Our last day in Europe was pretty much our ideal. We woke fairly early, had a light breakfast at the hostel, and then set out sightseeing. We'd purchased a klipkart, a 10-pack of public transit tickets, Saturday night so that we could hop the first bus we saw on Sunday morning. It took us to Copenhagen's Kastellet, the old fort, where we walked around and enjoyed the beautiful (but brisk) sunny morning. Then a photo op at The Little Mermaid statue and hopped on the harbus bus, Copenhagen's answer to Venice's vaporetto. We'd intended to take it all the way down to the library (we love Euro libraries), but due to high water it was only going as far as Nyhavn, so from there we needed another bus. However, the one we grabbed (the 11A) was an unexpected delight - a small shuttle, and as soon as we settled in the driver asked, do you understand Danish or do you want it in English? English, we said, and he proceeded to point out the various Danish historic sights on the circular route to the library.

The library, which they call The Black Diamond for its shape, built in 1999, was very cool, though not quite a rival to Amsterdam. Then another bus to the hippy commune of Christiania. We didn't get many photos, because they don't allow cameras in their "Green Light District" but it was unlike any place I've ever been. Beautiful grafiti everywhere, cool little make-shift houses, creative playgrounds for kids. It was established in 1971 when a group of squatters took over an old military base, and since the Danish Supreme Court upheld their right to be there, the government has tolerated their presence ever since.

A quick lunch and then the metro back to our neighborhood for a long break and to get our luggage in order for our flight home. I spent about two hours late Saturday night researching a dinner restaurant, and though there were no reservations available, we decided to take a chance on walking in at a restaurant called Madklubben. We headed out about 6:30, but as luck would have it, they had a table available, just right then. The rest of the place was packed, so I know we were truly lucky. Our meal was great, the atmosphere was great, and it was the perfect way to end our Europe trip.

I'm actually posting this from America, in the United Club in the Newark Airport. We've had to accept our long layover - every earlier flight to St. Louis is full-booked. But the United Club here is really nice - drinks and wi-fi and place to store our luggage. So no complaints. I can't believe we'll be back at work tomorrow. It was truly a wonderful trip. Thanks, Scandinavia!