July 15, 2008 - Copenhagen Denmark -

Did I not end yesterday with ---Set your watch back 1 hour? Fell into bed, and forgot.

I awoke at 0511 and took a shower to get ready to awake the princess at 0600 for a 0700 breakfast and 0745 departure. Well....I finally remember at 0638 - that I did not set our watches. Now we are 1 hour behind! We actually have 6 time changes on this cruise. Help! Quick shower and breakfast then I go get in line for the tour. She arrives and we are off!

Our bus drives through the main city of Copenhagen, Denmark. We see mostly older, core city buildings. Many were constructed by kings and princes. Early Denmark was a total monarchy. The king had absolute power. Today the queen and the royal family are, like England, beloved figureheads with no political power; parliament is in total control. By the way, the current queen is only the second in 600 years. All the rest have been kings. Most all kings have been named Christian or Frederik. The early monarchs built castles for their enjoyment and private use.

Firststop is Fredriksborg Castle, about 1 hour north.

This is an ancient fairy tale castle that is showing its age. It is considered by many to be the finest example of Danish architecture and the most magnificent castle in Denmark. Fredriksborg Castle was originally built by Christian IV in the early 17th century as a hunting vacation house and was mostly destroyed by a massive fire in 1859. The church in the castle was not damaged but the rest of the castle needed renovation. J.C. Jacobsen, the owner of a large brewery, felt that the castle should be restored and paid to have it turned into a museum. It houses much of the original and restored history of Denmark. Some of the rooms and gardens remind me of the Palace of Versailles. The original hunting motif is present throughout. The chapel within the castle has two organs. The newer pipe organ is used every week for services. The older wooden Compemius organ from 1610 is only opened and used on special occasions.

We bussed to the village of Fredensborg and viewed the summer residence of the Royal Family, Fredensborg Palace (the Palace of Peace). This whitewashed residence is open while the Royals are not in attendance. We viewed only the front gate and entrance.

Lunch is in a hotel dining room on the seaside. The buffet started with traditionally prepared herring and salmon with black bread. Also pork, beef and fresh salads. It was very good (no herring or salmon for me) and we walked to the waters edge and took pictures of our first RV park! We have a place to stay on our return!

One mile away is the Kronborg Castle - a UNESCO World heritage site. This castle, on a narrow straight between Denmark and Sweden was used by the reining monarchs to collect tolls and taxes from all shipping that passed. The castle, state owned and operated museum and unlike Fredriksborg, hasn't been renovated.

Our drive south to Copenhagen was on the seaside highway. Grand manors among them the US Ambassador's residence line the highway with spectacular views of the sea. Many of the houses still have thatched roofs that are both maintained and rebuilt. Thatched roofs can last 60 - 100 years (except for fire!)

We pleaded with our tour operator and were granted a 3 minute stop to photo the original Statue of the Little Mermaid; she watches over all sailors in the harbor.

Arriving at the ship at 15:30 we left at 16:00; sailing tonight for Germany tomorrow. At 17:15 we were invited to a Past Cruiser's invitation only reception. Drinks and h'dourves (sp?) served and one lucky couple got a free dinner to the exclusive Supper Club on the ship. Dinner at the Lido (Libido?) buffet ended a good day. Tomorrow starts at 07:30 and lasts until 22:00. No time change.