Another year has zoomed by, swift and stormy as a thunderbolt! Honestly, I’m baffled at how the months have slipped through my fingers. It’s been a dizzying whirlwind of emotions, events, and a whole lot of happenings. Even this little recap is coming to you fashionably late, thanks to the wildest, most jam-packed two months of my life. 😅
So, without further ado, let’s dive in! Travel-wise, this year’s been a bit low-key compared to our usual trips, as we’ve been on a serious savings spree, searching for our dream nest. No grand vacations for us, but we did manage some delightful extended weekend escapades. When we weren’t out exploring, we’d switch gears and go on the hunt for the perfect place – definitely not a dull moment in sight!
January
The year kicked off on a high note, as we returned from our New Year’s adventure in Senja, Norway, only to reunite with another group of friends a few weeks later in Tignes, France. There, we indulged in snowboarding and skiing. It was my boyfriend’s first encounter with skis, and let’s just say he’s not exactly a newfound enthusiast. 😄 The views were, as usual, a breathtaking spectacle, yet spending several hours on skis didn’t quite charm him. During this escapade, we even managed a day trip to Geneva, Switzerland. There, we immersed ourselves in some sightseeing and topped off the trip with a delectable fondue feast.
February
February was a quieter month, marked by leisurely walks in the forest, admiring the twinkling lights of Copenhagen, and enjoying some much-needed downtime at home.
March
March brought a delightful twist as I ventured to Paris, France, to rendezvous with my best friend, who was visiting the area. Despite encountering a Paris less glamorous than usual, with strikes and litter lining the streets, we still had an incredible time. Our days were filled with catching up on the latest in our lives, all the while savoring some exquisite wine and delectable French cuisine.
March also heralded a spectacular first for me – witnessing the Northern Lights over Denmark. The sight was absolutely mesmerizing, leaving me both exhilarated and awestruck. The magic didn’t end there; I was lucky enough to witness another display of the aurora a month later, and it only intensified my longing to see more of these breathtaking celestial dances!
April
Over the Easter break, we seized the opportunity for a short getaway to Croatia. Though it turned out to be chillier than expected, making a dip in the crystal-clear azure waters a bit too ambitious, our trip was anything but dull. We journeyed across the country, exploring several beautiful cities and indulging in an array of delicious cuisine. The cooler weather couldn’t dampen the vibrant spirit of our Croatian adventure!
Barely having time to unpack from our Croatian adventure, we swiftly jetted off to Poland to celebrate my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary – a monumental occasion! The highlight was hiking in the mountains, tracing the very paths where their story began. We hiked while they shared stories from their youth, filling the journey with nostalgia and warmth. The views during the hike were nothing short of spectacular. If you ever find yourself in Poland, I highly recommend taking to the trails. The breathtaking scenery is an experience not to be missed!
May
In early May, my mom popped over for a quick visit, and we took this opportunity to embark on a mini road trip across Denmark, showcasing its picturesque beauty. Naturally, our love for adventure led us on several ‘troll hunting’ excursions. This quirky, fun activity became even more special as together, we discovered our 100th troll – Månemor.
May in Denmark is sprinkled with numerous public holidays, offering the perfect excuse to venture out and explore. This year, we seized the opportunity to go on a road trip along the picturesque East-West coast of Sweden. Our journey was a delightful blend of experiences: we wandered through quaint, cozy towns, each with its own unique charm; embraced the great outdoors by camping amidst the serene beauty of nature; and indulged our love for history and architecture by visiting some stunning castles along the way.
June
June kicked off with a bang, marked by a unique and joyous occasion. My cousin was getting married, and he extended an invitation to us for his wedding in Zakopane, Poland. But this wasn’t just any wedding – it was a Highlander wedding, offering a completely different experience from a typical Polish wedding. The traditions, the atmosphere, the celebration – everything was distinct and incredibly memorable. I’m super stoked to spill all the details about this epic event in my next post (that is, if I can manage to carve out some time – wink wink!). Stay tuned 🙂
July
July marked the annual holiday tradition for my boyfriend’s family, and this year we set our sights on Skagen, Denmark. I must say, the Danish west coast boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the entire country. The sunsets there are wildly beautiful, painting the sky with incredible colors each evening. Despite the trip lasting only a week, there wasn’t a dull moment to be found. And, true to our adventurous spirit, even our journey back to Copenhagen was filled with little detours as we added a few more trolls to our ever-growing list.
The end of July, amidst all the joy and excitement, took a sudden and frightening turn. I remember calling my mom for a casual chat, only to be met with a situation that nearly gave me a heart attack. At first, I couldn’t make out what she was saying, and it took some time to piece together that she had been in a traffic accident and was in the process of being admitted to the hospital. Those days were intensely stressful, especially being far away from family. The feeling of helplessness in such situations is overwhelming.
Thankfully, this worrying episode concluded on a positive note. My mom has almost completely recovered now, but the experience was undeniably scary. It was a stark reminder of how quickly things can change and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones.
August
August brought another festive occasion as we flew back to Poland to attend yet another Highlander wedding, this time for my female cousin. Just like the previous one, it was an incredible celebration, sprawling this time over two full days!
