Hygge.
Strange, new word. Difficult to pronounce. 5 letters, 1 vowel. What does it mean, you ask? Hygge basically wraps up my experience in Denmark in one short (yet impossible to pronounce) word. This notion of hygge (pronounced 'hooga') essentially means creating a warm atmosphere wherever you are, whilst enjoying the good things in life with great company surrounding you. It means warmth and comfort, security and protection, fun and love. At this time of year, it means getting through winter. As we saw on a sign at the first pub we stopped at, we were guaranteed hygge for each drink we bought. Naturally, our curiosity won, and hygge did we receive. Not only in this pub, but for our entire stay in Denmark. I mean this with complete sincerity when I say that the Danish are the friendliest people in the world. They smile, they laugh, and they genuinely want to speak to you and learn about you, something that is almost unheard of in this day and age. Among many, we met a charming middle-aged man, out at a local pub for Christmas lunch with a group of 20 single friends. Not only did he give us some invaluable insights on Princess Mary (giving us hope of finding our Scandinavian Prince in a pub), but he also taught us about his favourite blend of snaps, which naturally we sampled. We met a Danish grandmother on the train, who told us about her daughter who lives in London and was studying music. We met the most helpful young lady, working at the desk of the Admiral Hotel which we called home for 4 nights. On our last pub visit for the trip, we had a man who was drinking next to us at the bar, who bid us farewell and a happy new year on his way out the door. If I can give you just one tip about Denmark, it is to embrace and get to know its' beautiful people, they are something special.
1 Comment
Darnelle Drummond
1/10/2016 01:47:34 am
Love your insights
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DEC, 20155 days in Copenhagen, Denmark |