Fairy Tales and Happy Endings

 Tuesday, September 15, 2026

"To travel is to live" is a quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish poet and writer who is best known for his fairy tales...the Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Ugly Duckling, etc.  (How appropriate for this group of travelers!)  We toured Odense this morning, his birthplace.

He rose from poverty in Odense and became a well-known author.  The city loves him and has several monuments dedicated to him. 

Sculptures around town relate to his fairy tales:

Thumbelina

The Tin Soldier Story

Three families lived in this home he was born in.

Hans moved to a later home around the block and remained there until he died at age 70 in 1875.  He loved children as evidenced by his fairy tale stories, but he never married.

Odense is the third largest city in Denmark, and filled with interesting old buildings.  This one used to be a brewery and still has vats in the cellar!

Some of the buildings are a little wavy, from settlement over the years.

This is the neighborhood of Hans Christian Andersen with cobblestone streets.

Another famous Danish hero is Knud or Canute, who is Denmark's first canonized Saint. 

The Cathedral is named after him and his remains are in the church crypt.

The church was originally Catholic, but is now a Lutheran church with a beautiful altar and organ.

The Town Hall was also attractive on the square.

The city has a bike share system, identified by the blue front wheel.

It is our last night in the campers, but a happy ending, as we have made great friends, have seen amazing things and have had wonderful experiences.  

Our wagonmasters, Nick and Kay autographed my trip log!

We are packing up and getting ready to turn in the campers tomorrow afternoon.  Making a checklist of things to be done...and hoping that everything fits back in the suitcase....that will truly be the happy ending!