returning to reality

I have been back in Glasgow for a few days now. I am finding it difficult to adjust to reality but I guess I have no choice and I better get on with life as it presents itself. As mentioned in my last post, I travelled to Copenhagen with four friends. I love to visit cities and it is really good fun to do so with friends.





We stayed in the most amazing flat right in the centre of Copenhagen. You can have a wee nosey here. The building was re-constructed in 1796 after a big fire. Old by anyones standards and very charming indeed. The central location meant it was a little noisy at times but not terribly so.




















On our first day, we explored the city by boat. It is a good way to see things. It was freezing cold and at some point, even my kneecaps seemed frozen. We learned loads about the city. I don't remember much other than the Danes achieved world firsts with a multitude of things. I also remember that the bluetooth symbol on our devices is made of the initials of Harald Bluetooth, a Viking king gifted with excellent communication skills. He united at least some of the warmongering Danish tribes. We spotted the little mermaid, which was indeed little and I am glad we didn't waste time to visit her on foot. Did you know that she lost her head twice? It was stolen and had to be replaced with a replica. All cities should have easy accessible canals for sightseeing!






On the second day there was shopping in the morning. I went to Stof & Stil, a fabric shop I was keen to visit, my friends went shopping for all sort of things. We visited the Danish Design museum in the afternoon. It is a most enjoyable and fun place and if you ever go there, you'll find many items that look familiar. More than one Ikea designer must have found inspiration in Danish design culture. There was a chair exhibition, which I particularly liked. My old dining room chairs were there. Well, not exactly those of course but copies. I suppose it is the other way round! Well worth a visit. I noticed the Culture of Medicine museum just a few steps down the road but I didn't suggest a visit because we were all quite tired by then. I might explore it in summer.











On the last day we went to the Nørrebro neighbourhood to explore a trendy flea market advertised online. It was not on unfortunately but a leisurely stroll along the gentile streets was truly enjoyable. I can imagine living there. We stopped for coffee in a small corner café and sat outside for a wee while, people watching. Later we visited a food market which I loved and then we wandered through Freetown Christiania. You can read more about it here in this 2016 Guardian article. I found it rather underwhelming and I imagine its founders miss the idealistic autonomous community it was when it was first founded. It was a bit seedy, which is a shame because it needn't be.









Foodwise we did very well indeed. Most memorable for me is a salad of artichoke hearts and large prawns on a bed of mixed leaves with fresh bread that just invited you to bury your nose in and inhale. I also remember a hotdog we ate on a busy market square, it was most delicious. Danish pastries are far better in Denmark than here although of course it may be a trick of my mind. We also found a cheese cake café. The selection of cheese cakes was astonishing and the interior of the café was pleasingly quirky. It also is home to the tiniest toilet cubicle ever. I could touch both side walls with my upper arms. I was slightly worried to get stuck but managed to wiggle back out again. There was not a single meal I didn't enjoy. 









I love spending time with my women friends. It is not often that we can give each other the attention we all deserve, with kids and husbands milling about and life being busy. I love them and I could dedicate an entire blogpost to every one of them but I won't. I think I am the odd one out and this sometimes worries me but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. I am who I am and this friendship group gives me strength, comfort and happiness.

As always when I go somewhere on the continent, I feel homesick for Switzerland. Not so much for Switzerland actually, but the continental way of living. Don't get me wrong, I love it here in Scotland but there is a hard to describe different feel to the continental Europe I am familiar with. I think my friends felt it, too. I can't really put my finger to it, I think it has something to do with a greater social trust in at least the parts of continental Europe I know. I listened to an interesting podcast last winter on this very subject, it might be a good starting point if social trust is something you are not familiar with. I'd be interested to hear what your thoughts are on this matter.

Before I forget: not all of these photos are mine, I borrowed some from my friends. Thanks!

There you go, my trip to Copenhagen in a nutshell. I hope to squeeze in a visit or two during our coastal Denmark holiday this summer.

