The day we arrived, two immigrants had just been arrested for plotting the death of one of the cartoonists from the infamous “Mouhamoud crisis”; and the Danish embassy in Pakistan was targeting in protest. Riots in the both Copenhagen and the 2nd largest city , Arrhus were also underway. Denmark is extremely committed to freedom of speech. And there is true clash of cultures with many of the immigrants being Islamic and the majority of Danes atheist: “the welfare state is our religion.” 
Bicycles are everywhere in Copenhagen. Unlike Brussels that I think was encouraging it but the bike lanes where nearly empty. Here in Denmark, the auto tax nears 200%, so there is tremendous incentive to go on 2 wheels. I would add I’ve never seen such nice taxis, all Mercedez with black leather seats. Why you ask? The taxi owners don’t need to pay the auto tax so I guess they feel they can splurge (and boy does the rider pay for it!). 
Spring hyacinth at a flower market; on a Friday night, the line to buy flowers was 20+ people long. 
Me with a bowl of herring. My father would have been proud. I finally tried it – loved it – and went back for more of it! I guess the true test will be if I start a holiday tradition of herring when back in Seattle. 
I was very impressed by Kirsten Brosbol, a 30-year-old parliament member of the Social Democrat Party – the very same party that founded the legendary welfare state in Denmark. We learned there are a number of young members of parliament, including one who is just 18! They see it as a civic duty I learned, most not thinking of it as a career. They also have 30% women represented within the 179 members.
