June 15: Copenhagen

Our first matter after breakfast was a lecture on the Danes, their democracy, daily life, and Copenhagen’s ambition to be carbon neutral by the year 2025.  After the lecture, we had a walk with a local and a lecture on the life of a Danish family, as well as the educational system.  We stopped at a local cafe in the quarter of town called Vesterbro, where we stopped for coffee and a lecture on the site as a community hangout for young and old (a lot of students were there doing homework).  The building, which had formerly been a church, is now a gathering place for people to get to know each other and help each other out.  A worthwhile undertaking, to be sure.

After Vesterbro, Nancy and I went back to Stroget St, the main centralized pedestrian zone, where we had a salmon salad before going on to our next visit of three important venues:  the Georg Jensen flagship store, the Royal Copenhagen flagship store, and the Illums Bollighus store featuring Danish modern design.  First, the Georg Jensen store, a design house renowned for artistic boldness, superior craftsmanship, and visionary collaborations with leading artists and designers. It was founded in 1904 by master silversmith Georg Jensen.  The Royal Copenhagen store is right next door to the Jensen, and its world famous handpainted porcelain is of the highest quality and includes dinnerware, collectibles, figurines, home decor, and seasonal items. And the third store was Illums Bologhus, a premier center in Scandinavia for Danish and international design.  Each store had multiple floors, and I am anxious for you to see some of my favorite examples as I direct pics your way when I text you.  

After an extended period of time there, Nancy and I took the metro back to the hotel, had a 30-minute rest, and then had a good dinner with the rest of the crew at the hotel, where halibut was served .  For dessert we piled into four different taxis and 8 of us were dropped off at the apartment of a couple who treated us to various desserts, coffee, fruit, etc., while we admired their minimalist interior, the wonderful late afternoon light, and the company of travelers and hosts, with wide-ranging conversations which highlit politics, education, art, movies, etc.  Just now we have returned, with a totally satisfying day behind us.