We were now docked in Copenhagen. Along with our travel buddies, we decided to order a room service breakfast because our first excursion was going to be at 8:15 AM.
We were shocked when our free room service delivered what we ordered from a menu list. When we checked fruit, we didn't expect a plate full. We thought we were getting a small bowl like we get at the buffet. There was just too much of everything so we stored some of the items in the refrigerator for another time. We never did room service again.
Our first stop was to see the statue of the Little Mermaid. She sits on the “Langelinie” cruise harbor.
In the Hans Christian Andersen story, there is no happy Disney ending. The poor 15 year old mermaid gives up her lovely voice and tail to become human in order to win the prince's love. She would be OK unless the prince should wed another. Sadly he does (some guys can be clueless) and she transforms into sea foam, but her spirit floats into the air.
We also stopped to see the Gefion Fountain and then walked over to Amalienborg Square where the Danish royal family lives. Apparently the Queen was at home because the flag was flying on the rooftop.
There was a royal guard much like the guards in London. We also saw the royal yacht.
We returned to the ship for lunch and took the shuttle back into Copenhagen to do some souvenir shopping. Denmark has an (Ouch!) 25% sales tax. However it pays for their universal health care and free higher education.
There was another hooded crow at Kongens Nytorv (The King's New Square).
There were blue and yellow ribbons on the pillars to show Copenhagen's support of Ukraine.
There was some kind of demonstration going on in the middle of the Square so we went over to investigate. It turned out to be Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day for the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. It showed the genocide that they had suffered during the Sri Lankan Civil War. I sent a photo to our son and daughter-in-law who are moving to Sri Lanka next month. And yes, they knew about the May 18th commemoration. All this was making me quite nervous for them. It was a surprise to have this connection here in Copenhagen.
But then.... what? Would you believe we saw a restaurant that must serve some kind of Hawaiian food!!! Goodness! In Copenhagen??? Wow!
We took the shuttle back to the ship and decided to enjoy the high tea of sandwiches and pastries while listening to a violinist and cellist at the Wintergarden. It was good. It was very good.
We ate salads for dinner again since we were still full from high tea and then attended a lecture about the rather sad, personal life of Hans Christian Andersen.
When we looked out from our balcony later that night, we saw windmills on the water.
This was a day of reflection, happy and yet with some disquiet.
Wonderful experience all together. Like that shot of the windmill.
ReplyDeleteWhat adventures you have!
ReplyDelete(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
That's a good looking group of people at the Wintergarden! Loved the photos, you two sure make the most of your travels.
ReplyDeleteI has repressed the sad ending version of the little Mermaid
ReplyDeleteLin says i visited Copenhagen many times and it was always fun and interesting...
ReplyDeleteMy Danish friend died last week at age 92. He was from Denmark and taught at UH Manoa for 10 years. Thanks for these photos of Denmark. Gigi hawaii
ReplyDeleteI definitely would like to visit there one day 🇩🇰
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I get to visit Copenhagen through your travels. I don't think I'll get there any other way. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have my Scandinavian trip photo album in front of me. Of course there is a photo of the Little Mermaid, including one of her surrounded by Japanese tourists taking photos of themselves. :-) We waited for them to depart and them got one just of the Mermaid. The Gefion statue with oxen was very impressive, and so was the giant serpent. but in a different way. :-/
ReplyDeleteFor Amailienborg Slot, I assume you meant the Danish Royals rather than the Dutch?
Thanks again for bringing back good memories.
Oh dang! Can I blame it on jet lag brain fog. Thank you for catching that.
DeleteKay of Musings
this sounds like a fun trip...and hawaiian food in the middle of copenhagen, who would have thought!?
ReplyDeleteyour last image is quite beautiful!!
Fairy tales in their core form are often dark or sad.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this day with us.
ReplyDeleteMore food!
ReplyDeleteYou all look so happy and surrounded by good food as well! I loved the original story of the Little Mermaid; it was touchingly sad. The film ending was very Disneyfied, just like for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Not a happy story at all.
ReplyDeleteI am happy you have had such a good experience1!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely time. The Sri Lanka demonstration hopefully remained peaceful.
ReplyDeleteWhen I've been in Hawaii, I've ordered room service a couple of times a week, after a day of visiting sites. The portions usually allowed me to store half in my room's fridge, then I had my lunch or dinner for the next day! In Lahaina, we loved room service for a late dinner on the lanai. My then 16-year-old son raved about the tiny sealed jar of catsup put on the room service tray for his Maui burger. Years later, on his honeymoon, he reported that the same resort didn't have them anymore. Funny impressions kids get. Linda in Kansas
Goodness, his version of the Little Mermaid was certainly sad. But then a lot of fairy tales are dark. Guess I chose to only remember the good parts.
ReplyDeleteThat was quite a spread from room service. A couple of meals in one. Like Djan, my only trip to Copenhagen will be tagging along with you.. Have to admit the price is right and the tour guide excellent. Thank you.
You took full advantage of the opportunities offered. It's work to do a good tour and find out all there is to learn.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your trip. Wonderful to have the free health care and college education -- you get what you pay for -- shows what a culture values. We could easily do that in this wealthy country if our Congress would act on behalf of citizens.
ReplyDeleteAlways happy for your energy to have so much fun.
ReplyDeleteI guess you can always find a touch of home no matter where you travel?
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing adventure, those windmills on the water , wow, that’s just so very very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly are having a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
You both look great!
ReplyDelete