self-exhibit: a new life in europe: May 2013

So, it's been quite some time since this blog was updated! However, the reason is a good one, I promise. It's getting nicer and we aren't as cooped up as we were. Not that we really let the cold weather stop us from traveling around, but now it's really getting beautiful outside. Not nearly as warm as it is back home, but it's getting there. The other day, it was in the mid 70's and it was bright and sunny all day. We actually came home with a little burn!

Now that it's been so long since an update, I'm trying to rack my brain to think about some of the highlights of the last few months! I guess one of the biggest changes was moving into our new apartment on the Nyhavn, the Copenhagen waterfront/canal that you basically see on every tour book cover or guide to Copenhagen. We figure if we're going to be in Copenhagen for a little while, we may as well live in the heart of the area. Despite being a big tourist trap, it's beautiful. Boats going by continuously, live music, constant life. While the noise can be a little intense late at night on the weekends, it's something you can easily shrug off because of how awesome the location is. One big accomplishment was us finally buying bikes. Talk about feeling like a part of Danish culture. It feels great to jump on and cycle over to Tivoli Gardens, somewhere for dinner, or even a little further to attend a BBQ hosted by some new friends that we've made here.

Let's see...what else? I've joined a small brass band and am playing the cornet. Yeah, you read that correctly! A lot of you may not know I played trumpet for almost my entire middle school/high school life. I was pretty good by the time I got to high school. I think I was even "first trumpet" for a while. Then, fast forward to 11 years later to me in Copenhagen. A friend mentions that they need a cornet player. The instrument is pretty similar to the trumpet, so I decide to try it out. Well, it may be like "riding a bike" in the sense that it all comes back to you, but I've certainly lost my skill to play. But, the group is nice and I'm doing my best and having a nice time- which is what really matters, right?

We are planning our summer vacation right now. Looks like we're headed to Barcelona during the second week of July. Then, we'll head back to Pittsburgh to spend time with my family followed by a trip to Philly to see friends. The last week, we'll do our annual beach trip with Jason's family in Ocean City, MD. Should be a fun-filled, busy time.

And now, here are some pictures. They are really the reason why you're reading this blog, right? :)

Nyhavn canal

Nyhavn- our street :)

Boats - Nyhavn

Kitchen

Entrance/dining area

Living area

I probably should have turned that chair around...?

Self-explanatory?

Where the (hopefully) songs come pouring in! Unless I'm playing AM music (if you recognize the songbook!).

Bathroom- that's a jacuzzi on the bottom right (haven't tried it out yet) and a rain shower at the end there!

We went and saw a Danish musician named Nabiha a few months ago. She is incredible! Check her out. Definitely music that would work totally well in the US.

The front of our apartment. We are the top two floors!

Got to meet one of my favorite electronic/dance performers, Peaches, when she came through Copenhagen to screen her raunchy movie Peaches Does Herself! This was from the afterparty. She was very nice...and fierce, as you can see from the pic above.

On a trip back home to Philly for Jason's business trip, I bumped into my good friend Stella D'Oro!

And then she transformed into her alter ego, Carole!

My parents came to Philly since we were in. Here's my Mom giving some love to her granddaughter, PJ. It was incredible to see my little girl after months away. I missed/miss her so much. But she looked great and was happy, so that makes me happy.

Back in Copenhagen, we ventured into one of our favorite places, Tivoli Gardens and Amusement Park. Definitely one of the most beautiful, fun places in Copenhagen. I think this park won me over when making the decision to move here.

Inside Tivoli. I know, right?!

Laser/water show in Tivoli. It definitely wins over the one in Caesar's in Atlantic City...

Relaxation in Frederiksberg Have (park)

Frederiksberg Have

Frederiksberg Slot (castle)

Zoo/Frederiksberg Slot

Peacock chillin' in Frederiksberg Have

We passed by a swan who was tending to her unhatched eggs. Very cool.

BBQ with new friends...today's letter is 'B'...for beer!

Our new friend Stig pours a birthday shot for Jason, who turned the big 41!

I happened to be sitting on the steps of the town hall when a bride and groom came out and the rice went flying.

One of my favorite singers and friends Tracy Bonham came to Copenhagen to perform with Danish singer/songwriter Tim Christensen. I sat in on one of their rehearsals. It was incredible to watch them prepare for their big gig at Tivoli later in the week.