Hojen Hospitality

The next 30 hours we spent in Randers. The girls took a nap for a few and the adults stayed up to catch up and discuss our journey. Later in the morning once all the children woke up and reconnected- we spent the day touring Randers and visiting the town museum. It was so much fun to see the history of Randers. The kids loved the museum and we ate at the most amazing restaurant- a cute little café that is named after one of Randers forefathers. We got our first bite of true Danish delights. The fish was amazing and we all enjoyed the down time together. Later we returned back to their enchanting home—true Danish décor and the loveliest garden imaginable. The Hojens live right next to the church that Lisbeth is the pastor for – another beautiful site. It was complete with a beautiful veggie garden and a huge yard for the kids to play in. Lisbeth and Anders were perfect hosts – welcoming us into their home and spending the day letting us recuperate and get our feet back on the ground. We then sat down to a great dinner – made from the garden and enjoyed a guitar serenade by the one and only Anders—of course Patrick and Anders had to sample all the fine whiskey that they had and made a night out of deciding which one was the best. I went to bed- as did the kids. This was the first time I had shut my eyes in two days. Let’s just say it was a very peaceful sleep—We woke up yesterday morning to a beautiful breakfast made by Lisbeth (out of the garden again) and with this great Danish Rhye bread—it is like our white bread- a staple in Danish homes. The kids loved it and I am going to attempt to make it when we get home (I hope to do you proud Lisbeth  We then spent the day with the kids playing outside a fast game of soccer (football) kids against the dad’s – the kids won and Oskar was quite excited about this achievement. They also learned to play a Danish game called Kings and Castles (I think -correct me if I am wrong about that)—it was fun and Patrick is going to make one when we get home—it will be great for the lake Mom. It was a cross between horseshoes and croquet. The girls had brought Silly Bandz for the kids along with superhero Spiderman garb for Oskar. The girls loved the Silly Bandz and traded and researched all the different kinds on the internet. Denmark has now been introduced to Silly Bandz—they really are an international hit. All during our visit, the Hojens practiced their English and we tried to learn a few Danish words = Thank you girls (Anna and Ida) for making the visit so special for Devyn and Blythe. We then ate another authentic Danish lunch made by Lisbeth—Yes- all she did was cook while we were there—Thank you for the food ( a Danish tradition at the end of every meal)—I did laundry—That is a whole new story—her washing machine has 20 settings and was so high tech that I even called it wonderful—now for all of you that know me well- you know laundry is not one of my favorite things to do- but her machine takes 2 hours to wash and in true European style takes its time and washes like a pro. I told the Danley gang- these were the cleanest clothes they will ever wear. I know the Hojens thought I was crazy, but that washing machine did amaze me. Before we left, Ida gave a moving performance of Blowing in the Wind—watch out world Ida Hojen will be a star someday—I was moved to tears—her voice is amazing. Thank you Ida for the beautiful music! We gathered our things and got ready for our 4pm departure from the train. Everyone went to see us off at the station. It was fun to reconnect and share a little time, great food, music, and laughter with our Danish friends-we miss you already come see us soon-- next time we visit you we will fly to Randers—no more taking the train for the Danley’s-- Thank you so much-- love you all!