In the shower the other day, it hit me: while I’m finding my feet in this new city, why don’t I interview some of the people in my life who inspire me and in the process, get to know them a bit better? A perfect opportunity to share tips and acquired wisdom with anyone who’s as curious about people as I am.
Now I used to have a friendship book, or ‘vennebog’ as it’s called in Danish, that I would bring with me to school. I would get friends to fill in fascinating information about their music preferences, favourite food, crushes and what not. So much fun we had during breaks and in between classes, one of my all-time favourite memories from those long days spent in the school playground.
To set the scene, I’ve been staying with my older sister Anne and her family of 4 in their cosy apartment in Vesterbro; a very hip and happening part of Copenhagen. Each street corner has a restaurant more trendy than the next serving scandified world cuisines, artsy hangouts and uber chic sustainable fashion boutiques - everything a bona fide hipster could wish for and more!
Anne, her English husband and their two perfectly bilingual kids moved over here last year to start a new life together in Denmark. After 15 years of living and working in wonderfully cultural albeit chaotic London, they decided juggling family life with two careers might bring more balance in a smaller, more community-minded metropolis.
So to kick things off, I asked my sister the following 9 quick-fire questions during our evening walk around the city last night…
When was the last time you cried?
I last cried a few weeks ago after a particularly tough nursery handover. My daughter is taking a while to settle in and it’s really hard to leave her when she’s screaming for me.
When was the last time you felt inspired?
I went to Louisiana recently and fell in love with Diane Arbus’ photography. Very moving and beautiful portraits of marginalised communities and sub cultures.
What was the last movie that moved you?
I really, really loved Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person In The World. I also really enjoyed Licorice Pizza.
Which song do you currently have on repeat?
I’m obsessed with Wet Leg and listen to their album a lot. I saw them a few weeks ago and they were so much fun live!
What’s your favourite Copenhagen hangout?
I love going to Statens Museum for Kunst. First pancakes and coffee at their cafe and then look at art. They also have a free art studio for kids and a great shop full of books and fun stationary.
What’s your morning/bedtime ritual?
I feel like this is an area of my life that could definitely be improved, with two kids I don’t get a lot of sleep or time to be particularly mindful! But I do try and do a quick workout every morning, it helps me connect my body and mind and sets me up for the day.
What are 3 things you couldn’t live without?
My phone, washing machine (because kids) and dishwasher. Very boring answers but without them life is significantly more chaotic and messy. Our washing machine is currently not working and it’s infuriating, ha!
What is your top life lesson so far?
Make peace with who you are. Never stop working on being the best version of yourself, don’t be a dick and love your quirks. They set you apart and will ultimately be your ticket to success. Also, don’t buy shit to fill a void. Same goes for eating.
What is the last meal that made your heart sing?
Dishoom in Shoreditch a few months ago with you. Their House Black Daal, man…!
Nuff said. Stine x
