Golden Age

Mary has brought with her the most glorious weather imaginable!  We have had sunshine and clear skies, warm temperatures and cool breezes since she arrived.  With anticipation I open the blinds each morning and am greeted with near-blinding light from the sunrise.  Ah....it makes you glad to be alive!

We set out for Odense - home of Hans Christian Andersen.  We traveled over the landscape of varying greens and the first shy blossoms of Spring......over the bridge and past the lovely old lighthouse, and into that beautiful city.

We walked through the museum, then over the cobblestone sidewalks to peer into the windows of his childhood home, a beautiful old yellow structure that has all the charm of his fairytales.  We walked down the walking street, and finding a favorite store, we trooped through.  As we were strolling among the aisles, we heard a cheerful young voice say, "Elder and Sister Madsen....what are you doing here?"

We turned and saw a handsome young blonde man with a million dollar smile.  It was Nicholas, who has come into Copenhagen often to join everyone at the center.  It was wonderful to see him.  We talked a little while....he was there to buy his aunt (or someone close) a birthday gift.  He walked along with us to the checkout.  Have I mentioned how much we love these young people?  His countenance was as bright as the beautiful outdoor sky.

We parted and then SK, Mary and I walked til we found the early childhood home of Andersen, which was charming.  By this time, we were enchanted with the stories of his life.  His stories have held great meaning to people the world over.  It appears that he achieved fame and later fortune during in his lifetime....he was admired, respected and loved.  Yet he lived life largely alone.

Mary ....and SK doing his impression of .....well....somebody not too bright.

During the course of his years, he fell in love at least 3 different times, and each time that love was not returned.  He never married, but longed to have a long-lasting and tender relationship with a woman.

Andersen was a part of what is considered the Golden Age of Denmark, closely related to the romantic period in Europe.  It was the first half of the nineteenth century.  The famous philosopher Soren Kirkegaard wrote during that time, and numerous artists painted and sculpted, including Carl Bloch, Franz Schwartz and Bertel Thorvaldsen.

Ten minutes from the Hans Christian Andersen Museum was the Church of Saint Hans, where Carl Bloch's altarpiece of "Gethsemane" hangs.  This is the third time I have been able to visit that church, and it gets better each time.  It is like visiting an old and valued friend.  The painting touches my heart and leaves me in awe.

Mary LOVED this church and painting.

This beautiful little country has contributed much to the world, especially from the Golden Age.  What a blessing it is for us to be able to see a small portion of them.