It has not wrapped its arms around me. My view has been one of detached observer.

It was a unique experience for me, one I shall not forget. Part spiritual, part sight-seeing, part soul-searching.

I spent the first half of my visit in Roskilde -- that's rskow-skill-uh -- about 30 minutes outside of Copenhagen. It is a town known mostly for its grand Cathedral where all the Danish kings -- and most of its Queens -- are buried. Also in the town, a museum showcasing five salvaged Viking ships.

My friend arranged for me to stay at a Franciscan friary. Or convent, as they call it. It was run by a Danish priest, a German/Danish brother named Theodore now gone on a one-year sabbatical in Honduras, and an American named Bob, from Wisconsin. All fascinating, bright and welcoming.

I passed the time around the ordination in the company of my friend and his colleagues from the English College in Rome. A more fun group of guys could not be found. They were irreverent, witty, incredibly bright. They loved to talk history, both religious and secular. They loved to tease my Danish friend -- getting a great deal of mileage out of Lord Montgomery's attack on Copenhagen. At times, they were playful boys, throwing rocks and poking fun at one another. At others, men most prayerful and devout. In all, a delightful group of men.

It is a grey/blue land with Northern lights. Which to a red/siena woman with Southern Italian sensitivity means culture shock.

I've found it difficult to characterize this experience on the whole. Instead, I collect bits and pieces. For example, people in the shops are helpful, as long as you take a number.

I've never thought of myself as a fan of Scandinavian design, but the clean lines, white furniture, pleated paper shades, the simplicity are stunning.

Whereas in Italy, the art is mostly found in churches, here the churches are generally simple and stark in design. The palaces are where you find the ruffles and flourishes. Well, most of them. Not so the castle of “Hamlet” in Elsinore.

I have found a King (or Kong as they are called here) who rivals Henry the Eighth for my affections. Christian IV. A rotund man with an equally rotund wife. With appetites beyond the culinary -- what with 36 children. Good father, great builder, bad warrior. Responsible, it is said, for most of the beautiful buildings in Copenhagen.

It is going to take a little while to process this experience. 'Tis time to look beyond the familiarity of my beloved Rome.