Nordic Inspiration
Hello my friends!
Did you know that before living in Washington, US, I lived for 5 years in Denmark?
Well, that’s exactly right! Denmark is such a surprising country. I really enjoyed my stay there. That’s why, as soon as I learned of the existence of the Northwest Danish Association, I knew I wanted to share my experience with them.
So finally this month, their last 2018 quarterly newsletter (October thru December 2018) is here. Check out my article on the 10 things I truly love about Denmark. I dedicate it to my Danish friends, without whom my experience wouldn’t have been so complete and whom I miss so much.
Of course, the illustration of the article is Danish flag made as a collage of my different stamps. Do you like the outcome? Leave a comment!
And… there’s more! Even in the cover you’ll see a lovely nisse (Danish Christmas character) holding a handmade card by me!
If you like Nordic culture or you’d like to know more about it, here’s the
10 things I love from Denmark
Originally from Argentina, I lived for 5 years in Denmark before moving to Seattle one year ago. While still settling down in America, let me share with you some reasons why I fell in love with this Scandinavian country.
People
- Making friends was not easy nor people seemed friendly, at first. However, with time, my family and me were able to build strong bonds of friendship. When Danish friends open their home’s door, they also open their heart to you.
- Elderly people being strong, active and sportive. I was impressed to see how healthy the Danish senior generation is. My neighbor, age 86, would take care of her garden all year round, with immense pride. She would invite me over to enjoy her roses while having a glass of wine.
- Children are welcome everywhere. It is so smart and convenient to find toys or child-friendly spots literally everywhere, from a fancy restaurant to the bank office.
Food
- Danish bread and sweet pastry are world famous but coming from a country with delicious food as well, I had to try them in person and now… I totally agree! Rugbrød and kanelsnegle are my favorites.
- Grilling culture during summer: literally everything can be taken to the grill, even any fruit or vegetable. It’s very nice to enjoy a barbecue by the lake in summer, thanks to portable grilling devices that I had never seen before.
- Lovely traditions during Christmas time, include baking æbleskiver and pebernødder. And beware of the little dwarfs called nisser, playing tricks on you by this time of the year as well.
Culture
- Ride a bike, rain or shine, day and night. Not only all streets have bike lanes, so that all places are connected and available for you and your two-wheeled vehicle, but also, it’s so much fun to go pass lakes and green areas on your daily commute. I would ride a Christiania bike (famous Danish cargo bike) to drop my two kids to school and then go to work. I really miss it!
- Home decoration experts. I have learned so much about furniture and matching styles as never before. Every Danish citizen seems to have a natural born good taste for quality objects and design. Every Danish home’s decoration is planned to the detail, very functional and lovely to the eyes as well.
- Work-life balance. Free time is sacred in this country, and everyone has a hobby (or two), and belongs to an association, sports club or volunteers. And this is so healthy!
- Hygge. Basically, follow these steps: light some candles, find a cozy spot full of pillows in your sofa, pour some wine in your glass and engage in a relaxed conversation with someone you care about. Repeat every time you can.
If you’d like to hear from me again, subscribe to my newsletter or send me an email to mery@mystampedworld.com.
Hope to see you soon again!
Enjoy 🙂
Mery
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9 Comments
Pia Fuentes Martin
14th Oct 2018 - 10:21 amDear Maria,
What a nice article you have written, about your staying in ??.
I would love to hygge with you and your lovely family❤️ And eat some æbleskiver and pebernødder?.
Miss you all?❤️
Maria Del Mar Beaumont
15th Oct 2018 - 4:08 amDear Pia,
As you know, not a fraction of our stay would have been the same without you guys in our way. Proud to show to the world a little bit of what your beautiful country has to offer! With love and missing you too, Maria
Maria Del Mar Beaumont
20th Dec 2018 - 7:08 pmDear Pia, thank you for your lovely message! I like writing about the things that bring me joy. Our stay in Denmark was certainly full of those moments, and you were a big part of that. Miss you too!! Best wishes,
Maria
gabriela
14th Oct 2018 - 10:09 pmMary sos tan multifacetica que no se puede creer, ame cada palabra, me dieron ganas de mudarme a Denmark, me encanta tu capacidad de adaptación y que siempre sacas todo lo bueno de cada lugar, persona o trabajo, desde quedarte en casa con tus hijas , de investigar tus hormigas, sos un ejemplo de admiración!!!! te extranio un montón y me encanta seguir cada step of the way, te queremosssss
los marquezzz back home
Maria Del Mar Beaumont
15th Oct 2018 - 4:06 amAy Gabi! Me hiciste emocionar, querida!! No sabes lo bien que me hacen tus palabras y lo lindo que es tener amigas como vos.
Con el corazon te digo, ya nos pondremos al dia en persona, mientras tanto sigamos disfrutando del genial camino que dia a dia construimos! Sos un ejemplo vos tambien. Los quiero Marquez back home 😉
Belinda Doyle-Olsen
17th Oct 2018 - 6:02 amLike it Maria?
Maria Del Mar Beaumont
18th Oct 2018 - 5:21 amHi Belinda!
I’m so glad you liked my thoughts. I have the best of memories from my stay in Denmark. Hopefully I’ll be making some fun Danish Christmas cards, in case you’re interested 😉
Tusind tak!
Kærlige hilsner,
Maria
Carri
8th Mar 2019 - 10:13 amI located your web site from Google and also I have
to state it was a fantastic discover. Many thanks!
Maria Del Mar Beaumont
20th Oct 2019 - 6:14 amThank you very much! Love, Mery