celEbrating USA Independence Day in Denmark 4 july 2012
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Celebrating USA Independence Day in Denmark 2012
An American Ambassador with a Danish twist Born in South Dakota, Laurie Fulton has enjoyed an active and interesting political life, but perhaps her greatest challenge so far has been as the US Ambassador to Denmark. By Jessica O’Sullivan
W
ith the 4th July quickly approaching, The Copenhagen Post met with the Ambassador to talk about her life here in Denmark, her perceptions as an American, and what America’s Independence Day means to her. The Ambassador’s relationship to Denmark goes back four generations. Her maternal grandfather emigrated to the United States before the First World War and her great- grandfather served in the Danish parliament between 1918 and 1940. Ambassador Fulton says it was the challenge that the position offered, as well as her strong family ties to Denmark, that led to her asking President Obama to consider her for the position. Sworn in as US Ambassador to Denmark in 2009, Fulton explained that she was “looking for an opportunity to be part of the Obama administration in a way that I could add value,” and that it was the position of US Ambassador that provided her with the chance to “bring something to the table”. With a keen interest in Denmark, both personally and politically, Ambassador Fulton knows how important the relationship between Denmark and the US is. “This is a place I can use my talents and interests to the advantage of the United States, and in the meantime enjoy Denmark,” she said. Having lived in Denmark for almost three years, Ambassador Fulton knows a thing or two about being an American in Denmark. While she’s quick to point out that her experience is a privileged one, she also thinks this has allowed her to see more of the country than just Copenhagen. When asked about Danes’ perceptions of Americans, the Ambassador was happy to report
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that she thinks Americans are well received by Danes, and that she personally has “loved three years in Denmark”. The Ambassador’s 4th July plans include attending various functions over the days leading up, whilst on the actual day she will be at the Rebild Hills celebrations, where she will read out a letter from President Obama. Apart from its obvious importance, Ambassador Fulton says the 4th July has always been a very special holiday for her because it’s summer and her birthday is on the 2nd. Fulton said that as a child it was often difficult to celebrate her birthday as people were vacationing “but on the 4th July everyone was around and so it all just kind of went together”. As a child Ambassador Fulton celebrated the day with family, friends and neighbours, having afternoon picnics and watching fireworks. As an adult, she and her children would sometimes go to Washington DC to see the fireworks or shoot them off at home. When asked about her favourite 4th July dish, the Ambassador struggled to pick just one. Corn on the cob, watermelon and one of her mother’s dishes however were her top picks. “If you could give me my mother’s potato salad, it was fabulous,” she raved.
Whilst there’s no telling what the future may hold for this accomplished American, it’s obvious the Ambassador is clearly enjoying her time here in Denmark. 1. A view of the garden at Rydhave during the 2011 Independence Day Celebrations. 2. Guests mingling and enjoying the food at Rydhave. Notice the custom made Stars and Stripes grill that we borrowed for the occasion. 3. Members of the Marine Security Guard Detachment and a representative from the Danish Life Guard are preparing to post the colors, a central part of the Independence Day Celebrations 4. Ambassador Fulton and Prime Minister of Denmark, Helle Thorning Schmidt. 5. Ambassador Fulton greets guests at the receiving line. 6. Guests during the performance of the U.S. national anthem. All pictures courtesy of Embassy of the United States, Copenhagen. Photographer: Omar Ingerslev
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Celebrating USA Independence Day in Denmark 2012
California dreaming … the Danish way You may find yourself strolling leisurely down Copenhagen drive, walking through Hans Christian Andersen Park and munching on smørrebrød and æbleskiver. There may even be replicas of The Little Mermaid, Rundetårn and Dybbøl Mølle Mill. But amazingly, you are not in Denmark. You are in Solvang, a quaint little town located in the lovely Santa Ynez Valley in southwest California.. By Christian Wenande
I
n 1911 a group of optimistic Danes left the frigid Midwestern US and journeyed southwest to California, founding a new settlement which they named Solvang, or “sun valley.” Their dream had been to set up a traditional Danish folkeskole education while preserving their Danish culture in their new American homeland. Last year the town shared its centennial with the birthday of the visiting prince regent Henrik, and guests included the former US Ambassador to Denmark, James P. Cain, and the mayor of Aalborg, Solvang’s sister city. Today that vision has transformed into a town with a population of just over 5,000 and reminds visitors of how Denmark used to be. But there is so much more to Solvang than traditional Danish cuisine and thatched roof buildings. The unique little town has managed to deftly weave its proud Danish heritage together with the rolling