First Journey Day 65: Culinary Constellations

October 28, 2023

‘Culinary Constellations’ — a celestial platter of Danish bites orbiting like stars above a Copenhagen nightscape, inspired by today’s cooking class. — “Culinary Constellations” — artwork inspired by a rainy day of cooking and companionship in Copenhagen.

Date: October 28, 2023
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

In Copenhagen, Denmark, rain softened the cobblestones and drew me indoors to a Danish cooking class—an inviting peek into the culture behind smørrebrød, frikadeller, and the gentle comfort of hygge.

Rainlight Over Cobbles

Today was a delightful blend of culinary exploration and cultural immersion. The rain added a certain charm to the city's cobblestone streets, making the indoors even more inviting.

Inside a Danish Kitchen

I decided to attend a traditional Danish cooking class, a decision I'm truly pleased with. The instructor, a jovial Danish lady named Freja, welcomed us with a warm smile and introduced us to the world of smørrebrød and frikadeller.

Stories Stirred Into the Pot

As we chopped, mixed, and cooked, Freja shared stories of her childhood—family gatherings around the dining table, and the significance of these dishes in Danish culture. The camaraderie among the participants was palpable. We laughed at our culinary misadventures and cheered each other on.

Choosing Savour Over Sketching

By the end of the session, the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the room, and we all sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labour. The smørrebrød, with its assortment of toppings on rye bread, was a delightful explosion of flavours, while the frikadeller were tender and juicy.

A City in Sync with Rain

As I walked back to my accommodation, the rain had reduced to a drizzle, and the city lights reflected beautifully on the wet streets. The day, though simple, felt rich in experiences—a reminder that travel is as much about people and shared moments as it is about place. Looking forward to what tomorrow brings in this beautiful city.

Travel Notes

Weather: Rainy, around 12°C; a steady hush of drizzle that polished cobblestones and invited the warmth of kitchens.
Scents: Rye bread, butter browning in a pan, dill, and the savory comfort of frikadeller; a hint of coffee lingering after class.
Sounds: Laughter over chopping boards, wooden spoons tapping bowls, rain ticking softly against the windows.
Reflection: Shared recipes become shared memories; food turned strangers into companions for an afternoon.