A Perfect Day in the Sun
A sunny day of reflection and joy in a truly amazing city.
Roadboy's Travels © 2019
On Wednesday Copenhagen's residents went to vote and then surrounded themselves with family and friends. They laid out picnics and shared libations. All while sitting by, floating on or jumping in their precious water.
As a visitor I felt honored to immerse myself in their day of national celebration.
You see, the symbolism was striking to me. While other nations take a day to celebrate bombs bursting in air and heroic victories in battle, Denmark celebrates their precious symbol of democracy; their constitution.
As many formerly nations of the world willingly surrender civil liberties, the rule of law, democracy, voting rights and constitutional protections in favor of rule by proudly authoritarian despots, Denmark celebrates it's very symbol of democracy. And to top it off, the ever efficient Dane's, well they threw in Father's Day for good measure!
So, after a glorious jet lag induced afternoon nap ended, as evening arrived, I went for a walk. And as I ventured out I enjoyed the smell of food cooking and the energy of the celebratory crowds. From my hotel I crossed bridges and ventured along the throngs on the waterfront of Copenhagen's vibrant Christianshavn.
Dane's Filled the Waterfront
They Gathered to Eat, Drink with Picnics and Food Trucks
Chirstinahavn features a dazzling mix of old and new housing and canals dredged by a king to resemble Amsterdam.
Christionshavn's Canals
It also features Copenhagen's one-of-a-kind urban anomaly; Freetown Christiana. In 1971 activists moved into a derelict area of Copenhagen and claimed it to be a zone independent of the nation. Operated as a commune. between 750 and 1,100 people live here. Due to the open sale of hash and marijuana the residents forbid any photographs from the colorful commune. The settlement has had a history of run-ins with police and government officials. There have also been violent attacks by local drug and biker gangs that wanted to sell here.
But, this evening, I walked through a lot of partygoers and seeminlgy high school age pot buyers . Of late the police have not intervened here.
But, this evening, I walked through a lot of partygoers and seeminlgy high school age pot buyers . Of late the police have not intervened here.
Wall Art Surrounds Freetown Christiana
The Entry to Freetown Christiana
(the other side of the sign "you are now entering the EU" seen when leaving - in English)
Our Saviour's Church - Christianshavn
Roses Climbing a Residential Doorway
(I just loved the image)
A sunny day of reflection and joy in a truly amazing city.
Roadboy's Travels © 2019
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