Kali Bliss Travel

Category: Europe

  • Christianso & Bornholm Islands, Denmark

    After calm sailing all night with westerly winds at our stern, we were very lucky this morning to make a landing at Christians Ø, named after one of the many King Christians of Denmark. The bastions are still lined with front-loading cannons. Seventeen-fifties barracks colored with the traditional yellow pigment and red tile roofs form two quaint streets.

    Herring is the popular fish that use to be fished here, however, today the fishing industry is nearly extinct because of EU regulations and overfishing. Today the year round population is approximately 96 people. You have to admire the small, well-kept gardens full of beautiful flowers and occasional mulberry trees with ripe sweet berries. There were small houses, lit up with flowers and gardens, laundry outside in the sun, and plenty of local berries and honeysuckle to eat off the plants. The island still has a fairyland feel, and you really know you are in the middle of the Baltic Sea with the stiff breeze, warm sun, and puffy clouds. Today, over 80,000 visitors come to these small islands each year. We were lucky to get there early before the main tourist who come via ferry arrive.

    After lunch we headed west for the island of Bornholm, famous for its Round Churches and Hammerhus Castle, the largest fortress in Scandinavia, built in the 13th century. The ruins perched dramatically over the seas. Between the Danes and the Swedes, it has changed hands many times, and it was eventually destroyed in the later part of the 18th century. We walked through what still remained with our local guide and heard about the role it played in Baltic’s history. After a nice hike up the hill in the glorious sunshine, I sat in the grass below, put on my head phones and just breathed in the fresh hair and ambiance.

    After I was let on a long hike, which turned into a run, through the forest from the castle ruin down to Allinge. Eventually I ended up back at the main town,  the small fishing village, Allinge, and stopped by one of the best smoked mackerel houses, “Allinge Rogeri.” There we were treated to local smoked mackerel, Danish beer and aquavit. I did not enjoy the smoked herring, but others did. The restaurant had a nice view of the water and a beachy feel with no floor, just sand, and walls you could sign with chalk. Of course, I climbed aboard a chair and signed my name proudly.

  • Copenhangen, Denmark

    Wow. What a city. I don’t even know what to say. Frist impressions= clean, quiet, cute, and very put together. Within minutes of seeing the town and being here I have already fallen in love. The streets are made of cobblestone, a much different approach to the slick even sidewalks of California. The buildings all look different, or are at least colored differently. Its great. Most importantly, Copenhagen is a city build on the water. It’s their best and main attraction, and obviously it appeals to me greatly. It is a small town with basic amenities and no real tourist traps besides the canal cruise (which is worth going on) and maybe a few typical restaurants that are not worth the dollar. I could see myself living in Denmark. The people are so kind and polite, life seems easy, and the daily routine consist of a bicycle ride to wherever you need to go. Not to mention, the fine coffee flavor they have and beautiful scenery.

    I spent the first few days walking and biking around to get a real feel for the city. I walked amongst cobbled stones, small alleys, and along canals looking at the historic buildings, parks, and just people watching. I highly recommend renting a bike and getting out of the main city area as well.

    Highlights from Copenhagen—

    1. The Little Mermaid.

    Hans Christian Anderson is one of my personal hero’s. Not only did he develop the literary piece that would serve as my favorite dismay movie and favorite Disney character of all time, but he also helped establish Denmark’s prestige history. I was fortunate enough to grow up learning about Hans Christian, someone many people have not heard of, especially in childhood. On my last trip, I was lucky enough to stop by his house and explore the museum with his name. He is a remarkable character that I will always honor. Not rich, not good looking, but determined and motivated and extremely passionate. He symbolizes life as it should be led and shows not everything is materialistic, as it seems.

    2. Christanhaven.

    I was able to find this town via bicycle, hidden before a bridge and somewhere in the mist of Copenhagen. A large tree and walk way left the way into Christian haven, where, after crossing a reddish tile walkway we were led into hippie town. Oh no way, correction, weeds ville. This place was insane. Never have I ever seen anything like it. If weed were to wine, I’d be in heaven. Unfortunately, as a non-smoker, I really was indifferent as to what I saw, more interesting than anything else. I walked down about a block and soon came upon the “rules”. Mainly being, no photos. All over there were large round signs painted with cameras with a deep red x, not allowed

    3. Endless Coffee Shops & Ice Cream.

    As most people know, I have the biggest sweet tooth when it comes to ice cream related edibles. Copenhangen had many ice cream/ gelato shops all over the city. Yummmmm. I found some of the best organic ice cream I’ve ever tasted at Hansen’s Ice Cream. Most shops also opened before noon! The Cafe’s around the city were also very nice. I was happy to see no sign of Starbucks and try some new tea and coffee creations. Many have nice outdoor tables you can sit and enjoy the sun and people watch.