Heyyyy – Happy 2025!

So even as I dive into the New Year, I’m delighted to have m’ blog as an excuse to glance back at some pretty amazing events of 2024! Like over the summer, I got to have a terrific combination of travel experiences – heading back to a gloriously familiar city and then getting a fantastic introduction to a place I’d never been!

The familiar bit was London – a city I’ve visited and gushed about here more than a few times! On earlier adventures in the region, I’ve explored more (but never enough!) of England, Scotland and Ireland. I was also thrilled in my backpack traveling youth to cross the Channel for two kind of “If This is Tuesday”-type looks at Europe. And with Mum’s 100% Finnish roots, I’ve made two pilgrimages to Suomi to get in touch with my Nordic side!

Up until last July though, there was a country I’d circled pretty thoroughly over those trips – but I hadn’t ever found my way there. That’s Denmark! I fixed that with a hop over from London to the native land of my professor dad’s colleague, Bjarne, for a wholly new – and completely enchanting – international experience!

I guess I did arrive with a few preconceived notions about Denmark. Like I adore Danish pastries (two more reasons to love London – Ole and Steen!). With my Lego set back in the day, I built all kinds of castles (from my own designs, which helped determine that architecture wasn’t going to be my thing…). I know of the Great Dane dog breed. And I grew up with the tales of Hans Christian Andersen (which I read in English, of course, since about the only Danish words I’d wind up able to string together would be “Gammel” and “Dansk”).

Other than these touchstones (strengthened by the odd visit to nearby Solvang for an æbleskiver fix), my biggest connection to Denmark has been through knowing Bjarne! As a little girl (that means from way back!), I saw Bjarne, wife Renate and their young family at Cal Plant Pathology Department gatherings and birthday parties and such. And after they returned to Denmark to run the family farm, I saw them a couple times when they popped back for visits – but it had been way more than a decade since I’d last seen them.

So, after jetting via Amsterdam and over rolling hills, glistening lakes and verdant farms to the northern part of Denmark, it was a real joy to be met at the airport in Aalborg by the merry face of dear Bjarne! And so began five days of soaking up kind hospitality and of venturing out to places full of history and charm!

One misty day, Bjarne, Renate and I journeyed to the lovely seaside town of Lønstrup (pictured above) with its colorful bluff-side homes and a view back toward England.

We gave fair play to Denmark’s eastern side by stopping at a coastal spot near Dokkedal where I got to look out across the waves, this time more in the direction of Sweden and the country of my ancestors beyond.

Given our “Plant Path” connection, it seemed quite proper for the three of us to stroll around the marshy natural landscape of Portlandmosen!

It’s a bog of around 2,220 acres from which peat was carved during wartimes to make up for the lack of regular fuel. As part of an effort to restore the plundered sections, I believe they’re adding more water (critical for general marshy-ness). There was so much water on the day of our visit that parts of the wood planked pathway around the bog were being reclaimed as well – but we just removed our shoes and continued on our way. As I mentioned in my year-end poem, it wasn’t quite how I expected to “soak up” Danish culture and history – but it sure was fun!

Beyond the wonders of nature, there was also plenty to satisfy the history nerd in me – like the impressive Stone Age grave of Kongehøjen:

Regrettably, I’m not aware of any Danish roots on my family tree. But through some Scottish ancestry, my lineage is supposed to be tied to the Vikings. That’s part of what sparked my interest years ago in visiting L’anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland! I bet more evidence will be found of arrivals along the North American coast – but I was treated in Denmark to examples of Viking life in the area from which they’d set out!

At Vikingemuseet Fyrkat, I got to explore the remnants of one of five ring fortresses said to have been built by King Harald Bluetooth around 980. This UNESCO Heritage site is an example of the defenses of the consolidated Danish kingdom of the time, with ramparts that would have protected sixteen longhouses within.

The museum also offers a reconstruction of a nobleman’s 10th century estate. I don’t think any nobles were at home, but I did enjoy talking to friendly experts on the era – and listening to goats and chickens that wanted to have their say too!

And we visited Vikingemuseet Lindholm Høje with its somber field of Iron and Viking Age burials (over 600 year’s worth) and outstanding museum of Danish and Viking history:

In between our diverting day trips, I also loved touring Bjarne’s farm, attending a local church service, and peeking inside another centuries old church which was adorned with a model ship that hung from its rafters – just like I’d seen in Finnish churches with the folks! As I understand, these “votive ships” or “church ships” can be given both in gratitude for safe seafaring returns, and as a prayer for good journeys to come. 

It was so special to have the chance to reconnect with friends around their dining table, and share delicious meals and delightful stories of old! (I also enjoyed the hearty lunches packed by Renate for when we were out on the road!)

All too soon though, it was time for me to head home. And what of those preconceived Danish notions? Well, more than pastries, I did see Danes going in quite heavily for soft ice cream – I certainly respect that! Now at least I can also say “thank you” in Danish (“tak”) – a word I had much occasion to use! And my hosts didn’t have a Great Dane, but they had a sweet dog who was allowed to roam outside and would return home to relax in her basket when called. Eventually.

There’s much more of Denmark I’d be pleased to see one day – but I can’t imagine coming away with more of an essence of its freshness and warmth than I did from this visit!

During our touring, my hosts both secretly purchased gifts which they presented on my departure. While I was browsing around a ceramic shop in Lønstrup, Renate had quietly bought for me a little pot filled with slips of paper leading to meaningful Bible verses; and Bjarne gave me a replica of an ancient tool for starting fires, along with stones on which to strike it:

I’ve mentioned only a few of the moments on this trip where something sparked my curiosity or my interest or a fond memory. Here were two gifts for generating sparks as well – each of completely different, but wonderfully vital kinds!

In days to come, they’ll kindle thoughts of the grand time I had in Denmark! Thoughts of friendship, of fun, and of faith –

And I’ll be warmed, indeed!

Cheers!