When I was 16 years old I decided to become an exchange student through Rotary. The interesting thing about making such a decision in a young age is that you're totally unaware of the gifts such an experience will bring you - and little did I know that the gift would last 20 years later.
And so it is that I just returned from yet another wonderful vacation in Wisconsin where I stayed with my host parents from way back when (my American parents) in what I consider my second home next to Christianshavn called Stonerich. This time I came for Thanksgiving which is my favourite American holiday (the food isn't bad, either, ha ha) and I was also able to join the annual Norwegian Lefse Party held by dear friends. There is quite a bit of Scandinavian influence in the area which is great for me. I take a lot of the things we do here in Denmark/Scandinavia for granted but when presented to me the way my friends do it I see it with new eyes and is reminded of how much we love "hygge" and "aquavit" and simply to just have a good time.
I've created some "musts" for myself every time I visit and of course shopping is one of them. I have been a loyal customer at Banana Republic since 1993 and pretty much returned with a complete wardrobe this time. Inspired by my American dad's good taste in clothes I ventured into Brooks Brothers in Chicago and shopped in the boy's department which I highly recommend :-) The ambience there is amazing and I was treated very well by the classy staff.
There is, of course, more to life than shopping and to me that's eating :-) Among many culinary pleasures, I enjoyed marvelous meals at the Wisconsin Club where I also love to spend my time. In Chicago I experienced culinary greatness in the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building conveniently located in walking distance from the Four Seasons Hotel where we stayed (yes, it was quiteee cold in ol' Chicagotown). Afternoon tea in the Palm Court at the Drake Hotel was a treat and a great way to say adieu Chicago. Besides that I had the most wonderful French cuisine at Lake Park Bistro and I could go on and on ..... and on and on .....
I enjoyed myself tremendously and while writing this I am recovering from jet lag which is always a challenge. It's also a challenge to return home to the darkness but since Christmas is around the corner I'm able to continue the "hygge" and the festivities with people I love.
Didn't someone say that in the end everything is really just a plane ride away? In my case that means I'll be visiting again soon.
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