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Dale Sorenson's 2004 Copenhagen, Denmark Photos

I've wanted to go to Denmark, land of my ancestors, for so long that by the time I got there I was giddy with anticipation. Would I look like them? Would I fit in? Would I feel at home? Never before when traveling have I cared about these questions. I'm usually quite content to play the role of American tourist. But Copenhagen was different.

Having just come from Stockholm, it was impossible to avoid comparing it to Copenhagen. They have a lot in common. But Copenhagen feels a tad smaller. It simultaneously has the feel of a European capital and a sleepy little town. Still, there is plenty to see and do.

Copenhagen is a city built on water.	It has lots of little islands.	There is an "Old Town."
The architecture is lovely.
		It has a harbor.
And there are ships of all shapes and sizes.		This is the royal yacht.
	My favorite "Museum". Just one question ... how do I get in, exactly?
	Nyhavn, the oldest part of town dating back to the 12th Century.
I did not expect to go to Tivoli, the amusement park in the center of town.	But I went to see a modern dance concert in the theater inside the park, so entrance was included.	At the entrance of the park is this incredibly disturbing bust of the founder of the park. Yikes!
The park was cute.	There was a marching band of adorable little tykes.
	As you always find at these places, crummy little games of chance/skill were everywhere.
But it was also a swirling vortex of eurotrash, Australian white trash and American white trash. Ick!	Did someone order a staircase of old women?	As dusk fell, I got to indulge my interest in night photography.
Yes, OK. It's tacky as hell. But it's pretty at night. No?
	If Nan Goldin can have whole exhibitions of photos that are out of focus ... well then I can be allowed a few as well, dammit!	On the last night of the season, a Danish band performed at a surprisingly civilized rock concert. "You gotta fight! For your right! To stand and gently sip a beer while listening politely to the artists." AC/DC it ain't.
	Night, Night, Copenhagen. You'll be in my dreams.

In the end, I got everything I wanted from Copenhagen and so much more. I was welcomed. I felt at home. I learned at lot about a country and a people of which and whom I've become quite fond. In short, my pilgrimage was a success.

Copyright 2004 Dale Sorenson. All Rights Reserved.

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