Denmark Day 2: 2 very different amusement parks

After getting ready for the day in our cabin, the gang left the campsite to head toward Copenhagen. We stopped in an antique store and looked around town before driving the distance to the city. Around 1:30, we made it to the apartment that we would be staying in for the next two nights. Not quite what we were expecting, (more of a dorm) but at least it was a roof over our heads in the misty rain. Around 2:30, we took off for the city and went to two very different places.

1. Christiania-our first stop in Copenhagen. Christiania is a free state outside of the city center in the community of Christianshavn. Christianshavn was invaded in 1971 by hippies who were protesting capitalism and the arms race. The government allowed them to set up the "Free Christiania," a self-governing enclave. The population of this state is around 1000, and it has outlawed hard drugs so police turn a blind eye to the open sale of marijuana. It definitely was not my type of place and attracted a very eclectic group of people, all with one thing on their mind...if they were in the right state of mind that is. (google it maybe for a better idea of it.)  It was definitely an experience to walk around, making me question how any of the stores were legal. No photos allowed, so I won't have any to post, but it was a very "chill" environment with some gardens placed throughout the area. Needless to say, I was happy when we decided to leave.

2. Tivoli Gardens-this is a family friendly amusement park that opened in 1843 and has changed very little since then. It is a national monument and was designed by Georg Carstensen. There was a $15 entrance fee that was totally worth it. We walked in and immediately saw a ballet performance on the main Peacock Theater stage. We wandered around and there were so many attractions and things to see. The rides looked fun, although some looked nauseating, and the entire atmosphere was just joyful. Diane and I had ice cream for dinner (surprise), and I really enjoyed some live Danish music on one of the stages, the Chinese Pagoda.

After several hours at Tivoli, we got pretty tired and decided to walk to a nearby metro station to head home. It was fun to see some parts of the city.  We walked along the main shopping road, Stroget, and looked at some souvenirs, knowing we would go back tomorrow. Once we successfully navigated the subway, we made it back to our dorm but then went on a wild goose chase to find a grocery store. Seems like everything here closes at 10! Back to the dorm to go to bed so we can wake up early tomorrow for some more site seeing!