This past week, my host family treated me to two incredible days of adventure and fun. First, Katja and Nuka took me to what I think is the most beautiful castle in Copenhagen: Frederiksborg Castle. Katja grew up in the town where this gorgeous castle stands, so I lucked out with the best tour guide I could possible have.
We explored room after room of the incredible structure. One of my favorite areas was the church with one of the most beautiful organs I have even seen. Katja grew up singing occasionally in this church with her choir. The windows and painting were amazing.
Another one of my favorite rooms was the Great Hall where extravagant parties used to be held. You could imagine the parties as you walked across the huge room. The walls are lined with portraits of the royal family, and I loved to see how they have evolved over time. A mock dinner table was set up to give the room the feel of how it would be set up for hosting a party hundreds of years ago.
We then walked through the gardens in the back that are modeled after the gardens at Versailles. I could have spent all day exploring the gardens and grounds. I was completely in awe of Fredericksborg Castle.
Later in the week, Katja, Silja and Nuka took me horseback riding through the forest on Icelandic horses! I was given the sweetest little horse who carried me safe and sound through the forest.
After riding in high school, it felt amazing to finally be back in a barn with horses. I couldn’t help but to miss riding so much as we got our horses in the field, groomed and tacked them, and then mounted to go for our ride together.
After riding in high school, it felt amazing to finally be back in a barn with horses. I couldn’t help but to miss riding so much as we got our horses in the field, groomed and tacked them, and then mounted to go for our ride together.
Icelandic horses have a unique gate that resembles a smooth, fast trot called “tölting.” I had never experience anything like it. After bouncing around for a good while, I think that I finally got the hang of it!
The trails were beautiful and we all had an amazing time! Thank you so much Katja for so many great memories!
The trails were beautiful and we all had an amazing time! Thank you so much Katja for so many great memories!