Copenhagen is a thriving commercial center,
and the economy is greased by a fine public-transit system.
Their metro is state of the art, tunneling
under water to connect major neighborhoods.
The Danes vote for high taxes with high expectations
— including a transportation system that works.
We emerge in the charming district of Christianshavn, once Copenhagen's port. 
Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, these buildings were warehouses.
This remained Copenhagen's commercial
center until the 1920s when a modern harbor
was built further out. As the port's economy
collapsed, the place became a slum. 
Cheap prices attracted artsy types, it became trendy,
and now those old warehouses are up-market condos.
The centerpiece of Christianshavn is 
Our Savior's Church 
 — with its beloved steeple...a landmark
that can be seen from all over town. 
Its unique exterior spiral staircase rewards those who
climb it with commanding views of the city.
Just down the street is the famous commune,
Christiania. In 1971, several hundred squatters
took over an abandoned military barracks and
attempted to create their own utopia. 
Two generations later, those idealists are still here, 
defending their right to enjoy life on their terms.
Back then, city officials allowed the squatters'
take-over because no one cared about the land.
Now, this area is becoming some of the priciest
real estate in town. Developers have their
sights set on this land and the very existence
of the Christiania community is threatened.
Depending on your perspective, this is either
a shanty town of scruffy buildings, soft drugs,
and dazed people...or a do-your-own-thing
haven of creativity, peace and freedom. While
the main drag — nicknamed Pusher Street
for its marijuana stalls — may be a bit
off-putting, wander deeper into the community
and you find the real soul of Christiania.
This family has been content to live on this
idyllic spot for 30 years — their daughter
was born and raised right here. Many families
share this building — and there's always
someone to play with just outside the front door.
Rick: How long have you lived in Christiania?
Resident: I lived in Christiania 15 years.
Rick: Now you could live in a fancy condominium
but you choose to live here. Why do you live here?
Resident: Because I have an enormous freedom.
Rick: It’s all about freedom?
Resident: Yes. It is.
Rick: So we look at here we have 800 
people living here,
making some compromises but still
being free.
Resident: Yes exactly.
Rick: A complicated challenge.
Resident: It is and we have a, we have our
bad experience and good experience so, but
the good thing about it that we, we learn.
After four decades the Christiana community
has evolved, but it is still anchored in its
original concept of personal freedom.
Resident: And there is something else I think
is very important, we don’t have 
commercial in here.
Rick: No commercials.
Resident: Have you seen, it’s no signs or
no one buy this, buy that.
Rick: No commercials, I wondered why I —
Resident: It’s illegal in here.
Even in this informal community there still
are rules. While marijuana is tolerated, 
no hard drugs or weapons are allowed.
Resident: It’s so important for a playground
also for grownups.
