Saturday 30 August

Also wrote to Ursula last night re accommodation in Basle. Woke this morning after a night of continual rain – to blue sky! A very strong wind was blowing and did blow all day (practice for Wellington Anne says) but NO RAIN. A day to be tourists started with parking problem.

At last found a space and ‘twas on to flat feet to see the Danish Design Centre Den Permanente where on show (and sale) are the highest quality arts and crafts items in all Denmark, chosen for their merit by a special committee. The items were superb but the only items we purchased was 4 postcards (good ones though). Next a walk over the river and canals along H E Anderson’s boulevard to Christiansharn – the older part of Kobenharn.

Sat by one of the canals and ate lunch – apples. Back on foot to the National Museum – here were very well laid out rooms depicting the growth of Danish culture – plus a little of everyone else’s. As in Oslo, complete rooms had to be carefully selected. Next gasp for a lager in the student quarter near the ‘car free’ shopping street of Frbergg/Osterg. We had visited this area and Tivoli last night – very exciting. The shops are filled with good examples of Danish design in clothes, jewels, wood, etc. A young student had played a violin quite well that night and received many tips – back today. After our lager and a walk along past the sex shops (the things A saw in the windows!!) to the Central Station to book our ferry to Germany on Monday (the first day of the winter rates) – another 59 kronor spend.

While we are exchanging some Swedish money a Negro in front of A at the queue peeled off a US$1000 bill from a wad of similar notes. Now for the big moment as to the ABC restaurant in Vesterbrogade. Here, in an attractive room, we wandered up the table for first fish dishes then meat and finally cheese, washed down with lager – that total bill was 32/-.

A short drive to the famous mermaid statue – much smaller than I imagined – was very worthwhile. After this long day I'm looking forward to my “wickey” and bed.