Hi peeps! 😉

One of the most popular towns in Copenhagen is Christianshavn. Named after the great Christian IV, the town has served more than a merchant’s village. It is where you’ll find fantastic structures such as the Church of Our Savior, the Danish Architecture Center, the Opera House, Lille Mølle, and Holmen, with the strategic Christianshavn canals by the harbour. It is also where you’ll find one of the most famous food establishments in Denmark, Restaurant Noma. The restaurant offers Nordic cuisine, with its name a portmanteau of the Danish words “Nordisk” (Nordic) and “mad” (food). Well, it’s an expensive resto and I haven’t eaten there, so this post will not include Noma. But feel free to visit the resto as well. 😛

It was a fine Saturday morning. A little bit gray above, but nothing could stop a bored soul in Copenhagen. I had to go somewhere and explore. One thing I really like about Denmark is its efficient public transportation system. I love its trains and buses! They’re almost always not crowded, so I always get my personal space. Having experienced the railway system in the Philippines, I really think it would be a huge progress for my home country if they could develop a public transpo system somehow similar to what Denmark has. It’s not to complain or anything, but I believe that many Filipinos will be happy and satisfied if that could happen. Less traffic jams and less accidents on the road.

What I don’t get is why most Danes get annoyed whenever there’s a minor failure in the transportation system. If only they knew that it’s usually nothing compared with the rush hours in the Philippines.

Another thing I like (and happen to see on the way to Christianshavn) are graffiti and street art. They are very pleasant to look at.  In Denmark, it is viewed as the artists’ expression of themselves.

Upon arriving at the Square, Christianshavn Torv, I saw interesting monuments built by Svend Rathsack. The Greenland Monument, which consists of a man on his kayak and women working on his catch, was transferred into the square from the island of Bornholm in 1938.

Walking a little bit farther will take you to Prinsessegade (street), just right across the Church of Our Savior.

What’s so special about this Church? It is a baroque church “most famous for its corkscrew spire with an external winding staircase that can be climbed to the top, offering extensive views over central Copenhagen. It is also noted for its carillon, which is the largest in northern Europe and plays melodies every hour from 8 am to midnight.” (wikipedia) Unfortunately, the church was closed that day so I was not able to see its interior and climb the top.

A couple of blocks from the Church is the famous freetown of Christiania. It is a self-proclaimed independent town, a military base-turned-squatters area. First time visitors might feel a little bit eerie about its ambiance, and might need some help from the locals to fully explore and appreciate the place. An arch made with totem poles and with the name “Christiania” serves as the town’s portal.

Christiania also has negative reputation. It is known to be a place where you can buy illegal drugs such as marijuana or hash. Cameras are not allowed at certain points, and many paperless immigrants decide to settle there.  Not only that, dogs are allowed to roam freely on the unpaved roads, making you think and feel like you’re outside Denmark.

But don’t be intimidated by the above-mentioned view of Christiania. One can actually find it rather amusing. Its mysteriousness can capture one’s attention. The designs and colors somehow tell outsiders that it is a creative outlet, enticing visitors to just be themselves and let whatever hidden feelings or thoughts you have out in the air (because the law enforcers are not looking!).

And to be honest, Christiania reminds me of a local town in the Philippines. Both animals and humans freely roam the streets, and life is simple yet beautiful. Crimes and illegal acts exist, but they’re part of what makes the society whole. I cannot blame some of the visitors for acting indifferent and unfamiliar with the place though, that it doesn’t resonate with their perfect picture of Copenhagen.

Anyway, before I forget, there are bazaars inside Christiania where you can buy authentic Oriental ornaments, clothes, and accessories. So, yey for shopping!

It was refreshing to promenade along the river – a long walk from Christianshavn to the city center.

On the way, I passed by one of the oldest buildings and most beautiful structures in the city, the old Stock Exchange, which dates back from the 1600s. The dragon tails spire is one cool feature of the building, and is believed to safeguard the structure from damage, such as fire, etc.

One easy way  to explore Christianshavn is through a canal tour which starts at Nyhavn. But of course, it is always nicer to go by feet and burn some extra calories!

And after you burn calories.. there’s a KFC restaurant near the City Hall.

Hej hej (bye bye) now and vi ses (see you)!!❤ 🙂 ALL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS ON THIS BLOG ARE MINE.  🙂 #spreadloveandpositivevibes