Rusty in Denmark

Last week I went to a scientific conference in Snekkersten Denmark, which is about an hour north of Copenhagen at the closest point between Denmark and Sweden. Prior to heading up to the conference I hung out at 7 a.m. in a sleepy, jet-lagged daze which is captured by these pictures exhibiting my desire to photograph street food that I ate, evidence of Obama-mania in Denmark, old buildings, and myself in front of ships.

The science was excellent and I had a great time and met a lot of people. Here is me doing the science thing and pondering an insightful comment on my poster.

During the conference I got the opportunity to visit the Kronborg castle in the neighboring town of Helsingor. This is the castle that inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet after either Shakespeare himself or a member of his acting troupe made an appearance there to entertain the Danish royalty. It is your classic castle, moat and all.

There were many pieces of original art in the castle, which have been slowly acquired in the last century from the thieving swedes who stole it all when they occupied the castle in 1658. The castle also doubles as a modern art museum, which makes for a fairly schizophrenic combination of visuals in the large old rooms. One piece of art makes me think that a friend, Kirk "eagle" VanderMeulen, may have some Danish blood. I'm of course referring to the figure off to the rights enormous calf muscles.

Here is the blow up.


After the conference I hung out in Copenhagen for a night before I caught my flight home. The city is excellent, but contrary to what I was expecting was actually quite tagged up. This lead me to feel more homesick for Philly.