hills of contemporary Californian rural lifestyle. “It is very exciting for the city which had a slightly old image. Now we can show the young people that Solvang is more than a Danish cliché,” explains Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau Director Karin Gert Nielsen. “It reminds me of Denmark. Solvang offers modern gastronomy, a spectacular wine experience, unbridled nature and the genuine American hospitality and warmth.” Situated in a lush and fertile valley between the Santa Ynez and the San Rafael Mountains, Solvang’s fresh air provides an ideal arena for outdoors activity and a healthy lifestyle. In an effort to raise awareness of Danish-American relations while raising funds for charities, the Tour Solvang bicycle race was established in 2011 to commemorate the city’s centennial. The five-day bicycle trip, which takes place in September, starts in San Francisco and heads south following the legendary Highway 1 before finishing in Solvang. You can also take wine tours on bicycle, including a route dedicated to the filming locations of the classic film Sideways, where two friends ponder over life, love and the enchantment of wine. Continuing in the rich vein of bicycling, the professional AMGEN Tour of California race, held their individual time trials in Solvang in 2011, a race that included former Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. And the Danish connection in Solvang extends far beyond scrumptious pastries and Little Mermaid replicas. Danish entrepreneur Pe-
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ter Work founded the winery and vineyard Ampelos in 2001 and now produces 3,500 cases of wine per year, as well as growing four different varieties of grape. With average temperatures between 12 and 24 degrees it is no coincidence that the vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley produce some of the best wine in California. “What a lot of people don’t realize as tourists is that Solvang is located in one of the fastest growing regions for pinot noir, with an explosion of organic and non-commercial winemakers,” said Nielsen. “When the movie ‘Sideways’ became a surprise hit, people turned away from merlot and Napa Valley. Winemakers came to the Santa Ynez Valley, when the cool ocean winds and valley climate was perfect for grapes and farming.” Starting in August 2012, the Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College, partnering with the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, will offer its top 30 students the opportunity to spend one semester with the international business baccalaureate programme in Solvang. Furthermore, the Hotel and Restaurant school in Valby has also established a culinary link with Solvang, allowing students to spend 15 weeks in California learning the art of gastronomy from local restaurants, hotels and wine producers while soaking up the English language and resident traditions.
“It is very exciting for the city which had a slightly old image. Now we can show the young people that Solvang is more than a Danish cliché,” Karin Gert Nielsen, Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau Director Culture is never far away in Solvang either. The prestigious Santa Barbara International Film Festival highlights a number of events devoted to arts and crafts in the area. Wine and food festivals are in abundance and particularly unique to the area are the exceptional and distinctive paintings and craftsmanship created by the local Chumash Native American tribes. And to embrace the rural heritage of the area one only needs to ‘cowboy up’ at the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, nestled in the majestic Santa Ynez Valley. Whether unwinding in a spa, horseback riding in breathtaking scenery or fishing in well-stocked lakes, the wide-open spaces and unspoiled natural beauty of the valley allows Solvang the perfect platform from which to unleash one’s spirit of the outdoors.
It’s no coincidence that the renowned Danish “Jord til Bord” (Earth to Table) gastronomic philosophy as perfected by legendary Danish restaurant Noma has made its way to Solvang. And the wide range of locally grown fresh produce in the Santa Ynez Valley has made the culinary transition to Californian dishes a smooth one, something the Greenhouse Café in Solvang can deliciously attest to.
“The rolling hills and dazzling open spaces look just like one of
”Solvang turned 100 years-old last year and with that it is time for renewal and innovation, which has resulted in two new educations. I am convinced that Solvang can learn something from the excellent Danish students. The Nordic kitchen, for example, has won much distinction in recent years and I am certain that this can inspire the chefs in Solvang to reinvent and modernize Danish cuisine,” Nielsen said.
it’s also the ideal platform from which to uncork an absolutely crack-
those old Western films. You can almost picture the Native Americans riding on one ridge and John Wayne standing on the other,” Nielsen said. Solvang not only provides a unique encounter in its own right but ing California experience. Los Angeles is but a stone’s throw away, as is the Mojave Desert, Death Valley, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks. Oh yeah, and the magnificent blue expanse and crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean is a mere 24 kilometers away, an easy trip by car … or by bicycle, if you’re feeling Danish.
