Thursday July 12, 2007
Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen
Friendly old girl of a town
‘Neath her tavern light
On this merry night
Let us clink and drink one down
To wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen
Salty old queen of the sea
Once I sailed away
But I’m home today
Singing Copenhagen
Wonderful, wonderful
Copenhagen for me!
This cheerful song is in our Mad Midlife ‘Ye Olde Songbook’ – but we forgot to bring the words with us this morning when we toured this ‘friendly old girl of a town’ – so we missed a great chance to do some singing!
In the 15th century, Copenhagen was capital of not only Denmark, but also Norway and Sweden … and it’s home to the oldest monarchy in the world (including an Aussie princess).
Even though it was cloudy and cool today, the city’s history and charm were reflected everywhere we looked. First port-of-call on our whistle-stop tour was the (surprisingly little) statue the Little Mermaid – Copenhagen’s world-famous symbol. Then we crossed to the island of Amager and the beautiful little village of Dragor (pronounced ‘Trou-yer’) for some piping-hot coffee (and the yummiest Danish pastries ever) at a local café – followed by a stroll down cobbled lanes amongst yellow-painted houses (some still sporting thick thatched roofs) and gorgeous postcard-size gardens (with hollyhocks galore).
Then it was back through the city centre past picture-perfect palaces, museums and stately old buildings … bronze statues to burn … pedestrianised shopping streets … and church steeples thrusting skyward at every turn.
Sounds appealing? Copenhagen is, for sure!
We had a couple of hours to kill this afternoon, so, map in hand and camera over shoulder, Mrs Cooney and I lunged out on foot to do some more exploring. We were aiming for the colourfully painted shopfronts and restaurants of Old Nyhavn, set alongside one of the city’s many canals – and we did find it eventually. But only after getting utterly lost and walking at least 300 unnecessary kms through Copenhagen’s streets.
Aahh, the joys of travelling! (And oohh, our aching feet!)
TOMORROW: Another lazy day’s cruising – to rest up, catch up, live it up, and eat it up aboard our floating hotel. So stay tuned …
Yours bloggedly – JOHN
Hi mum & dad, can’t believe how fast your time away has gone. Shirley is looking forward to staying from tomorrow. Everyone is well and missing you. Can’t wait to hear all about everything you have seen and done. Lots of love, Denise
To: “Made in Korea” SJ Tice
Haha, 😀
Now that the power is back on I am finally catching up on the blog and see you have been “forgetting” your name tag.
Kudos to John; enjoying the commentary and some beautiful glimpses of your travels.
Will be great to see you and all your pics when you get home. If I recognise you! :p (perhaps you should wear your name-tag?! ) Just got your e-mail… It sounds like you have been thoroughly enjoying the food, as well as the sightseeing.
Enjoy the rest of your cruise and those loooong daylight hours!
Love, Do
Tony & Robyn: We are breaking the 5pm rule every day! (Murray & Joy)
To Betty Squire,Patty,Barbara and David,Greetings.Patty congratulations on winning the “muck up awaed” I phoned Liz who had not caught up with this news
.Still enjoy reading the daily Midlife news. Betty have now printed those newsletters so far,so ypu will have a complete set when you return
Played bowls two days running so good sunny days have returned to Auckland but not so up North as more is signalled to day Sunday.
Cheers to all and thanks to John Cooney for keeping us up to date with more to come regards John H
Hi Heather T
Saw your “head” in the photo…you can imagine what Andy might have said!! Sounds like you are having a blast, cant wait to see your photos. Boys are back to school on Monday. We have booked our flights for xmas.
Did try to send you a lengthy email to address you supplied but it came back undeliverable.
Take care.
Lots of love from us all.
Ngi,Andy,Josh&Dylan
To Heather T
Hi there you two. Your cruise seems to be an absolute fun thing. Can’t believe it will be over in a week’s time. Have spoken to Carol a couple of times. She is OK
Leo has been here this weekend so that’s been helpful. She is doing Ok but it a sad lady.
Just keep away from those shrimps Heather and enjoy the rest of your trip.
The daily news has been great.
Have fun. Regards to Jean
Love Glenda
To Don Clark
Wow – what wonderful memories you are creating. As you no doubt have heard weather continues to be dreadful here. We have booked our travel next year, so Sam and Lucy are looking for somewhere to stay. Moving back into the house on the 27th – removal trucks all booked, the house is going to be beautiful, paint colours we have chosen work very well. Still so many contractors crawling all over the house – $$$$$$!! Enjoy the rest of your cruise and I am sure you are pinching yourself often to relish every minute.
Lots of love and happiness
Diana and Terry
xx
Oh dear … got lost again – I don’t know. No broken bones though, so we won’t complain. Haven’t heard how all your lot are .. must be fine I think. Although I did wonder when Donna said Hunter was fine – hope nothing serious. Almost looks like Venice with the water ways so close aye. Onto the next update honeys …. luv & hugz me xx