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Another uneventful flight with Ryan Air. The only major event was the foot of snow in Billund, Denmark but it had been there for a few days to all the runways were plowed and passable. Eric, my cousin, picked me up and we went back to Orla and Birthe and had a very nice hot meal. Ryan Air food leaves very much to be desired (both in price and quality).
On Tuesday morning we had to go and do the final shopping before Christmas Eve so we dug the VW out and were on our way. It snowed most of the day so by evening there was another fresh layer of the lovely white stuff. Reminds me of last Christmas back home. Orla and I went out for a walk to the neighbouring farm to pick up potatoes. It was a beautiful walk as the trees still have the snow clinging to them. Birthe and I dug out the walk way and stairs so we are really hoping it doesn't snow much tonight.
We set up the Christmas tree on the 23rd and the kids from next door came over to do their gift exchange. Birthe and I managed to be organized enough to get the table set for tomorrow night. Mona, Tasja, Basse, Eric, Orla, Birthe and I for Christmas Eve. I can't remember the last time I celebrated a Christmas Eve with so few. I am very excited.
Christmas Eve! Mona, Tasja and Basse arrived about 3 and then Birthe, Tasja and I went to church for the Christmas service. There was only standing room when the service started at 4. It was a great experience to see so many people and to hear that service in a different language. I have to admit that I didn't understand much (any) of it. Birthe and Tasja explained it after. There were also a few Christmas carols which I hummed along with.
When we got back to the house and there were yummy smells of roast duck and roast pork. Everyone that had not gone to church had been very busy and had dug out the whole drive way from the last pile of snow. We had a great dinner with all the trimmings . Not much has changed since Dad came to Canada in the way Dane's celebrate Christmas. Tasja won the prize from the "ris a la mande" (rice pudding with a whole almond).
After dinner of course there was singing round the Christmas tree and then Tasja read a Christmas story before we started to unwrap our gifts. Mom and Dad had sent a package for me and as soon as I opened it the present was on my feet.....SLIPPERS.....yeah. Also a beautiful necklace. Thanks Mom and Dad. I was spoiled by everyone a set of very nice candle holders, shampoo and serum for dry hair (someone must have noticed how dry my hair has been), a nightie, and some traditional Danish Christmas decorations.
I went home with Mona and Tasja on Christmas Eve. We went for a loooonnngggg walk in the forest on Christmas Day and had a lazy day watching movies. I finally got to see Mamma Mia. I am going to cook Spanish lunch for everyone tomorrow so getting organized for that.
Spanish lunch was good. Paella for the main course and a few Spanish specialty snacks. White asparagus with mayo, pimentos (roasted red peppers), and olives. Mona and I tried to go out dancing on Saturday night. We had planned to go the a blues concert but the best laid plans don't always work out. The concert was sold out! We did try to find somewhere else but there was no one in any of the bars or clubs. We gave up and stopped to pick up a McFlurry on the way home. We spiked the McFlurry's and watched a hockey game that had been taped from the day before. Unfortunately is was not the Canucks.
Sunday we went back to Orla and Birthe as Aage and Else were coming for lunch. Danish lunch with everything. Else, Birthe and I were the only ones drinking snaps but we were very well behaved. Thank you to all my family in Denmark for making my first "Danish" Christmas so enjoyable.
Orla and Birthe dropped me off at the airport and I am on my way back to Alicante to spend the night before going to Torre Pacheco to spend New Years with Jean, a friend of the family.
To be continued in Spain for New Years.
Miss you all.
Love Tove
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