An unexpected discovery

Leaving Central Station and walking towards DIS

Tuesday I went into the city to meet Lea, one of my good friends and former lab-mates from Dickinson. She is currently studying abroad at DIS, so we decided to spend the day exploring the city together. Before meeting her at noon, I wanted to wander the streets I've missed so much.

SO. MANY. BIKES.

I biked to the train station and rode into the city, taking the same commute I took every day for 5.5 months. It was a beautiful day and the city was alive! I walked from the central station, past Tivoli gardens, and down one of the main streets. I took photos and sat on a bench people-watching. Finally, I walked over to the street that houses the DIS buildings and classrooms. It's been converted into a pedestrian only street meaning only bikes and people are allowed to ride through.

You can see the DIS sign on the left,
filled bike racks, and blue skies 

In front of the fountain 

Lea and I started our day with pastries from my favorite bakery close to DIS. We took our treats back to a square to sit on the edge of a fountain. Over the course of the next 4 hours, we wound our way around Copenhagen. We popped into a few stores and went over to the Rosenborg Slot (Castle) and gardens. I'd spent many afternoons on the grounds when abroad, and enjoyed sharing the history with Lea (I was a bit amazed I still remembered!). We took plenty of photos, sat in the sun, and finished what was left of our snacks.

The park was filled with groups of friends, couples, and families 

Loving the pram

Biking starts early!

View of the Castle from the Gardens

Adorable

So much activity!

Danish family commuting home

Such a Danish scene: mothers and babies in the park

MOSS!

bike racks

We wandered across the street to the Botanical Gardens. I've visited Rosenborg many times, but had never been to the Botanical Gardens... I was blown away by the natural beauty tucked away in the center of the city.

View from the top of the gardens... we were in for a treat

We watched him fly across the water 

SUCH a dramatic reflection in the water! Can you spot the egret? 

There were groups of Danish school kids exploring the gardens as well

Can you see all the Danes sunning themselves

We sat on a dock looking out across this lily pond

Every turn along the path brought stunning new views!

Climbing up, up, up past gardens and greenery 

On the way to the train, we stopped by the market

Time flew by in the gardens, and at 4pm we boarded the S-Tog (train) back to Herlev Station. Lea, who lives in a kollegium (like a Danish dorm) hasn't had the chance to leave the city center or meet a Danish family yet, so the Hellesens invited her for dinner!

Another family commuting home by bike

Helle picked us up at the train station so that the three of us could go and watch Mira's riding lesson. She has become even better in the year and a half since I've last seen her ride!

Go Mira Go!

After the lesson, we headed home. Lars had been hard at work grilling a feast! We were joined by a family friend, Henrek, and the six of us enjoyed a delicious, leisurely Danish meal. Lea fit right in with the rest of the family!

The day's adventure reminded me how much there is to CPH that I haven't experienced. I love that wandering the streets here often leads to unexpected adventures and discoveries. I've passed the gates to this garden many times without knowing what laid beyond them. And of course, eating and relaxing with the Hellesens made for a perfect end to a great day.