March 11th Odense

Today was our first full day in Odense. We met in the morning and walked (of course) to the symphony hall. However the rehearsal was scheduled for the afternoon today. So, we went straight away to the Hans Christen Andersen museum. It was really a lovely museum established around the house he grew up in with his biography spread across a large display in both English and Danish. There were many school children there who found Christer fascinating as they bogged down the bathroom all afternoon trying to eat their lunches they were not allowed to eat until after they left the museum. I guess kids are the same everywhere. After a couple of hours and a few souvenirs later we went to the café to mingle with the locals. Then we split up into groups with a few of us sight seeing in the old part of town that is now mostly shops and a few of us going to a fine art museum. I went to the museum and loved it all. It was a combination of contemporary and photographic art. There was one bizarre exhibit that incorporated black and white with the only color a picture of a woman defecating in the woods. Not my cup of tea, but the rest was fantastic. There was a display of award winning photojournalism of scenes in Denmark, Thailand, sporting events, Ghana and many moments in time that were captured brilliantly. There was also an amazing children’s exhibit with so many textures and illusions that were inspiring and exciting for all of the children there. It was really moving to see an emphasis on introducing art to children at an early age. Then we went to the symphony rehearsal at a local church where they are performing a religious inspired repertoire. It was so nice to hear live music. There is no comparison to listening through headphones to a digital recording and experiencing music through sound, sight, energy, vibration…it is just a more fulfilling experience. Then we took a train and went to a traditional Danish restaurant and ate the largest omelet in the entire world. Omelets are not a breakfast meal but a dinner meal here. You can take a look at the pictures and see the mound of food that was served. Also, most people had a round of pickled herring that was surprisingly sweet and delicious. We went with a couple of wonderful Danish women from the orchestra who shared insight no life here in Denmark from healthcare and schools to politics both here and in the USA. It reinforces the importance of our political desicions in the world and how many people are watching the USA this presidential election. Then we hopped the train back to the hotel and planned our day tomorrow. Everyday each person is opening up and showing their personality in a way that wasn’t expected from our short pre-trip meetings. It is a diverse and kind group of people exploring Denmark together.