Celebrating USA Independence Day in Denmark 2012
The 4th July was no picnic to begin with! Ask most people what they think of when they hear the words 4th July or America’s Independence Day and they’ll probably say hotdogs, picnics, fireworks and parades. But there’s actually a lot more to this hard-fought celebration than just that By Jessica O’Sullivan
T
he battle that led to the birth of American independence wasn’t an easy one. However they do say that good things are worth fighting for and that’s exactly what a few men, known as the Founding Fathers did. They fought and they won.
‘Land of the Free’ Lemonade Watermelon is the ultimate all-American summer snack and gives a great twist to old-fashioned lemonade. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups fresh lemon juice 4 squeezed lemons reserved 4 cups chopped watermelon
When the initial battles of the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775 few colonists had even considered independence from Great Britain. However as the battle raged on, and hostilities grew, many came to favour the idea of independence. One such man was Thomas Paine, who in 1776 published the best-selling pamphlet ‘Common Sense’, in which he wrote “let none other be heard among us, than those of a good citizen, an open and resolute friend, and a virtuous supporter of the rights of mankind and of the free and independent states of America.” Inspired by the words and thoughts of Paine, the Continental Congress met and on June 7th 1776 Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced
the motion calling for the colonies’ independence. Heated discussion followed, but a five-man committee was eventually created. Members included some of America’s most famous founding fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. On July 2nd Congress voted in favour of independence, creating years of speculation over
whether celebrations should actually be held on the second. John Adams was reported to be so sure that the second was the true date of independence that he would turn down invitations to appear on July 4th in protest. However despite speculation Americans need not worry. It wasn’t actually until the 4th July that congress formally adopted the ‘Declaration of Independence’ thus creating the day now celebrated as the birth of American Independence.
Preparation: 1. Bring 6 cups water, sugar and salt to the boil over a high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the reserved lemons, cover and let stand for 10 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, puree the chopped watermelon in a blender with 1 cup water. 3. Pour the syrup and watermelon puree through a strainer into a pitcher. Stir in the lemon juice and serve over ice.
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Celebrating USA Independence Day in Denmark 2012
100 years on and still going strong! Just south of Aalborg lies the beautiful Rebild National Park, a place steeped in deep tradition, and the homeland of a strong relationship between America and Denmark By Jessica O’Sullivan
T
he story behind the hills of Rebild began more than 100 years ago when over 160,000 poverty-stricken Danes emigrated to America in the hope of finding a better life. While many found a better life, they also found themselves longing for home. To counteract this, many Danish-Americans from across the US began donating money with the hope that they would one day be able to purchase land in Denmark - a place they could once again call home. This dream became a reality in 1911 when they bought the hills of Rebild and subsequently created Denmark’s first national park, which was then donated to the Danish government.
Their 100 year anniversary is quite an achievement and in true fash-
swinging Aalborg Police Orchestra and many other noted guests
ion this year’s event promises to be the biggest one yet.
will also be attendance.
The society is also delighted to have members of the royal family in
Last year’s keynote speakers included former Danish Prime Minis-
attendance this year, in particular the organisation’s patroness Her
ter Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and the Danish-American US Congress-
Majesty, Queen Margrethe II. Last time the Queen visited the Re-
man Steny Hoyer.
bild celebrations was in 2002, and she is reported to be very much “looking forward to participating” in this years celebrations. Her
This year’s Danish keynote speaker will be the Prime Minister, Helle
Royal Highness Princess Benedikte will also be present on the day.
Thorning-Schmidt, whilst actor Keith Carradine is this year’s Ameri-
With a packed programme suitable for the whole family, Rebild
can keynote speaker.
Company President, Karl K. Nielsen, promises that there will be “an exciting and varied programme of events for both children and
He is the grandson of Max Henius, the Danish-born founder of Re-
adults.”
bild National Park, and has been chosen due to his strong family ties to Rebild. He has starred in over 60 films and more than 30
Every year this great day out includes keynote speakers, musicians,
TV movies, as well as winning multiple awards for his song writing.
food and of course fireworks. Popular singers, the Tivoli Guard, the
The day will begin early with a wreath laying ceremony at memorial grove in the Almen Church garden and then later there will be an open air family church service in Rebild.
