The Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, Hans Christian Andersen’s childhood house, Tivoli Gardens, Legoland, the numerous castles… Of course, if you planned a first trip to Denmark, you probably would like to see the major attractions. Who could blame you?
I like the little memories the most. All these little things that make me feel familiar when I go back, or when I see pictures or videos of places where I have been.
The smell of the water, when I get up at sunrise after spending the night in a cabin aboard the Hawila. The warmth of a mug of rich hot chocolate at Mormors Café. The sound of Aalborg’s musical fountains. The sight of Fyn Island’s bright yellow rape fields in full bloom while traveling by train…
I love to sit back and remember the people I met. The people who expected my visit, of course, but also all the people that hadn’t planned to run into me. Or more precisely to have me run into them!
There was this young man I came across while putting my trash out before leaving the apartment I had rented for a night in a University dorm. He and his friends were celebrating downstairs, and he probably noticed I was a tourist since I was way older than the average student living there. We chit-chated in the staircase, and before I knew it, I was drinking a beer and eating sausage-filled pastries with 5 or 6 young Danes…
The next day, after riding busses for a couple of hours, I was in Møn, looking for the majestic white clifs, when I ended up in a (VERY) small fishermen village. Obviously, the bus driver had forgotten to tell me that this stop was a long walk from the island’s main attraction. The badluck allowed me to meet Klaus, who kindly offered to drive me to the cliffs. There’s nothing like getting a tour with a local that isn’t getting paid for telling you why they live where they do!
In Aarhus, I visited Den Gamle By (The old town). My first solo trip was in May, which is definately not peek season tourist-wise, meaning that I was pretty much by myself to walk around the open air town museum. But in many of Den Gamle By’s buildings, there are actors playing characters. Needless to say that it must have been quite boring to work with so little people visiting, so I was welcomed very warmly everywhere I went. Chatting with the general store owner was a real charm, and the lady at the bakery treated me with a free tasting of many of the goods they usually sell to tourists.
I also have some spots that most tourists don’t know about. Places to blend in with the locals, and have a taste of what it would be like to live in Denmark. Like Slotsbageren, a fabulous bakery in Aalborg, where the chocolate filled buns (Chokolade boller) and sausage rolls are to die for… Or Osten Ved Kultorvet, in Copenhagen. I never miss the chance to go to the small cheese store, where I have a chat with Mikael, the owner. It surprised me when he recognized me, the second time I walked through the door! And I never leave without a piece of fyrmester and Viking blue cheese (to read more about Danish cheese, click here )
Well, I am blabbering…
I realize this is probably quite boring to read. I just miss Denmark, and I love to remember these little things that made every visit magical.
Because Denmark really is a magical place.
Cyranny's Cove 
Not boring to read at all, but a beautiful declaration of your love for your country. I can read it in every word, but then I kinda knew that already, didn’t I 🙂
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hehehehe It is no surprise, uh? 😉 I have so many good memories there… Sometimes it is just hard to choose which ones to tell about.
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Not to me gorgeous. I do know you that well 😉. I love to read your memories of your home. You tell it like no other. 💙
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Thank you, Gorgeous! I can’t wait to add new memories to the ones I already have 🙂
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And I can’t wait to read all about them 😉
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Even the place names sounds exotic and magical–Denmark is definitely on my list of places to visit!
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I am a bit biased, but I definately recommend a visit 🙂 And I’d be more than pleased to give advices if-when you decide to plan a trip over there!
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Thank you!
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🙂
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It sounds so charming and inviting. Thank you! I enjoy reading about your adventures.
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Thank you, Cheryl! When I sit back and think about my wanderings, I hardly can believe how lucky I’ve been meeting amazing people! It really tickles me to go back 😛
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It’s not a boring read. I get home sick.. I can feel the smell and even hear the people talk. Oh maybe should start planning my trip home for the summer.
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Thank you, Ana 🙂 I am sure Sweden would be more than glad to see you again… When was the last time you visited?
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Haven’t been back since summer last year. Was gonna go for the fall or Christmas but became preggo so been staying in the desert.
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Putting together a new human being is a good reason for postponing a trip 😉 I haven’t been to Denmark in almost a year and a half, and I didn’t even give birth in the meanwhile… Shame on me 😛 Mouahahahaha
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That’s a great “excuse” to go. Book a ticket! See I this summer 😉
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Mouahahahaha… I might beat you there 😛 If Wow Air keeps bombing me with ridiculous deals, I will give up my credit card number 😛
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Perfect! See u this summer 😉
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😉
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Nothing really beats the sound of the trash people in the morning hours. I wouldn’t trade that for anything…..
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I understand, but I have to disagree… I think that city snowblowers are even more entertaining! They have this habit of coming to your neighbourhood around three in the morning, and unlike trash people, they don’t have an established schedule. But there’s the down side that we rarely see them during summer… So I guess that’d be a tie?
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I don’t find it boring at all! I enjoy reading about your trips to Denmark!
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Thats nice if someone remembered you in a new place. Nice post.
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