new bike which had high handlebars, and therefore more comfortable than the hotel bike where I was hunched over. The lock was also much easier to use as it was lighter and uses a code. In order to rent the bike, I only had to pay him and leave him my phone number. No credit card on file needed or driver’s license left behind - nothing. Also, the shop closes at 3 pm and closed tomorrow as its Sunday. So I am supposed to just return the bike and leave it in front of the store with a lock around the spoke until Monday when I paid for just 24 hours.
This would never happen in most other countries and especially not in the US. Denmark is known for being a “high trust” society and residents follow the rules and treat others with a lot of ethical integrity. Copenhagen itself is also ranked very highly from a quality of life standpoint. The education, healthcare, and services are well-rated. Indeed, Rachel and the family seem to be really enjoying their experience here and everything has been really pleasant.
We headed to Nordhavn, or north harbor area. I remarked that the area gave me waterfront hipster vibes. Our lunch plans were to check out Hija de Sanchez, a popular taco restaurant founded by a former Noma dessert chef. The ingredients were super fresh and the tortillas made from heirloom corn from Mexico. A collage from our lunch below:
After lunch, we biked northward to an even more industrial area and tracked down another troll by Thomas Dambo. Some photos below:
It took us a little bit to find the troll sculpture, but we were confident we would eventually get there as we could see it from the road - it was definitely a “look kids, there’s Big Ben” moment:
As the Danish are known for excellent baked goods, we headed to Juno the bakery located in nearby Østerbro which means eastern bridge. We rested and enjoyed sun-berry juice and various pastries with vanilla, apple, and cardamom:
And because one bakery isn’t enough, we decided to cycle over to Leckerbaer 3 minutes away where we picked up some more goodies:
We headed back to the hotel and shared the pastries with Mikey and William for a mid-afternoon break. The pastries were all consumed very quickly and the cycling crew then headed out to check out the Danish War Museum.
It was a very impressive museum with an exhibition on Afghanistan. The displays on the second floor were also very extensive. Who knew there was even a bicycling brigade in the Danish army? But definitely not a surprise:
After the museum, we actually biked up to Hellerup which took about forty minutes and I got to check out where the family lives. On our way, we stopped by a grocery store which I love to do while traveling and passed several Joe & the Juice’s - had not realized this coffee and juice shop started in Denmark. At the house, I got to see Ruth who had spent the day with a friend.
This would never happen in most other countries and especially not in the US. Denmark is known for being a “high trust” society and residents follow the rules and treat others with a lot of ethical integrity. Copenhagen itself is also ranked very highly from a quality of life standpoint. The education, healthcare, and services are well-rated. Indeed, Rachel and the family seem to be really enjoying their experience here and everything has been really pleasant.
We headed to Nordhavn, or north harbor area. I remarked that the area gave me waterfront hipster vibes. Our lunch plans were to check out Hija de Sanchez, a popular taco restaurant founded by a former Noma dessert chef. The ingredients were super fresh and the tortillas made from heirloom corn from Mexico. A collage from our lunch below:
After lunch, we biked northward to an even more industrial area and tracked down another troll by Thomas Dambo. Some photos below:
It took us a little bit to find the troll sculpture, but we were confident we would eventually get there as we could see it from the road - it was definitely a “look kids, there’s Big Ben” moment:
As the Danish are known for excellent baked goods, we headed to Juno the bakery located in nearby Østerbro which means eastern bridge. We rested and enjoyed sun-berry juice and various pastries with vanilla, apple, and cardamom:
And because one bakery isn’t enough, we decided to cycle over to Leckerbaer 3 minutes away where we picked up some more goodies:
We headed back to the hotel and shared the pastries with Mikey and William for a mid-afternoon break. The pastries were all consumed very quickly and the cycling crew then headed out to check out the Danish War Museum.
It was a very impressive museum with an exhibition on Afghanistan. The displays on the second floor were also very extensive. Who knew there was even a bicycling brigade in the Danish army? But definitely not a surprise:
After the museum, we actually biked up to Hellerup which took about forty minutes and I got to check out where the family lives. On our way, we stopped by a grocery store which I love to do while traveling and passed several Joe & the Juice’s - had not realized this coffee and juice shop started in Denmark. At the house, I got to see Ruth who had spent the day with a friend.
For dinner, we dined on drumsticks, roasted carrots, and bread rolls. We also enjoyed it by candlelight for the ambiance:
It was fun to catch up with the kids some more as they have really grown into bonafide teenagers with engaging hobbies and making new friends. Hope someday they have the same level of high trust friendships that this Copenhagen crew has!
Although it was technically early, but also dark because we are in Denmark, I decided to head back to the hotel for an early night’s rest. We have been walking more than 16,000 steps a day and with all the cycling today, I was a bit tired. However, cycling here is pretty easy as it is very flat and the bike lanes are very well-maintained and defined. I’m used to the craziness of Manhattan and negotiating with the cars and taxis on the road. The bikes are also much lighter than the heavy Citibikes.
It was fun to catch up with the kids some more as they have really grown into bonafide teenagers with engaging hobbies and making new friends. Hope someday they have the same level of high trust friendships that this Copenhagen crew has!
Although it was technically early, but also dark because we are in Denmark, I decided to head back to the hotel for an early night’s rest. We have been walking more than 16,000 steps a day and with all the cycling today, I was a bit tired. However, cycling here is pretty easy as it is very flat and the bike lanes are very well-maintained and defined. I’m used to the craziness of Manhattan and negotiating with the cars and taxis on the road. The bikes are also much lighter than the heavy Citibikes.
With an AirPod in my ear announcing google map directions over my playlist, I rode for 25 minutes into town. Here is a bike-by photo as I crossed Queen Louise bridge:
Here I am waiting at an intersection, leaning on to a bike rest for balance and where you can also rest your foot:
After returning my bike and just leaving it outside the shop, I returned to our hotel. I know Rachel was worried and suggested taking the bus back into town, but I wanted to maximize my bike rental and felt very comfortable in this high trust city!
Here I am waiting at an intersection, leaning on to a bike rest for balance and where you can also rest your foot:
After returning my bike and just leaving it outside the shop, I returned to our hotel. I know Rachel was worried and suggested taking the bus back into town, but I wanted to maximize my bike rental and felt very comfortable in this high trust city!
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