When I moved to Copenhagen in 2008, I wondered how long it would take me to feel at home here. At times it felt like an impossible challenge and I think it took a good year to really begin to feel the process was under way and an easier familiarity with the cycle of Danish life had begun. Certainly enough time to experience the four seasons and the change of lifestyle that each brings in terms of what we can use and enjoy here.
It wasn't until late 2009 that I was lucky to enough to find my 'home from home', a place I can visit at any point and instantly feel as welcome and as comfortable as I do in the home I have created with my family. That place is Books and Company, a friendly and inviting bookshop in central Hellerup, it is for me, the heart of my Ex Pat community. Situated within ten minutes of the two main International Schools and a five minute walk from Hellerup train Station, Books and Company has become a meeting place for both Ex Pats and of course resident Danes.
Isabella, the owner of Books and Company, has built a warm and friendly team who quickly welcome old faces and new. I often pop into the shop during my working week having dropped my children off at school and prior to returning home to the quiet routine of keeping house.Those early morning cups of coffee are my favourite of the day as not only is it genuinely great coffee but I am certain to bump into someone familiar with whom I can catch up and share conversation. Vital when the next few hours will be spent with a charming but conversationally restricted toddler. Sometimes I will see many friends but in the moments when it is quiet, I find the perfect space to step away from the stresses of life.
As for the books and magazines, you will find an incredible selection of publications immaculately presented and updated constantly, it is frighteningly easy to walk away with a book for all occasions. Isabella has an excellent selection of children's books too with some treasured memories of my own childhood reading tucked in alongside The Gruffalo and his friends. New magazines are delivered each week and you can always find an English language paper on hand to peruse whilst sipping your drink in the rear of the store.
The discreet layout of Books and Company has obviously been well thought through and completely lends itself to creating a versatile space that adapts well to customer needs. (You shouldn't miss the toilet either, it has the best wallpaper out of any convenience in the city!) I must not over look the many 'extra curicular' activities too, chose from one of the original themed birthday parties available for your child. Or bring along your pre-schooler for an interactive story time. In the evenings Isabella holds events covering many subjects with some excellent speakers to inform and teach. Look out too for the gallery nights showcasing artist's work.
My children love the shop just as much as I do and I wait for the moment each day after I have scooped them up from school when they ask pleadingly if we can 'go to the bookshop, pleeease'. I am quite pleased that they do, what parent would be cross at a child who wishes to go to a book shop as a treat and besides it's possibly the only place that we all equally enjoy visiting. So I find myself there with all three at least one day a week after school.
Once there they choose from the selection of cold drinks available then contentedly head round to the children's section which is bursting with stories to be shared. Okay, the toddler amongst us does not do that but there is plenty to entertain him until we recognise the glint in his eye that announces he is bored and ready to re-merchandise for Isabella.
If you are new to Copenhagen and feeling a little bit lost, make sure to take a visit. There is a very welcoming community and it starts right here.
It wasn't until late 2009 that I was lucky to enough to find my 'home from home', a place I can visit at any point and instantly feel as welcome and as comfortable as I do in the home I have created with my family. That place is Books and Company, a friendly and inviting bookshop in central Hellerup, it is for me, the heart of my Ex Pat community. Situated within ten minutes of the two main International Schools and a five minute walk from Hellerup train Station, Books and Company has become a meeting place for both Ex Pats and of course resident Danes.
Isabella, the owner of Books and Company, has built a warm and friendly team who quickly welcome old faces and new. I often pop into the shop during my working week having dropped my children off at school and prior to returning home to the quiet routine of keeping house.Those early morning cups of coffee are my favourite of the day as not only is it genuinely great coffee but I am certain to bump into someone familiar with whom I can catch up and share conversation. Vital when the next few hours will be spent with a charming but conversationally restricted toddler. Sometimes I will see many friends but in the moments when it is quiet, I find the perfect space to step away from the stresses of life.
As for the books and magazines, you will find an incredible selection of publications immaculately presented and updated constantly, it is frighteningly easy to walk away with a book for all occasions. Isabella has an excellent selection of children's books too with some treasured memories of my own childhood reading tucked in alongside The Gruffalo and his friends. New magazines are delivered each week and you can always find an English language paper on hand to peruse whilst sipping your drink in the rear of the store.
The discreet layout of Books and Company has obviously been well thought through and completely lends itself to creating a versatile space that adapts well to customer needs. (You shouldn't miss the toilet either, it has the best wallpaper out of any convenience in the city!) I must not over look the many 'extra curicular' activities too, chose from one of the original themed birthday parties available for your child. Or bring along your pre-schooler for an interactive story time. In the evenings Isabella holds events covering many subjects with some excellent speakers to inform and teach. Look out too for the gallery nights showcasing artist's work.
My children love the shop just as much as I do and I wait for the moment each day after I have scooped them up from school when they ask pleadingly if we can 'go to the bookshop, pleeease'. I am quite pleased that they do, what parent would be cross at a child who wishes to go to a book shop as a treat and besides it's possibly the only place that we all equally enjoy visiting. So I find myself there with all three at least one day a week after school.
Once there they choose from the selection of cold drinks available then contentedly head round to the children's section which is bursting with stories to be shared. Okay, the toddler amongst us does not do that but there is plenty to entertain him until we recognise the glint in his eye that announces he is bored and ready to re-merchandise for Isabella.
If you are new to Copenhagen and feeling a little bit lost, make sure to take a visit. There is a very welcoming community and it starts right here.
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