Denmark :)

So I just reread all my posts (i have a lot of time to kill in the airport!), and it made me miss Africa even more than I usually do! I am planning on going back there though! In September i start school (double majoring in human rights & global studies and international development studies). Originally my plan was to do school for a bit, then in January 2013 go to Kenya and volunteer there, then do an overland tour down to SA (almost did it last time I was there, sounds so fun, go through 9ish countries!) and then be in SA for awhile. But now for my degree I have to do a practicum, so definitely going to see of I can incorporate Africa in there somehow! Anyways, onto this trip! Even in Africa was contemplating Europe this summer to see some friends again! Then in May I found a ridiculous flight deal (less than 500 return after tax), so I just booked it out of the blue! Am gone for 3 weeks and seeing Denmark, England, and France! So just about to leave Denmark now, what a great little country! Arrived in Copenhagen on Sunday evening. Didn't quite have all the directions I needed, so made a quick text to the boyfriend who quickly googled it and sorted it out (so crazy what technology can do these days).

Stayed at a really nice, central hostel for 3 nights, met some great people there! The first night I just walked around a bunch, took in the city. It is the epitomy of how I picture a European city in my head.
The narrow streets with the old buildings, all painted in various colours, with the cobblestone streets. So many bikes wow! It's great that they utilize that, as it is a great city to walk or bike to get around; more bikes than cars! Just have to make sure to not get in their way as they won't be happy!

One day me and another Canadian girl I met at the hostel went on a free walking tour, it was a great way to get to know the city better. Highlight of the tour was probably nyhavn, prety touristy, but very pretty. Is basically a river leading to the harbour with old houses on either side that have been converted into various restaurants and shops. Hans Christian Anderson actually used to live in one of those houses, snapped a pic of that. After the tour we decided to go to the free town of christiania. What a place like no other. Basically a big hippie village located in the city of Copenhagen, yet they have their own set of laws, they don't pay taxes, and they're not a part of the European union! Hard drugs used to be legal there, but then they had five people OD in one day randomly, so they changed it. But soft drugs are still legal, and therefore very prominent there. Aren't allowed to take pictures on the main street, but got a few pictures from other areas. It was a really cool place to visit, but can't imagine living there!!

After that we went to the church of our Savior, and climbed the 400 stairs to the top of the tower. The stairs got steeper as we ascended, until they were essentially straight up! The last 150 stairs were outside, winding up the spire. We thought there would be a small platform at the top, but no, the stairs just got skinnier, and then that's that! What a phenomenal view of Copenhagen though! Wow, what a beautiful city. I didn't realize how close Sweden was, could see it from up there! Almost took a day trip to malmo and Lund (in Sweden, only a 20 minute train ride!), but decided I'd rather spend one more day in Copenhagen!

Wandered around the city (it's great because I just walked with no direction or knowledge of where I was, but there are enough landmarks that you eventually run into one of them and immediately know where you are!) did that for a few hours, then realized I was fairly close to the little mermaid statue so I may as well go see it. Tiny, definitely overrated yet for some reason one of the biggest tour attractions in Copenhagen. It was swarmed with tourists, so I just snapped a pic and went on my way!



 On Thursday I managed to take the train from Copenhagen to skjern, where Ditte picked me up! Was so excited to see her. Drove to tarm (means intestine) a small town where she lives! In Africa, she would always eat toast with cheese and jam, and I made fun of her for it, until I tried it and realized it was delicious! Everytime she would eat something weird, it would end up being good. So I dont even question her anymore, as I know I will somehow love it. Dinner was this salad, strange combination! Spinach, beets, onions, cranberries, pecans, broccoli, grapes, apples, can't remember what else but it was just a weird mix! Then the dressing was yogurt, curry, ketchup, mustard, maybe honey, can't remember it all. But of course it was so good. Her friend came over and we went to go buy some Danish desserts! Had a proper feast, it was delicious. Then yesterday we went to Legoland! Before Ditte I had no idea that Lego was a Danish invention, but it's true! We managed to get in for free (was so expensive if we had had to pay) and had so much fun. Started on the kids rides, then worked our way through the scarier ones. The coolest one was called the power builder. They hand you a card, then you stick it in a computer and pick the level of your ride, and the moves it does! Then when it's your turn, you go up to this at like contraption with 2 seats and they put hour card in and off you go! We tried to make ours as crazy as possible, definitely succeeded, it was insane! Would whip you backwards to upside down, let you hang there for a second, then whip you and spin you around then leave you on the side. Back down, around, forwards, backwards, side to side, pretty much every direction possible. So much fun! Did it twice, second time was definitely crazier, think we made a lethal combination that time. Oh, and some crazy huge statues there made from Lego. Took lots of pics I'll put onfacebook when I get back, super cool!

Then last night we went to a festival in Borg, very different side of Denmark. In Copenhagen, everyone is beautiful and very fashionable. At the festival, everyone was a farmer. And lots of them knew no English! One guy tried to start talking to me in Danish. Ditte told him I don't know Danish. He was silent for a few seconds and then slowly got the words west coast out, then said blah blah and started. Talking in Danish telling ditte that he knew no english! Met some nice people though, had a great time. And now I'm off to London to see emma! Is really nice to see people again. Before Africa I had no idea that I would make such good friends there. Anyways will try to write another blog about London!