On our way back, we made sure to visit my mom, who unfortunately couldn’t attend the wedding due to her injuries. We wanted to make sure she was doing okay, so we went to check on her, gave her some positive vibes, and of course, showered her with lots of hugs to let her know how much we love her.
Back in Denmark, we seized the opportunity to make the most of the rare sunny days amidst an unusually wet August. We embarked on several smaller day trips around the country, soaking up as much sunshine as possible.
September
September started an intense final quarter of the year with a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh has a special place in my heart as it was where I took my first solo trip, an experience that gave me the confidence to travel the world on my own. Exactly seven years to the date from that life-changing journey, I returned, this time with my boyfriend, to share with him the remarkable city that had such a profound impact on my life. It’s a place where I learned that nothing is impossible, even when you’re alone and find yourself losing your phone at night in a foreign city. But that’s a story for another time 🙂
The end of September was a time of joyous celebrations. The long-awaited moment finally arrived: I received my Danish citizenship after what felt like an eternity. This milestone means I am now officially both Polish and Danish! While not much changes in the grand scheme of things, having two passports is quite exciting. 😊
This event also coincided with both my and my mom’s birthdays, turning the end of September into a festive period filled with parties and fun. For my birthday, we flew to Poland and spent a few days exploring Wrocław, where we went on a fun gnome hunt. We also had a blast at Energylandia, enjoying thrilling rides and quality time with my brother and his girlfriend.
October
Just after returning from Poland in early October, I was thrilled to find out that my best friend would be in Europe again. We discovered that Bordeaux was a convenient meeting point for both of us. There was no specific reason for choosing Bordeaux, other than its accessibility, but it turned out to be a fantastic decision.
Our weekend in Bordeaux was nothing short of amazing. We spent hours talking, reconnecting as if no time had passed since our last meetup in Paris. We explored the city, which, by the way, is incredibly charming, and of course, indulged in what we do best – enjoying delicious wine and food.
That’s our thing, meeting up in random places around the world and just hanging out. No matter how long we go without seeing each other, the moment we reunite, it’s as if we were never apart. I can’t express how grateful I am to have a friend like her.
In the midst of an eventful October, we took another quick flight to Poland for a short but sweet weekend break. This trip was to celebrate my dad’s birthday, adding yet another festive chapter to our family gatherings. After the whirlwind start to the month with all the travel, the latter part was more about unwinding and relaxing.
We spent our days leisurely, taking serene walks and capturing beautiful moments in Dyrehaven and around Copenhagen. These tranquil moments provided a much-needed respite, allowing us to recharge and appreciate the simpler pleasures. The quiet walks through the picturesque landscapes, and the charming streets of Copenhagen offered a perfect balance to the bustling activities earlier in the month.
November
November was a month marked by packing as we were gearing up for our move in mid-December. Amidst the flurry of packing and organizing our apartment, we did manage to sneak in a few leisurely activities.
Occasional walks offered a welcome break from the boxes and bubble wrap, and I couldn’t resist capturing the festive spirit through some Christmas decoration photoshoots. But for the most part, we cocooned ourselves indoors, engaging in the epic adventure of Baldur’s Gate 3 – seriously, it’s an incredible game. It was the perfect escape from the overwhelming darkness and rain outside.
December
December was a whirlwind, bustling with activities to the point where it felt like a blur. The month kicked off with a delightful weekend trip to Basel, Switzerland, and Colmar, France. We immersed ourselves in the festive spirit, visiting the famous Christmas markets and enjoying some cozy, albeit chilly, moments. The experience was wonderful, but wow, the crowds were something else – even surpassing any Disneyland crowd I’ve ever encountered!
No sooner had we returned from our trip than it was time to dive into the chaos of moving. We transitioned to our new place and tackled the task of cleaning out the old apartment. It’s amusing and a bit baffling how, for someone who moved to Denmark with just two suitcases, I managed to accumulate enough belongings to fill two trucks!😅
The culmination of December, and indeed the year, was a whirlwind of festive celebrations split between two countries and two families. We began with a magical Christmas Eve in Denmark, embracing the Danish traditions and festivities with my boyfriend’s family.
The very next day, the 25th, we caught a flight to Poland to spend time with my family. These days were a blend of small excursions and cozy indoor activities. We bonded over games, shared stories, and simply enjoyed each other’s company in the comfort of home.
To cap off the year, we spent New Year’s Eve in the most relaxed and enjoyable way possible – in pajamas, with a joystick in one hand and a drink and snack in the other, alongside my brother and his girlfriend. It was a laid-back yet perfect ending to the year, surrounded by loved ones, indulging in shared hobbies and laughter. There couldn’t have been a better way to welcome the new year than being surrounded by the people I love and doing things that bring us joy.
Summary
Throughout the year, there were loads of other little things going on, like visits to local markets, theater plays, musicals, concerts, and various events scattered here and there – but if I detailed them all, you might just fall into a boredom-induced nap. I may have already rambled on a bit too much as it is! 😄
To wrap it up, I’d like to give a big shoutout to my awesome loved ones. You guys are like my personal cheerleaders, backing me up no matter how many wild and wacky ideas I cook up or how crazy I become. Having you by my side is nothing short of incredible, and I can’t wait to dive into the excitement of 2024 with you all.
And if you made it through this text, Happy New Year to you! May all your wildest dreams and fantasies come true in the year ahead! 🎉😄
