Third day in Copenhagen, second day with tour group and it's a good group!
Yesterday morning Ross and I did a little walking tour of our own and visited City Hall which has statues of famous Danes including Hans Christian Andersen of "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling and many more fairy tales and stories - what a guy!
Afternoon on the tour "coach" or bus:) and we lucked out to see the Royal Yacht Dannebrog in the harbour waiting for Queen Margrethe II to board at some unknown and secret time. They knew this because the boat was there and the country flag was up.
Fredriksborg Slot (aka Castle) which was restored after an 1859 fire and was built from 1588-1648. It is now a museum and founded by the Carlsberg Foundation - yes the beer people - as the Museum of National History and it was amazing. We toured two of the three floors.
I've seen this a few places and still need to figure out the story.
The real crown jewels which are actually worn at times by the Queen (or King if there is to be one).
Gejion Fountain which has a wonderful statue and we saw it replicated in old paintings in the castle. It is based on a Myth of the Norse goddess Gefjon driving 4 animals....gently I am sure!
The Famous Little Mermaid - in 1913 was a gift from the founder/owner of Carlsberg - yes the beer guys - Karl Jacobson who they say is quite rich. Three girls including me did a Europe trip in 1971, bought wooden clogs and walked to this spot which gave us painful feet - duh?????
A Viking of course in costume in 78 degrees and humid weather but at least he had bare legs and feet.
The famous Tivoli Gardens also an amusement park and we have tickets to head here on our own tonight.
On the countryside drive today we saw many thatched roof houses including one newly done. I guess they are very expensive compared to clay tile or shingles but the thatch lasts 80 years or more - hmm - wonder how they treat it to get that outcome????
Fredriksborg Castle aka "castle of peace" built in 1720. The Royal Family is here part of the year and today the son and 4 grandkids are also here at their own "lodging".
The knitting exhibit had several outfits to show.
This is on an actual model.
Dwight D. Eisenhower was knighted with the Danish Order of the Elephant (a high honor) and he couldn't be president at the time so it was December of 1945 and was a 5 star general and then became President in 1952. It was for his help to Denmark during WWII.
Queen Margrethe II, her son and grandson looking up to her. She is now 77 years old and her son will be next in line if all goes well.
The Queen's husband King Henri. The local Danish guide said they did this from the front because the side view "shows his belly too much"...the guide was hilarious and probably my age and in great shape.
Fredensborg "castle of peace" and another home of the royal family which has many buildings. It so happened that the Queen and King and her son, family and four children all happened to be there so it was well guarded! They spend part of the year here out in the "country".
Another of the "office" buildings on the castle grounds.
One of the houses of the staff of the family:
And our famous tour bus and it is very comfortable!
Entrance to our lunch spot Gamle Humlebaek Kro started in 1740 and is still in the same family. Wine, beer, olive oil and a fur of some kind in case it's cold.
I wish I knew who this was so if anyone reading my blog knows please tell me or write a comment!
The front of the restaurant in this tiny tiny town. It was a huge lunch: herring two kinds, two kinds of bread made on-site, fried cod, pork roast, meatballs, pork pate and cooked red cabbage, pickles, cheese and beer and wine. Wow - we need to walk about 100 miles tonight to deal with all this and then maybe a light dinner of wine and gelato:)
OK 5pm here and time to head to Tivoli Gardens, do a couple rides and find a bit to eat. Fortunately - or not - it's right across the street from us. I'll need to proof this later.
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