The following year they held their first 4th July celebrations and over the years Rebild Hills have become a place for both Danes and Americans to commemorate the link between these two countries, as well as a place to celebrate America’s national Independence Day.
There will also be the ‘Little Rebild’ event for the whole family, where children can dig for gold, meet cowboys and Indians and much more, as well as a parade from Skørping Station to Rebild Hills.
Photos: Jørgen Nøhr
Every year hundreds of people flock to the hills to celebrate the 4th July in what is said to be the largest celebration of America’s national day outside of the USA. Rebild National Park Society Inc. (the team behind the hills celebrations) will this year celebrate 100 years of continuing their mission - “To strengthen and support the friendship and cultural ties between people in the US and Denmark.”
CALIFORNIA’S O Great wine history
f all the wine growing regions of the United States, California has the richest history, though certainly still modest by the standards of Europe. For most of the wine-drinking world, wine is much more than a beverage. It is bound up in history and tradition. The first plantings of wine vines (the lowly Mission grape) in California came at the hands of Spanish Jesuits in about 1770--some half-dozen years before those 13 colonies on the other side of the continent banded together to demand independence from Britain. It was the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 that caused grapevine plantings in California to explode as winemakers did their best to satisfy tens of thousands of prospectors infected with both gold fever and a powerful thirst. It wasn’t long, however, before troubles set in. By the 1890s, a nasty insect (phylloxera) had infested California’s vineyards (and indeed, the vineyards of most of the world) putting a big hurt on the industry. A couple decades later, Prohibition finished the job that phylloxera started, killing off the weakened industry almost entirely.
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With Prohibition, California winemakers were finished. Grape growers often
found ingenious ways to skirt the letter of the law-selling grape juice to individuals along with packets of yeast and explicit instructions on how to keep the two ingredients apart lest combined they turn into wine. Unfortunately, the thick-skinned grapes they planted were designed to endure bouncy train trips East, not to taste particularly good as wine. These sad homemade wines could only tarnish California’s image as a legitimate winemaking state after Prohibition’s repeal in 1933. Recovery from Prohibition was a long, slow journey. Quality grapes had been replaced by sturdy grapes built for travel, wineries had closed down, equipment was in disrepair. It was a mess. Public tastes were not up to snuff either: wine had become more associated with winos than epicureans. As a result, most of the wines in the first decades after Prohibition were sickly sweet or fortified. It wasn’t until the 1970s that Americans began to catch on to wine as an enjoyable and important mealtime companion. By then, varietals like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot had been planted in California vineyards and wine makers had done away with the unfortunate habit of calling California wines “burgundy” or “chablis” (generic labels designating nothing other than that one was red,
one was white) in favor of varietal labeling. Now wines would be labeled according to the grapes that were in the bottle. California knew it had arrived on the world wine scene in 1976, when California wines went head to head against the best French wines in a blind tasting held in Paris. California wines were judged best in both red and white categories. With that, California wine was back on the map. Since then, quality has continued to improve as grape growers identify the best spots to grow their grapes and winemakers increase their skills in the cellars. Demand for California wine continues to rise as Americans learn of the health benefits increasingly associated with moderate wine drinking. Today, 9 of every 10 bottles produced in America come from California wineries. And the industry itself is a major tourist attraction, drawing some 14.5 million tourists every year, making it the second largest tourist attraction in California, bigger than Hollywood and second only to Disneyland.
HERCEGOVINA IN TIVOLI Enjoy our world famous and assorted grill buffet!
