Greetings from Copenhagen where the snow is melting and more frost is on its way.
After living in the U.S for twenty-eight years, I’m always surprised at how easy it is for me to become “European.” Sometimes I “forget” that I live in California.
“Skaal” from Denmark
Old habits and customs return, such as the way people interact with one another.
Danish people are warm and friendly and speak “calmly,” to one another, unlike the French. (More on that later.) One of my favorite airports in the world is Kastrup, in Copenhagen. Danes are world renowned for their architecture, furniture and home design. They come up with new designs for simple things. I don’t see these in the U.S. For example, an unusual, high tech wine glass, a contemporary candlestick, a special magnetic see-through picture frame that can make a photocopied photgraph look professional. Style, design and cozyness are three words that best describe Denmark, to me.
As far as Danish habits, I had forgotten one tradition. In Denmark, it’s considered impolite to take a sip of wine when you’re having dinner with friends without saying “Skaal,” first. I did the California thing of taking sips whenever I felt like it, and remembered my manners.
Next post from Paris.
Funny how every country has different habits. Are there any traditions or habits you remember from childhood or from living in another State or country?
very nice post.. thanks for sharing..
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How interesting Sonia! It must be difficult at times not to confuse the traditions or habits!
When in Spain I remember the day that I first discovered that everything except for a few bars, close at noon for an hour. At first I thought it odd but after being there awhile I thought "We should do this in the states!".
The funny thing is that I still try to practice this little Siesta time at home!
Have fun and post more photos!
Love Di ♥
How very great it is that ya got to go back and visit your homeland and thanks so much for sharin' it with us. Your pictures speak volumes!
I've spent the past week in Texas with my family for my Dad's memorial service. It was good to all be together.
God bless you and have a marvelous week sweetie!!!
Oh, I love the new opera house and the harbour houses – like delicious slices of cake.
They do that Skål thing over here in Sweden too.
Enjoy your visit!
LOL about the SKÅL! I had to learn to pace myself and not drink my wine too quickly so that no matter when someone wanted to SKÅL, I had something in my glass!
And I learned after about 6 months living here that when you say SKÅL, you should make eye contact with each person around the table before drinking.. 🙂 LOL All these new ways of life!
hahah, we have the same habit in Finland, we say 'kippis!' 🙂
I like a lot Danish design!
@Diana
Yes Spain is very different. As a child I used to spend my summers there and I thought the stores closed for 2-3 hours after lunch and then of course, no one eats dinner until 10 p.m. Do they know what life is all about or what?
I also love Danish design. Finnish is great too. I think generally the Northern and Western Europeans have more interesting design when it comes to home decor and furniture, and architecture as well. My European heart is often frustrated when looking for, say a table lamp in the US. the really fabulous ones are often made by artists and cost a fortune.
One habit in Ghana is that if your guests leave, you walk out the door with them to their car and wave them out. You don't just close the door on them. I still do that very often, but not when it's below zero 😉
Hi Sonia,
Interesting that you say how easy it is to become "European." I'm always surprised how that happens to me even though it's many years since I lived there.
Enjoy your insights about Denmark and customs. Your travelogues are more fun to read than most of those so-called travel blogs.
Thanks for the Danish introduction. Danes are, indeed, "world renowned for their architecture, furniture and home design." If only we could have some here in our plain, rectangular, utilitarian, North American house.
@Nezzy
Sorry to hear about your Dad. I agree, being with family and close friends is so important for all of us.
@Ladyfi
We need you and your camera over in Copenhagen.
@Kelli
I think you make a good point. I noticed how others in the restaurant sipped their wine very slowly.
@BLOGitse
The Finns have great taste in design too. They also make things "hyggelig" inside. Is that the same word? cozy?
@Pennie
I know. Isn't that so strange about switching. It's as if I'm a second person when I'm in Europe and an American in the U.S. Can't explain why?
@Miss Footloose
I walk my guests to the car too. I wonder if that's from whne I lived in Nigeria. LOL. I think it's a Danish habit. Who knows? I'm confused anyway.
My youngest daughter studied in Denmark during her Junior year of high school. She just recently visited again to attend the wedding of one of her high school friends. She loved it there… even though she came back home with her tongue pierced. Is that like a national requirement or something?
@Robert
Glad your daughter had a good time in Denmark. I could live there again, apart from the cold and gray slies. At least the people give it some warmth. No tongue piercings as far as I know. Perhaps she took advantage of being away to get it.
Nyhavn looks as interesting as always, as does the Mermaid. Agree about Kastrup too and personal style of nordic people generally.
We have very fond memories of living in Malmo, across the way, while I worked in Koberhavn, travelling to and from daily.
Was the official food gatherer for our 2 couple [one Swedish and 1 Australian]shared apartment…..as food cheaper in K, versus Malmo, when Sweden a non member of the EU.
Oh, I forgot……….Australia has a bit of Denmark too.
Joern Utzon – architect of the Sydney Opera House.
Two mermaids in the first gorgeous picture! So nice to visit our homeland and roots.