theStearns

Nyhavn is a popular entertainment and tourist district in Copenhagen, Denmark (photo by Kenn Stearns)

There’s a certain charm to Nyhavn, a colorful waterfront district of Copenhagen that’s a popular tourist destination. But “colorful” means more than the bright canal-front buildings in the photo above. In its day, Nyhavn was an active harbor best known for pubs, prostitutes, and partying. The infamous reputation has given way to tourism, the old buildings that once housed merchants and brothels are now restaurants, ice cream parlors, and tourist attractions such as canal tour boats. In the summer, music and people are everywhere – the lively atmosphere a stark contrast to the medieval architecture and the wooden boats.

The smell of freshly-baked waffle cones wafts from the open doors of Vaffelbageren, an ice cream shop in Nyhavn where foam and jam can be added to the frozen desserts (photo by Kenn Stearns)

The Little Mermaid sculpture in Copenhagen Harbor (photo by Kenn Stearns)

This statue of The Little Mermaid sits on a rock in Langelinie, a park in central Copenhagen, Denmark. Sculptor Edvard Eriksen modeled the head after ballerina Ellen Price but because she would not pose nude the artist’s wife was a model for the body.

The iconic work in the harbor is a copy. Eriksen’s heirs keep the original at an undisclosed location. Other copies of the statue can be found in Solvang, CA; Kimballton, IA; Brasilia, Brazil; Piatra Neamt, Romania; Weihai, China; and on the grave of Danish-American entertainer Victor Borge.

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia in Northern Europe (photo by Kenn Stearns)

Less than 20 years ago, on August 20, 1991, Estonia declared independence from the Soviet Union and Tallinn once gain became the capital of this Northern European country that is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the south by Latvia, to the west by the Baltic Sea, and to the east by the Russian Federation. Over the centuries, the Estonians were subjected to Danish, Teutonic, Swedish, and Russian rule.

Much of  Tallinn’s historic city center was built in the 14th century when it prospered as a trading town. The cobblestone streets, intriguing alleyways, and medieval buildings have survived to create a unique charm.

But the charm that delights tourists hides a dark history. Estonians endured brutal invasions and occupations.  The Singing Revolution is a documentary that tells the story of how Estonians used song as a weapon to help free themselves from decades of Soviet occupation. “If Hollywood made this story up, no one would believe it.” It’s a film worth seeing.