Do you have a favourite place in Copenhagen?
”I was born and raised in Frederiksberg, and after some years abroad, that is where I once again live. For that reason, a lot of my favourite places are in this part of town. I am particularly fond of The Horticultural Garden ('Landbohøjskolens Have'), which is now a part of the University of Copenhagen. It has many gorgeous flowers and trees all year round, and you can practise their names in Danish (or Latin!) as they are all on display. And should you fancy some sustenance after all the colourful impressions, there is also a good café in one of the garden’s greenhouses.”
Who is your favourite Danish writer?
”I studied Middle Eastern studies at university, which gave me a penchant for the story of Danish-German surveyor and explorer, Carsten Niebuhr. Thorkild Hansen has written a wonderful book about the research expedition to ’Det lykkelige Arabien’ (Arabia Felix), which Niebuhr took part in in the 1700s. It is a dramatic tale full of trials, adventure and great discoveries. The book contains many quotes from Carsten Niebuhr’s travel journals and drawings made by participants during the journey, all of which makes the story come even more alive.”