Denmark

 We arrived in Copenhagen to good weather. Some clouds but no rain. A busy day in that we had a walking tour in the morning and palace and Tivoli Garden in the afternoon.  

This morning we learned a ton about Denmark.  It does seem to be the most perfect country to live in for family life except for the taxes. Government programs allow for day care at age 1 and encourage it for baby socialization. Employers allow parents to take a day off if needed for family time in addition to the 5 weeks paid vacation. Maternity leave is 1 year and fathers “have” to take 11 weeks off of that year. Health care is socialized as much of Europe. To become a citizen you must learn the language and pass a test.   Alien residents are welcomed 

Lifestyle is the draw as well as clean energy but the downside is the winters often dreary, gray with a biting wind that is often misty until April.  Taxes are high to pay for all the services and tax on a car is 150% of cost.  Lots of bikes and wind energy with turbines just off the coast 

Tivoli Gardens is actually an amusement park (the worlds oldest). It is known for its lanterns throughout the park 110000 of them.   The gardens and all types of fountains are scattered throughout the park although the rides seem to be grouped together.  Supposedly Walt Disney came to Tivoli for ideas before designing  Disneyland.   It was a glorious warm afternoon and a great place to people watch.  The interaction of parents and children was positive especially when we compared it to Disney Paris where parents didn’t seem to interact with their children. 

Copenhagen is one town we want to come back to see more of in the future.  Cruises do not let you fully enjoy the ports.