A Day Spent At Copenhagen Police Facilities

This Wednesday I had another field study with my Danish Politics and Society class. Not one to ever let us down, my professor Jacob took us to the headquarters of Denmark’s police equivalent of SWAT.

Walking up to this locked down facility where armored trucks sat outside, I knew that this was going to be an interesting experience. And the next several hours fully lived up to my expectations.

As soon as we arrived, we were briefed on procedures surrounding things such as anarchist groups, drug busts in Christiania, and football (soccer) hooligans. It says a lot for the safety of the area when the biggest map found in the briefing room is of Parken the football stadium, and the immediate area. Since I really have an interest in Danish society I thought it was really nice to learn all about their usual procedures and what they do for special events, such as the climate summit that was here in 2009.

The Commander who was touring us around then took us to the equipment area, where we got the opportunity to look at the various pieces of equipment the police have available to them. I thought it was interesting that the majority of equipment utilized by this group is defensive in nature. It is unfortunate but true that usually on occasions that these officers are utilized more of the officers get injured than participants in the occurrence.

After lifting the woman’s vest, trying to pick up the riot shield and looking at all the other equipment each officer would have on their person, I can confidently conclude that I would never be a member of this team as I would not be able to move. With the equipment weighing more than I do, it would be quite comical for me to be placed as a riot officer outside of Parken during the Brønby FCK game. I assume that is why all the people I saw working at this facility are a lot taller than I and incredibly fit. Needless to say, I have a new appreciation for riot police and their struggle to move quickly to counteract malicious doings of others.

The grand finale of our tour was a demonstration put on by some police officers being trained on how to function on occasions where all the gear is necessary. As we were watching from above, you could tell that the demonstration would be action packed when the ‘suspect’ (also a police officer) was sitting with a baseball bat laying across his knee.

Sure enough it was action packed. The bat ended up in two pieces, and the ‘suspect’ got foam strayed in his face just as he was tackled by the police officers.

Needless to say this trip taught me not to mess with the Danish police!

Vi Ses!!

Next Stop... KOSOVO!

True Patriotism in the Streets

While I am abroad I have these moments where I think...only in Denmark. This Friday I had one of those moments, one in which I felt so lucky to have come to live in Denmark and get to know the Danes.

Only in Denmark could one leave class to find yourself walking next to a brightly uniformed man atop a horse, with an actual sword hanging from his side. After a moment of thinking that Copenhagen had been invaded by a blast from the past, I realized that something was happening on Stroget  (the pedestrian street in Copenhagen).

With soldiers parading down Stroget as people by the hundreds cheered and waved Danish flags, it was not an enemy invasion but a home coming for Danish soldiers involved in the war. Watching everyone there was so heartwarming. I have never seen such pure patriotism like what was displayed in my life. 

I am sure the soldiers really appreciate when their fellow countrymen show support for their efforts. For me, it was beyond wonderful to see the Danes' display of patriotism.

 Even the little ones proved to be extremely patriotic!

As you can see the Firefighters did their part to contribute to the patriotic and supportive atmosphere. And what is amazing about seeing the fire truck there is that it was the first one I had seen in Denmark. (which should tell you how amazingly safe Denmark is)

 I was happy to be a part of the procession as everyone followed the soldiers to the square in front of city hall. There the soldiers stood in formation as anthems were played and speeches were made. 

I have grown quite attached to Denmark, so it was really nice to see Danish pride in themselves, their nation and their fellow Danes.

As I said before, these images could only be Denmark! I shall remember this day for the love of my adopted country that it showed me.

Vi Ses!

As Winter Slowly Turns to Spring

I can tell Spring is on its way to Copenhagen, despite the cold weather that is still here. The sun is out, the sky is a bright blue, the light during the day is longer and one can see plants preparing themselves for spring. Having been here since August, I am so excited for Copenhagen in the Springtime!

Due to weather reports of the cold temperatures here, people back home have asked me why I am so crazy as to think Spring is on route to Denmark. During a walk today with Ole and Birgitte I took some pictures demonstrating just how pretty Denmark is despite the cold, and others as evidence that spring will be here soon.

Our walk commenced at Holte S-tog station, consisted of going through some nice neighborhoods, and through the woods to finish at Birkerød S-tog station. Though still a tad cold outside, with enough layers and the sun shining above, it was a great day for a walk.

Here is one of my favorite types of house in Denmark. A house like this appears so warm and inviting that I don't know why anyone would not like it!

Here is a little stream we saw on our walk. It is still cold enough the there is ice in the stream but it is also evident that the sun was shining here. I really think it is amazing that you can be 25 minutes away from the center of the Danish capital and yet be able to walk around woods like this. In many of the sprawling cities back in the U.S. it would be impossible to see such an extensive wooded area so close to the city center.

 

I sometimes think that when people complain about the weather in Denmark they forget just how beautiful it is during winter.

The view from this turn tells of the natural beauty of Denmark, as well as hints to the potential of a Danish Spring.

Both the pictures above and below are my prime piece of evidence that Spring is on its way. With these little flowers  sprouting up, my anticipation the spring will soon be here is assured!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week, and as time proceeds be on the look out for Spring pictures from Copenhagen!

Vi Ses!

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!