Ok, so by now you realize I am not in Kansas anymore…or more accurately Florida. I am maxing and relaxing in Copenhagen Denmark. It sounds exciting and it is but it is also very very different from the US. Sure they do speak English in addition to the other 5 or 6 languages they all learn in school but Danish is their first language and a lot can be “lost in translation.” In addition to the language barrier there is an actual difference in the way they view things, think and react. This would not be so important except that I don’t happen to be your run of the mill American girl. I am a giant Irean girl with an even bigger personality. Here that can be misunderstood as brash and even rude;( Regardless I get lot’s of looks, lol.
In an effort to aclimate me to the culture my future husband Morten has been introducing me to his closest friends. On the night in question we are stopping by to visit his rowing buddy Jack and his longtime live in girlfriend Katrina. First of all let me explain rowing. Here in Denmark they are surrounded by water and love the outdoors and fitness so rowing is as popular as American football. Unlike football fans, rowers are always involved to the extreme! It’s a lifestyle and it’s serious business. They row almost daily for hours at a time. I have even considered trying to invent a way to harness the efforts of all these giant nordic rowing gods for the powers of good, lol!
Back to stopping by Jack and Katrina’s for a visit. First interesting item is that JAck lives directly above Gunner anothe rowing friend of Morten’s but that is another story completely…just kind of interesting how close rowers really are;) J & K have a delightful second floor home nestled on a quiet street in a lovely part of Copenhagen. In Danish standards it’s a large home with hardwood floors and gracious decor. It’s got a definate male influence but has a stylish woman’s touch. There is huge furniture sprinkled around giving the home an even larger feel and makes you want to try every seat just to see if your feet will reach the ground.
Did I fail to mention that Jack is a jolly green giant of sorts? Well, not really gree but definately jolly and a giant. He is 2.02 meters which is about 6′ft 6? Sure most of the Danish are tall, Morten being 6’3 and most of our freinds are over 6 foot but Jack towers above them all. His girlfriend Katrina is also very tall at just under 6 feet so they are the perfect couple and have an ideal apartment together. Altough, even Katrina made a comment about the fact all the kitchen cabinets would be difficult for anyone shorter than 6 feet to reach them. I guess Jack was designing things as a bachelor, lol. Funny how the love of a good woman can change things. I bet there will be lower shelve in that kitchen in the near future…
So we all settle onto the giant sectional couch that is washed with candlelight and American jazz music. Katrina has brought out a pot of hot tea for her and I to share and “the boys” are of course having beer. The Danish are wonderful entertainers and the coffe table is soon covered with cream, sugar, cups, and two bowls of colorfully wrapped candy.
At first I thought it strange to have two large bowls of sparkling candy but before long I realized that Katrina had hosted Jack’s rowing friends before. Each candy was wrapped in bright shiny foil which designated a different flavor sensation. My personal favorite was the Pearl nut! Which was actually rich chocolate covering a roasted hazelnut! Let’s not forget the Toblerone’s, chocolate covered toffee and other similar delight’s. Within minutes there was a pile of empty wrappers and four very happily chatting friends.
Amazing, with each chocolate we unwrapped not only a new flavor but shared small treasures from each others lives. Katrina and Jack told about their courtship and plans for the futre. Jokes about engagement rings and babies were woven between tales of first sexual encounters and the differences in our cultures and views on life. As the tea and beer flowed the music made the perfect backdrop for this “mastercard moment.” Priceless, is the only way to describe the jokes about Jack’s “rowing eyes” that are located on his bum and Katrina’s explaination of the Danish butcher that serves horse meat. Funny how the silliest things can make time fly by.
When Morten’s eyes began to close and Jack finally diverted the topic away from knitting and horse to getting a convertible mustand, I thought it best we make our goodbyes and hasty get away. I knew a few moments more would lead to a sound asleep hubby and I didn’t want to spoil the enchanted evening. Jack and Katrina were the perfect hosts and made me feel so special just for being let into their private lives. They have obvously created a life for them selves and their home is a reflection of their unique relationship and personalities.
As we wisked away I thought how lucky Morten was to have so many amazing friends. I also felt a pang of homesickness thinking of my own special circle of friends and family at home. My thoughts were refreshed by Morten’s kiss on my nose and guided tour of the back streets of Copenhagen. Every car ride is an adventure full of stories od Danish history and culture…wowo being old does lead to lot’s to talk about even on the shortest car ride. I finally settely my thought with this final foil wrapped treasure…
“We all come in to this world with nothing, everything we have is borrowed. The only thing we take with us is love…” Friends, family and memories can keep us safe and warm at night when there is nothing else we can rely on. Until I see you again, hug and kiss someone close to you…I don’t care who. They propably need a good thrill! You know I would if I were you…
‘Kisses Kimber
Oh and if interested…KAtrina said those treats come in a big bag and can be found at NETTO. So far no luck but I am still looking, lol. Not sure they can hold the same magic that the ones she served did but it’s worth a shot!
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