My Fairy Tale first month...

Since I have arrived in Denmark, I have felt like I have been in a fairy tale; the last month has been wonderful.  I have spent good, quality time with my sweet boyfriend, cooking, adventuring, boating & meeting his family & friends.  I have had time alone to sleep late, stay in my pajamas all day, create artwork & explore.

Kolding, the city that I am based in, is a charming seaport city on the mainland of Denmark.  It is at the head of the Kolding Fjord, in the southern region & a perfect mid-sized city, with a population just slightly larger than St. Thomas. 

One of the showpieces of the city is the old castle Koldinghus, founded in 1268.  It sits on the hilltop & dominates the view from all points in the city.  I can even see a little part of the tower from the kitchen window!  The lake, garden & castle have been a great inspiration to me already, with their pleasant & effortless charm.  

The weather here has been, well, sporadic.  Coming from St. Thomas, where is is 85 and humid, 365 day of the year, 60 degrees and gray is kind of a shock.  I was prepared & do come from Wisconsin originally, but let’s just say the when you get a warm, sunny day, you take advantage !

Saturday was one of those days, and I decided to go on a road trip to the Egeskov Castle on the island of Funen, about 45 minutes away.  I have always loved castles & fairy tales & am always trying to let my inner Princess radiate from my artwork.  This castle & the grounds that it lays on, were exactly where I yearned to be for a day, a month or, maybe I will just move in :)

The castle dates back to 1554 & was built on a foundation of upright oak trunks & is famous for being the most well preserved moat castle in Europe.  Views of the castle are breath taking, but for me, it was walking around the 18 different Gardens that enchanted me.  Around every corner, (or 280 year old hedge!!) I found another beautiful treat.  

The Scent Garden, The Fuchsia Garden, The Kitchen Garden, The English, Renaissance, Dahlia, Water, Grey, White... it was a Wonderland!  

I feel truly blessed to be able to explore & become inspired at such magical places!  Although I am thoroughly enjoying taking photographs, I have lots of drawings in the process!!  Pictures to come, I promise :)