Hygge

Still sick today. Quite tired of being sick too. At times like this I just want to be not sick and some place cozy. Danes are obsessed with this search for healthy coziness--it's something they call hygge. They will tell you there is no way to fully describe hygge in American english. Here's a photo I took that attempts to capture a little hygge: The fat cat in the window is feeling hygge due to its warmth and the fact that it's looking out onto motionless bicycles covered in white fluffy snow. Supposedly the average Dane would be intensely jealous of that cat and would have a strong desire to go inside and snuggle up next to it. Interesting, huh?

NOTE (16 Maj): I have been told by many that this is a weak and incomplete definition of all-important Danish hygge. The word pops up numerous time throughout this blog and the later entries give a much more accurate feel for the emotion/experience.