Today's Accomplishments

I won't go on about the darkness which sets in at 4 pm (and we still have 4 months to go) but instead tell you that I enjoy the different Christmas markets here on Christianshavn. Today I visited the women's blacksmith's factory located down my street inside an old elevator factory. I also popped upstairs to look at art. 

Later that same afternoon I made coconut balls. 

They need to get properly cold before they are perfect so while they're tucked away in the fridge I pass the time stuffing myself with fresh dates reading books... Life is so hard sometimes.... ;-)

Weekend Inspiration #70

Ganni Postmodern Opens on Christianshavn

One of the great things about writing for the local paper is covering what's happening in the neighbourhood and meeting new people. Today the Danish super brand Ganni opened their first Postmodern concept store and it looks promising. The store used to be our former beloved post office (I still miss it) but this isn't bad either. As a tribute they painted the ceiling red which goes well with the white minimalistic decor. You'll find samples, older collections and with time pieces from the catwalk. So if you missed out on that dress or that special top you might be able to find it here. 

Store manager Cecilie Aaskov is excited about the concept, which she describes as "Ganni with an edge" and also to get to know the locals on Christianshavn. Creative director Ditte Reffstrup shares her enthusiasm: “I am thrilled that we are opening our first Ganni Postmodern concept store in Christianshavn. It’s one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Copenhagen, beautiful with a laid-back vibe. And the location, an old post office is a perfect home for us, quirky and stylish. It’s the perfect home for past season collections, samples and other rarities."

Flâneur Forever

I worked from home today and suddenly felt my head started to sizzle. I honestly don't think it's healthy to sit too much in front of the computer but I have a tendency to do that. Also when I don't work. So on with my coat and out I went and it was just so nice. I'm such a flâneur!  

Oh yes, on a side note I just booked a trip to Berlin for New Year's Eve. I was surprised to read that many of their museums are open till 18.00 on the 31st but that's good news to me. The Marlene Dietrich Exhibit and the DDR Museum is on my go-see-list (I know it'll be cold so some indoor activities are wisely planned) Besides that I look forward to stroll the streets in Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg and Charlottenburg. 

Autumn on Christianshavn

My apologies for lack of posts since I came back from the US. I've been super busy at work and also started writing for the local newspaper here called Christianshavneren which I really enjoy. I still have some pictures from Chicago that I wish to share with you and as you can tell from these pictures autumn has arrived on Christianshavn and today was a really lovely day - crisp and perfect for strolling and enjoying a coffee by the canal. 

I've been shopping for boots and sweaters and also need a coat. To my big surprise I found a lot things in & Other Stories where I really haven't shopped before except for a top this summer. Some say the shop is the middle child of COS and H&M. No matter what, they have some great things this season which are perfect for my work environment and my life style at the moment. 

I love this time of year :-)

Staying Inside...

...seems to be a very good idea right now... :-)

Sunday Strolling in Copenhagen II

I'm trying to establish some kind of routine when it comes to making the most of my weekends - but as usual "rules" don't play that well with me. However, when I do get out on my Sunday strolls around Copenhagen I thoroughly enjoy it. Here's what caught my eye yesterday - and I made it back home to Christianshavn just in time to avoid a major downpour. 

Hey Summer, what is wrong with you? 

 

 

 

Refuge by the Canal

Summer has definitely arrived (I'm not complaining) and today I had to seek refuge by the canal with my book (I've got all kinds of great reads lined up for this summer) and cool drinks to get some fresh air. My building is being renovated and is covered in plastic so you can't really breathe. Having the canal and water so close by really is a godsend. 

When I came home I noticed bright light in my hall and saw they had removed the plastic from my kitchen window -  Helllllooo light, good to have you back...  Now I only need to clean up all the dust and dirt which flew in when I optimistically opened one of the windows. Will this circus ever end?? ;-)

Two Cute Shops

It's always a pleasure to discover new shops on Christianshavn (like this new nostalgia shop) and also to pass old favourites like my flower shop Pigen og Blomsten (The Girl and the Flower)

The little "blue" nostalgia shop probably has a name which I haven't figured out yet because my eyes always catch the window displays of knitted ponchos and cool sweaters and also the little push cart with flowers. I still need to go inside but it looks promising with gadgets and knick knacks. 

