Day 1
I have often found that the best way to see a canal city is from the water - this allows access to the backstreets and the perspective change is always exciting. We embarked on a water boat tour in celebration of my Fathers Birthday. I love tours of cities, having the opportunity to question locals about the history of their town and learning things you most likely wouldn't have discovered alone.
Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826):“Those who have had the pleasure to consume chocolate, are in good health. They suffer far less from small ailments that interrupt one's happiness.”
Copenhagen is the capital and the most populated city in Denmark. It is also home to the 'Little Mermaid' statue, sculpted as a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen. She has been classified as an iconic statue alongside 'The Statue of Liberty' and 'Christ the Redeemer' but, in my opinion, she has far less impact on the viewer than either. I understand that Hans Christian Anderson is iconic, the original writer of one of the best known Disney films, a famous Dane - but the tribute to him is, in itself, disappointing and highly over-rated.
Connie Neilsen -If Copenhagen were a person, that person would be generous, beautiful, elderly, but with a flair. A human being that has certain propensities for quarrelling, filled with imagination and with appetite for the new and with respect for the old - somebody who takes good care of things and of people.
The Marble Church, or Frederick's Church, is a notable building in the Frederiksstaden region of Copenhagen. Its Rococo architecture and large dome (31m and the largest in Scandinavia) was probably based on St Peters Basilica in Rome. This building acts as a central point of the city and allows you to find your way around. However, the streets of Copenhagen are easy to follow and don't provide much in the hope of getting lost. You shouldn't let this point put you off, the streets are beautiful and have a wealth of interesting shops and local cafes.
Before travelling to Copenhagen, I heard the rumours that the coffee is expensive and you can not afford the beer. After spending a short amount of time here, I quickly understood that these rumours are not the truth - the prices resemble those of England, not those of Switzerland!
Day 4
Helsingborg is a very modern city with a large harbour which is home to many yachts. The city itself has a blend of small alley ways which were built 600 years ago to many modern and wide avenues which feature in the shopping district. The town hall situates a 65 metre bell tower that can be heard across the city throughout the day.
The final stopover was in Oslo - home of the Vikings. When I was very young my best friend went to Norway on a skiing holiday and visited Oslo whilst she was there - since then, the city has held a fascination to me. This, combined with my interest in Vikings and Norse religion, made Oslo my most anticipated stop on the cruise.
These ships were amazing to witness, the detail is outstanding and imagining a group of strong men using these boats to travel from Scandinavia to England all those years ago is incredible. It was a mammoth task which was completed because of their Earls ambition - a huge risk at the time, but one that came with massive reward.
Also on this island is the Kon-Tiki museum which houses the Kon-Tiki vessel.
The last day included another Formal Dinner and the return trip to Southampton (not to mention Afternoon Tea!).
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