Now that summer has finally arrived, I’ve been thinking about how to make the most of the sunny season in Denmark. Below is a bucket list of things I’d like to experience and accomplish these next few months. What would be on your summer bucket list…? I’d love to hear!
#1 – Learn some basic Danish. I’ve totally dropped the ball on this one, but I’m going to get back on the Duo Lingo train. Because everyone speaks English here in Copenhagen it’s a bit hard to get motivated, but I’m determined to learn a bit of the local tongue.
#2 – Host a proper dinner party. At some point this summer I want to have a bunch of friends over and cook a proper meal (pray for me…actually, pray for them).
#3 – Finish decorating our apartment. We combined our living and dining areas so we have a large room just sitting empty. I’d been hoping it would become a nursery, but we’ve run into some roadblocks trying to get pregnant (lots of tears, fertility tests, and bonding time with my new Danish gynecologist, more on that later…sigh). In the meantime, I need to keep my chin up and do something with the empty room. Maybe a library…?!
#4 – Read some great books. This will be easy thanks to my summer reading list. I just finished The Girls last week and it was fantastic. My high school (go Catalina!) is mentioned throughout the novel, which made me smile.
#5 – Brave the rides at Tivoli. Copenhagen has a cute, little amusement park right in the heart of the city and though I’ve briefly visited, I haven’t braved any of the rides. I’m afraid of heights, but this summer I’m going to suck it up and give them a try.
#6 – Get a bike. I still don’t have a bicycle and in Copenhagen, that’s ridiculous. First I need to buy the bike, then I need to learn the hand signals. I can’t wait to cycle through the city!
#7 – Explore the Danish countryside. I’ve seen a fair amount of Copenhagen at this point, but little of the beautiful Danish coast or countryside. This summer I want to find a way to experience more of our new Scandinavian homeland.
#8 – Picnic in the park. We live near two lovely parks (Søndermarken and the Frederiksberg Gardens), but rarely take advantage of them. This summer I want to do some proper picnics with freshly squeezed lemonade, crackers, and stinky cheese.
#9 – Dance with Beyonce. Part of my 30th birthday present from Simon was incredible tickets to the Beyonce concert here in Denmark next month (husband of the year award!). Counting down the days.
#10 – Have the best belated honeymoon ever. Simon and I may have already looked up the room service menu at Soho House Istanbul (late night burgers? Yes, please). I’ve been a bit of a stress case over the fertility stuff lately, so it will be a welcome escape. Grand bazaar, here I come.
Fill me in on your summer plans! Traveling anywhere fun? Mastering any new skills? Love you guys! xx Katie
N says
Having been through the fertility nightmare, just wanted to send positive vibes your way! Don’t let the stress ruin all the beautiful things in your life.
Jamie says
Sounds like a lovely summer – and I look forward to seeing all of your Danish summer adventures! Enjoy the Formation tour – I didn’t make it this time around, but when I say Beyonce in concert a couple of years ago it was legitimately life-changing : ) And thank you for sharing your frustrations – that’s a new world to me, but sending you lots of support and a virtual hug!
Katie Armour says
N – Thank you for that! I’m trying to remind myself to just be patient and make the most of the situation. Appreciate the positive vibes more than you know!
Jamie – You’re so sweet! Thanks for the virtual hug. I’m sure Beyonce will be the summer highlight! Hope you have some fun plans as well! xx
Juley says
Great summer list, Katie! Sending you best wishes on the baby journey. I know it’s stressful but hang in there. Hoping to hear great news soon so we can see what a stylish amazing mom you’ll be! ❤️
Katie Armour says
Juley – Aw thank you! Fingers crossed. We have some great resources here in Denmark, so we’re hopeful. Hope you’re having a lovely summer! xx
Phyllis says
Love your list. I actually just checked off a longterm item on the old bucket list and now need the summer to recover! We made a goal way back in 1997 to take our two little boys to see all 50 states. We just returned from Hawaii and with that, we checked off every one! Btw, those little boys were 5 and 7 when we began and are now 23 and 25, and were born after going through fertility treatment. It’s such a challenge but there is SO much they can do today ~ even more than in my day and that worked! I have confidence for you it’s going to happen. Sending up prayers for you.
Katie Armour says
Phyllis – What an amazing mom you must be! I just showed Simon your comment and we agree that we’d love to take our future children on a similar “50 states” adventure. How fun to finish with Hawaii! Thank you for your prayers. I’m hopeful it will work out. It’s certainly a good lesson in patience! Enjoy the rest of your summer…sounds like you deserve to put your feet up! xx
Whitney says
So sorry to hear Katie. I went through that for a couple of years and it was awful. It does make it all sweeter though when it does happen. I’m so glad you’ve been taking trips and seeing so much of europe. Best wishes through your journey and don’t be too hard on yourself with the stress. I actually ended up getting pregnant my most stressful month out of the whole 2 years.
Kathryn says
Katie, I feel your pain with the fertility issues/testing. I have been dealing with fertility issues/infertility as well, but I must say moving to Paris about a year and a half ago was one of the best decisions my husband and I made for many reasons. Taking this adventure has reminded us that there is so much life to live, explore and be thankful for in the midst of the waiting game of building our family. I just encourage you to live presently and enjoy this sweet time with your husband!
Maureen Sullivan Stemberg, Int says
Katie,
You remind me of me. Do not worry about a baby coming
trust me just keep going on and keep writing.
One morning you will wake up feeling a bit like the flu… It most likely be a baby.
I waited 8 year’s for my son. In another month he is getting
married.
Warm regards,
Maureen
Lily says
Great list. Wishing you a summer full of happy memories!
Katie Armour says
Whitney – Your comment is so comforting! It’s so frusturating knowing that getting stressed won’t help your chances getting pregnant, and yet, as each month passes it feels more stressful, hah! I’m so happy it all worked out for you! Enjoy your summer!
Kathryn – Paris, so wonderful! I know what you mean—I feel very lucky to be Denmark while we’re going through this. Lots of new lovely things to distract me (and wonderful fertility coverage). Let me know if you’re ever in Copenhagen! xx
Maureen – You’re so sweet. Your words are so appreciated. I am looking forward to the day I wake with the “flu.” Have a wonderful time at your son’s wedding! xx
Lily – Thank you! Have a wonderful summer as well! xx
laura says
I would love to hear more about life in copenhagen! Copenhagen & the danish coutnryside… such a change from life in NY!
Katie Armour says
Laura — Have been working on another post of Danish life updates…will try to get it up soon! xx