The opportunity to travel was a major factor in my decision to move to Denmark. In the early days of my time in Denmark, I traveled all the time – Thailand, Venice, Berlin, Paris, Krakow, Stockholm, Rome, London, Lake Como, the Hamburg Christmas Markets, Athens, and a handful of luxury cruises. Thank I got busy with building my business an my traveling dwindled. It was a gift I used to give myself a few times a year, and always for my birthday. I’ve missed it so much!
I decided that ‘workaholic’ wasn’t a good look on me, so I just took a long weekend in Amsterdam! I visited my friends (hi, Vicky & MacGyver), ate awesome Chinese and Indian food (haven’t found any in Aarhus), binged on Cinnabon (also not in Aarhus), ate awesome falafel at a huge bazaar, learned how to make Brazilian cheese bread (MacGuyver is Brazilian), had my make-up done, bought a gorgeous new lipstick (MAC New York Apple), shopped, and did Amsterdamy things ;)
Europe was in the middle of a crazy Arctic weather streak and it was unbearably cold, so I didn’t get many Amsterdam photos. But, I found one of the best shops ever (to me anyway) and took plenty of photos of that! It’s an oriental art and gift shop called Ta-hwa located across from the floating flower market at Singel 514 (they also sell online). It’s a family-owned business now run by the third generation.
A gorgeous satin kimono (the pink one) caught my eye and I was expecting tourist trap prices but was pleasantly surprised (€13,95). I’d been looking for a kimono since my birthday in 2015, when I first looked for one in London’s Chinatown and came up empty-handed.
I stocked up on incense, especially my all-time favorite, Nag Champa, which takes me right back my misspent youth circa the early-mid 90s!
I wish I needed new bowls…
or statues…
or chopsticks.
I need this lantern in my life, but they wouldn’t ship it because they said it would break.
I see a road trip in Vicky’s future.
I was going buy a change purse, but Vicky is the sort of friend who will save you from imminent grannydom by saying, “you’re gonna look like a Chinese grandma with that” which of course causes you to reconsider and make the right decision.
And the whole reason we went into the store in the first place! We both bought new kimonos (mine matches my kitchen) and we brought home a man version for MacGyver :)
I pretty much want to live here!
I’m destined for better things than working all the time, and this was a good first step!
Vicky says
That was such a fun, although freezing, weekend. I’m so glad you got your groove back :) Next time, better weather!
Sage says
You totally helped :)
Noel says
It looks like you had an amazing time. Much deserved. Enjoy!
The Offbeat Adventuress says
Glad you’ve got your groove back, girl!
I recently had a trip to Amsterdam too and it was so great to be back there as an adult. The last time I had been there I was 22, broke and interested in *ahem* slightly more low brow entertainment than I am now. Not to say I didn’t do *anything* scandalous in Amsterdam this time… but I also discovered a lot of new things I hadn’t tried before. I love that you got the Nag incense, that was a favorite of mine as a youth too…
Sage says
What’s a trip to Amsterdam without a little scandalous activity? I wouldn’t have it any other way :)
Linda Marie says
You could make BILLIONS being a tour guide, or Personal Shopper, or travel writer!!!!! Loved being on your trip with you through your photos. Your life is yours to ENJOY!!! I’m so glad to see you smile!!!! CONGRATS on you being 100% you.
Sage says
You’re too sweet! Thank you, Linda Marie :)
Tracey says
Love Love love to you and Opie.
XoX
Sage says
It’s always nice to know you’ve stopped by :)
Janice keating says
How wonderful that you’re so happy.
It’s nice being able to do what you wish and not answer to anyone. It’s a great feeling.
Looking forward to hearing more about your exciting journey.
Sage says
Thank you, Janice. It’s definitely a lot different from what I’ve been used to and I like it!
Faith says
Love that you’re traveling again. Enjoy your treasures and memories!
Gisele says
Good for you! It looks like your trip was amazing and I love your kimono, beautiful!!
Sage says
Gisele, I’m starting to think that the ladies who never married have the right idea! Most of my misery in life has been tied one way or another to men. I’ve always been fiercely independent, so why haven’t I caught onto this way of thinking sooner?
btw… I clicked over to your blog and it looks very interesting. I’m going to visit it again when I have more time :)
Barbara Paola says
You sound so happy!
Sage says
True dat, Barb!
RuthNYC says
Yay, Sage!! You’re back on track and living YOUR life, as you want.
Sage says
I am :) Fortunately it was just a short detour. It’s awesome to be back in charge of my destiny!
Gracey says
Yeah for you! I love New York Apple…I’m a fan of MAC
Sage says
I’d been mourning Chic since it was discountinued and was about to give into extortion on Ebay, but I think I like New York Apple even better than Chic :)
Sage says
Thank you, Heather. I loved him, so I’ll always feel a sadness for the miserable little man he became. He was so, so nasty to me in the end and it’s a relief to feel that negativity leave my life.
Sage says
I don’t think this marriage has brought me to a better place at all. If anything, it held me back and could’ve ruined me financially. I’m just happy that I was smart and independent enough to have the foresight to get a prenup and build my business to where it is now. When I first started up, he used to say I was “semi-retired.” I resented that he saw it as a vanity project and I dread to think about where I’d be if I’d settled into a life of decorating and spa appointments (not that he could’ve afforded it). That said, I do think that this marriage has taught me some life lessons that I’ll remember as I move on. First and foremost, I’m enough on my own. From here on out I will be relentless in deciding who I allow into my life and in what capacity.
Carolyn Lee says
I just saw this reply so I’ll agree with you at this late date, you are enough on your own. And I am glad you got your prenup and built your business to allow you your financial freedom. I’m sorry he minimized your business, your hard work and your creativity with his language. That was unnecessary and hurtful.
Good luck as you go forward!
Anon says
You look beautiful. I admire your courage.
Sage says
Thank you :)
Zulma says
Hi Sage:
I am in Denmark for work these two weeks and came across your blog. I loved it!
I live in Germany since DEC of 2016, you guessed it, military tour.
My husband and I have travelled as much as we can, we have two Chocolate labs so it’s not always feasible. Anyhow, my first time in Denmark seems a sweet surprise, seems so clean and peaceful that I felt it matched my persona, although, I am aware of its winters and that scares me. I lived in Seattle for close to 8 years and it’s grey skies drove me almost crazy so I left!
Today we drove to Harning for lunch and was a little treat. Wish you were closer to meet for coffee. I love talking to people about their lives and makes them tick.
We have future plans of a retirement in Spain, and will try to visit Valencia in NOVEMBER. Anyhow, if you see this, I’d love to hear from you.