summER
IN TIVOLI Entertainment (live music and dance) Social gatherings Cultural experiences Cor por ate par ties Summer parties Picnic
That calls for a
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Celebrating USA Independence Day in Denmark 2012
Europe Still Matters: US Firms Should Stay the Course
ease of doing business. According to the World Bank, 12 European economies ranked in the top 25 most business-friendly; this is in contrast to some of the emerging markets that did not rank very highly – China 91st, Russia 120th, Brazil 126th, and India 132nd. Specifically, Denmark is highlighted as one of the leaders in creating innovation and according to the World Bank, the easiest place to do business. Additionally the countries on Europe’s periphery, notably the Middle East, Russia, Turkey and North Africa remain key sources of growth and consumption. Europe’s trading links to those countries have deepened over the past decade to the benefit of US companies operating in Europe. Foreign investment and shifting production overseas are often thought of as destroying trade or reducing US profits and job losses, but in reality the opposite is true. “US affiliates in Europe help create trade, not destroy it. The more profitable US affiliates are in Europe, the more earnings available to the parent firm to hire and invest at home, dole out higher wages to US workers and pay out dividends to US shareholders. That’s a win-win for both sides,” states Quinlan. “I am pleased that AmCham in Europe’s new report supports the fact that Europe and Denmark are still attractive markets for foreign investments,“ says Pia Olsen Dyhr, Danish Minister for Trade and Investment. “At the same time, it underscores the importance of creating optimal framework conditions for foreign investors. This is why the government has set up a working group that is looking into how we can work even more effectively to promote and make it attractive for foreign companies to establish a presence in Denmark.” “Last week there was a lot of focus on China and emerging markets, however, north America is certainly a region that we prioritize. Invest in Denmark works diligently - through offices in New York, Silicon Valley and Toronto - to attract more US investment in areas such as IT, green energy and life science,” adds the minister.
T
report reveals that despite Europe’s economic difficulties in 2011, the region still accounted for over half – 53% – of total US foreign affiliate income last year. This was 156% larger than reported income from Asia—a figure that speaks volumes about Europe’s underlying importance to corporate America. The European combined economy is larger than that of the US, and accounts for about 30% of global personal consumption; greater than the share of the US (27.7%) and more than double the BRICs combined (13.6%).”
“Predictions by the experts that the future of the world economy lies with emerging markets like China, suggests that Europe is becoming less and less relevant. Nothing could be further from the truth,” said Joseph Quinlan. He went on to say “The
“It’s crucial that American businesses continue to reap the benefits that investing in Europe has to offer. To ignore a combined market economy larger than the US would be a costly mistake,” says Stephen Brugger, Executive Director, AmCham Denmark. The report found many advantages of doing business in Europe. Europe accounts for 25% of global R&D expenditures and produces the largest share globally of natural science graduates – 18%; with a 17% share of engineering degrees (compared to 4% in the US). Europe also comes out on top when it comes to
Despite current economic challenges a new study finds that Europe remains the most profitable and easiest region to do business in for US companies. By Amcham Denmark A new study by Joseph Quinlan, Fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, Johns Hopkins and the German Marshall Fund shows that despite the Eurozone crisis the region offers tremendous opportunities for US businesses and remains the most profitable region in the world for corporate America. The crisis has triggered EU-wide structural reforms that will make Europe stronger, not weaker in the longer term. Meanwhile, the European Union remains the largest and wealthiest economy in the world.
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Celebrating USA Independence Day in Denmark 2012
Green Partnerships
A Win-Win for Public and Private Sectors On May 31 the US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and the Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt launched Green Partnerships for Growth in Copenhagen. This bilateral initiative builds on the success of previous Green Partnership events in 2010 and 2011, but takes the initiative further to the two nations’ public sectors as well as private sectors. By Amcham Denmark
G
reen Partnerships for Growth features the US Embassy Copenhagen, the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) and AmCham Denmark, along with other partners, to facilitate a series of structured events aimed at connecting the public sectors in the US and Denmark - with the experience, knowledge, products and services of green growth companies in both countries. The event was held in Landstingssalen at Christiansborg. More than 220 participants, including politicians, business leaders and press, gathered to hear the Secretary and the Prime Minister discuss the new initiatives.
”And it is for me, personally, inspirational to see government and business working so closely together, because I do think this is a win-win.”
Opening the meeting were event partners Karsten Dybvad from DI, as well as Stephen Brugger from AmCham. “Denmark was a first mover. The US is a strong mover. Together we can overcome today’s challenges and together benefit from the enormous market opportunities of tomorrow,” said CEO Karsten Dybvad, DI.
