Dear Liza,
A few weeks ago, I learned that the Nordic House here in Portland offers Danish conversation groups for language practice. Since I want to learn Danish for when I visit you in Horsens, I signed up online and, on Monday, looked up schedules for the #14 to the #45 and headed off.
Along the way, I got to see this remarkable contrast.
This old building was originally built for William Ladd’s estate back in 1883. The very elegant carriage house is now a restaurant called The Raven and the Rose . The newer building is an office building, built only about 15 years ago. Strange neighbors, to be sure, but these contrasts are one of the reasons I love Portland.
As with most adventures, timing is everything. I managed to miss the #45 by minutes and found sustenance at a nearby Starbucks to wait for the next bus. I am not usually a fan, but hey, any Pain au Chocolat in a storm.
The next bus came on time and I had a long ride through woods and the smaller towns of Multnomah Village and Garden Home out to the Nordic House.
I got off at the Fuglbro (I looked it up, it means Birds Nest) bus stop and nervously crossed busy Oleson Road and walked up to the beautifully carved doors. I was about to speak Danish to real Danish speaking humans!
I’ll tell you what happened inside ….. tomorrow.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 