Where would you take a vacation if you could?

My great-grandparents came from Denmark, making their home in Nephi Utah. I do not recall any specific stories from my grandmother who was a full-blooded Dane but just the fact that I am a quarter Danish makes Denmark an appealing place for me to visit.

I wonder what Denmark looked like in the 1800s which is the era my great- grandparents lived there. It would be pretty cool to see during that time. To find out the reasons why they left. Was it war? Political? Or did they just believe that living in America would be better for them and the sixteen children they would have. My grandmother was born in Utah. I wish she was still alive to talk with her as I write this but she isn’t so I will just have to help you see why this would be my vacation destination using pictures and descriptions. I’ve explained why I want to visit this great place...mostly for heritage reasons but also because of the history of this country. One place I would visit would be where my grandparents were born. My great-grandmother, Nikoline Kristine Madden, who was born in Borup, Randers, Denmark and my great-grandfather, James Andreas Christensen, who was born in Hjorring, Denmark. If at all possible, I would like to see the houses, should they still be standing where they spent their lives before coming to the United States in 1875.

Abundant history is another reason it appeals to me. Denmark is one of those places that links Europe and Scandinavia. There is a lot of rich history there that I hope to cover by letting you picture some of the places I’d like to visit. Another place to visit would be the capital of Denmark: Copenhagen. I’d like to explore this area especially the Indre, in the heart of the city—where there are many tourist attractions such as the colorful houses and fish markets (bleh!)— There is also Slotsholmen, where there is a statue of The Little Mermaid and home to the parliament. Through the photos I have seen and what I have read about this particular city is that it seems to encompass a big nightlife scene as well. That part isn’t particularly interesting except for going to the many glamorous restaurant, perhaps on a date.

The Faroe Islands look to be a place where I can commune with nature. The cliffs look a bit daunting but the entire area could be a place of peace. It is so green and luscious that I could spend hours there on a picnic, and enjoying the gorgeous area. It would be really cool to see The Northern Lights as they shine in the night sky while cliffs hide rowdy taverns and places you cannot see from the top.

There are many foods that are specific to Denmark. Some of these that might be awesome to try are: Stegt flæsk med persillesovs og kartofler- this dish was voted the national dish in 2014 and consists of crisped pork, potatoes and parsley sauce. Doesn’t that sound scrumptious? Krebinetter is a dish made of pork patties, kind of like sausage, and is normally served with peas and potatoes. Medisterpølse is yet another of the many dishes that would be great to try. This dish is made up of sausage, hence the name, mashed potatoes, and pickles. Yummy! Pickles! Do you see a theme in these dishes I’ve named? These are only a few I’d try while there.

Some of the things I’d like to see while in Denmark include the Tivoli Gardens which is a 19th century amusement park. Sounds fun, and maybe a little scary, huh? Amalienborg, which is the Queen of Denmark's winter home would be seriously cool to take a tour of as I have never been in a place like that. Have you ever wanted to visit a castle? The Rosenborg Castle is now a 17th century museum. A castle? What a spectacular place to visit and learn more about the great country of Denmark!

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about Denmark and why it could be a spectacular place to visit.