Hillary Clinton - US Secretary of State
“With sustainable growth at the top of the agenda in the US and Denmark, there is tremendous potential for new public-private partnerships in both countries, and Green Partnerships for Growth is the perfect vehicle to make this happen - and now is the time,” said Stephen Brugger, Executive Director AmCham Denmark. Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt applauded the Secretary’s work towards a greener future in the US, and talked about the wealth of opportunity for public – private ventures between the two countries. “The US market provides the world’s largest amount of investments in clean energy technologies, she said, noting that the US is also a key driver of development and innovation in the field of green technologies. “Governments strongly rely on the private sector to ensure financing of the green transition, but also as a driver for innovation.” Secretary Clinton expressed her admiration for Denmark’s leadership in clean energy and energy efficiency, including the commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in 2040. ”And it is for me, personally, inspirational to see government and business working so closely together, because I do think this is a win-win,” she said. The goals of the initiative are to boost export into the respective countries, as well as for Denmark and the US to partner on exporting green technology globally. All of this “would have mutually beneficial, positive effects, including creating jobs” in both countries. Karsten Dybvad, DI, strongly believes in the potential for bringing the partnerships to a whole new level. “Sustainable growth is not only a great challenge. It is also the biggest business opportunity of this lifetime. If our companies can find and develop solutions to deal with these vast challenges, there is an immense growth potential,” he said.
Photo: US Embassy
AmCham Denmark and the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) are proud to be part of the intensified partnerships between our two nations and applaud the leadership of US Ambassador Laurie S. Fulton and the US Embassy in this important bilateral initiative.
MELVILLE Screaming Eagle Brewer-Clifton
Photo: Hasse Ferrold
SHEA WINE CELLARS O’SHAUGHNESSY Côte Bonneville
(From left to right) Stephen Brugger, AmCham; Karsten Dybvad Dansk Industri; Secretary Clinton; PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt
Photo: Pamela Juhl
Clos Saron
DuMOL Dunn KWC
Côte Bonneville WRIGHT CELLARS mail@kkwine.dk | www.kkwine.dk
Ovid
HIRSCH
PAUL LATO ALBAN JONATA
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Celebrating USA Independence Day in Denmark 2012
A Global Meeting Place Aalborg Congress and Culture Centre is one of Scandinavia’s largest congress and culture centres. Each year, more than half a million people visit the centre for a huge selection of different cultural activities. By Richard Steed
The next big concert to take place at the Aalborg Congress and Culture Centre is on the 3rd July. Organised by the Rebild Society, a Danish-American organisation set up to celebrate the 4th July in Denmark, they will hold a 100 year anniversary concert at the centre. The first Rebild Festival was held in Aalborg back in 1912. In the main concert auditorium, which features the largest orchestra pit and revolving stage in Denmark, the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra will perform a special classical concert. The evening will include music from some of Denmark most famous composers and songs from some of the most famous American musicals. The second part of the evening will include the Czech composer Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9,
From the New World, which was composed in 1893 during Dvorak’s stay in the US. “We have hired out our main auditorium to the orchestra and I think it will be a wonderful concert and a great way to celebrate 100 years of American and Danish relations,” says Ernst Trillingsgaard.
There is always something new and exciting to experience here at the centre and long may that continue for many years to come. Ernst Trillingsgaard, Director
After the Independence Day celebrations there will be more world class performances with the arrival of legendary Canadian singer Leonard Cohen who will be performing at the centre on Sunday August 26th and after that the hit nostalgic musical ‘That’ll be the Day’. And with over 1,000 events each year, there will also be many more national and international meetings and congresses taking place here before the year is over. “There is always something new and exciting to experience here at the centre and long may that continue for many years to come,” concludes Ernst Trillingsgaard.
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W
e offer everything from big international artists, performances in opera, ballet and musicals to revues, classical concerts, pop and rock concerts to all kinds of meetings, fairs and exhibitions,” says Director Ernst Trillingsgaard.
