Oh well, it’s winter, and you live in Denmark, the wet and windy land of the Vikings. It’s so dark and gloomy outside, and you think, there are probably thousands of white walkers ready to eat you alive. But in reality, you really just don’t feel like going out. But you want to avoid winter depression, so what will you do? You can’t go all Elsa and say ‘the cold doesn’t bother me anyway’ because it does and it will bother you.
Don’t worry, I got your back. This bubbly and loud little Filipina will teach you how to survive winter in Denmark, the Danish way. How? Well, it’s all about the word ‘hygge’. (Please don’t ask me how to pronounce it. I can barely pass my Danish language class.lol) There will be extremely no need for you to go out and risk having frost bites.lol
How to have a hyggeligt winter.
Wine and cheese on a candlelight eve. On a night when my husband and I want to distress, we sit on the sofa or just in any corner of our house and just have an amazing time drinking wine and having cheese. This gives us the time to talk about our day, which means mostly me ranting about the weirdest and smallest thing possible. My husband finds it cute, so it okay.
Movie and Popcorn. But most likely Netflix. We catch up on our favorite series together. If you are a deeply emotional person like me, though, be warned and choose carefully what you want to watch this winter. I always end up crying and getting really sad. I mean, Ragnar Lothbrok died, Glenn’s eyes popped, Monica died, etc. etc. Will that not make you cry and depressed more? sigh.
Candles and soft music. This really relaxes me and my husband. We just lay on the couch and just talk. Talking to someone you are really familiar with can make you really cheerful and excited about everything. Candles and soft music can mean sexy time for some…sooo… ermm… do whatever you please.lol (NOTE: this is a wholesome blog)
Snuggling/Cuddling the dog/husband.Whichever is applicable. 🙂
Invite friend over for some drinks in your place. Don’t worry, they will always think that this works for mutual benefit. They will NEVER think that you are inviting them over just because you are too lazy to go out, but you also want to have fun. Although if they are really your best friends, they probably already know that just don’t want to go out in the cold winter night.
Whatever you choose to do, always remember that hygge is about the atmosphere. (Or so I was told) Remember to create an atmosphere that is warm, cozy and really just fun. You do not have to go overboard with the music, the food, and wine. Hygge is not about being fabulous and loud, it is about being chill, calm and just the feeling of warmth radiating from the hearts of the ones you love and want to spend time with. ❤
Have a hyggeligt evening everyone. 🙂
NOTE: If you have more tips to share, feel free to comment. ❤
2016 is almost over. And with the end of a year, comes the start of another. 2017.
I know that most of you right now are thinking about gift to buy for your loved ones, but for some, they might be thinking about better opportunities for the coming year. One of these might be financial stability.
Denmark is not exactly a cheap place to live. You need to have a job in order for you to survive the coming year.
That is why I list down the Top 6 sites that you can use to look for a job.
jobsincopenhagen.com – This website is basically for international people whose medium of communication is English. I have tried this site before and needless to say, it works like a charm.
Jobindex – This used to be a Danish site but now it is also available in English. It has a large network as well, so this is definitely worth a try.
WorkinDenmark– This the official public job post ad in Copenhagen. That being said, you will have more exposure if you join this platform.
Stepstone.dk – This site is in Danish but it is very easy to understand and it is updated constantly. They have a lot of users as well so it will be easy for you to navigate. I used this site as well and found really amazing opportunities here, so do try this out.
LinkedIn – You have probably heard of how much the Danes love LinkedIn. And you have every reason to believe them because the Danes truly love LinkedIn. As a matter of fact, even if I am already employed I still get messages from prospective employers. So create that LinkedIn profile now. You have nothing to lose anyways.
CPHFTW – This is where I got the information from my former workplace, Athliit. That is why I can attest to it really working. ❤
Apart from all these sites, there is one more thing that I highly recommend you to do. Expand your network. Finding a job here in Denmark is really hard, that is why if you get a vast network and some recommendation, I am sure that would be a big help.
‘Edinburgh is a sweet surprise. A city that depicts the past yet reflects the future at the same time.’ – Hannah
After our trip to London, my husband and I thought about making use of our UK visa again. A few hours after that, we found ourselves booking cheap tickets and flights to Edinburgh, Scotland. And off we go.
This is not our first time to travel of course so we know the drill. We researched and map out our itinerary for Edinburgh. While doing our research, we saw some pictures of Edinburgh and my husband and I were quite dismayed. It didn’t seem special at all. It didn’t seem beautiful. To be honest, we thought that if this trip will not push through we will not mind at all.
Then came the day of our trip. The day before that I had a really high fever and even had a bacterial infection in my throat so I am not really in a happy mood. When we got in Edinburgh, everything changed.
We took the bus 35 from Edinburgh airport to the Airbnb apartment we rented. The fare was just 1.65 GBP. There are other quicker options like Airlink and Tram but cheap as we are, we opted for the bus. By the way, the buses in Edinburgh accepts cash and exact amount only. If you insert 5 pounds in the machine be ready not to get any change.