Have a great weekend. xx


Comments

  1. Wow! It all looks so wonderful. I'm really glad you had the chance to get away with your friends, it sounds like so much fun. I hope you do make it back to see the culture of medicine place, that sounds very interesting and I would love to hear about it. Thanks for sharing your trip!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for sharing your wonderful girl trip! I need to do something like that. I enjoyed each and every image, seeing that beautiful city and the Little Mermaid and all. That lemon meringue pie looked faboo.. was it yours? You are so lucky to leave close enough to visit these wonderful places. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looks like you had a fabulous few days even tho it was cold. Must have been nice to have your own apartment to stay in. Very Danish. I just love their way of life. I must go and click on that podcast. Have a eat Easter. B x

    ReplyDelete
  4. It looks like a very interesting place! Glad you had a lovely time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fantastic photos, it sounds like an amazing trip. Glad you had such a good time, and I know exactly what you mean about returning to reality. It's HARD! I understand what you mean about missing the continental way of life, even though I've not really lived anywhere else, except for six short months many years ago. I hope you have a lovely Easter Christina. CJ xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. You all had an amazing time. Thanks so much for telling us all about it. My daughter had a lovely time and loves you all. From Laura's Mum Janet XXX

    ReplyDelete
  7. It looks like you had a wonderful time with plenty to see and do. My ex sister in law and niece lived in Copenhagen for a few months while she was studying for her degree and they loved it there, it does sound an interesting city.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's hard getting back into the swing of things after a lovely trip, isn't it? Like you, I was a tad disappointed by the Little Mermaid and Christiania but I guess some sights just have to be visited.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I quite liked your canal tour.

    ReplyDelete
  10. the flat you stayed in looks absolutely fantastic! When we are travelling in Europe we usually use Air BnB and find some really cool and quirky places to stay :) hope you have a wonderful Easter x

    ReplyDelete
  11. I quite enjoyed this photo intensive post of your recent holiday with girlfriends, Christina. The comments you made about your friendships was especially timely as I just completed watching a mini series called Girlfriends on Acorn TV streaming and would highly recommend it. And, those food pics looked delicious 😊

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your trip sounds wonderful, so many wonderful things to see but at the heart of it friendship. That is the best. I think friends keep us sane and moving forward. Who else understands you as well as a friend does? So glad yo had an incredible trip.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your trips sounds really good, it looks like you had a fantastic time away with your friends. I seem to have many friends but in different groups such as the book club, WI, church but 1 good friend. Though she's not so good at opening up and sharing, because of this I neglect the friendship.
    I always find friendships tricky - as I work or have worked for friends in cleaning their houses, it shifts things a bit. They may not treat you differently, so I guess it's me with the issue. An interesting one.
    Your podcast recommendation is interesting, I'm not sure that I'm a trusting person preferring to not rely on others. Having said that, my whole life has been involved in the church so that adds balance to my life. I was once told - that I have a lot of love to give but must let others love me. That simply meant, I'm not meant to be an island, allow others to get close.
    I find it easier to be the one that does, eg helps or eases someones difficulties rather than allow anyone to help me. I have to consciously think 'NO' stop, they've offered to help or do something 'for me' - so let them. I hope all that makes sense. Cathy x

    ReplyDelete
  14. Good company, interesting sights, a lovely place to stay and excellent food. What’s not to like? Sounds completely wonderful. Ps I did giggle at your description of rescuing jack from the pipe over on CJs blog! Naughty boy indeed. Reminds me of a certain naughty terrier who lives here 😆 xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. It sounds as though you had a fabulous trip Christina... great photos too! Lovely to spend time with girlfriends and I know what you mean about that different feeling on the continent. Hope your Easter Sunday has been good x

    ReplyDelete
  16. I LOVED seeing your photos, thank you for sharing them! Copenhagen is on my list of places to visit and your photos haven't changed my mind in any way. I wonder if the difference in lifestyle is due to our island mentality here in the UK? xx

    ReplyDelete
  17. I visited Copenhagen years ago, Interrailing around Europe with a friend after finishing university. I remember the Tivoli Gardens and being underwhelmed by the Little Mermaid. Your photographs make me want to go back. How lovely to go away with female friends too - you look like you are enjoying yourself in that photo. xxDoris

    ReplyDelete
  18. We lived in Germany for 20 years and holidayed in parts of Europe whilst there so I do know exactly what you mean. Looks like you had an amazing time, a well deserved break with friends.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

Labels

Show more