Blog #9 It's Summer in Denmark

Wow you guys, it’s been the busiest and nicest few week and summer actually started now! I have so much to tell you so let’s get straight into it…

The week after GNIST Festival my friend Hanna from home came to visit me for a week. It was Pinse holiday so we had a long weekend and we were so lucky to get the first actually warm days this year. I showed her the city and danish soft ice and we went swimming near the harbour. The next day we took the bikes to Marielyst and literally spent the whole day laying on the beach, reading our books and eating our snacks. It was amazing and I felt like that was the actual start of summer. Later in the week we also went to København. Hanna got to see the nice city, we went shopping and eating at Reffen. Everyone was out in the sun and I was so happy to see everything bloom. After my friend Hanna left to travel back home I went to Fuglsang Kunstmuseum with Nannas family. They had a exhibition with young artists including Nannas daughter. We saw the cool artworks and there were workshops, talks and music. After that nice day it was time to study a bit because we had our oral exam at language school. It went very well and we passed of course :)

That week we also had a concert on Friday. The band Astatine played and we had many people coming which was so great. I was really tired because I worked so late that night and had to get up at 5 am to take the train to Aarhus. I went to visit Mette and Emma again who we also saw the last time we were there for the midterm training. Even though it was raining a bit, there were still so many people out in the city which was fantastic. I got to see were Mette and Emma live and work and got to enjoy the cool cafés and bars Aarhus has to offer. Before I had to go back on Sunday I also got my ears pierced so I have three earrings on each side now.

The next week everything revolved around climbing. On Tuesday I held my first Chalkbag Sewing Workshop that I had worked so much towards the weeks before. I was very overwhelmed but incredibly happy and grateful because so many people showed up to participate and sew their own chalkbag. There were people of every age and the cafe was buzzing the whole evening. It was amazing! On Friday August and I went to Købehavn to buy new climbing shoes. We both found a pair and had to spent a lot of money on them but it was definitely worth it. Obviously we had to try them out in one of the bouldering gyms in the København which is always a fun alternation from the climbing club in Nykøbing. We had a very sporty day. The rest of the weekend I spent with more climbing related things. On Saturday we got to build our own routes in the climbing hall in Nykøbing. Two of the walls were completely cleared so there was a lot off space for new ideas and I built two red routes. I’m so happy that I got the opportunity to do that here and learn a lot of new things! On Sunday I held the second Chalkbag Sewing Workshop. It was not as well attended as the one on Tuesday but still very very cozy and less stressful. I’ve spent so much time and energy planning and organising these workshops myself so you can imagine how relieved I was that everything had worked out so well. 

The week after my workshops it was time for all the last preparations for our big summer opening party and also for our written exam at language school. We once again passed our exam which meant we finished our time in school and our colleagues surprised us with cake, flowers and rosé wine. It’s very nice that we are finished with school now to focus on other things during summer. Then last Friday we had the big summer opening party celebrating our new outdoor area. It was a day full of sunshine with the outdoor cafe open for the first time this season, a circus performance, two big cakes, creative workshops and many happy people. There was a lot to do but it all worked out in the end and we received great feedback about it. It was also the first really hot day here once again reminding me that it’s finally summer. 

Over the weekend our friend Paula came to visit us again. We spent Saturday in København exploring vintage stores, boats and more food at Reffen. In the evening we went to see the Football Worldcup game Germany vs. Ivory Coast. There is a big public viewing spot right next to the water at Islands Brygge in København. It was packed with people and the beer was crazy expensive but we had so, so much fun and the best end to our day trip (Germany won :)). Before Paula had to leave on Sunday we went swimming near the harbour all together. It makes me so happy to live so close to the sea, to be able to just go for a swim and I want to make the most of that these last months we are here. 

Now this Monday was another special day because our friend August had his last exam and got his studenterhue. We got to experience another danish graduation tradition. We all waited for him at the school and celebrated when he came out and got his hat. Afterwards we had lunch with his family and friends. Once again a day full of sunshine so we were out in the garden until dinner. I’m so happy for him and it’s so nice to experience the truly danish summer. That continued yesterday on Sankt Hans Aften when we went to celebrate Midsommer at Mette’s place. They threw a big party in the garden, everyone brought food, we sang songs, enjoyed the sun and cold drinks. When it got darker we walked down to to the beach and the big fire was lit. After singing more songs there was the biggest surprise ever because Mette and here boyfriend got married. It was so wholesome to watch them standing on the beach with the fire and the moon in the background. Hanna also played the harp which made it even more magical. It was the most fantastic part of the night! After everyone had congratulated them we ate cake, sat around the fire and then went swimming in the sea. I think now I can honestly say I know how a danish summer feels. And believe me when I say it’s wonderful!

On Friday I’m leaving to go on holiday for two weeks but after I get back I’m sure I will enjoy my last weeks in Denmark just as much as the ones I told you about now :)

Enjoy the sun <3

Lily