revisiting Denmark on a dreich Tuesday morning

(Dreich in Scotland at the time of writing)

It seems like a long time since we visited Denmark. I thought you might like to see a few more photos. With five different opinions on what is a good holiday it is not always easy to find a consensus and as a result we do very little on the whole. This suits me just fine. However, it is fun to visit a few places. We stopped by a few small towns with not much other in mind than soaking up the atmosphere.

I quite enjoy exploring towns on foot but on the whole, my little people don't share this love. I am not so sure about the bigger people, they are too polite to comment. All the towns we visited were very pretty.  My favourite town was Helsingor, about 50 minutes drive from our cottage. The ferry to Sweden departs from there. Richard took the offspring to the maritime museum, which they deemed more interesting than criss crossing the town on foot. Annie might have enjoyed it but on balance, spending time with her brothers and dad is preferable than spending time with me. I was happy to explore all on my own. First I wandered up and down the main pedestrian area, which was bustling with people and the streets were lined with pretty shops and restaurants with large gazebos to enjoy food and refreshments outside but not in the full sun. I popped into the odd shop but very few. Shopping is not my thing - unless of course fabric is involved, or possibly yarn. I also like to have a look around design shops or kitchen shops but there weren't that many that I felt I could comfortably explore (and feel tempted) with the measly Ryanair baggage allowance in mind. After a while, I needed a bit of peace and quiet and I broke away from the main thoroughfare and started exploring the side streets. Just around the corner I discovered a few most idyllic and every so quaint streets, lined with wonky very old houses seemingly held upright by magic. The streets were lined hollyhocks, and inviting seats although I didn't dare sitting down as they looked to belong to somebody. I really loved the huge variety of hollyhocks, such a beautiful flower. The houses look very pretty but I am not sure if I would want live in one. I imagine the floors are not all that even and the ceilings must be very low, too. I peeked through some windows, feeling a bit silly. Everywhere I looked, the interiors looked cosy and inviting. I imagined knocking on a door and invite myself for coffee. I didn't of course. I really really love it when the old structures of a town are still intact and obviously well cared for. This town had a very medieval look to it, particularly the little side streets I discovered. The modern buildings around the maritime museum were in stark contrast but equally beautiful. The maritime museum is underground and has the shape of a vast ship. When I finished exploring, I went to meet my people and I could see them exploring underfoot behind vast glass windows facing the inside of the ship. I noticed many murals, some of which I photographed. There were also plenty of points of interest, for example a pile of copper books leaning on a wall and a gigantic fish made out of plastic waste. Right behind the fish was a big food hall with lots of street food stalls. I wasn't hungry but it was fun to have a walk through and smell all the delicious offerings.

The towns in Denmark are very different from towns we might find here in Scotland. Here, buildings can be quite stern and solid and maybe a little oppressive, too. There are of course very picturesque little towns, too. If you have ever watched Balamory with your children, you'll agree. This children show is set in the very sweet small town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to Helsingor today. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. A warm welcome to new followers, too. It is good to see you. xx