Boldly Go Solo

It was during a hitchhiking trip from the Netherlands to Norway that I learned that Denmark celebrates an American Fourth of July. Well, in its own Danish way.

And has done since 1912. In fact, it's the largest Fourth of July celebration outside of the United States.

The celebration is held in Rebild Bakker, a 190-acre national part that Danish-Americans donated to the Danish government. It's a place where Danish-Americans gather each year with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day and remember those who emigrated to America.

This isn't some little-known community gathering. It's an example of the Danish-American relationship. In past years, Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush were keynote speakers at the party. And in nearby Aalborg, a program of events that includes concerts, exhibitions and tours of interest to American visitors, takes place over several days.

You can learn these things through books and blogs. Or you can learn them through travel. My friend Helen and I learned it while driving with a Danish man who'd noticed our outstretched thumbs and picked us up. He was the one who explained the holiday's origin to us.

I am in no way suggesting hitchhiking for solo travelers, particularly women. But every journey teaches us something, about the world or about ourselves. And you often learn more when solo because you're more open to it, more approachable and have more reason to pay attention. So go solo, but go safely.

Happy Fourth! To all the Americans out there and to all others around the world who would like to celebrate with us today. (Including you Brits, whose ouster provided the reason we celebrate our independence in the first place!)

Photo: Courtesy of Visit Denmark. See also: Rebild Society: A Danish-American Friendship Society