to Copenhagen, day 1

Well it was a rainy, cold morning in Germany compared to what is has been the last few weeks. Thankfully our flight wasn't until 11:25am so we did not have to get moving too early! It was difficult finding a direct flight to Copenhagen . . . in fact down right impossible so it was going to require a change. The first leg was to Amsterdam . . . on this flight we had a group of Boy Scouts of America who I assume were Americans but headed back home to Saudi Arabia so probably Embassy brats . . . oh and brats they were! They were probably about 10-13 years old . . . one kid was in Colin's window seat when we got on board . . . I explained he was in our seat and he said he had that seat too. No you don't! I then pointed out that 6D was the aisle while our seats 6E and 6F were middle and window . . . he finally moved. It was only 1 hour and 20 minutes so not too bad! We had 30 minutes to get to our gate and did with no problem only to hear an announcement that the flight was overbooked! It was very tempting to take the cash Euro offer but the next flight wasn't for 6 hours. On this flight we had a Brazilian soccer team . . . took off on time and 50 minutes later we landed in Copenhagen! I swear it was the absolute worst take off ever and for a minute thought my life was over! The take off was very shaky, twisty, and wobbly. I thought one of the wings was going to clip the ground . . . it was really freaky to me!

I tried to buy a train ticket from the airport to the center of town and my debit card was rejected . . . nice . . . I even called the bank the day before to update my travel notifications! They took Euros so that was good but I was worried we would be without cash. I have found that not as many places are marked in English which freaks me out a little bit but most speak very good English. When we got on the train I had no clue when to get off. I knew the stop but had nothing telling me the order . . . I looked in front of me and they had this stack of small plastic bags . . . guess what was on them . . . the train stops. Now isn't that clever and useful too! Back to the money . . . the funny thing is my neighbor and I were discussing this very issue before I left . . . hey might have to call him for some Western Union money transfers, LOL. I did use it at a ATM later in the day with no problems.

Our hotel was about 100 meters from the train station . . . I had not done any planning so decided to just stay at the hotel and swim. OMG, and as Colin would say . . . this place has the bestest pools ever . . . 5 to be exact! The kid pool was as warm as a bath! They were all nice and lifeguards on duty too . . . was very refreshing! I wanted to take photos but they are not allowed inside but I did not see any signs about taking them outside from the viewing area . . . these are two pool areas . . . the inside is for playing and the outer pool is for swimming laps. It was not possible to take a photo of the really cool other area . . . maybe tomorrow?


Okay now here is the thing that had Colin's eyes wide open! I have been in European swimming pools and spas but never have I seen so many naked women . . . I could tell it was bothering him and he was uncomfortable. They had strict rules like no place I had ever seen . . . here are a two that were odd to me . . .
. . . wash your body before putting on your swimsuit
. . . pay special attention to areas with big red X's (with a body and big X's on key areas to wash)

I wanted to take a photo of the sign but figured since photos of the pool were not allowed that photos in the changing room would be not permitted either.

Of course we did not shower before putting on our swimsuit but we did strip down naked at the end just like the other 20 women and kids . . . STRANGE! Of course since Colin had a blast we will be going back everyday we are here! I admit it was really nice and fun and the best part FREE since we are hotel guests! Tomorrow we hit the ground running . . . map is ready and so am I . . . now if only Colin was ready!