Copenhagen & Malmö
Copenhagen & Malmö
In July, my wife and I set off for Copenhagen. I must say, we really had no idea what to expect from this trip. Yes, from the Cotton Malone books I had formed a small mental picture of Copenhagen, but I knew nothing about the mentality of the locals or the city's history. The visit itself was truly eye-opening for me. Not only could I connect real places to the scenes from the books, but I also had the chance to experience the local culture, taste the cuisine, and talk with people.
By the way, our English is constantly improving. Truly – language is the key, and suddenly a person transforms from a Neanderthal into a human being.
Copenhagen is a beautiful city full of monuments and statues, waterways, seafood restaurants, and the constant bustle of people flowing in all directions. Besides the fresh fish, there is organic produce and healthy food everywhere. Danes, and Scandinavian nations in general, take ecology and a healthy lifestyle very seriously. Just like in the Netherlands, most people here get around by bike, use car-sharing services, and rely on public transport.
As my wife's father says: "You can tell a lot about a country by its toilets." And there really might be something to it. Here, public toilets are practically on every corner, clean, and – believe it or not – free. People are smiling, content, and live well. The standard of living is very high. The sense of ecology and care for the planet is deeply rooted. They try not to waste food or other resources.
I witnessed a six-year-old boy in a public restroom telling his father, who was drying his hands with a paper towel, that he would use the same towel because he didn't want to waste and burden the planet. Something that, for us, might seem unthinkable or even amusing, but for them, it's completely natural to think about the future of the planet and other people. Electromobility is standard here, and sustainable resources and clean energy are a top priority. I believe we have a lot to learn from them.
One day we took the Öresund Bridge to Malmö, Sweden, which is home to the tallest skyscraper in the country – the Turning Torso. The building is famous for its unique twisting design. Both the skyscraper and its surroundings aim to use sustainable energy sources and eco-friendly solutions. The country promotes recycling, waste separation, and limiting single-use plastics. Cars are hardly visible in the area. Parking lots are mostly underground, and people – as I already mentioned – use shared transportation, public transport, and bicycles. Malmö is a coastal city with fascinating architecture, a large and small square, and plenty of cafés and restaurants.
But let's return to Copenhagen. Worth mentioning are Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, the pedestrian street Strøget, and – as I already knew from the books – the districts of Vesterbro and Nørrebro. The Nyhavn harbour is perfect for a drink and lunch. I recommend the seafood platter, which comes with rye bread, each slice topped with a different pesto and fish – smoked salmon, shrimp, and fried fish, for example.
Another must is a harbour cruise, during which you will see the Opera House, the Little Mermaid, the Black Diamond, and modern architecture. The cruise also passes by the Christiania district. Kastellet Fortress and Tivoli Gardens are also well worth a visit.
I must say, we enjoyed Copenhagen immensely, and it truly broadened our perspective of the world. I believe we will return to Copenhagen at least once more, even though there are still so many fascinating places on this planet that one lifetime may not be enough to see them all. In any case, love, tolerance, and understanding – that is the key to a happy and fulfilling life.
Copenhagen
Malmö