Jump!

On our drive through Denmark Chris and I arrived at Elsinore with it’s beautiful wharf, where the old shipbuilding yard has been modernized into a beautiful cultural and knowledge center.  As we were walking towards the water Chris came across a jumping mat and had fun putting it to good use.

We found several interesting boats tied up at the pier.

In the background is Kronborg Castle, famous for it’s part in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Right by the water is a phenomenal library which will be the focus of my next post.

 

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Dogs With Houses

We saw many different styles of homes in Denmark.  Most were very quaint and special, and all were very unique.

I loved this skinny banner!

And dogs of course!  They speak Danish.

A beautiful Countryside

Chris and I left our lovely B & B in Denmark and started driving through the countryside.  It was absolutely charming!  We went through several little villages and I loved every moment.

Isn’t it lovely?

Danish Castle

The B & B Chris had found for us in Denmark was far out in the country, but it happened to be right next to one of the Danish castles–Fredensborg Palace.  It’s an eloquent Baroque castle named by King Frederik IV to commemorate the end of the Great Northern War in 1722.  It’s name means “Place of Peace,” and we certainly agreed with that title.  There are walking paths all around, branching off in different directions, and it makes a great morning stroll or run for many people every day.  There are interesting groves of crazy looking trees nearby, as well as many important statues and markers.

It was a great way to start our morning in Denmark!

 

Atomium

Before leaving Belgium we made one more stop at The Atomium.  This is from the 1958 World’s Fair, the last one organized in Belgium.  It’s really remarkable.

Through various stairs, escalators and elevators you can make your way to every section of it, and each one has special exhibits and unique views of the city.

This area had several pods where children can camp out during special events.  What a fun place to sleep!

Belgium Up Close

When reviewing my photos of Belgium I noticed several showing some of the details of the city, so here they are.  I love this exquisite detail on old buildings and cathedrals.

It was great hearing this small group perform.

Hugues

One of the reasons we wanted to go to Brussels was to see our dear friend, Hugues, one of our first Rotary exchange students that lived with us years ago.  It was exciting to meet him in the square, and to spend a few hours with him.

And clown around with him.

So now we had our own private tour guide and he showed us all around.

Of course, he took us right away to “Manneken Pis,” the peeing boy, which oddly I had never heard about before.  He’s quite famous; you can buy statues with clothes for him; what a riot.

Hugues also showed us where to find the best Belgium chocolate, explained all the important government and international buildings and showed us some beautiful places.

Next time we go we’ll need to see his family and the area where he lives and works, but it was great to see him again.