Catastrophes, wars, terrorism, ecological disasters, deadly diseases, poverty .... The list of tragedies - both personal and public - is endless. Every day and hour media, politicians, experts - and charlatans - bring us a never ending barrage of bad things. No wonder that many people feel depressed and weary. This blog tries - in a modest and personal way - to contribute to a more balanced view. After all, there is so much to appreciate and enjoy in life ...
Friday, 3 June 2011
A busy week for cruise ships in the Sound
This week has been one of the best for a long time for ship lovers here in the Øresund region. During seven days over 20 international cruise ships have passed Helsingør/Helsingborg. Tonight I saw the Vision of the Seas (279 m and 1998 passengers) and the Marco Polo (176 m and 855 passengers) pass by, both on way from Copenhagen to Warnemünde in Germany.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Interesting cargo
Øresund (or Öresund in Swedish) is one of the most lively ship "roads" in Europe. Tens of ships, small and tall, beautiful and somewhat less so, each day pass my place. A few days ago I happened to wake up early - about 5 A.M. - and while having my morning coffee, I noticed this little ship, which was carrying quite an interesting cargo. It was the Helga (Length x Breadth: 80 m X 11 m) registered in Antigua Barbuda, apparently on its way to Norway. But I have no idea what those nice looking blue "wheels" are. If you know, let me know.
Now Helga is according to Marine Traffic com. already on its way to Le Havre, with a different kind of cargo.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
The beauty of blue
Blue is my favourite colour. But I do not always like blue flowers. These, from my own garden are nice, though. But I have to admit, I do not know what they are called (they were planted by the previous owner). If someone is able to enlighten me, I would be most grateful!
(click for larger image)
(click for larger image)
Monday, 30 May 2011
Queen Mary said goodbye to Elsinore
Queen Mary 2 and her over 2000 passengers left Helsingør (Elsinore) tonight, hopefully after an interesting day exploring Hamlet´s Kronborg castle and other interesting attractions in the vicinity. The ship will return to Helsingør once more this summer. She certainly is one of the most good looking modern cruise ships!
Queen Mary meets Hamlet in Elsinore
Cunard´s flagship, the mighty Queen Mary 2 this morning anchored in front of Hamlet´s castle in Elsinore (Helsingør). The ship measuring 345x41 m. takes 2620 passengers and has a crew of 1254. This evening the Queen will continue its cruise to Hamburg.
PS
While enjoying the sight of the beautiful ship and the castle, this thought came into my mind: The Danes should perhaps present a posthumous Danish Tourism Award to William Shakespeare as a recognition for his great contribition in making Elsinore and Denmark famous all over the world!
If you do not remember the Hamlet story, here is an excellent summary.
(Click for larger images)
The Queen Mary 2, the Pearl Seaways and the Helsingør-Helsingborg ferry in front of the castle |
The Queen Mary 2 in its full elegance |
While enjoying the sight of the beautiful ship and the castle, this thought came into my mind: The Danes should perhaps present a posthumous Danish Tourism Award to William Shakespeare as a recognition for his great contribition in making Elsinore and Denmark famous all over the world!
If you do not remember the Hamlet story, here is an excellent summary.
(Click for larger images)
Sunday, 29 May 2011
The beauty and the beast meet in Øresund
The Norwegian Sun (259 m.) and the European Highway (180 m.) met in Øresund, close to Helsingør/Helsingborg on Thursday evening, this week.