Danish Culture Shock
Written: Nov 29 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: a fascinating, alternative community
Cons: will be too off cuff for some
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| fuche_bu's Full Review: Copenhagen |
If you ever get a chance to go to Copenhagen, it might be an interesting side trip to pay a visit to Christiana. This little section of Copenhagen is pure culture shock for most Americans. Christiana is a section of abandoned warehouses and buildings that have been taken over by squatters.
The squatters fundamentally live in an autonomous community. People are free to express themselves as they see fit. Suffice to say, it becomes an open air market for certain substances of questionable legality. Many Europeans don't seem to share the American hysteria over certain plants. They are more tolerant of a lot of things.
Christiana operates under the general principle of freedom. Violence, theft and photography are the only things that seem to be disallowed. Photography is frowned upon because of the technically illegal status of certain wares. People have stands and booths to sell CDs, clothes, artwork et al. There are people that will draw or paint your picture for a fee. Sometimes people will be engaged in little acts of performance art. There are a few "cafes and inns" where you can grab a bite to eat or throw back a couple pints.
There is a very real element of culture shock. The squatters have achieved what for them is a near utopian society. People have their little spaces where they live and everyone seems to tolerate each other's space. They have taken abandoned buildings and turned them into a functioning community. It is like a little village unto itself.
You have to be careful about what you eat here. Many cookies and brownies have been baked with a special secret ingredient. They even have a beer made with marijuana instead of hops. Cannabis is the closest plant relative to the hop vine.
I found Christiana to be very amusing and entertaining. It is worthwhile to check out if you are in Copenhagen and want to see something different. Just going during the day time. Christiana itself is perfectly safe but the surrounding area looks a little nasty. Either leave before dark or try to maneuver a place to crash within the boundaries of Christiana.
I recommend checking it out. It is a fascinating experience for open minded people willing to entertain eccentric ideas. It is about a 15 minute walk from the downtown shopping area and Danes are friendly enough to help you find your way should you get a little off-track.
Recommended:
Yes
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fuche_bu
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Member: George Schaefer
Location: West Bristol, PA
Reviews written: 1103
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Busy at work and missing a lot of epinions fun.
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