My Italy in Copenhagen
The Postcard #10
Portofino was on my mind (and I think you know why)
—Taylor Swift: Elizabeth Taylor
Synchronicity
Swiss psychologist Carl Jung used the word synchronicity to describe those strange moments when something in the outer world seems to mirror what is happening inside us. You hear a song on the radio which makes you think of an old friend you haven’t seen for years, and shortly afterwards you meet that friend in the street. These events seem meaningfully related, but they are coincidental and have no actual causal connection.
For the past several months I have been thinking of Italy, and everywhere I go, I am met by things related to that country. Books, films, songs, people, shops in my neighbourhood, and - for some reason - Marcus Aurelius.
Even though these things are not secret signs from some mysterious source telling me that I need to go to Italy, going to Italy is exactly what I yearn to do.
Italy in Copenhagen
It’s not possible for me to go right at the moment, but fortunately for me, while I dream and plan, just a few steps from my Copenhagen flat, in Nansensgade, I have access to the most charming corner which I refer to in my mind as Little Italy.
There, just across the street from each other are
La Fiorita, the wonderfully authentic pizzeria, established in 1991 by Antonio from Calabria and his Danish wife Hanne. It’s like a tiny piece of Italy right on my doorstep with the most wonderful pizzas and pasta
Mamma Che Gelato, La Fiorita’s ice cream parlour, which during the summer half of the year offers homemade Italian gelato in a variety of flavours
Riviera, a gorgeously decorated Italian bakery and café, established in 2024 by chef Chiara Barla
My Italian Sunday Ritual
Even though I cannot go to Italy right now, I have a beloved Italian Sunday ritual: I get up early, take a long walk, and as close to 9:00 as I can, I stand outside the door of the Riviera bakery when they open. Often there is a line outside already, but sometimes, if it’s raining for instance, there is no one there.
I go inside, breathe in the beautiful Scandi-Italian atmosphere, order my freshly baked cornetto (the Italian equivalent of a croissant) in as much Italian as I can muster, and the super friendly and welcoming staff teach me a bit more Italian with every visit.
As you may know, one of the things I love about being in Nice is that the staff in bakeries and cafés always remember me and what I like to order. Normally there is no such tradition here in trendy yet politely measured Scandinavia. So coming to Riviera on Sundays (and sometimes a visit during the week) makes me feel very happy and very much at home.
I then carry my little treasure home in the simple yet stylish white paper bag stamped with the Riviera name, make a huge cup of caffè latte and deliberately savour the cornetto, bite by tiny bite of crunchy, buttery layers while I dream of upcoming trips to Venice, Rome, or Portofino.
Do you have any good Italy tips for me?
As you probably know, I am very much a francophile, so I have not travelled extensively in Italy yet. But lately it has been calling for me to come and explore. So if you have any good tips for Italy - hotels, towns, restaurants, things to do or not do, or anything else - please let me know in the comments. I would love any tips or thoughts you may have.
Wish you were here.
With love,
Annette
🕯️🍂 ☕️🖊️ 📜 🤎🏛️
The Postcard 💌
The Postcard is a cozy, personal note from my favourite corners of the world: cafés, parks, bookshops or benches in London, Copenhagen, Paris, Nice, Dublin or Edinburgh.
It will arrive in your inbox every month, even if you are on the free plan.
Over a cup of tea or coffee, I will share with you my adventures in the places I travel to, or things that matter to me at the moment: books I am reading, restaurants I love, thoughts I am having, or the simple joys of life.
I hope The Postcard will give you an insight into my life and work and a moment of inspiration and reflection.