My favourite flower shop is always overflowing with colours and I just love it so and have to mention its owner Lisser who is as nice and sweet as can be. I buy all my plants there and wish I had a balcony so I could add more. I did a post on Pigen og Blomsten here

These shops are located on the cobbled stone street Overgaden Oven Vandet which consists of private homes except for The Royal Danish Naval Museum (Orlogsmuseet) so I think these boutiques, with tons of personality and charm, are such positive additions.

PS I visited the Orlogsmuseum in March and it's super interesting. The navy is a big part of the Danish identity and you can even dress up like the Norwegian naval hero Peter Tordenskjold (Thunder Shield) which I did, of course :-) I have to say that his long black locks didn't suit me but his red wool uniform made up for it. He was killed in duel in 1720 at the age of 30. In Denmark and Norway he is among the most famous national naval heroes and today his picture adorns our matchboxes. 

The Stillness Of Early Summer Mornings

The stillness of  the early morning scene, when I leave my home to go to work, enables me to take in and enjoy many of the things which pass me during the hustle and bustle of my day. 

The scents seem more generous with their offerings than in the afternoon. The colours of the buildings, the trees and the water seem stronger and more vibrant. The chirping of birds makes me think they must be sharing wildly exciting news. Lastly, I still find it thrilling to be completely alone without no one in sight. 

So here's to early (quiet) summer mornings on Christianshavn :-)

This Morning in 35 Seconds...

I can't think of a better way to start the day than strolling by the canal. It even makes Monday mornings bearable. I realize it's been a while since I last posted a picture of Christianshavn so here you are.

In 35 seconds I managed to pull out my phone, take this picture while juggling both my computer bag, my purse and a coffee-to-go and making it across the pedestrian crossing before the lights changed (and you have to wait one whole minute and a half before it's your turn again...) Can you tell how windy it was by looking at the trees :-)

Numse & Karen Blixen

I have to share this picture with you... my favourite boat in the canal is this little one to the left because its name is NUMSE which means BUTT in Danish (but in a cute way, like a child would say it) I had to laugh, though, because to its right is another boat called Karen Blixen and we all know she was a famous Danish storyteller and the epitome of culture who owned a coffee farm in Africa.... So Numse and Karen Blixen side by side - each to their own :-)

April Showers Bring May Flowers

It's time for evening walks and although it has rained today Spring is definitely in the air with these blooming branches. The saying April showers bring May flowers pretty much sums up the weather here in Copenhagen at the moment.   

Better Late Than Never...

I decided to turn my dining room table around last week after hosting a dinner - and now I'm all excited!! I need two extra Børge Mogensen chairs and then I'm all set. There's so much more room now and when I sit with my back to the wall I have the nicest view over my living room and out the corner window down the street. The light - which changes patterns all the time - and the view is the wonderful thing about living in a corner apartment. And yes, it took me a year to see what a little furniture moving can do but... you know... better later than never.... ;-)

On My Way to the Train Station

About a week ago I took the train to the island of Funen (Fyn) to visit my oldest friend Nina. We met each other when we lived in a refugee camp called Hestehaven (no, don't ask but I am smiling broadly while writing this..) during our university years - later on we both moved into a dormitory :-) The last time I saw Nina was before my Big Trip so I was really excited to see her again and to catch up. Spending time with someone who knows you well, where things don't have to be explained, where you start where you left off - that's just the best. 

When I left Copenhagen it was grey and rainy. I left early so I could take a few pictures on my way to the train station and I find it pretty cool that in today's busy world you can still walk around Copenhagen in the wee morning hours and have the city completely to yourself. I like walking through Christiansborg, the Danish parliament building, and when passing the riding tracks I ran into a horse! :-)

While enjoying brunch at Café Biografen in Odense it started to snow big fluffy snow flakes. From the outside you'd see two girls, laughing, talking, gesticulating and eating up a storm. We ended the day at Nelle's Coffee and Wine and it was actually nice to see my old town again - but best of all, of course, was seeing Nina.