Copenhagen!

Last weekend, Ben and I left lovely Lausanne to spend a long weekend in Copenhagen, Denmark, where my good friend Ashley is studying abroad. Exploring Copenhagen with Ashley was fantastic- not only did Ben and I feel like we had a personal tour guide, but Ashley invited us to have dinner and spend a night with her Danish host family as well!

While it was fantastic to explore the famous sites of Copenhagen, our stay with a Danish family might have been my favorite part of the trip. It was so neat to observe a traditional Danish family's home, traditions, and lifestyle, and I was surprised to discover just how similar the Danish family was to a typical American family. Two differences did, however, stand out. Like many European cities, all residences in Copenhagen are very close together, and all rooms are very small- in many ways, Ashley's host family's kitchen reminded me of a room on a ship in it's creative use of space. Danish homes definitely make American homes feel large by comparison, and made me wonder if so much excess space really is necessary.

The other difference I noticed between Danish and American family's is a little harder to describe. In Danish, it's called hygge, and translates roughly to "coziness". Basically, in the cold, dark, short days of Autumn and Winter, most Danes spend time indoors, relaxing and enjoying the company of family and friends.  Hygge is how spaces or events are intentionally made to feel cozy, inviting, and welcoming. While the concept itself is a bit abstract, there was a definite coziness to Ashley's host family's home that seemed very special and unique.

clocktower in downtown copenhagen

unlike lausanne, copenhagen had very wide streets.

there were so many beautiful statues and
fountains by the waterfront!

nyvhan, a beautiful area of copenhagen featuring colorful
building facades along charming canals.

ashley and me by the little mermaid statue!  

the little mermaid, modeled after hans christian anderson's
sad but lovely fairy tale 

the copenhagen harbor had been named the cleanest
urban harbor in the world! it's safe enough to swim in,
although certainly not warm enough!

unlike the guards at buckingham palace, in london, this
"fuzzy hat man" kept cracking smiles at the gawking
tourists.

copenhagen palace, home to the queen and princesses
of denmark. 

most cafes were already decorated for the
holidays- so festive! 

strolling through nyvhan, all decked out for the holidays!

despite the cold temperatures, nearly all the cafes were
set up for outdoor seating- every chair had an accompanying
warm,  cozy blanket and the entire area was dotted
in heat lamps! 

I love the smell of real christmas trees!  

one of many, many accordion players. it was so nice
to wander the streets of copenhagen with a constant
stream of background music! 

nyvhan again- so beautiful!

since copenhagen is surrounded by water, one of the best
ways to see the city is though a canal tour.  you can
just see our tour boat in the center of the canal.