You Can Leave Your Hat on — The Truth About Danish Graduation Culture and Traditions

On June 4, 2023June 4, 2023 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn American Expat, Copenhagen, Denmark1 Comment

Hats, trucks, parties, and drinking

It’s officially summer in Denmark and soon jubilant young adults dressed in white and donning sailor-like caps will be swarming parks, plazas, beaches, and streets across the country. For a long weekend at the end of June, truckloads of teens blasting loud music and blowing whistles will stumble between gardens and courtyards of their classmates’ houses. Especially around Copenhagen, the public is here for it. After all, it’s Danish graduation season. Here’s what all the cheering is about.

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Leaving a Life Lived Abroad | The Emotional Toll of Repatriation

On February 21, 2023February 21, 2023 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Copenhagen, Expat, Repatriation9 Comments

What does it feel like to walk away from a life lived abroad? Simply put? A lot. Today is 18 months since we boarded a plane back to the US. After seven years of living as a Scandinavian, Oregon is seeping back in, getting under my skin. I’m embracing the spaces, places, and people we missed. I won’t sugarcoat it, there have been overwhelming moments, days, and maybe whole months of deep grief. Someone remind me next winter that this time of year is just as difficult here as it was in Denmark. I don’t believe in ignoring those hard feelings and I let them wash in. Safe in my experience that those tides always wash back out.

I’ll admit, I thought I’d be further along by now. Still, I’m squarely in the middle of processing my move “home.” But Copenhagen was home too. For seven years. So from the beginning, the emotions are complicated and twisty. Let’s get into it. But first, let’s start with the definition of repatriation.

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Reasons Winter is the Season to Visit Sedona Arizona

On February 3, 2023February 4, 2023 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn United States1 Comment

Hightail it to the high desert and the Red Rock Scenic Byway

SAVOR SOME OF ARIZONA’S FAMOUS WINTER SUN

Don’t let the threat of colder weather stop you from visiting northern Arizona. Even in winter, the town of Sedona offers its own special magic. Milder temps midday are perfect for hiking and hitting the trails to swoon over vistas. The potential for a dusting of snow atop the iconic red rock formations adds a layer of pretty you’ll want to experience.

Despite January boasting an average of 4 days without sun, visiting crowds are decidedly lower this season. Come feel the energy at a local “vortex” or bounce off-road along canyons in a pink jeep tour. It’s the perfect spot for a long weekend winter break. Come see why.

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Tulip time | 3 ways to feel the bloom in the Netherlands

On January 23, 2023January 24, 2023 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Family Travel, Netherlands66 Comments

It’s almost tulip time in the Netherlands.

Feel the bloom in tulip fields around North & South Holland

It’s happening. Can you feel it? It’s springing up all over Northern Europe. Where you are too? Phew. We made it. Or at least I did. Even when armed with the tools for some cozy Danish hygge to help survive the dark days, I am always happy to see the first harbingers of spring when they happen. Here, it is the tiny white blooms of vintergækker, or snowdrops, that appear first on the scene. Even when surrounded by sprinklings of snow, I know that the rest of spring is blooming soon.

The peak of the spring season in Northern Europe brings blue skies, blooms, buds, and blossoms. In the Netherlands, this means Dutch tulips. Whether you call them tulips, two-lips, chew-lips, tulipes, tulipaner, or tulpen – they will soon be pushing up pretty all over the Netherlands. Between the end of March through mid-May, it is tulpomania further south in the Netherlands. And as there are wide, many different varieties of tulips; there are as many ways to enjoy them.

Original post written in 2017, but updated with current dates, opening hours, and prices as of January 2023.

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10 More Adorable Danish Villages you Don’t Want to Miss in Denmark

On December 7, 2022January 24, 2023 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Denmark, Scandinavia3 Comments

These tiny Danish towns are chock full of charm.

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC DENMARK IN ONE OF THESE LIKEABLE VILLAGES

Come to Denmark, she said. But expand your Danish experience outside the capital Copenhagen. Try a slice of little village life in one of these idyllic spots across the country. It can feel like a step back in time to wander the medieval centers filled with cobblestoned charm. This is my second list of darling Danish towns – adding ANOTHER 10 places to put in your planning when visiting Scandinavia.

Want to see the first? Read it right here. But don’t think those are better and these towns second-tier. To be honest, it’s just the order in which we had the opportunity to visit. With twenty little adorable Danish villages to choose from – where do you start? Maybe by region.