My cousin Sherelle arrived from the states on Monday morning. She arrived without her bag which was fairly stressful for her and after several calls to check on it, it finely arrived safely at my place this morning. We had plans to go to Copenhagen, Denmark today and it worked out very well. We did not get to go to Tivoli as we hoped because they are opening for Christmas on Saturday the 19th but we still got to experience a bit of Christmas anyway.

We had some time in Malmö to look around the first day she came. We put her backpack in a locker and walked around downtown. We saw the big squares and she was quite a trooper despite the time change. She slept a little on the plane but still, the time change has a way of hitting you. She has never been anywhere on this side of the world so it will be a good experience and as with all my guests, I enjoy seeing what they enjoy and try to cater to what they want.

She wants to see as much as she can in the short 10-day stay. She was unable to sleep well the first night but got some sleep the 2nd night so we were able to take in several hours in Copenhagen. We took the Hop On, Hop Off bus so we didn’t have to walk the entire time and it was bitter cold with a temperature in the 40s and wind chill bringing it down to freezing. We wore our best coats and layered up with hats and scarves to brave the weather and off we went. I got to see some sights I had never seen before, including the front side of the little mermaid.

We did a small amount of shopping at the local Christmas markets already set up. We both did a short interview with some students about Christmas. I purchased a few Danish woven heart ornaments in glass and a couple in tin, that said God Jul for the small tree I plan to have. I purchased a second-hand electric candle for $8 at a local shop I had seen several before but waited too long to purchase but it is perfect.

We have a jam-packed schedule for the time she is here. We will be visiting a total of 4 countries. Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Germany on this trip. All are very short trips but we will see as much as we can in the time we have. It will be fun to explore and get to do things I haven’t done yet. I am also planning a trip to see my brother and a friend who both live in Italy next month. There is always excitement to planning a trip and something to look forward to.

I still plan to stay through April. My brother in Italy told me he thinks it takes about 2 years to feel really comfortable and forget about the things back home. He would know. He has moved a fair amount. The insight was valuable and it sounds like he is excited to have me come for a visit. It has been a few years since I have seen him and his daughters are almost grown up. I figured I might as well take the opportunity while it is here.