Der er et yndigt land
“There is a land we love.
with shady beech-trees aspread
The briny shores above.
Its hills and valleys gently fall,
Tis the name of ol' Denmark"
This past week we traveled through Denmark on an annual study trip that our firm does each year to study architecture. Previous trips included Brazil, Mexico City, Seoul, Bordeaux, etc. So, when the news was announced that this year, we would be going to western Denmark so close to Copenhagen, I would be lying if I didn't say I was disappointed. Oh, how wrong I would have been. I'm glad I came around before the trip and saw not a missed opportunity but a true opportunity to learn more about this country that I would have never gone on my own for lack of better words. This trip showed me that Denmark was so much more than meets the eye.
Last year I traveled around Denmark on a compressed tour but when I read the entries from back then I could feel the chaos of my life start to envelope me. I was on the verge of a breakup, I was unsure of my future, I was pushed emotionally every day on that trip that created a bad association for me. I am so thankful that this trip showed me a vision of Denmark free from heartache, free from drowning in the unknown, and the majesty of being in the moment with this new community I have found myself in.
Our journey was symbolic to return to our roots. So many of our early projects were made in Jylland that seeing them made me realize where we came from and how important that identity was for us. We saw so many projects that it almost became overwhelming but in a good way. It was a reminder that there is still so much out here that I have never seen before. I saw real joy on my coworker's faces, I saw a side that wasn't always "on”, and I had conversations that I will remember for the rest of my life.
I find myself at the precipice of sadness. Sadness for a past that could have been where I could have traveled around Denmark and shown all this beauty with the one, I loved. Sadness for a future where I will have to say goodbye to this magical place. But now in the present, I am filled with joy and gratefulness. I am filled with the release that comes with finding a place that sends your heart beating with the thrill of adventure. I am looking forward to coming back.
Denmark... I think I'm falling in love with you.