Hygge.

  A prominent aspect of Danish culture is the hygge experience.  There is no direct English translation for the word hygge; however, it can be described as a warm, cozy, intimate experience with close friends or loved ones.  It is usually accompanied with low lighting, an abundance of candles, comfortable seating (generally pillows,) and food/drink.  After a relaxing evening out, dane’s will often describe it as being ‘hyggelige.’  In essence, hygge is the art of creating intimacy and meaningfulness.  After a hygge one can undeniably feel a stronger bond with the friends that partook.  The hygge involves a deep sense of place, warmth, contentment, accompanied by a feeling of peace with everything and everyone around you.

Try to pronounce Hygge:

http://www.forvo.com/word/hygge/

--By the way, I cannot pronounce the Danish “Y” for the life of me :)

  So, my wonderful mother is coming to visit me!  I am so ecstatic and grateful she is able to make the long journey over.  I cannot wait to soak up every bit of her love & savor it, in hopes that it will last me until I return home next year.  My mother will arrive to Aarhus, Denmark on Thursday 10.13.11.  She and I will spend the weekend exploring my new home--the city, university & wonderful surroundings.  Early Monday morning (10.17.11) we are flying to Vienna, Austria.  I have dreamt about going to Austria for years... I still can't believe this is my life.  She and I will explore the glorious city & attend an opera one evening.  We will be seeing La Traviata at the Vienna State Opera House.. which is absolutely magical!

Here is a link to the synopsis of La Traviata:

http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/history/stories/synopsis.aspx?id=139

                                                     ..and this is the opera house:

After a few days in Vienna we will take a train to Salzburg, Austria.  While growing up my mother always had us kids watch The Sound Of Music & we loved it (well, not my brother!)  The film was shot all around beautiful Salzburg; we will take a four-hour tour, visiting each filming location.  Considering this is my mother's favorite movie, it's definitely a dream come true :)  We will also visit Mozart's birth place, among other things.  

Take a peak at Salzburg, Austria:

  Finally, we will round our trip off on 10.21.11-10.23.11 by spending some downtime in Copenhagen, Denmark.  Then my Mama will head back to the States.  I am soooo very excited for this upcoming adventure... it will be the trip of a life time, full of memories to last a life time.

Sending my love to you all.