The second week in Denmark saw us putting in to practice the road rules we had tried to become familiar with when riding bicycles around the area. We borrowed Bjarne’s car and drove to Ribe which is the oldest town in Denmark.(This gave Bjarne a welcome day off which I am sure he appreciated!) Ribe is an absolutely charming place with narrow cobble stoned streets and very old houses. The church has a tall tower and we paid for the privilege of climbing ever steepening stairs to the top where there was a fantastic view. After looking around the town and having lunch we drove back and were pleased with the driving effort, always a concern when it is so different from what we are used to.
The next couple of days were spent doing emails, bike riding into Logumkloster, washing and visiting the very large 800 year old church in Logumkloster. An organ lesson was taking place which added to the majesty of the visit. Heidi finished school midday Thursday and we headed north straight after lunch for the summerhouse. The roads are fantastic and one can maintain a steady speed (max 120kmh) for hours. Picked the key up from Laila, Bjarne’s sister and drove to the summerhouse. We would call it a bach. However it has features that most of our baches do not have… the winters are very cold so there is under floor heating in the bathroom. There was a shower and a spa bath, tv, dishwasher ride-on mower and other lovely things. We had a walk along the beach which is a little like Papamoa beach to look at but much cooler, then had a very special dinner at Laila’s.
Our three full days at the very north of Denmark were full and interesting. We went to Albaek Harbour which is an important fishing harbour that has been man made. We went to the very tip of Denmark where the two seas ‘collide’…. reminded us of Cape Reinga. Went to a fabulous museum with wonderful artwork done by painters we had never heard of. Subjects featured included sea scenes and everyday life of the hard working locals. We drove past the highest point in Denmark, 173m ( we were 250m above sea level when we were at the top of the Storebelt bridge!) Friday night we had another fabulous dinner at Bjarne’s nephew’s and Saturday lunch we went to a very popular fish restaurant and had the opportunity to try many new fish dishes. On the way back to the summerhouse we drove through a lovely woodland area which was Bjarne’s back yard when he was growing up. On Sunday we called in to see Bjarne’s daughter and son in law in Arhus on our way back to Ellum.. They are expecting their first child very soon.
Monday was washing clothes, trying to force our belongings back into the suitcases, being driven over the border again into Germany to catch a train to Hamburg, then the night train to Paris, then another train to Dijon. The night train compartment was tiny, quite well planned and gave a welcome chance to stretch out even though a sound sleep wasn’t achieved. Catherine had the top bunk. We had our own hand basin and there was a toilet and shower just down the corridor. Breakfast was included, we didn’t know that, and it was generous and enjoyable.
Checked in at the hotel and had a great lunch at a nearby, very busy, café. We had a bit of a look around Dijon, including the mustard museum, and thought it a particularly lovely city. Later, Christian the lovely insurance man picked us up from our hotel, took us to his office, sorted out the boat insurance details, let us ring the boatyard about Erewhon, let us check our email on his computer, took us to a supermarket to get some supplies, then delivered us back to the hotel. The best service I have ever heard of! We have since met Francois from Perth (born in Mauritius, been to several school in the world including St Pat’s town) who also has been very well looked after by Christian. This has been very typical of the extra mile people have gone to, to help us. After a good sleep at the Hotel Ibis, 200m from the railway station, we picked up a rental car in Dijon and drove to St Jean de Losne.
Jeanette
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