Friday, September 23, 2016

Cycling in Copenhagen

Denmark!

Couldn't wait to check out a new to me country. Was so happy to meet this guy straight away at the airport


My flight had been delayed so by the time we got to the hotel we pretty much just had time for dinner and that was it. The neighborhood around our hotel (near Copenhagen Central Station) was super hipster; we completely felt like we were in Chicago. We were hoping to find a brewpub that our hotel had recommended but we couldn't and everything was about to close so we had Italian instead...so random but so delicious!

Next day was our bike tour of the city! Started the day with a yummy sandwich and cappuccino

  
And then headed out to see all there was to see in Copenhagen! Apologize for selfie central up ahead.

Can you see my face in that pic??

bike lanes everywhere


Very strange part of town, Freetown/Christiana-a -once homeless turned more now hippie- commune where the drug use is obvious and the graffiti is everywhere.....super interesting






Nyhavn, famous canal area in Denmark


This market below was just the best midday find: Market with all sorts of cuisine, delicious raspberry mojitos, and views of the water :)






"The Little Mermaid"  Apparently this statue is a big deal here? So we figured check it out....
Nate's in heaven...these were for public use along the path

Found a great spot to watch the sunset

That night, we finally located the brewpub! 

Next up (the following day), walking in Jægersborg Dyrehave, a beautifully forested park full of deer.  Was just a short train ride away and the park was really nice and peaceful. 



This building is from the 1600s and was used as a hunting lodge by royalty. The signs said that they still occasionally use it today, although it doesn't appear that way. 

After that, a wander along the water (during which we could see the bridge to Sweden!) and a really really nice lunch next to the harbor in Taarbaek. 






Denmark, you were great to us!



Monday, September 19, 2016

Adventures in Wandsworth


London! Arrived here Sunday the 11th and was picked up at the airport by my wonderful friend Brandon....reunited after four years! This guy, if you don't remember from the old blog, is someone that Katy and I made friends with in Chile back in 2011. And then stayed with when we were in London (Hammersmith) in 2012.






Well four years have gone by but we are still just as close of friends...nothing has changed....except now I am staying in Wandsworth! A new neighborhood to explore! And explore I did....

Last night after we made the long trek back from the airport (big accident on the M4) we wandered over towards Putney (another neighborhood) and grabbed a drink (CIDER BLACK KATY!) overlooking the Thames. Then found some food and had quite a long catch up. During our wander I had noticed a park with plans to check out Monday while Brandon was at work....
Corner of Putney High Street  

The Thames

So that is where I headed the following morning! This park was gorgeous, was able to get a run and mini workout in, as well as some serious walking and dog-watching.





After my workout, I was wandering about the park and stumbled upon a creaky gate that looked like it would lead to a private area. Definitely pushed that gate open and went to explore and stumbled across Fulham Palace, the former home of the Bishop of London from 704. Didn't go in the palace but it had beautiful grounds and a garden. 




I'd say my day of adventuring around Wandsworth was a successful one!  Next up, Central London.