I'm actually finally here. It feels really surreal to be on this continent, let alone sitting in my new home in London knowing I have lived here now for 12 days now. I've simply been soaking it in and jammed packed between gaining information and exploring the city as much as I can.
But let's rewind to Copenhagen, Denmark. Being in Copenhagen again as an adult was so refreshing because it was the perfect blend of being with family and living everyday moments and still doing tourist bits I hadn't experienced yet. I truly don't know how to sum up what an incredible, joyful, hilarious, warm time we had other than to say "Hver dag var hyggeligt" or “Every day was ‘hyggeligt’”.
While my Danish was very rusty coming in, there were several small moments I came across “as a Dane” speaking to strangers or meeting new people. It is really a treasure when your brain brings back vocabulary and phrases you didn’t know it still and one of my favorite parts of the entire trip was simply learning new words, refreshing my memory, and being able to hear stories and jokes in Danish and know what was happening. It was just so familiar and comforting.
Of course another favorite part was being spoiled by all my favorite Danish foods and candies from fiskefrikadeller to marzipan to flødebolle to pålægschokolade to pastries and even herring, which I originally didn’t like as a child. I was introduced to hyldeblomst juice (elderflower juice) and other new healthy variations of foods we have in America. I don’t think about this a lot but overall, Denmark is a much healthier country than America and it makes me happy to see so many people of all ages biking everywhere and simply eating combinations of food unlike I’ve seen before, so fresh and healthy. Despite my personal indulgences throughout the trip, which included lots and lots of chocolate and sweets, the country has a sense of working together to keep one another healthy and accountable and everyone I encountered had healthy lifestyle choices tied into a conversation somehow.
The weather surprised me and stayed fairly average and I loved soaking in moments by the ocean. I am so grateful for this time with family to get adjusted to the time zone and be able to explore while still retaining “summer vacation” and spending moments just observing my surroundings. I can’t imagine a better way to kick off this journey! (See next post for a breakdown of activities)
How blessed you are Abby, to have family in Denmark. The love you all share is obvious in your writing. What amazing ventures they've taken you on and shared with you. I feel the gratitude in your written voice and know how deeply you feel for your Danish family and friends.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos as well! Take care as you venture on in England and more. Love and Hugs, Maeme