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Celebrating USA Independence Day in Denmark 2012
skyler rowland
A little taste
of America in Denmark The fourth of July is America’s biggest holiday celebration. Two Americans living here in Denmark describe how they will be spending the day and what this special holiday means to them. By Richard Steed
How long have you lived in Denmark? Just over six years. Why did you originally come to Denmark? I met my partner on the internet. We started with emails, then phone calls, and then he asked me to come and visit. We had fallen in love with one another in the virtual world, and now it was time to see what would happen in the real world! We fell in love, and I moved to Denmark ten days later, after giving away my car, apartment, and all of my personal belongings. What is your occupation? I have two jobs. I am a personal fitness trainer working oneon-one with private clients as well as managing a coffee bar at Oasen on Pusher Street in Christiania. How will you celebrate the 4th July here in Denmark? The 4th of July for me now is the same as the 3rd of July or the 5th of July - just another day in July. For my first 4th of July here in Denmark, we made a special effort to celebrate the holiday, but since then it’s been much more low-key. This year we may grill if the weather is good - with the 4th of July in the back of our minds. I will talk to my parents back in the States, as I will be a little curious to find out what they are up to. How would you have celebrated back home? Back in Los Angeles I would be together with my friends and family. We probably would have had a ‘potluck’. If we were lucky, maybe we would get our hands on some fireworks (as they are illegal). I remember as a child we would often celebrate at the beach with a BBQ. My even earlier memories are of 4th of July parades in the city. I can still recall my sisters dressing up in stars and stripes outfits and decorating their bikes before heading downtown.
Chandre Gilliard How long have you lived in Denmark? Since 2001. Why did you originally come to Denmark? I had been working for AP Møller-Maersk and was expatriated from the Netherlands to Denmark. Later, I married a Dane, and several years ago we had a son. What is your occupation? I am a head-hunter with Alumni, the Nordic region’s largest executive search firm. How will you celebrate the 4th July here in Denmark? I will have a two-part celebration. The first will take place at the end of June, when the American Chamber of Commerce will host its yearly and highly popular Independence Day celebration at the American ambassador’s residence. The second part will be a much more personal affair and will include family members travelling to Denmark from the States. Since the rest of the world tends to overlook this special day, I typically enjoy the company of my American friends and family and our respective Danish loved ones.
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Ironically, it is my Danish husband who aims to impress me with his delicious BBQ ribs (complete with a killer homemade sauce) baked beans and corn on the cob. How would you have celebrated back home? Independence Day signals the start of vacation time. Many families make a long weekend out of July 4th. I come from Atlanta and so the weather is hot and humid (easily over 30 degrees C). Even in that oppressive heat, I would still have enjoyed a big grill feast with lots of friends and family. Why is the 4th July so important to Americans? My pride is almost instinctive, some would say it is brainwashing, others would claim heavy propaganda as the reasoning. It’s one of the few days of the year when Americans from all socio-economic backgrounds can celebrate without many barriers or prejudices. Over 300 million people are bonded by the symbolic music and lyrics of the national anthem “the star spangled banner”. On that one day, we sing the anthem a little bit louder and allow ourselves to feel just a little more emotion.
Why is the 4th July so important to Americans? It is important because it’s a celebration of our independence. Sadly, I think most Americans have lost sight of the importance of this holiday. In today’s world, it seems that people in most countries look at a holiday as a day off work, and an excuse to have a party. Of course there’s nothing wrong with a day off and a party, but I think it’s important to remember what it is we are celebrating!
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Celebrating USA Independence Day in Denmark 2012
Best Western
The world’s biggest hotel family Best Western International, the world’s largest hotel chain was established in 1946 in the US. Today there are more than 4,000 Best Western hotels in more than 100 countries worldwide By Richard Steed
“Each Best Western hotel offers our guests a unique
worldwide experience a Best Western hotel
experience and atmosphere,” says Country Manager
and today this global hotel brand is synony-
Peter Laigaard Jensen, head of the hotel chain in Den-
“
chain started its humble beginnings along the west
In Denmark, guests can enjoy everything from the cen-
Each Best Western hotel offers our guests a unique experience and atmosphere.
side of the Mississippi River.
trally located Best Western Hotel Scheelsminde in the
Country Manager, Peter Laigaard Jensen
mous with staying at a quality hotel. That’s pretty im-
mark.
pressive when you consider this independent hotel
Best Western hotels offer a unique approach when it comes to offering guests a room for the night. Unlike other international hotel chains, which offer a standardized experience, wherever you are in the world Best Western encourages and promotes their hotels to keep a unique and independent identity, as long as they fulfil and maintain clean and comfortable rooms. Each year, over 90 per cent of the 4,195 hotels pass
“
E
very single night over 400,000 travellers
bustling city of Aalborg, to the Best Western Golf Hotel in Viborg, a modern conference hotel with fantastic facilities. While in the heart of Copenhagen, there is the upmarket city hotel, the Best Western Hotel Hebron, a bed and breakfast style hotel which offers a wonderful morning meal and cosy atmosphere.
