Sophie’s World

15 May 2007

Lovely weather, summer has definitely arrived. Tivoli lures you in with its magic lights and atmosphere of a bygone era (luckily not bygone in Copenhagen, then). They’ve added a shop, all about teddy bears and outfits for the little cuddly ones.

What never ceases to amaze me is the sheer number of bicycles here. Walking to the conference centre every morning, they seemed as numerous as the cars passing me. This is a major means of transportation – by bike is how you go to school, to work, to the shops…

Hardly anyone wear helmets, though. Introducing legislation requiring everyone to wear helmets is currently under debate in Denmark as well as in many other countries in the area. It’s part of the current (and so far quite successful) EU-scheme to reduce traffic accidents and deaths by 50 % by 2010. Looks like the bicycle helmet issue will be a tough one here, though.

5 March 2007

I really like Dublin. I do. But what’s with all this traffic? And why haven’t I noticed it on previous trips? I’m inclined to say Dublin is not the easiest city to walk with a 5-year-old. Even Rome was easier and seemed less polluted.

Other than the traffic, though - plenty to see and do. We went to Dublinia and Christ Church Cathedral and walked in Temple Bar and along the Liffey in the rain - plenty to occupy a little one here.

The Shelbourne was closed for renovation - so their gorgeous high tea is for next time.