Pencil Me In | Making Friends in Denmark

On February 5, 2019March 11, 2019 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn American Expat, Denmark20 Comments

How to Make Friends in Denmark When it Feels Like Every Danes’ Dance Card is Full

Happiness rankings do not always equal friendliness rankings

You’ve probably heard. Seen the news. Read the reports. Denmark, and the rest of the Scandinavia siblings often take top ranks on World Happiness Reports year after year. We could debate all day about what happiness means to you, while the Nordics just keep winning. No matter what. 2018 saw Denmark’s Nordic neighbor, Finland, atop the charts while Denmark came in at number three behind Norway. But really, what does make a country “happy?” Ask a Dane and it quickly becomes quite clear. In addition to a prevalence of personal freedoms – those social democratic benefits like universal free healthcare and free higher education are big when it comes to feeling satisfied, comfortable and content with where you live. Continue reading “Pencil Me In | Making Friends in Denmark” →

Coming to Copenhagen This Winter? Light it up!

On January 17, 2019March 11, 2019 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Copenhagen, Winter25 Comments

A Light Festival in the Capital Helps Cope With the Dark

SECOND ANNUAL COPENHAGEN LIGHT FESTIVAL ILLUMINATES THE CITY

It’s really no secret. Denmark truly can be dark, damp and chilly during the winter. But despite the lack of daylight, Copenhagen can also be all sorts of cozy at this time of year. There is hygge to be had, even in time spent outside. Bundle up. Let me enlighten you. Continue reading “Coming to Copenhagen This Winter? Light it up!” →

Copenhagen has the Best New Year’s Eve in the World

On December 13, 2018December 13, 2018 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Copenhagen, Denmark, Holidays48 Comments

Danes Blow the Old Year Away With a Bang

YOU’VE NEVER SEEN FIREWORKS LIKE THIS BEFORE

(Originally posted January 2018, updated December 2018)

Godt Nytår! That’s Danish for Happy New Year! And dang it, Danes celebrate the turning of the calendar like nowhere I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen New Year’s Eve in a few places around the planet. But here, in Denmark, it’s difficult to describe. It’s different and delightful and downright LOUD. These normally rule-following, structured and peaceful peeps throw a no-holds-barred kind of colorful chaotic cacophony of a welcome to the brand new baby new year. If you’ve been here on December 31st, you know. If you’re Danish, you know. This year we celebrated our fourth New Year’s Eve in Denmark. And by now, I think we know! Any and all future end of year celebrations will pale in comparison to Copenhagen’s. Come see why and how to usher in the new year like a Dane. This is a little louder than your average hygge. But if fireworks are your thing, I reckon you’ll be happy.

Continue reading “Copenhagen has the Best New Year’s Eve in the World” →

Aarhus City of Sustainable Culture

On December 6, 2018March 19, 2019 By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn Aarhus, Denmark17 Comments

Explore Denmark’s Second City in Jutland

Aarhus Serves up Old and New IN A GREEN WAY as a European City of Culture

When most people (outside of Denmark) think of Denmark, they might instantly conjure Copenhagen. As the capital of this country, it’s not difficult to consider why. But Copenhagen doesn’t define all of Denmark. Just ask anyone from Jutland. As the largest Danish city on this side (and second largest in the country) Aarhus offers a unique vibe from her big capital city sister. And it is decidedly worth a visit. Fresh off a banner year as a European Capital of Culture 2017, you can still come to Aarhus and experience sustainable culture in this creative town.

Art and culture can act as catalysts for sustainable development by bringing people together around big and small experiences alike, encouraging dialogue and demonstrating examples of intelligent, fun and alternative solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.”
– Aarhus 2017

Note: This post contains affiliate links, for full disclosure read here.

Continue reading “Aarhus City of Sustainable Culture” →