After dinner stroll around Christiania

Christiania is an area in Copenhagen separate from Denmark, and from the European Union for that matter.  It's an area that started in the 70's as a social-experiment for a community to live free from Danish rule (also free from the famously high Danish taxes).  This community thrives on free-trade, arts and music.  This alternative "new society" took over abandoned military barracks and created a separate, self-run community.  For a more accurate look at the history of this area, I suggest doing your own research, perhaps here or here. 

There are absolutely no cameras allowed down the main "pusher" street within Christiania, which is really too bad, because everywhere you turn is a great photo opportunity filled with the local characters, street entrepreneurs, lookouts, marijuana plants growing randomly among the weeds, elaborate murals and miscellaneous street art. 

I like visiting this community for the people watching, eclectic coffee shops, delicious vegan food, absolutely yummy falafels and for the music venues.  

The other night, we had a nice sushi dinner in Christianshavn with Chris and Rikke, new American and Danish-American friends visiting from Los Angeles.  We all took a little stroll around the lake and local housing.  Photos were taken at our own risk.  I'm a real rebel.  But not actually rebel enough to take photos on the pusher street.  

The community behind the main area is actually quite stunning, with amazing (tax-free) lake front properties.  Each one of the houses we saw was special in it's own right.  One of my favorites resides across the lake and is made with scrap materials, including dozens of windows clearly taken from other homes.  It's created a striking house which, I'm sure, has incredible views from the inside. 

 

Partial view from the top

Pedro pointing to a sign saying "looking for a wife"

house of windows

Summer Weddings in Denmark and Italy - Part II

Post-wedding, Sunday relaxation on the mountain. Chess and then group nap with Yogi chants. So incredibly peaceful.

 

Goodbye, Lagacci.

LUCCA.

After the wedding Pedro and I jumped on a train for Lucca, an absolutely adorable city, for a private mini-holiday.  We had a wonderfully romantic time there.  More happiness.  I was finally able to relax and shake all my language stresses from the wedding.  All in all, I LOVE Italy.  Added to the long list of languages I need to learn: Italian.  I may just invest the next couple years to just learn languages. many different languages. 

happy, blurry dancing in the streets. 

Americans spotted.  Why must most Americans (and Germans alike) dress like they are going on a Safari while touring around Europe?  

 

yup, that's an olive tree on top of that tower.  so cool. 

I climbed up for a better view. 

Time to say goodbye and leave the city walls.

Routine Danish Weather Commentary.

I am not sure what to even say about the weather here.  It's crazy.  One minute beautiful, the next lightening, rain and even HAIL (yes, in June), then... moments later nice again.  This rain, sun, rain, sun, repeats over and over again.  Also, one day bikinis, the next day uggs and scarfs.  I guess it's always exciting though.  You never know what to expect.  They say July and August are better... let's see.  

Good news.  Pedro's knee is finally feeling a little bit better.  Good enough to ride his motorbike again.  This brings him more happiness than you know and, therefore, makes my life better.   Here he is washing his baby. 

Another notable update I would like to share publicly is that I finally beat Pedro at chess!!!  He, of course, doesn't accept this, but I did an obnoxious victory dance for about 20 minutes just to make sure my victory sunk in.  I'm on a road to greatness.  I can feel it.  

Summer treats.  I could possibly be the only bride in history to gain weight before her wedding.  When I look back at my mobile photos, it's obvious as to why.  Time to get back to my LA diet and leave Euro indulgences to a minimum.  But, my life has certainly been much more delicious since moving to Europe. 

Swimmers. 

We did actually brave the cold water and went swimming one day.  Yes, it was freezing, but refreshing and super fun.  We finished a lovely Sunday with a garden picnic and a stroll for ice cream.  A perfect day. 

 

seaweed. too. much. seaweed.

  

That's it for now.  More updates soon.  Promise.  xx