Silversea
Cruises' Silver Shadow
Cruise
Diva's Cruise Diary
A Swedish Sojourn
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|
Oslo,
Norway--National Theater |
Oslo, Norway, July
15, 2007
We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to travel and doubly
fortunate when we are able to re-visit destinations that we'd like
to explore further. Our first visit to Olso several years ago was
highlighted by tours through museums, but we had no time to see much of the
central city. This time, we concentrated on the area around Karl
Johansgate, Oslo's main street. Our morning stroll through the Queen's Park, adjacent to the
Royal Palace was followed by a stop for coffee with
the locals. Since it was Sunday, there were very few shops open,
although the craft market right on the pier seemed to be doing a
brisk business in trolls, sweaters, and other souvenirs. As we
discovered, even coffee and pastries were expensive; it was probably
a good thing the department stores were closed.
Back aboard, we prepared for a
casual evening on board and enjoyed dinner and a movie as we sailed
for...
Gothenburg,
Sweden, July 16, 2007
We passed on tours today and instead caught the complimentary
shuttle into town. I immediately noticed the resemblance Gothenburg
bears to Amsterdam--both have canals designed on the same
principles. Even some of Gothenburg's architecture is
Dutch-inspired. Basically a large town and mainly industrial, we
probably should have taken an excursion to see the countryside.
Fellow passengers who did were impressed. However, it was a lovely day to walk and
enjoy the Swedish sunshine and downtown sights.
For dinner, we joined friends for a
taste of northern Italy in La Terrazza, Silver Shadow's nightly
alternative dining restaurant. After making selections from the
antipasti bar, I chose deep-fried lemon ravioli, black truffle
risotto, and sole fillets. Silversea's heritage is certainly evident
in the fine offerings of authentic Italian dishes.
We passed on dancing and a show and
turned in early because we'll be on tour tomorrow in...
Copenhagen,
Denmark, July 17, 2007
Every tour of this
marvelous city inevitably seems to begin at the Little Mermaid
statue--the symbol of Copenhagen that is recognized worldwide--and
ours did as well. From there we visited the national cathedral and
proceeded to Amalienborg Palace for the noon changing of the guard.
After lunch at 71 Nyhavn Hotel in the new harbor, we boarded a canal
boat for a tour of the city through the canals and harbor, where we
passed the new Opera House and once again saw the Little Mermaid
from a different perspective.
Back on board Silver Shadow we were
treated to "Impressions of Denmark," a folkloric show
featuring local amateur performers, including young
brother-and-sister dancers. As their dance leader pointed out,
"they are the future to keep our traditions alive."
After dinner we were treated to a
show by Emma Sinclair, a beautiful soprano who has performed in
London's West End and, incidentally, trained with Sarah Brightman's
vocal coach. Not only is she a talented singer, but she connects in
a special way with the audience that is genuine and sincere.
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|
Seaside--Lubeck,
Germany |
As we slept, we sailed to...
Lubeck, Germany,
July 18, 2007
Even though I lived in Germany
for a number of years, I'd never visited this picturesque seaside region of the
country--what a shame! We began our tour early and passed through
the countryside, first by coach and then a lake boat bound for the
village of Eutin and Eutin Castle. The castle, containing priceless antiques and portraits,
offers a fascinating look at generations of German nobility. After a walk through
the gardens, village, and market square, we departed for our return
to Silver Shadow just
as the skies opened. While still warm, our fair weather luck had finally run its
course and the afternoon alternated sunshine and showers.
Everyone had been talking about the
terrific massage loungers installed in Silver Shadow's Observation
Lounge for the World Cruise, so I thought I'd grab my iPod and give
one a try. Wow... no chance I'd fall asleep with the internal
rollers kneading my back and shoulders. The lounge chair even has
a control to massage ankles and calves. It won't be possible to sneak
off with one of
those in my luggage--hopefully, Silversea will be adding
them fleetwide.
For tomorrow, we're looking forward
to a sea day before arriving back in Stockholm to spend a full day and
final night aboard Silver Shadow.
Back to the Swedish
Sojourn Index
Back to Arrival & Embarkation in
Stockholm
Back to Ornskoldsvik,
& Lulea,
Sweden
Back to Vaasa
& Turku, Finland & a Day At Sea
Forward to A
Day At Sea & Exploring Stockholm
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