Back in 1998, I studied abroad in Florence from January through May. While there, and after the semester had ended, I traveled around western Europe. (I went as far east as Prague)
I had two experiences that I've always wondered about, and I just realized--after being a member of this site for many years
--I could ask about them here.
First, one evening in Florence, I remember walking around the center city, and although the streets were fairly empty, there were lots of people roasting chestnuts on sheet metal squares on barrels. I remember this was unusual for me, because the smell was amazing, and yet the streets were unusually empty, which gave everything an orange glow from the overhead lights. I don't remember exactly when this was, but I'm pretty sure it was in late January or early-mid February, and it was well before Carnivale. (I made a trip to Venice for that) I don't remember seeing, or smelling, roasting chestnuts before or after that night, so I'm wondering if this was some kind of local festival or religious observance?
Second, toward the end of May--after the semester was over, my friend and I took a trip to Copenhagen. One evening we were wandering around, looking for something to do, when we stumbled upon a pub with live music; a man with a guitar up on stage. He played many Danish (I assume) songs, and many English songs. (stuff like Van Morrison, Beatles, etc.) But then he started playing a song that seemed very popular with the crowd; everyone cheered and then started singing--and clapping--along. I have no idea what the words were, because it was in Danish. But, the melody was the same as The Lion Sleeps Tonight, by the Tokens. This was pretty magical for me, because that's one of my favorite songs, and (at least in 1998) it seemed very difficult to find any music that wasn't techno, in Europe. Can anyone tell me about this song? Was it just the Danish version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight, or is there a favorite Danish song that happens to use the same melody?
It's hard for me to believe that this trip happened over 17 years ago, and I have many great memories. But the above 2 memories stand out because of the mystery that goes along with them, and I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on them.
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