Just another day on the bofællesskab

My most recent Danish adventure took me this past weekend to a co-worker's home. Lene lives in Overdrevet, a bofællesskab or commune (in English), in Hinnerup, Denmark, just about 45 minutes bus ride from the city center of Aarhus. 

For those of you who don't know a lot about the co-housing movement (because I didn't), modern communal living theory was developed in Denmark around the 1960's in reaction to the dissatisfaction of a number of families with their traditional community and living spaces. 

Overdrevet was initiated in 1981 and was originally a more politically radical offshoot of another local commune, as the founders wanted a more rural and socially/politically engaged lifestyle. The majority of individuals living at Overdrevet are associated with the university (or were at some point). 

 

The center of activity on the commune is the Common House where the >70 members eat dinner together 6 nights/week. I was lucky to join in on the Saturday evening dinner feast complete with stuffed chicken breast, roasted vegetables, rice, red wine, and white chocolate and strawberry mousse for dessert. It was awesome.

But, the meal was a reward for my hard work during the day! Ryan, another co-worker of mine from South Africa, and I offered to help at Lene's monthly "work weekend" at Overdrevet. 

During the day, we planted white and red onions, helped clear trees and chop wood for a fence, and played soccer and jumped on the trampoline with a bunch of little Danish kids. We took a tour of the grounds and met new and old members of the community. One of the most incredible aspects of the day was realizing that most of the members that were working with us were well over the age of 70! It's amazing to see how physically fit everyone here is.

 

All in all, it was an incredible experience. The people (similar to almost all of the Danes I have met) were incredibly warm and welcoming. My visit to Overdrevet was the perfect way to enjoy one of the first sunny days of spring in Aarhus! 

Until the next sunny day adventure!

xo (Kramme og kysse),

Jenny