I arrived in Copenhagen coming over the bridge that connects Sweden to Denmark, along the Strait of Øresund, to be precise it connects Malmö to Copenhagen. The futuristic structure was inaugurated in 2000 and it’s 15 km long, but unfortunately, instead of uniting the two countries it has caused friction. This is because the bridge is used by the many Swedes who go to Denmark to meet prostitutes, due to the severe laws in Sweden against this.

Copenhagen is a beautiful city, where everyone moves by bicycle. It was there that I first saw the famous bicycles available for rent.

The city is really delightful and sitting along the canals enjoying a typical Danish beer is a favourite pastime for tourists and residents. They are not even intimidated by the cold, in fact all the pubs are equipped with tall heaters used for outdoor living and warm blankets.

One of the most beautiful squares in the city is without a doubt the one of the royal palace of Amelienborg, the Danish royal residence since 1794 and where in the central point stands the equestrian statue of Frederick V. The square has an octagonal shape because the structure of the palace consists of four buildings, all the same, on each of the four corners of the square. The changing of the guard is a show not to be missed. It takes place at noon. The guards depart from the palace of Rosenborg at 11:30 to arrive at Amelienborg at 12:00 o'clock.

Another beautiful square is where the Town Hall is situated, next to the famous amusement park of Tivoli Gardens, which is located in the centre of the city. Walking along the beautiful squares, alleys and canals one can reach the port of Copenhagen, where the famous statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid is. She was commissioned by the founder of Carlsberg in 1909, who was a great fan of Andersen's tale, but although she has now become the symbol of Copenhagen, she is very small, only 1.25 meters tall. She looks towards the sea, watching the ships go by. She seems to be waiting for her lost love to come back, on one of the many ships that passes by daily in front of her. I can’t deny that she gave me a slight feeling of sadness, being so little, in such a large harbour, with those huge ships passing by in front of her. However, she is lovely to see.

Another wonderful place well worth a visit is the beautiful botanical garden, one of the most important in the world, with its wonderful green house and an outstanding collection of plants. Copenhagen has given me a sense of peace and tranquillity, a feeling rare to find in any other chaotic capital of Europe.

The next trip will be in Morocco…on 19-07