Had we pulled into Copenhagen (our original destination but one in which we couldn't dock due to the cost and the length of our stay) no one would have noticed. But here in Korsor we were on the front page of the paper -- "The Big Ship in the Little Port." After four days we would likely have a significant on the local economy!I spent 3 of my 4 days commuting to Copenhagen -- strolling the main street and exploring the side streets, sitting in cafes, eating ice cream, visiting museums (three) and shopping. For many of us this port felt more like a vacation spot and I think I can safely say that most everyone (if not everyone) has been trying to figure out how to move here. Of course, we're here at prime time -- not too hot, not too cold and lots of light. We had a fair amount of rain but it always seemed to clear quickly and 10 minutes later the sun was out.
On the first day I went on a tour called The World at War. We went to the Jewish Museum and the Resistance Museum. Both were excellent and the Resistance Museum especially was quite moving. Upon leaving the museum I ran into Karen Ryan and decided to spent the rest of the evening with her and take the train back. So we walked up and down the streets until we happened upon a restaurant that we liked. There we had some drinks and a wonderful meal. The week we were here was also the jazz festival so we stopped at several spots to listen to some wonderful jazz. We even managed to find the right train back home and then hopped on a bus back to the ship.
On the second day I took a city tour of Copenhagen and the beautiful fishing town of Dragor Village. When I win the lottery I will definitely buy a summer home there. The residential area was filled with wonderful homes on somewhat narrow cobble-stone streets. The pictures below don't begin to do it justice. We walked up and down the streets and then went into a cafe for danish (yes, they really call them danish; it was a wonderful pastry which I couldn't eat -- the gluten thing) and coffee.
We then went to Cophenhagen and saw some different parts of the city: a wonderful Church, the town hall, changing of the guard at the Palace, the University, the canals and the allottment homes (subsidized housing). And, of course we stopped to take pictures at the statue of the Little Mermaid... A few select photos are below. Note the spiral on the building in the fourth picture is of dragon tails wound together.
Since the guide from the first day had encouraged me to go to the Danish National Museum to see the new exhibit on the prehistory of Denmark I decided to do that on the third day. (He also insisted on calling me Professor Rachel). Surprisingly, there were not dozens of people wanting to go with me so off I went, map in hand. Despite lacking a sense of direction, I navigated the train, followed my map and found the museum -- which was beautiful (and free). The exhibit was great (I loved the flint daggers and sickles!). There was also an extensive exhibit on Greece and Rome because King Christian VII of Denmark had purchased many antiquities and they are all stored at this museum.
I spent the last day in Korsor so as not to be late for "ship time." I walked into town (about a 10 minute walk) with Rebecca and two of her friends and after checking out some of the stores we stopped for a wonderful lunch. We then went to the grocery store (a must in every port before we leave!) and then back to the ship.
Our original plan was to leave at 9 PM (as we always do) and about 200 people came to see us off along with the high school marching band. The band started playing at around 8:15. Unfortunately, the captain had decided that we were going to take a different route to Belgium; we were going to go through the Kiel Canal. Exciting for us but also a short-cut of sorts and our departure was delayed until 4 AM. Just after 9 someone went out to tell the townspeople we would not be sailing. We all went out and waved and applauded and no one seemed too angry. We also made a huge banner thanking the town for their hospitality which will be mailed from Antwerp. At 4 AM the engines revved up and off we sailed.
Going through the Kiel Canal was like being on a train; it was very narrow and very smooth so there was lots to see all along the way. Next stop: Antwerp, Belgium (chocolate, waffles and beer; sadly, I can only have the chocolate...).
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