A Magical Kingdom

We began today somewhat sleep deprived.  It was nearly 4 a.m. when we got into bed.  But we were up and ready to go at 11.  We went with the senior couple from the office to the Queen's castle.  Our reason for going was that today's changing of the guard (it normally happens every day at noon) was extra special..as it is every New Year's Day.

It was special because there was a band who marched in precision around the large square which was surrounded by several palaces.  The Queen was at home today because her flag was flying.  The guard wore uniforms that were designed over a hundred years ago - and they really are picturesque.  They are worn only on special occasions.  They carry swords that are real...and real antiques.  They were part of the plunder when Denmark conquered Austria a few hundred years ago.  They also carry loaded rifles, which are not antiques.

When the Danish flag with the symbol of the Queen is flying, that means she is home, and in residence.

If you look really really close, you can see a little heart on the side of the little red guard house!  These guys are serious about their jobs, but that little heart is cute.

SK is very happy to wear his hat, so the next thing we will persuade him to wear is a warm scarf.  I have on my heavy duty one and then a lighter weight one.

We'll go back on a normal day when they have on their normal day uniforms.  I would love to take the grand tour of the castle if possible.  Today we took a bus to get there and then stood in the square for about 2 hours.....and it was cold and gray!  We talked to a wonderful Danish couple who stood beside us for part of the ceremony.  They told us some of the history and explained some of the things we were watching.  The average Dane is so nice!!!!  He took our picture.

Their son is in the guard, and it is an elite unity as you can imagine.  They are charged with guarding the Queen.  They stand stiff and quiet, and are not supposed to say anything, but if you ask something, and they feel like being nice, they will answer you out of the corner of their mouths....like a bad ventriloquist.

We know this because one of our YSAs is in the Queen's Guard.  He has the bearing of a soldier and he is very happy to have been selected to serve in the guard.  We saw him and the four of us yelled, "There is Kasper!"  I am sure he heard, but he was in formation with about 60 others and couldn't look right nor left.

Afterwards we wandered down the street to Nyhavn....the fun little street on the pier where all the colorful buildings are hooked together.  We went into a little basement shop, "Hans Christian Andersen Shop."  It was clearly a souvenir shop, but soooo fun.  I sat and listened to Hans read one of his fairy tales.

We stopped at a fun little Danish restaurant and had a late lunch.  Restaurants around here are interesting....knowing that eating is a social experience, the waiters basically desert you for long periods of time.  When you need something, like more water or dessert or a check, you have to hunt them down.  Since there is no tipping here, it is not an annoyance to them if you sit at the same table for two hours.

We walked home through debris-scattered roads, littered with the remnants of thousands of fireworks and trash from crowds.  I am certain it won't be long before all of that is swept up.

Today is the beginning of a brand new year.  2014.  Don't you love New Year's Day?  It is such a great time to look back and look forward.  I am looking forward to seeing how this new year unfolds.
Happy New Year!