26th August : Copenhagen

*" Good morning or Hej and it has been an interesting start. My alarm was set for 8 but I was awaken at 7 by the sound of copious amounts of running water at 7am. In my sleepy state, i first thought it was a shower just running for ages then I thought it was a broken water-pipe. How wrong could I be. They have a fountain somewhere out the back in a garden that switches on nice and early, apparently everyday.

** I went past the McDonalds for a quick breakfast ( black coffee & egg McMuffin) and after waiting 5 minutes in a queue I discovered that it was not a queue rather it was three young schoolkids ,(around 12/14) who were just standing there while their teacher was acting their order. Having realised my error I moved to the correct queue. The teacher who had witnessed my mistake came up to me and apologised for her kids and then offered to place my order and pay for it. Obviously I said no.

There was really nothing to be apologetic about, and secondly (for those who understand my eating habits), I needed to place a specific order to ensure no cheese or bacon etc. In other words for those of you who do not understand my eating habits, I'm fussy! I had even typed my order out on my English to Danish translator. So was I shocked when she walked up to me with a breakfast she had ordered and paid for, saying she never takes no for an answer. What could I do. I thanked her for the McMuffin and orange juice and cuppachino and walked off on my merry way. I exited the train station and found one of the many street people hanging around the station. I asked him if he had had breakfast and upon his answer 'no' I gave him the food and drink. I kept the coffee.

** Started this morning going on my way to the National Museum of Denmark but as luck has it I came a building upon which was the name Glyptotek. It was not high on my list as I only have two full days here but ........ I am so glad I went inside.

First the whinge, it cost 125 krona to enter. That translates into A$25. And they would not give me a senior's discount although if I could prove I was a teacher there was a 30% discount I think. The most expensive museum I have been to so far. In Spain most were between 10 ,& 15 dollars, and a few were actually free. In the UK just about all museums are free. And to add insult to injury, no bags or water allowed at all (also strange but their museum their rules) so we are forced after paying to pay 20 krona to use a lock up box. My blood pressure did not go up but I was so umimpressrd as that added an extra A$4 to the bill. I believe at this point the expression is $#@#$&$&$& but I was then told by one of the docent that I get the money for the box back. ..... Anyway whinge over

What an amazing museum. Many great Danish artists from the 29th & 20th centuries including some Rodan, and many Impressionists. Many sculptures, nudes & otherwise. And to my surprise a collection of 2500 to 5000 year old artefacts as well.

** Three hours into wandering the museum I needed sustinence and wandered up to the roof. There I found a magnificent view of the low built city and a bar. I got into a conversation about Australia with the uni student aged girl serving me, who wanted to know about Oz and my travels. I mentioned to her about the cost of coffee and according to her Copenhagen is know to have the most expensive coffee in the world. Her words, not mine, but I can believe it. I ordered a lemon spritz type drink and a bowl of the most amazing green olives. So crispy. I cannot understand how they dedicate them. No salt just scrumptious. Needless to say those two item alon cost A$16 - $17.

Images of the view from outside the Glyptotek & the terrace.

Images from the Glyptotek Museum

Look out for the impressionist artists. They are just wonderful. Most I have never seen before

An original of 'The Thinker'

Joan D'Arc

Napolion 3rd

Execution of the Emperor of Mexico

Powerful representation against slavery

The Three Graces

Representation of mother Denmark

Phrygian archer sharpening his arrows

Ah, the nightmare stairs

The Men of Calais by Rodin

Plaster caster for the Joan D'Arc bronze

Miniature original of The Thinker

Head of Victor Hugo by Rodin

Head of Medusa

For me this is one of the most powerful anti-bondage images I have ever seen.

Adam & Eve - first funeral

*" Off now to the National Museum. Apparently it's only 300 metres away. Very interesting. They actually have an acceptable collection of Neolithic, chalcolithic, bronze and iron Age artefacts, as well as a vast collection of Greek vases.

This is a possible representation of the above as it may have appeared 2500 years ago. It should be remembered that all Greek and possibly Roman statues were in colour.