Our day started at 4:30am to get ready for the train to Denmark. It is only 3 blocks to the closest underground station so the -3 degree weather didn't have time to chill us to the bone on the short walk. We must be getting used to the cold.
Although Germany to Denmark might not seem very far, it was still about 1100km from Munich to Varde so the total train trip including changes was about 11 hours. Of course the train was also delayed in Hamburg so that added another hour onto the trip. The trains are very roomy and comfortable so the trip wasn't quite as horrendous as it sounds. The further north we went the more wet and miserable the weather got (although slightly warmer).
Varde is a small village in the Western part of Denmark (Copenhagen is situated in the East and some distance from this town). Near where we were staying was a nature reserve with shortcuts into the city. It was pretty, even given the weather you can see how these places must spring to life in the summer. Late one night we ventured into the town centre and stayed for a beer or three. The atmosphere in the town was quiet but it was buzzing in the little pub. It's tradition to drink Christmas Schnapps this time of year. I was told that you have to finish your shot before it can be topped up. I went from very sober to very drunk, very quickly.
These stones are known as Viking Runestones. The inscriptions mention the Scandinavians who took part in viking expeditions. The language inscribed is called Old Norse and is an old Swedish and Danish dialect.
This picture of the north sea looks quite peaceful but trust me it was very cold and windy. In the background they are making oil drilling platforms to tow offshore.
We were really fortunate to have a guided tour by one of the neighbours. Jens spent some time in America and had a crazy southern accent and the most addictive laugh. He knew so much about the local history having grown up in this part of Denmark. This is one of many German bunkers that were built along a beach just north of Esbjerg in anticipation of an attack from England on the German forces.
It took two jackets to protect my person from the crazy wind. It was so strong you could lean into the wind and be supported. We stood up on a platform, but had to get down. It would have taken a wrong step to lose your balance and fall.
The next day we headed to Fano Island which is pronounced in Danish as (fa-noo). It was really lovely. The houses typically date back to the 17-1800's. Many Germans holiday to this Island. We took the car over by ferry. Sadly, many of the restaurants were closed. It's apparently difficult to get around in the Summer with so many people coming over here. Not so popular in the winter. We did find a really nice cafe-bar and had a 'traditional coffee.' A traditional coffee is just coffee (with or without milk) with a shot of schnapps - my tummy hurts just thinking about it.
The houses all had thatched roofs and were low set. If any new houses are built on the island they have to be built to meet the old style. So many tiny houses and tiny streets. We were fortunate to have an afternoon tea inside one of these houses with some of the local residents. We were told that actually the houses are built close together with narrow streets to protect from the wind.
Joe can never live here.
- Kate
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