DANmark . . .

First off, don't say DEN.mark.  Not because people will frown at you but because it's so much cooler to do a pretty believable Texan accent and pronounce it the way the Danes spell it.  DAN.mark.  Do it, you'll feel happy for a nanosecond. 

Last year I read about the Christmas market at the Tivoli in Copenhagen and very nearly booked a flight.  The pictures of twinkling lights and wooden booths, gorgeous people strolling in the dark with mugs of mulled wine was too much.  I was very excited that we had the opportunity as a family to travel there this year and ugh, I'm already annoying myself as I type.

Ok, so this city kind of rests on its laurels.  Its reputation is such that most anyone will be lured in by the above imagery and a few dozen other reasons that will make you feel like by travelling there you will end up in a Scandanavian Wonderland.  Maybe you will, maybe you have.  Lucky you.  

I didn't love it.  For several reasons that I can't hold against the city, such as weather, a cranky husband, cranky kids.  Wannabe hipsters "planking" on the Little Mermaid.  Every corner of the city was being constructed on. The food is expensive.  Danish design, which is out of this world beautiful, is out of reach. 

I don't want to judge too harshly because it could have been different.  I retain a curiosity for this city that hopefully will bring me back.  
I now have a tattoo that will always remind me of the one afternoon when the kids had screamed a little too much.  And Aaron offered to take them back to the hotel so I could be alone for a bit.  I don't know why I did it right then and there.  I don't know why I didn't discuss it with Aaron first.  I don't know why I didn't just use the money and go buy a lamp.  So now rests in the crook of my arm, a reminder of my family, and all the pain and the joy that is life.  

FYI . . . I haven't written anything down in over a week and all I can think about is Grade 12 Creative Writing class and I PROMISE I will be back to my crass, no nonsense self by tomorrow.  When I show you pretty pictures of our apartment coming together!  I need a dose of shallowness to help temper this sentimental bullshit imagery, metaphors, similes, alliteration, personification ... regressing to Grade 9 English.  

Here, pictures!

On the train to Dusseldorf Airport.

Hans.

Lego!!!

The sea.

Tivoli