June 21, 2022 - Copenhagen, Denmark

We are docked in beautiful Copenhagen and it’s sunny!!! We take advantage of the beautiful weather have breakfast outside at La Terrazza and then take a coach for the “Treasures of Copenhagen” tour. Great ride around the highlights of this fabulous city. We learn some history of Sweden’s aggression over the years. We learn of the establishment of an Absolute Monarchy mid-18th century and then to the iconic “little Mermaid” sculpture. Hanse Christian Anderson was apparently writing this well-known fairy tale as the story of his own lost love. He was gay and since laws disallowed this life-style, his friend Edward left him and married a woman. I won’t go on here to explain the parallel to the little mermaid but unlike Disney’s version, the Little Mermaid does not end happily.

We continue on to see the fabulous Amalienborg Castle which is the main residence of the the Danish Royal Family where both Queen Margrethe II and Crown Prince Frederik's young family spend much of their time. We watched the changing of the guards with their heavy Bear skin hats. The Queen was not in residence today but her yacht does sit in the harbor. Back on the bus to tour the city and then off to the Rosenborg Museum and Palace. I can’t keep my Palaces straight, or the royal line, but the string of Fredericks and Christians lived here and we see the Crown Jewels, among a mass of expensive antiques. Back to the ship and Anni decides to get a little sunshine by the pool on this delightful afternoon. We then prepare for our last, exclusive Grand Voyage special event - “Vignettes of the Opera” at the Solyst Manor. On the way we see the mansion reserved as the residence for the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark. This place is like a palace with sprawling grounds, gardens and a distant view of the ocean (across which lies Sweden). As we enter over the red carpet, we are greeted by waiters serving champagne and hors d’oeuvres We spot a bottle of Skyy Vodka and ask for 4 on the rocks for ourselves and our friends Roger and Laura. On to dinner and opera vignettes. Fabulous night!