People to people contact: A sneak peek into Danish culture

Embassy recreates Nyhavn waterfront in Copenhagen

ISLAMABAD:

A red canopy set in the lawn of the Danish Embassy was not just to provide shade from the sun, but it was an attempt to create ‘Nyhavn’ waterfront in Copenhagen. In an effort to present a glimpse Denmark’s culture in Pakistan, the embassy held a cultural event on Saturday called ‘Creative Denmark’.

The mission made an effort to replicate the ambiance that of Nyhavn, a place known for its restaurants and cafes fringed along the harbor in Copenhagen. Some nine Danish companies displayed their goods and services and six to seven development projects bordered the venue while the centre was reserved for food and entertainment.

A large gathering of Pakistanis and people from the diplomatic circles attended the event. The sun was in favor of those wanting to have fresh gelato, an established venture from Denmark familiar to many Pakistanis.

A musical performance by Danish-Pakistani fusion band Rocqawali was not the only treat. Two chefs from Denmark had flown in just for the event. A food court was established on the terrace where tables were laden with small treats from Denmark.  A neat presentation of items was a delicious surprise.

“It took us two days to decide the menu and six days to prepare the food for this event,” said Danish chef Micheal Bech Olsen. He told The Express Tribune that they had to prepare food for hundreds of guests, so they had to think of items that give the authentic taste of the country in a short time span to as many people as they could. “For this very purpose, we brought fresh ingredients from Denmark,” he said. “It was just to give the right taste of the Danish culinary universe to Pakistan” said Olsen.

Seasonings and basic ingredients such as vinegar and salt to specialties such as cheese, herring, juice and even apples had all come from Denmark explained Chef Musa Deveci. The delicious Danish Apple Trifles — made with a mixture of apples nuts, brown and white chocolate and Danish cheese — and the herring and veal meatballs with potato salad, were mouthwatering.

Danish Ambassador Jesper Moller Sorensen stated that culture was a bond that brings people closer and makes it is easier to overcome personal, economic and political barriers.

“I am convinced that recreational activities and culture help promote peace and harmony. Creative Denmark is also about communicating, sharing and understanding each other’s values and perspectives with respect,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2014.