Hans Christian Andersen's House

Remember the little mermaid? Remember how she left her family at the age of 16 to woo a prince? And then married him? Well, it's all false! She turns into a Daughter of the Air or some such business the day after he marries another. Disney, how many other lies have you told us? Is there nothing we can trust?

Anyway, the fellow who wrote the original captivating tale of the Little Mermaid was Hans Christian Andersen, a poor little Danish boy who grew up to be the world renowned writer we all know. He was noted for his rather awkward figure – tall and lanky with a giant nose and other prominent features – but also his incredible spirit, charm, and way with children. It's rather telling that the inspiration for the tale of the Ugly Duckling was actually from his own life. The man was wildly creative and adored traveling; in fact, he traveled so much that no one place was truly home. He often stayed with friends, popping from city to city, and never had a family of his own despite his love for children and a desire for marriage.

I say all this because we were able to visit his childhood home! It's been completely renovated, and is quite charming to walk through today. (I imagine the impoverished family wasn't able to keep it wasn't half as nice then as it is now.) It was just a delight to learn more about the man behind so many childhood tales that have made their way into homes and hearts throughout the world.

With their boundless creativity, love for life and heart for children, I imagine that had HC Andersen and Walt Disney lived at the same time, they would have been good friends – yes, even despite the Disney company's creative license with the Little Mermaid. ;-)