Copenhagen, Castles, and the 6-star Experience

Yesterday was my first day getting to explore a port for the first time in a while.  We were in Copenhagen.  Now we have been in port there numerous times, but we have always been doing embarkation so we have never had a chance to get out and see any of the city.  I was excited because I signed up for a tour that day and was able to escort it.  It was called “Fairytale Castles of Denmark” and I was ready to go, despite rain and cold in the forecast.

Overall it was a great tour with good people.  We went to three different castles throughout the countryside and I got some really great pictures.  These buildings were just unbelievable, enchanting places!  Our first stop was the Kronborg Castle wehre we were greeted with amazing architecture right on the coast bordering Sweden.  This is actually the castle where Shakespeare set his masterpiece, “Hamlet.”  It was so cool to hear some of his immortal words and realize what this place may have really been like when it was used the most.  In fact, we found out that every major production of “Hamlet” is performed in the inner courtyard of the castle.  These shows have included Laurence Olivier and, most recently, Jude Law, who just performed the title role there a couple weeks ago!

Next we headed to another castle where we just took a quick picture and had a bite to eat for lunch.  Following that we went on a tour of our major stop, Frederiksborg Castle.  Walking up to the full moat and incredible towering architecture was truly amazing.  I have never been anywhere like this and I was so excited to have a guided tour around the building where we learned a lot more about Denmark and its history.

While the tour was great there was some other interesting happenings along the way.  Our tour guides often give information about the city and country in general so guests get a clearer idea of what life in these countries may be like.  Kirsten, our guide, was happy to brag about her country’s cleanliness, the excellent environmental status of the nation, how safe of a place Denmark is, and the high wages and low unemployment.  She also shared about the safety of children and how parents still leave babies sitting outside stores in carriages with no worries and children ride bikes to school by themselves starting around 8 years old.  Along the way we learned some other amazing statistics.  Danes end up paying about 60% total in taxes, which seems awful, but they are more than happy to pay for it because they get so much in return.  Education is paid in full for ALL through college and parents are paid for having students in school as well.  Also healthcare is completely taken care of from doctor visits to specialists to CAT scans to prescription drugs for EVERYONE forever.  Another interesting perk is that when children are born, both parents receive a full year of paid leave and a guarantee their job will be waiting for them when they return.  Beyond that all employees get 5-6 weeks of paid vacation every year.  This is a happy, proud country and they love the way they are doing things.  They love their lives and find themselves able to do what they want and not burdened by many things concerning domestic or foreign affairs. 

I found all of this information really fascinating and couldn’t believe all the things she was telling me about their military service (some of whom are located in Afghanistan right now) and the way they spend their energy and protect their water and environment.  Unfortunately I had two men behind me who persisted in being such downers.  They were talking to me all day about how the entertainment on the ship wasn’t as good as some other cruise they had been on, telling me songs I should be singing, etc. Next they decided it was necessary to voice their political views about the entire situation, saying the whole things sounded awful…that it was just socialism…that Obama is trying to do the same thing in the States, etc.  I just couldn’t take it.  I finally just said that it sounded as if the Danish people are happier with their situation than Americans are with theirs at the moment, so who’s to judge?!  I couldn’t help it. 

I was over the whole situation until they asked where I was from and I said, “Loo-uh-vuhl, KY.” To which they replied, “Oh!  Loo-ee-vill?”  Well, I wasn’t going to blatantly correct them, but I did respond by saying, “Yes- Loo-uh-vuhl.”  They proceeded to tell me that was definitely NOT how you say the name of my hometown and tried to correct me.  One man even said, “I think I would know how to say the name.  I mean- I’ve had a baseball bat from there all my life.”  To which I replied, “You mean a Loo-uh-vuhl Slugger?  I live 25 minutes from the factory that makes them and have toured the facility before.  Honestly, it doesn’t matter because I have lived there for all 22 years of my life so I’m pretty sure that I know how to say the name of the city.  I appreciate your help, though.”  I quickly turned around and called it a day. 

I just can’t believe people sometimes; I know the customer is always right, but come on!  Sometimes on these cruises I just want to scream out, “Just because you have money it doesn’t mean you are necessarily right, that you deserve anything, or that you can do/say whatever you want!  We all came to this earth the same way, we all poop, we all fart, and we all deserve to be humans!  Now get over yourself and enjoy the rest of your cruise.”  Unfortunately I don’t think that would count as Regent’s 6-star service.  Whatever. 

Love all of you poor people back home who treat others with respect and like normal human beings.  You’re the best and I will always love you in a huge, 6-star way!

Tripp