Denmark

Saying goodbye to the Christiana we caught the train to Billund for Legoland. We had fallen into the trap of staying in the over-priced fairly average Legoland hotel. Many of the comments on Trip Advisor pan the hotel, and it is not much more then a Flag Inn charging Sheraton prices. On the plus side it is great for kids with entry to Legoland included in the price; allows easy access to the park; and there are buckets of Lego for them to play with scattered throughout the hotel.

The kids were in their element and loved going on the rides and seeing many famous cities and sights made out of Lego.

Lego Ride

Gabi was brave enough to go on the Polar Ice roller coaster with Dan, and I think they were both as terrified as each other. It was a gutsy effort by Gab, as it is very high, goes extremely fast and is more suited for older children.

Of course it is hard to leave Legoland without clutching a box of Lego and both kids came away from the massive shop clutching a small box. Lego for the kids has kept them entertained in every country since we left and has been played with on trains, planes, airports, stations, restaurants, apartments and hotel rooms, so adding to the collection is a plus for all parties sanity.

It's all Lego

I was hoping that there would be a history of Lego where one could take a walk down memory lane and see the sets we'd played with as kids in the late 70s : train stations, hospitals, star wars. However it was not to be ...

When in Denmark it is important to do as the Danes do and ride a bike. Copenhagen alone has over 360 kms of bike tracks, and 55% of the population commutes daily! This is the solution for us we thought ... the adults peddling and the kids in a carrier ... EASY! Day 1 - we set out to track down the bike shop for our transport however it was not to be as it was Sunday and most shops were closed. Day 2 - we excitedly set out again map packed. Alas many a shop but none who would cater for the needs of our family. 'The Christiana' was what we needed but we were told but the Christiana was hard to find. After the 4th shop I was thinking of using my trusty Swiss army knife to cut a Christiana loose from the many stacked on the side-walk.

Bikes, Bikes, Bikes

Day 3 - not to be defeated Dan set off early with the Christiana in his sights (to be obtained legally). He returned triumphantly with the beast in tow ... the kids were ecstatic ... their chariot awaited. No trailing behind mum and dad on foot; a comfy seat; a cover for the rain, and a good view. They were set.

The Christiana

The bike gave us the freedom we needed and although we were a bit nervous at the start we soon got the hang of it. It was a bit like driving in Italy, keep to one side and let the experts pass by quickly. On bikes we saw the changing of the guard and hoped to hang out with Mary & Frederick as their kids are similar in age, but they were apparently in London for the Olympics.

The Changing of the Guard

Lisa on Bike

We explored the coast line and went on board a beautiful Norwegian clinker free of charge. Visited the beautiful botanical gardens and saw the amazing herb garden. An undoubted highlight was a visit to the famous Tivoli Gardens - the second oldest amusement park in the world. They have spent 170 years perfecting the art of draining every last kroner out of your wallet, but they also put on a hell of a show ... some of the rides made you feel ill just watching!

Boat

Herb Garden and Botanical Gardens

Amazing Tivoli Gardens

Climbed to the top of the round tower (Rundetarn) and enjoyed amazing 360 degree views of Copenhagen. Also peddled along the waterfront and enjoyed dinner in a funky local cafe. Made a half-hearted pass at the world's number 1 restaurant - Noma - but thank goodness it was closed for renovations!

Rundertarn

Noma - No.1 two years running - bank loan anyone?

Nearly made it back to our hotel room in lovely Nyhavn before the storm hit and we had to shelter under an awning. Rain is common place in the Danish summer and our first two days had been marred by rain and Melbourne Autumnal-like temperatures. It should also be noted that Dan spent an inordinate amount of time trying to track down Sophie Grabol - star of the hit TV show The Killing. Apparently her favourite cafe was just around the corner from our hotel, but alas no Inspector Sarah Lund despite his best efforts ...

Nyhavn

Copenhagen is a beautiful city and although it is very expensive we really enjoyed the ease of travel on bikes, the wonderful architecture, laid-back vibe, efficiency and organisation.