From Rundetårn

European conquest #1: Copenhagen

Out in front of me is an ocean. An ocean of clear blue water, gentle waves and dolphins playing water polo against sea lions. I am sitting on the sand wearing only a bathing suit, no long underwear, no wool socks and no thermal. To my left, guys and girls are playing beach volleyball. To my right is a small circular bar serving fruit and drinks.

I open my eyes… I’ve just slipped on the ice, again.

Hey Blog. It has been awhile since we’ve last talked. I apologize for that.

Copenhagen! It’s in Denmark, which is right above Germany. Two weekends ago, I went to Copenhagen to visit Bo, Jon and Sven, former exchange students at Maryland. I arrived by bus (almost an 8 hr. ride) early Friday morning. That day, Bo and I walked around almost the entire central part of the city. I saw the famous little Mermaid, which is in fact very little, the queen’s palace, nyhavn and the opera house. The cool thing about Copenhagen is that it doesn’t feel like a city, but yet a big town. There are no skyscrapers or ultra futuristic buildings.

For lunch, Bo took me to a traditional Danish restaurant. It was delicious, Danish meatballs with red cabbage and salad, a Carlsberg beer, and schnapps. Writing that last sentence on an empty stomach gave me writer’s block.

A bowl of cereal later…

American dinner night, featuring shepherd’s pie, cooked broccoli and zucchini, and salad. Before last night I had no idea what shepherd’s pie was. But basically, it is a layered casserole dish. On the bottom are beef and vegetables, and above it is mashed potatoes. It turned out great. Hats off to Kevin for making everything. I want to make something for everyone, but the only dishes that come to mind are Japanese ones, not American. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Toga party tonight. Luckily it’s in my building, so I don’t have to go outside.

Thank you Bo for letting me stay at your place and hopefully I will see you soon in Oslo.