It was nearing the end of our trip to Denmark when, in Århus, we learned that one of the worst winter storms was slowly taking over the country. We had to make a (literally) last minute decision to brave the storm so we wouldn’t be stranded in the city and caught the last ferry heading out. When we arrived on the other end four hours later it was dark with white-out conditions. My knuckles were white the entire drive since we had neither a cell phone or experience driving the area and my cousin lived far out in the country.

We managed to get to her home safely near midnight and I headed almost straight to bed, falling asleep to thoughts of how the trip had been significantly altered due to the storm and what could possibly happen next? I woke the next morning to the most beautiful answer: I’d be snowed in a charming town for the next couple of days with nothing to do but eat, sleep, explore and dish with family. So at 7AM I donned my boots, mittens, coat and scarf to head out into Mørkøv to enjoy the beautiful quiet now that I didn’t have to worry about driving in it.

My second cousin, Britta, was the reason we were here. She and my mum were very close growing up and when they’re together it’s easy to see why; they giggle like school girls together which is so fun to watch. And their ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary, plus their love of entertaining… well, they’re both just so alike. So Danish!

Britta is an alternative health practitioner mainly akupressur (acupuncture) who has one of the most soothing office in her home. I love this so much about Denmark and many other European countries – living in the country doesn’t being removed from things. You still have access to good health, shops and almost always a bike repair place (why, we ride our bikes out here and if there is a flat tire, how do you bike into town to be fixed? a shop owner once said to me). So although you’re in not in the hustle of a big city, you’re not isolated – something I often find with being in the country stateside.

And it was fitting that she had set up beds for us in her office because I had become worn out with the travel, the driving, the language and the go, go, go. I couldn’t imagine a more restful room – or home – to be in. Especially since Britta baked the most amazing gluten-free bread that I kept eating and each meal was prepared beyond belief. It was literally nothing but eating, sleeping and laughing with family. Hygge at its best.

For the Danes, home is where it’s at though I find myself almost never being at home (53 trips last year alone). But for a few days I was fortunate enough to be snowed in and reminded that being at home doesn’t have to set off ants in pants or claustrophobia – it can be charming, relaxing, reflective and happy. And I thought of this especially since a huge storm came my way over the weekend which left me stranded and without power for two days. At first I thought I was going to go crazy (what do you mean, no internet!) but thought how I often wish for quiet and a reason to not be out and here I was. So I took ques from my time with my cousin and her cat and rested, wrote letters by candle light (!), rested, baked when the power returned, ate good food, and rested.

Like in Mørkøv, but just in my Hygge House instead.