We arrived at around 8:00 in the evening. After settling in the apartment, we went out hoping to catch the ghost tour which was scheduled at 9:00pm. We walked from the apartment to the city for 30 minutes, and much to our dismay, since it is winter they do not do the 9pm tour anymore. But it was worth it, though. On our way to the city center we were saying that there seemed to be nothing special about Edinburgh but when we got into the center, our jaw dropped. Truly the pictures online did no justice to how beautiful Edinburgh is.
Even at night, it was magical. With a castle towering behind the whole city, it felt like we were immediately transported back in time where kings and queens look over their dominion from afar. Seeing and hearing everything that is happening in the town below.
After the walk, we made our way to the apartment. We had dinner on the way in our favorite restaurant in the UK, Nando’s.lol, Enough about us, let’s talk about Edinburgh and what are the things you should definitely do when you are there.
Off we go to Arthur’s Seat. Taken from the top of a double-decker bus.
Day 1.
9:00 am – 12:30 Arthurs Seat and Salisbury.
If you want to see the whole see from a top of the mountain, you should definitely hike your way to Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury. Everything that you can see there is majestic. There are 2 main ways that you can use to go on top of the mountain. One is the steep, slippery and less taken while the other is the easy and flat road. Of course, my husband I chose the road less taken. Slippery, muddy and steep. We all have different preferences so go and choose the one that suits you. Either way, you’ll reach the top and be mesmerized all the same.
View from Arthur’s Seat.Cheesy. Cheeky. On top of Arthur’s Seat.
After the long hike, we made our way to the city for our scheduled free city tour.
2:oo – 4:00 Free City Tour.
I know most of you do not like tours, but my husband and I really love them because we learn a little something about the history of the city and the country as well. And if you are lucky enough to have an amazing guide that brings you to the not so touristy part of the city, that is a huge plus. During this tour, my husband and I found out that JK Rowling wrote most of the book in a small cafe in front of the Greyfriar Cemetry. We even got to see the school that looks like Hogwarts, and for a reason. This is the school where JK rowling based the idea of Hogwarts itself, especially the facade and the fact that the school has 4 houses as well.
Never ever think that this heart symbolizes love. Contrary, it symbolizes hatred and disgust. Yep, we had an amazing guide.
7:00 – 9:00 pm Free Ghost Tour
It is creepy. If you don’t feel chilly and cold enough on a winter night, then join this tour. You’ll feel the chills running through your vein the whole time. You’ll know about baby strangling, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, witches, vampire, he-who-must-not-be-named and much more.
Day 2.
After a whole day of walking, needless to say, we are very tired the next day. So we started our second day with a little hike.lol, Here’s the second day of our Edinburgh adventure.
8:00 – 10:30 Calton Hill.
The way to Calton Hill is not as steep as Salisbury nor Arthur Seat but it was equally magical. Ding ding ding! Fairytales are real.
Edinburgh. Athens of the North.
10:30- 12:30 Holyrood Castle.
Holyrood Castle is right below the Arthurs Seat. As a matter of fact, you can even start your trip here then go to Arthur’s Seat. We just didn’t do that because we were excited about the hike. There is usually an entrance fee of 12GBP to go in the castle but my husband and I were at a perfect time because that day it was free entrance so we grabbed the opportunity and toured the castle.
By the way, it is not allowed to take pictures inside the castle, so take as many as you can while you are still allowed to do so.
So touristy.
1:00- 3:00 Edinburgh Castle.
Every 1:00 in the afternoon the Edinburgh castle has an old tradition where they set off a canon. It is an amazing tradition and one that you should definitely look forward to. There is an entrance fee of 16GBP. We have had a lot of castle for a day so my husband and I didn’t go in. But for all of you who loves castles, this is definitely for you.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
We spent the rest of the day walking around Royal Mile, Grass Market and more. There is truly more to Edinburgh that meets the eye. Be ready for an adventure because you will not lack one in Edinburgh.
‘Go and travel. The world is waiting.’
– Hannah
P.S.
Here is another airport transfer service from Edinburgh Airport to the city.
A lot of you might have heard about the famed 2 Michelin Star restaurant NOMA. It is truly a place for foodies and culinarian alike. It is so famous around the globe to the point that all aspiring chefs would like to experience working there under the supervision of no less than René Redzepi.
So when the news broke out that its pastry chef Rosio Sanchezleft NOMA to start her own business venture, everyone was shocked and at the same time thrilled on what and how she will do outside the revered 2 Michelin Star resto.
And ‘lo and behold, she did well! I mean so well that on the opening day of her stand called Hija de Sanchez, she said on an interview via Vogue Magazine that “Sunday we had the longest line I’ve ever seen.” Of course I will never let the opportunity pass. A week after my husband and I arrived in Copenhagen we went and tried this coveted taqueria stand.
I can’t really say much about it but all I know is that it’s the best taco I have ever had.Try their Ice Pops called Paletas. It taste beyond perfection! If you want to experience ultimate foodgasm without breaking a bank, go to Hija de Sanchez!
The Probing Wife 