this Best Western criteria. “The wonderful thing about staying at a Best WestIn Denmark the Best Western brand has been around
ern is that travellers are always guaranteed a unique
for nearly thirty-five years and one of their first inter-
experience and dedicated employees who strive for
national hotels opened here back in 1983. Today there
genuine care, great service, clean and comfortable
are twenty-two Danish Best Western hotels that are
and well-maintained guest rooms at affordable prices,”
now part of the global Best Western family.
says Peter Laigaard Jensen.
Say “Hej” to the Danish Language One local language school goes above
Newcomers are interviewed by one of the school’s
live - how to buy a pack of cigarettes, how to ask
and beyond to give you the tools you
five counsellors and placed into courses less than
someone out on a date - that’s not on the test.”
need to succeed By Tom Schad
a month later. They are then immersed in Dan-
To achieve this understanding, the school offers
ish from day one by Københavns Sprogcenter’s
both fulltime day courses and night classes that
renowned faculty, which includes more than 10
give students flexibility to work around their own
authors of Danish language textbooks. Teachers
schedules. Those who want an intensive learn-
understand exactly what their students are going
ing experience can find it here, but so can those
through and can help them navigate textbooks
with other jobs or schoolwork who can only fit in
that, in many cases, they wrote themselves.
a couple of nights a week. Traditional lectures and
A
djusting to life in Copenhagen can be hard for many reasons, but learning Danish is at the top of the list. Native
English speakers lament that nothing is spoken like it is read, random letters are sometimes left silent and pronouncing the vowels makes you sound like you’ve got a sore throat. Despite all that, it is a language that can be picked up quickly and painlessly; all it takes is the right environment, methods and staff to lead the way. Københavns Sprogcenter gives students these tools. Nestled in the old meatpacking district of
in-class activities are supplemented with practice “They’re not only [good teachers], but they’re professionals in their field,” department manager Julie Henriques explains. “This also means that the teachers who haven’t written textbooks are working with the authors, so they understand and are constantly learning as well.”
Vesterbro, the school spans two large buildings
Københavns Sprogcenter aims to help newcom-
and boasts a newly renovated computer lab,
ers pass the Danish language test required by
language lab, library and cafeteria. A surprise
immigration laws, but it also understands that
perhaps to those who imagine language schools
there’s more to a language than that.
consisting of nothing more than a few rundown
in the language lab, where students can pronounce words into a microphone and receive individual critiques from staff. Priority is placed on active learning (speaking and writing) rather than passive learning (reading and listening). Above all else, Københavns Sprogcenter has created an environment where people from around the world can work to overcome a similar chal-
Danish will always be a tough language to grasp,
lenge. With 1,400 students currently enrolled
but the resources at Københavns Sprogcenter can
from over 90 countries, the language centre pro-
make this process both quicker and easier. With
vides expats with a group of people who can un-
a comfortable environment and informed facul-
derstand their situation.
ty, you can finally join the real Copenhagen and
classrooms, this language centre has taken extra
“We look at it in a broader sense – what do you
“It’s a whole new network,” Henriques says.
steps to modernise its space and add a level of
need to do with the language? Why do you need
“Really strong friendships are made in
comfort to the often uncomfortable experience
to make it your own?” Henriques elaborates. “It’s
classes, crossing religious, political, social or
of learning a new language.
not just about passing the test; it’s about how to
whatever borders they live with normally.”
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discover what’s so special about that so-called “throat disease.” For more information about Københavns Sprogcenter see their website : www.kbh-sprogcenter.dk
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LørDag 25. august 2012
søNDag 26. august 2012
b i L L e tL u g e N.D k / 70 263 267 w w w.C O N C e rts.D k
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Søndag 26. auguSt kl. 18 i Mølleparken
Arr.: Musikkens Venner
ud So Lgt1.095,- Ekstra tribunesiddepladser 970,- Billettlf. 9935 5566 hverdage kl. 12-17 · akkc.dk · BILLETnet.dk Ståplads 770,- Tribunesiddeplads
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