Who would’ve thought
the Danes would celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? I mean let’s face it. The Danes
take on any excuse to drink heavily. It’s surprising, truly, for the happiest
of people to binge drink as often as they do. Scotland made sense with their high
suicide and depression rates, but REALLY? No matter. Even if they lack Irish
blood (I’ll admit, I don’t own a drop to my knowledge), everybody’s Irish on
St. Patrick’s Day!
The Danes set up a 3-legged
race pub crawl in the center of Copenhagen
from one Irish Bar to the next. The race consisted of a 3 km course where
contestants would down a half pint of beer at each Irish pub before the finish
line… IF they made it to the finish line! It was incredibly entertaining to
watch drunkards stumbling along the cobblestone streets lost and confused with
their upside-down maps!
Instead of galloping
all over Copenhagen
with duct tape around my leg, I joined my housemates in
Rådhuspladsen Square. We received free Guinness hats with some
Irish coffee, meandered around with face painted lollies, listened to Irish
bands, watched steppers perform on stage, and giggled at people mistaking the
old man dressed as St. Pat for the pope. Let’s just say the Danes are not
predominately Catholic, to say the least. Better yet, my Carly and Stephanie were
dubbed banner carrying lassies and were thrown into the parade at last minute!
We met a sweet
American girl who has lived in Copenhagen
for the last 7 years with her family. Her dad works for the American embassy.
She’s 18 and heading back to the states for university next year. She used to
perform as an Irish stepper but opted to leave the dancing to her younger
sisters this year. We also stalked massive Irish hounds (honestly, they looked
like miniature ponies) despite the Danes’ hatred for petting their pups.
England’s domination of Ireland’s rugby team completely
swamped the Irish bars this evening! I
was bummed because the crowds meant no leek potato soup would be served L Instead, a group of us enjoyed nachos, pasta
pesto, and a grilled chicken sandwich at Hoppe’s. I still miss splitting a
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake mixed with chocolate with my mom, though. All in all
– a good day for the not so Irish!
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