My name is Charlie

As it turns out, (follow me here) my brother's wife's brother's wife's sister.....(still with me?) lives in Copenhagen and I was given her e-mail. So, I didn't think we'd be able to hook-up on short notice, but I thought I'd shoot her a message. Within 10-15 minutes Camryn had called me and I had a tour guide and dinner plans with a few of her female friends. I was still pretty tired and hadn't eaten yet, but this day was looking much better. Before I met up with Camryn I took a walk down the main tourist drag. I'd tell you name of the street, but it changes names like 5 times. It's basically called, "Stroget" and it's one of Europe's longest shopping streets. Oh, and did you know the oldest amusement park in the world is located in Copenhagen....I did not know that. It's called, "Tivoli". Anyway, after walking around (still hadn't eaten) I was getting the wiff of the food vendor's creations: hot dogs, wraps, roasted almonds, etc. I was starving, but I had to meet Camryn. Now, I can't recall if I had met Camryn before at a family wedding, but I know I'd at least seen her before. So, I'm walking down the street toward our meeting point (I'm looking for an attractive blonde, because the Thomas Family is the most attractive family, I swear!) I looked up and saw a familiar face. I took a double take, but I knew that she was a "Thomas". She looked at me and said, "Matt? Velkommen til København! Sorry, I know we are having dinner later, but I could sure use a sandwich." In the back of my mind I'm thinking "I must be dead, because an angel has just arrived." We walked several blocks to the sandwich shop and (as best as she could) pointed out the local architecture. Let me put it this way, we have different tastes as to what constitutes as "architecture". For instance, I'd say something like, "Oh, what is that huge old-looking building with the tall spire?" and she'd reply, "I don't know, but over there is Abercrombie & Fitch". It was a joy! Camryn was a blast to hangout with, she bought me roasted almonds and a fantastic sandwich and smoothie from a local food chain called, "Joe & The Juice". It was great! After, we split up and would meet later for dinner. I took this opportunity to grab a cup of coffee and walk around Copenhagen a little more. It's gorgeous! There are so many little restaurants that I have to come back and try just because they look so funky. I love it! At 6:30pm we met at Fiat a local Italian restaurant. Ok, I know what you are thinking. I should be eating more Danish style food, right? Well, you pick: Danish food by myself or Italian food with Danish women? Ethem, just wanted to clear that up. I show up and this place is nice....too nice. Now, I feel like a backpacker, I look like a backpacker, and I'm sure I smell like a backpacker. I felt pretty out of place until Camryn pointed out the guy at the table across from us who was wear a hoodie. So, for a white table cloth place I didn't feel AS out of place. Dinner was fantastic! The wine, the food, and the company was awesome! Apparently, I was having dinner during Camryn's "ladies night" with the girls. The two other women who join us were Ditte and Tanya; two beautiful and very well educated individuals. Both were charming and very fun to have dinner with. Toward the end of dinner ANOTHER extremely attractive Danish woman joined us named, Gitte. At first I felt like Samantha from Sex and the City, but now...I was Charlie, and these were my angels. When I think about how my day started: hungry, cold, crummy, and in a poor mood and NOW I was eating dinner at a nice restaurant with four smart, funny, and dare I say sexy women......it was surreal! After dinner we walked to a local wine bar for more drinks and some live Jazz music. So much fun! We took a picture together to which I commented, "I look tan in Copenhagen and I'm pretty white for California boy!". The people at the table next to us laughed. After our wine and conversation we headed out the door. Tanya was so nice to offer to pay for my taxi and she also gave we a "tour" on the way back to the dirty hostel.

2011 January

2011 January

Ditte, Tanya, and Gitte.....thank you, thank you, thank you for the classy night spent with me, a dirty backpacker. A gigantic thank you to Camyrn! Thank you for the almonds, the sandwich, the smoothie, the wine, and the much needed company. You made my experience in Copenhagen something grand when it started off with my poor, hungry, and sleep-deprived attitude. You took me in with such short notice and for that I thank you. I'm proud to call you family!