We usually begin to get the real feel of the local transportation system on our third day in any given city. Instead of fumbling around figuring where to go and how to get there, by this time we walk into stations like locals (Ha! We wish!), find the right tracks and hop on the correct train -- going in the right direction, hopefully. By this time, we start to feel pretty confident and then, boom! We change cities!

We knew exactly what we wanted to do today and set out a bit earlier than usual. We took the train to the City Centre and boarded the Hop-on Hop off Bus. We got off at the Amelienborg Palace. First we walked through the queen's gardens then we walked across the plaza and noted from the flags showing the queen was present in her residence and the prince was also present in his residence. Royalty is in the house.

We began our tour of the portion of the palace that is open to the public. Queen Margrethe II, the first female monarch of Denmark since 1412, assumed the throne in 1972 when her father, Frederick IX, passed away. Like the Queen of England, royalty today does rule but acts as important figure-heads who are like mascots and encourage the country.

One of the most interesting sights in the palace was a huge photograph of the wedding party of Queen Margrethe's son, Crown Prince Frederik, heir apparent of the throne. Each person in the photo was numbered and identified as Queen of Spain, Queen of Belgium, etc. etc. We loved looking at the individuals and figuring out who they might be. Another very interesting part of the museum was items from the attic. Like most of us, they never throw away anything! But their junk has been catalogued and put on display.

Fortunately for us, we were there just at the right time to see the changing of the guards. This involves a ceremony that lasts well over an hour and because royalty was home today, it included marching and anthem music performed by the royal guard marching band, The Royal Life Guards. We often wonder why timing works out so well for us.

After touring the castle we enjoyed a picnic lunch we brought from home. We had brown bread, hard boiled eggs, cheese, sausage and spinach salad while sitting on a bench in the Queen's Garden. The sky clear and the sun was warm. It was wonderful. We remid ourselves that we can have these same pleasures at home if only we will be aware and make the effort.

Next door was Frederik's Church, commonly known as the Marble Church. Because of its architecture it resembles the Basilica in Rome, but it is an ancient Evangelical Lutheran Church; its foundation stone was laid in 1749.

We hopped back on the bus and drove around to the next "must-do" on our list, which was to see The Little Mermaid statute. We learned that this poor girl has lost her head three times. It has had to be re-cast and restored back on multiple times. That is so sad. Why, I just wonder.

Next we went to the Rosenborg Castle. Set on vast grounds, the castle itself is not so big but it is impressive, none-the-less. We didn't have time to tour the inside but might do that tomorrow if time permits before our flight. The grounds are broad and simply beauty! With the warm air and the sun shining so brightly today, there were many, many people out enjoying the sun and the beautiful electric-green of springtime. It is thoroughly exhilarating to me to see people enjoying this wonderful world. We walked on to the Botanical Gardens. We were thinking this time of year might not be a great time to visit, but it was! I am a lover of plants. I am completely fascinated with plant life. I study plants. I love to grow plants. I should have been a botanist. In fact, because Stan is such a good sport who often indulges me, we have seen many Botanical Gardens around the world—I just cannot pass up one. Now, I have a partner. Stan has learned to recognize plants, discern their similarities and differences and enjoy the beauty. We are very happy we took time to visit this very special place.

One chilling note, we were supposed to be in St. Petersburg this week but because the process and expense to obtain Russian visas was becoming so great, we changed our plans and added Copenhagen to our itinerary instead. I am so thankful we did; Copenhagen is a lovely place we are happy we did not miss. More though, had we gone on to St. Petersburg as originally planned, it is quite possible we could have been near the tragic metro blast that took place on Monday. Thank you, God.