MAYDAY! MAYDAY!

Winter is finally over, and summer is here.  It's as if spring was just completely skipped over.  With two weeks left before I leave, I am so sad that I will not be able to experience this wonderful weather.  Vendors, open air markets, and outdoor bars and cafes are making appearances all over- all the things I loved about the other cities that I visited.  Copenhagen in the summer has it all, and I unfortunately don't have much time left to enjoy it.

In trying to make the most of things, I decided to go to a fodbold (soccer) game last week. FC København vs. Aarhus, the two biggest cities in Denmark.  They played at Parken, the national stadium that is not too far rom where I live.  It was definitely bigger than I expected for the size of this country, and the stands had a lot of people in them.  Closing my eyes and breathing in, I almost felt as if I was back home at Citizens Bank Park, smelling the athletic event familiarity of hotdogs and beer.  There was a cheering section where everyone remained standing the entire time, singing fight songs and chanting.  I really loved the spirit, although I didn't understand why everyone applauded for all shots on goal (when all of them were missed shots).  The game ended at 0-0, which was a shame because I would have liked to see how the fans reacted to a goal. It was still a lot of fun though.

Anyone who saw my Facebook status will know this story already, but it is too funny to leave out of my blog.  The other day I was at Nørreport metro station when a cute little old American couple approached me, asking for help with the metro system.  I explained what they wanted to know, and then they exclaimed, "Thank you so much! You speak such good English!"  At that point I realized that my assimilation into Danish culture must be complete.

Yesterday was May Day, also known as Labor Day.  All of Copenhagen's 20-30 year olds gather in this giant park called Fælledparken and listen to political speeches from parties from the social democrats to socialists to communists.  Additionally, there are bands playing on several stages, many food vendors, and copious amounts of alcohol and day drinking (gotta love not having open-container laws).  This was possibly my favorite Danish experience to-date, and it made me feel a little better about having to miss Lafayette's All College Day this year.

Tonight I have plans to go to Tivoli, the worlds oldest theme park (opened in 1843).  Disney World is actually supposedly modeled after it.  Unfortunately, you have pay to get in and then again to go on rides, so I'm not sure how much I'll actually end up going on.  The gardens are supposed to be beautiful, though, so I am excited to bring my camera.

I have to decided to go on one more excursion while I am abroad, as someone was selling her spot on a DIS-sponsored adventure trip to Southern Sweden this weekend.  I will be canoeing, kayaking, rappelling  and orienteering- super outdoorsy things, which should be interesting as I am not in the best shape right now.

I''ll try to get in another post or two before I go leave!