Burning Witches and Riding Bikes

I think this is my fourth time here in Denmark, and yet the first time I have taken the number one mode of transportation. That's right, I too now have ridden a bicycle on the streets of Copenhagen. It was quite the adventure of riding a bike that brakes when you back peddle. It took me a while to catch on to that one as I haven't had a bike with back-brakes since I was about 8 or 9 with my Strawberry Shortcake bicycle of awesomeness. I went with my good friend Pia to the local witch burning, and it just made sense to take a bike.

Burning witches? You may ask. Well, yes and no. Apparently it's a 300-year-old tradition where they gather in large groups and light huge bonfires that they throw images of witches onto. I think 300 years ago it was actual witches, but it still makes for a good family outing. It was just like going to see fireworks back in the States where everyone gathered together to have little barbeques and picnics while spreading blankets to reserve their best spots.

After my victorious arrival at the fire spot upon my fantastic blue beach cruiser with one gear and back-brakes we sat down with a group of friends for a bit of dinner and conversation. Although I don't speak a lick of Danish, it was interesting to see how much human interaction is nonverbal. Luckily, these wonderful Danes would take pity on the silly American and occasionally converse with me for a bit in English or at least explain the really funny bits of conversation.

At about 10:00 they lit the bonfire up (with the aid of a few gallons of gasoline). I think my favorite part of the fire were the small children who had stoked the fuel with piles of their homework from the school year that just ended. Smart kids! I wonder if there's a way back in the states to load fireworks with homework to blow it up in order to experience that same sense of release... I'll have to look into that.

All in all the night was a smashing success, although luckily not me smashing into anything on that bicycle. (That contributed to the success). It was such a fun experience. I only hope that my bum will stop hurting from that seat and I can air the smoke out of my luggage. But I truly mark this one up as a simply fantabulous event!