Day 44 Copenhagen, Denmark

Ever since our Mary Donaldson from Tasmania married Prince Frederick in 2004 we Aussies felt that we had a distinct link to Denmark.  I for one think she is so regal and beautiful and she makes Australians feel proud.  This is a photo I took of a photo inside the Royal Palace, Christiansborg.  

Now our Mary is Queen Mary and we were lucky enough to tour just one of their four palaces today on our tour around Copenhagen.  The Royal Family now live in Amalienborg Palace.  Walking through Christiansborg Palace was like walking back through time.  I could almost hear the voices of the 400 guests who ate their meal in the Tapestry Room or the 42 guests seated around the magnificent dining table in the white room.  I could also envisage the guests walking up the grand staircase, dressed in their finery and also the King and Queen sitting upon their thrones.  Note that the Queens throne is taller than the Kings!  I also remember vividly Queen Margrethe standing on the balcony with the new King Frederick in 2004 after she abdicated the throne.  I was astounded at the library that housed thousands of books that were all leather bound first editions.  Apparently the royal family are avid readers!  As I said, we love the Danish. Here a few photos of the dozens I took.

Tivoli Gardens were the next place to visit on our tour and I was a little taken aback that the gardens are actually a theme park!  Oh so many people here but it was great to see the young ones enjoying all the rides.  I did suggest a couple of rides to Philip but got a resounding NOOO!  Leave it to the young ones….

But there are gardens here and they really are quite beautiful.  We enjoyed coffee and danish pastries at one of the many restaurants and the pastries were unlike anything we have eaten.  Real Danish Pastries!

The last place to visit on our tour was to the "Little Mermaid".  Hans Christian Anderson lived in Copenhagen and is held in great respect and devotion.  I never read the story of the Little Mermaid but our tour guide gave us a summary of the very sad story.  I was very surprised at how small the statue was.  

Our return back to the ship took us through the old Copenhagen that is a distinct divide from the new Copenhagen.  Unfortunately the bus windows were so dirty that I couldn't get many photos but here are a couple.

We are docked in Copenhagen for two days and tomorrow our tour will take us further afield into Sweden.  It should be interesting…...