BALTIC BLOG 04
Monday June 18, 2012
It’s hard to think of a nicer way start a luxury cruise than the way we did it yesterday as we sailed through the North Sea – with plenty of time to find our way around the ship … eat our hearts out in the Lido Buffet or the La Fontaine Dining-Room … stretch our legs on the Promenade Deck … relax with a cappuccino or wine in one of the many lounges and bars … clap and cheer our way through some top-class song-and-dance in the Showroom-at-Sea … and crawl into bed with a good book when the late sun finally went down.
As we woke and ate our breakfast this morning, the Rotterdam was making waves as it headed up the channel towards wonderful, wonderful, Copenhagen. Back in the 15th century, this lively city was capital of not only Denmark, but also Norway and Sweden … and is currently home of the oldest monarchy in the world.
Copenhagen oozes history and charm – and some of that rubbed off on us as we watched the changing-of-the-guard in the courtyard of the Amalienborg Palace (winter residence of the Danish Royal Family) … drove alongside the elegant boats and colourful restaurants of Old Nyhavn (in the canal district) … and snapped photos of the monuments and sculptures that lie around every corner and the church steeples that punctuate the skyline.
Sounds appealing? Let me assure you, it was …
We also crossed to the island of Amager and the beautiful little village of Dragor, for a stroll amongst crooked yellow houses with thatched roofs and gardens full of roses and hollyhocks. We lunch-stopped in the whimsical Tivoli Gardens (one of the oldest amusement parks in the world). And, as a grand finale, we paid our respects to the lovely bronze Little Mermaid – Copenhagen’s famous statue/symbol.
PEOPLE NEWS:
Several people are now wearing our little yellow rubber-duckies – and another one was claimed today:
The Safety-First Award went to Gary – who, at the compulsory lifeboat-drill this afternoon, managed to get his life-jacket on properly after only four failed attempts (accidentally hitting his wife in the face while doing so).
TOMORROW:
The ship will park in the German resort of Kiel while we tour the “Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg”. What does “Free and Hanseatic” mean? I’m really not sure. But I should know the answer (hopefully) in 24 hours’ time – so stay tuned!
Yours bloggedly – JOHN
P.S. If you want to leave a message for someone in our group, just click on the little speech bubble at the top of this page, and add your ‘COMMENTS’! Make sure you say who it’s for and who it’s from – and keep it brief.
For Joan
The trip looks great, really enjoying the blog. Hope you aren’t leading people astray now!! 🙂
Love Nicola and boys
Hi Nolene & Wally
5 hours at the hospital today with Mum. Plaster cut off ,Xray,. Moon boot put on. She can walk if accompanied. Mmmmm Hearing aid fixed at long last & then 2 hours for the ambulance to take us back to Rosedale. Mum gets the next bed in rehabilitation.. No complaining. Lucky I took lunch & a thermos.
Your trip sounds wonderful. Belting down with rain her. Enjoy the sunshine.
Meryl & Michael .
Cooneys.
Howdy guys. Glad you’re having a wonderful time. Blog’s interesting, as always. All’s well here, we’re all going to Hamilton on Sat. Cole is being presented a bravery award by the police for having saved a guy’s life in the water about a year ago. Laters… A & V.
Hi Mum & Dad – Elaine & John Nagle,
Thinking of you guys hope you are having an amazing time! Everyone here is good and we are all in contact so pls don’t worry about anyone here just enjoy yourselves and we will see you soon. Look forward to seeing what award you get dad he he.
love Bindy and Family xoxoxoxoxoxo
Hi mum and dad, I am so jeolous of your trip. It sounds fantastic. I can’t wait to hear your favourite part! It all sounds so luxurious! I have sent you a long e mail through work. I have missed you guys a lot and the pink couches are very empty. I spoke to Erin recently and she is great except she is very worried about her mouse who has a tumour. Keep enjoying yourself, time will go so quickly!
Hi John & Elaine! Looks like you’re having a ball – missing nothing weather wise here – rain rain and more wind and rain – love that. Kids well, Jeff busy but things getting better. Had a ball on my weekend away, thanks for the postcards too – kids loved them. Love to you both xxx K, J, G & J