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?
