Welcome to our ‘Always Veranito´series, a sunny place inside our Journal where the days are filled with little moments of joy, seashell hunting, salty hair adventures and siestas featuring the families that inspire us.
Copenhagen based Clara Medina and her daughter Penelope take us to Stockholm and a city staycation this summer.
You escaped to…
A staycation in Copenhagen and visiting family in Stockholm
..with… just the three of us. My husband, Penelope and I.
Summer feelings: to you, how does summer…
…taste like fresh fruits and vegetables. Lots of watermelon, berries and greek salads.
…sound like At home in Copenhagen it has been the sound of the city buzz, but we always try to escape from time to time by going to the beach or forest.
…feel like I feel the need to relax, look inward, reflect and be calm and present.
…look like For me, summer does not have to look a certain way. Being at home with me daughter and watching her grow and develop every day is the greatest gift.
…smells like summer rain and hand-picked chanterelles from the forest
Your favorite activities with Penelope?
Any playground with a swing is always a hit for Penelope. On sunny days we go to the beach. She loves playing in the sand. We have a little picnic and then she naps in the shadow under a tree.
Your favorite summer rituals?
Every morning I take Penelope out for a morning walk just the two of us. We go to the park or we just walk around the city. I buy a sourdough bun with whipped butter and cheese that we share and a black tea with milk or a coffee for me. I love a long walk especially in the morning. It clears my head, makes me feel calm and brings me so much energy.
Where to watch the sunset?
At the beach North of Copenhagen at Tisvilde.
You are at your happiest when…
After a good night of undisturbed sleep, a morning full of cuddles in bed with Penelope. Then a long shower in the morning and breakfast. We usually have porridge, eggs or greek yoghurt with granola and fresh fruits and of course lots of tea. I love that during the summer we don't have to rush out of the door to work and daycare.
A souvenir to bring home with you?
When we go to Stockholm we always find time to go for a walk in the forest. If we are lucky we find chanterelles that we bring home.
Your summer playlist always includes…
A good podcast.
A book for you? And for Penelope?
Penelope loves books about animals especially dogs. For me, to be honest, it is impossible for me to read a book with a toddler at home. Any chance I get I read non-fiction, currently I study pediatrics and I prepare for my exams in the fall. Going to medical school and being a mother can be difficult sometimes. I am still in the process of finding the right balance. Summertime is the best time for reflection.
Your summer in one sentence.
This summer was all about lots of summer rain and lots of love.
Your go-to restaurants, beaches or secret places?
The Kings Garden in the center of Copenhagen for morning walks, Hart Bakery or Alice at Christianshavn for pastry and coffee. The best ice-cream is from Confecture Copenhagen also at Christianshavn. And for a beach close to the city we bike to Charlottenlund.
