The Carlsberg-ian Method of Learning About Danish Society

At DIS, or Danish Institute for Study Abroad, we have Wednesdays free from class so that teachers can take their classes on Field Studies (field trips) around Copenhagen. This semester I had the most bizarre field study yet...not in a bad way but definitely something that I did not expect to be paired with a class on Danish Politics and Society. That being a trip to Carlsberg Breweries. Though it may sound strange since I have been in Copenhagen since August, I had not yet been to Carlsberg. Despite having learned about numerous local microbreweries (see my birthday post from October) I had not gone to Carlsberg breweries until this field study.

Our teacher for this class, Jacob, is the former minister of Transportation for Denmark, and he was my core teacher last semester for European Politics. He has great insight on Danish politics and keeps things entertaining with funny real life stories at the same time. Needless to say he is a teacher that definitely thinks outside of the box. Our Field Study was a prime example of this.

On that note I should commence on the account of our class’s study tour to Carlsberg Breweries. Complete with a beer tasting, this trip was intended to teach about Danish social culture, and a little about Danish history.

Despite the cold, we walked around the breweries (old and new Carlsberg) seeing what there is to see. Here is our Carlsberg experience!

A sure indicator that you are nearing something that may be slightly important to the world of beer...

If you are lost in Copenhagen,walking up to a very official looking building and find a row of Carlsberg trucks there are only certain conclusions that can be reached. A) The water source in the area is tainted so that it is healthier to drink beer, B) The office specializes in getting people past their fears of Karaoke, C) The Police are using their monetary gain from music to send a Message In a Bottle to every man woman and child or D) the office is part of Carlsberg Breweries. Despite the strong urge to believe I will someday find a Message In a Bottle sent out by The Police, the latter is definitely the most logical conclusion. (Though it must be noted that one of the reasons why beer gained such popularity in the old times was because beer unlike water at the time did not kill you) 

Similar to Budweiser, Carlsberg maintains a stable of horses to pull the Carlsberg wagon, which you may periodically see around Copenhagen on special occasions. Below is a picture of Laura in the stable. She is one of the horses trained to drink Carlsberg out of the bottle. This begs the question of whether a Hauling Under the Influence penalty can be imposed when she is pulling the wagom.

Carl Jacobsen (son of JC Jacobsen who started Carlsberg) was quite fond of art, as is apparent when you see the four massive carved elephants at the Brewery. Build to wish his four surviving children good luck and long lives, the elephants have become "one of the things that is a must see" at Carlsberg breweries.

The old Brewing floor, which is no longer in use. I was quite impressed by the look of the hall, with gold gilding on railings, polished copper, and a general design of elegance.

After the tour, we had a beer tasting session, with 5 Jacobsen brews. (Jacobsen is a special type of Carlsberg) 

 

 

Though the Jacobsen brews are much better than your typical fizzy yellow water, I definitely preferred the beer present at the Valhal tasting. Oh the plight of being a beer snob!

 

Despite this, the trip to Carlsberg was definitely nice and I would highly recommend taking a tour of the breweries to anyone visiting Copenhagen!

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!!

In the last two weeks, one has really felt Spring coming to Copenhagen. Overall it has been a little bit warmer, and sunnier than it has been since late October. The weather has brought me to wonder where I put my sunglasses when I stashed them away in the fall, and it has made me think of days spent in parks. Needless to say I am ready for Spring to arrive! In this frame of mind my friend Brittany and I headed to Copenhagen Zoo this Saturday to bask in the sunshine (though we still have to wear winter coats) while visiting the large assortment of animals that the zoo houses.

Located in the Frederiksberg area of Copenhagen, the zoo is right next to the Frederiksberg palace and gardens. It is a very nice area of Copenhagen to see, with quaint little cafes optimal for a hyggeligt cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate after having strolled through the extensive gardens connected to the palace. There is still ice skating in the Rundel but now there are more people strolling through the various garden paths than skating. In other words Saturday was a wonderful day to go to the Zoo, and many families were there, taking full advantage of the sunshine to show their children monkeys, lions, tigers, camels, elephants, polar bears, seals, penguins and many other animals. I have chosen some of my favorite animals to show you, so I hope you enjoy seeing them.

This is one of three Tucans they had at the zoo. This one was constantly eating the apples that had been hung on the trees. For this reason and others, I dub him Fruitloop! 

Within the zoo they have animals placed according to where they are in the wild. Due to this, they had a greenhouse for birds, turtles, fish, butterflies, and ... slothes. Needless to say I was a tad suprised when I saw a sloth above me. Typical of a sloth, he didn't do very much the whole time we watching.

Since my brother is an avid frog fan, I had to take a picture of one of the poisonous frogs they had. Since I am fond of naming animals I shall call him Dart.

This monkey, after getting a carrot, decided that he would pose for a picture. He was pretty cool, lounging around and watching ... the humans! You realize watching monkeys just how similar we are to them. It is kind of eery when you think about it. Since he was my favorite I named him Mikie though I am sure the zoo has given him an official name.

I did say tigers in the title, right? Here is one of the tigers basking in the sun, pondering life... or it may just be assessing which of us would taste the best.

 Here is half the lion family enjoying the warmth.

I watched this Mor (mother in danish) and this Little One for a while. Their interaction was so cute and loving, I could not help but miss my own Mother.

Something that is unique about the Copenhagen zoo is that they have an arctic inspired zone. This makes complete sense since Greenland is a territory of Denmark. In this section they have wolves from Greenland (they look like sled dogs), Muskox, Caribou and of course Polar Bears. This really reminded me of how marvelous the Greenland trip was since I was able to see animals in the wild that most people have to go to zoos to see for the first time.

It was a perfect Saturday to be outside in Copenhagen, the animals were entertaining, and the company was great, so all in all it was a nicely spent Saturday Afternoon. As Spring arrives I will be trying to do more of the outdoor activities that Copenhagen has to offer, though I may have to find my sunglasses first!
Vi Ses, Og har en dejlig uge!