While I tend to be unshakably optimistic, as of late that hasn’t exactly been the case. My mindset address is usually at the corner of ‘mostly grateful’ and ‘there is always a silver lining’. Recently I find myself speeding down ‘the adulting sometimes sucks’ highway. Where do you find every day magic? Does it just find you, or can you search for that spark?

 Coming to the homeland of Hans Christian Anderson, there is definitely magic in the air. Something about cobblestone side streets and Dutch style houses instantly make you feel like you’re are in a fairy tale. Grab a stroopwafel, but beware! This waffle made from two thin layers of perfectly crispy yet soft baked batter with caramel-like syrup is insane. If you’re anything like me you’ll skip down the streets, enjoying your sugar high, singing Beauty and the Beast song ‘Be our Guest”.

 My favorite moments so far about this city is wandering around and watching everyone go by on bicycles and coming upon small delights. Copenhagen is stylish -The people, the clothing, the architecture and the food. We stopped in the heart of the city at Café Norden for lunch. Plated like art and presented on black stoneware I had the best tomato soup and sandwich. We sat in a window overlooking a fountain, while a woman danced barefoot to the sounds of an acoustic guitar.

 As usual I am snacking my way through this city. After a quick stop, back to the Ascot Hotel we headed to Michelin star restaurant AAMANS 1921. They specialize in smorrebrod — Denmark’s traditional open-face sandwich — try the pork belly on rye, with crackling, sorrel and thyme. 

 I swear there is more to this city than food. Yes, you should see Tivoli Gardens and the tour the canals, but one last thing. Mr. Ramen! Yes, I had thee best Miso Ramen with egg, scallions and corn. Also try the Mr. Bun steamed bun with braised pork belly (yes I ate there twice in less than two days).

 After all this deep thought about losing childhood magic and wander… walking the streets of Copenhagen I found it again.

Think I was just hungry.

x

Chantel

  

“If Copenhagen were a person, that person would be generous, beautiful, elderly, but with a flair. A human being that has certain propensities for quarReling, filled with imagination and with appetite for the new and with respect for the old – somebody who takes good care of things and of people.

—CONNIE NIELSEN

  

Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.”

— Dr. Seuss