Wonderful Copenhagen
Spent about 4 days in Copenhagen, enjoying the Spring weather and delcicious food. The people are so great and kind.
I made one Danish acquaintance, Birgitte, while I was there and got to speak with her a little about her great city. She actually works for WFP, like me, and is fortunate enough to be based in this quaint city for her duties in Public Information. From talking to her, to wandering around the city on my own and reading a few guides I gained a small qlimpse into what the Copenhagen life is -- but I think it will be a good idea to return and explore some more.
So, some of the things I have learned about Denmark or Copenhagen are:
Carlsburg beer goes with everything
Denmark was the first constitutional monarchy and the Danes love their Queen Margrethe II!!
Hans Christian Andersen is so revered - like a Greek God, and the Little Mermaid sculpture by Langelinie is probably the most visited site in Copenhagen.
Hygge is better experienced than defined. I plan to do more research on this uniquely Danish phenomena and return in July -- it is something like being 'snug' , 'cozy' 'comfortable' - it is best shared with friends, maybe with candle light or a fire and having a beer or some wine helps ignite it. Like I said, I will ask my colleague Birgitte for more tips on this one, when I return.
Danes are somewhat shy but not reserved - they will talk and enjoy sharing information about their country.
However, compliments are not flowing from their mouths and they don't receive them very comfortably -- compliments on appearance (despite that everyone is so beautiful and fashionably dressed and stylish) are inappropriate and best not overdone.
Open-faced sandwiches with fish are delicious and plentiful - but there are numerous tasty Danish dishes that have other things besides fish.
The welfare state of Denmark and the enormous social support its citizens receive keep them pleasantly insular and happy to stay in their quiet country - having nights full of hygge (I guess more so in the winter when the sun doesn't shine much)
The weather is an important topic of conversation. Birgitte says because the weather changes that people will always comment on it. The sunlight factor throughout the year must also influence people's concern for weather.
Bicycles are as common as cars -- its a very environmentally consciencous city. Its a flat country so riding is easy
Despite being shy and quiet, the Danes also seem self-sufficient and are proud of their distinctive Scandinavian culture.
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