West to Holstebro

Monday afternoon, the 21st, we took our far-too-copious luggage (I tried, I really did, to be conservative, but I was packing for two after all. I have vowed that I will wear every piece of clothing that I brought with me at some point on this trip...except for Django's of course) loaded it on a train, said goodbye to Simon's father who would soon be heading back to Greenland, and made the four hour journey to Holstebro in western Jutland. This was Django's first real train ride. Holstebro is where Simon grew up when he wasn't in Greenland, and where his mother, Lissy lives.

We had a visit from Simon's grandparents who live an hour north on an island called Mørs, where there are lots of farms. In fact much of Denmark is farms, and the terrain is mostly quite flat. His grandparents don't speak English, nor does Lissy's partner Knud Erik, so conversation travels only along certain paths. But we all speak 'Cute Baby' and so we meet there. Django took an immediate and strong liking to Knud Erik and will ask to sit on his lap after dinner. It's very sweet.

Django didn't quite know what to make of Simon's grandmother, but I think it's because she smells of perfume and pipe smoke (yes, she smokes a pipe). Very sweet lady. Simon's grandfather is a quiet, thoughtful man who works with his hands a lot, gardening and woodworking. They visited on Tuesday with Simon's uncle Kurt, who is an archaeologist. Everyone fell in love with Django, but you already knew that was coming...

Simon, Django and I took a lovely walk down to the lake that is near Lissy's and Knud Erik's house. Very green and beautiful. Such green makes my eyes and my soul feel satiated and happy.

Thursday came and Simon had to leave for Copenhagen, where he played a concert later that evening. Friday he flew to Manchester to begin his tour, then on to Aberdeen, Scotland on Saturday where he now has a few days off to see the country. Just a little envious (the Scotland part)

I've been taking it easy, enjoying staying in one place and being a bit quiet. I brought some projects with me that I hope to work on a bit while I'm here: jewelry making, painting my baby Taylor guitar, writing in my journal and baby book. But, I've been unable to put down Harry Potter (#6). Only a few pages left, then I'm adrift without the seventh and last book. Not sure if I can find it in English here. Maybe that's good, and I'll get something else done.

I've been enjoying more wonderful hospitality and delicious food thanks to Simon's mom.

The weather has been mostly gray and rainy which I guess is pretty standard for this part of Denmark, but I really don't mind it so much. It feels introspective and cosy, or hyggelig (say hoo-glee with a light g) as they say in Denmark.

Tune in soon and you'll hear about the North Sea...