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Saturday, September 15, 2012

Copenhagen! Christianshavn!

Copenhagen! Christianshavn! is an artificial island neighborhood located in Copenhagen, founded in the early 17th century by Christian IV as part of his extension of the fortifications of Copenhagen. It was laid out as an independent privileged merchant's town with inspiration from Dutch cities but it was soon incorporated into Copenhagen proper. Dominated by canals, it is the part of Copenhagen with the most nautical atmosphere. Church of our Savior is a big attraction for Christianhavn! But that will be in tomorrows post! Christianshavn developed a bohemian reputation in the 1970s and it is now a fashionable, diverse and lively part of the city with its own distinctive personality, with residents tending to see themselves first as Christianshavners and then as Copenhageners. 

There is even a private city within the city called Christiania also known as free town Christiania, its a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood of about 850 residents covering 84 acres. Its a large commune, but the area has a unique status in that it is regulated by a special law, the Christiania Law of 1989. The town has created much controversy as there is open drug trade that happens and is not governed by Copenhagen, there has also been many riots, open prostitution, and murder within the community. They also have all there own shops and workers within there community, everything they need is located on that 84 acres. They have there own flag that is red with 3 yellow dots that represent the 3 i's in Christiania and they have there own currency Løn, previously they had the Fed and, in one year, the Klump. Hemp tokens, also known as "Nemos", which could be exchanged for cannabis, were also in circulation. 



Before going to Christianhavn! Kevin and I had complimentary breakfast and checked out of the hotel!


Oh Ikea!


Breakfast buffet! Loved the wood ceiling trusses in the space and the Ikea white flower lamps!


Morning spread of cereals, nuts, dried fruit, yoghurt, fruit, meats, breads, cheeses!


Kevin loves his sandwiches!



Kevin liked this building, thought it would be a cool place to live and was also street number 51, his old number.


Crossing over the bridge!



Hotel on a boat! so cool!


This black building was completely slanted on this side allowing you to see the reflection of the boats passing through the water! The Royal Library called the Black Diamond Building, in Copenhagen (Det Kongelige Bibliotek) is the national library of Denmark and university library of University of Copenhagen. It is the largest library in the Nordic countries.




Christian's Church is a magnificent Rococo church in the Christianshavn district of Copenhagen Designed by Nicolai Eigtved, it was built 1754–59. The church was originally built for the large German community at Christianshavn and served this purpose until the end of the 19th century. The church was originally built by the German community as a church for the large German community at Christianshavn and served this purpose until the end of the 19th century.



Reminded us of Venice!


Old man in overalls working on his wooden ship! :)


Canals lined with townhouses! In 2000 Christiansbro underwent some dramatic changes. Several office buildings, homes and the head office of a bank were built on the former lot of B&W. The project was designed by the Danish architect Henning Larsen. Directly across the water is the famous ‘Black Diamond’ building which is the home of the Royal Library.


I loved this colors, they look good in the morning sunlight!


Looks like a nice place to live!


Christianshavns Canal (Christianshavns Kanal) is the main canal on the island. There is a very cozy atmosphere in and around the canal during the summertime. The canal divides the town into what is known as the upper town and the lower town. This explains the odd street names within the town. Pleasure cruisers and houseboats are to be seen everywhere. There are several tour companies which offer boat tours through the canals.




Street art everywhere! Maybe we were close to Christiania! ;)


Kevin getting into the map!



The Gypsy Markets! You can find these in pretty much every city in Europe! Christianshavns Square (Christianshavn Torv) is the main square in the centre of Christianshavn. It is also the location of the metro station. The square has a pleasant atmosphere. In 1931 the so-called ‘layer cake house’ was built next to the square. 


Interesting sculpture. In 1938 the sculptor Svend Rathsack designed the Greenlander sculptures which can be seen in the square.


The steeple of Church of our Savior! More info in a later post! ;)


Victorian Kiosk from the 12th century.


Fruit and Veggies! <3


The Dolce (yup after living in Italy for half a year Kevin and I still call desert, dolce)! Kevin wanted a brownie!

Orlogsmuseet, The War Museum tells the story of the Danish Navy all the way back to 1650. The museum has an impressive display of incredibly detailed ship models. There are also many uniforms, weapons and plenty of other seafaring artefacts. The museum is housed in a building which was built in 1755. There is a museum store which sells souvenirs and books about the Danish Navy and sea transport and trade.




Loved this mint color paneled door with the brick!



Enjoyed walking the canals with my baby!



Yarn street art! So awesome!


Lets Sushi!


Very cool what happened to this sign!



Colorful streets!



This store was very cool! Everything inside was made of sustainable materials such as woods, corks, and paper!


Loved the origami lamp shades in the window!


Amazing wall made of wood stumps!


350 Danish Kroner for a wooden laptop lol


Light stores are very popular in all of scandinavia! They must do a lot of lighting design here!


Leaving Christianshavn and back to the other side of the bridge to Copenhagen!

Swedish Words of the Day:
Nautical (pronounced "now-tees-ska") meaning Nautical
Båt (pronounced "bow-t") meaning Boat
Fri (pronounced "(tongue roll)-free") meaning Free

Danish Words of the Day:
Nautiske (pronounced "now-tees-ski") meaning Nautical
Båd (pronounced "pow-d") meaning Boat
Fri (pronounced "fr(tongue roll)-ee") meaning Free


PEACE & LOVE,
Kevin & Amanda

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