LET’S HYGGE AUGUST 2026

[definition of hygge]

is the art of creating joy in everyday life — a feeling of comfort, closeness, and ease, found in candlelight, shared meals, creative rituals, and the quiet moments that make us feel at home. Rooted in Scandinavian traditions, hygge is about slowing down, being present, and finding beauty in the simple things.

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Saluti dalla Sicilia

This summer I travelled to Sicily to meet my oldest friend, Charlotte, whom I have known since we were nine years old. Charlotte lives between Tuscany and Rome with her Italian husband, Andrea, and we decided to explore Sicily together for a few days. It was also the perfect opportunity to spend time with both of her sons—my godsons. Oliver, a professional soccer player, was already on the island attending a wedding, while Odin is working in Sicily as a professional golf instructor at Verdura Resort.

Over the years, our friendship has grown into something much deeper, with our families becoming part of each other’s lives. Charlotte is the godmother of both my sons, and I am the godmother of her two sons. Although we now live on opposite sides of the world, we always make a point of seeing each other whenever we can. After more than four decades of friendship, every reunion feels just as special as the last.

I hope you enjoy some of the highlights from our wonderful days exploring Sicily—an island rich in history, breathtaking landscapes, delicious food and unforgettable moments.

P ALERMO won me over with its authenticity. Full of history, grand churches and weathered palaces, it is a city best experienced on foot. Wandering through its narrow streets and hidden alleys, every turn revealed something unexpected — a quiet piazza, an ornate balcony, colourful shutters or a bustling local market. Just moments from the sea, Palermo beautifully blends centuries of history with the vibrant rhythm of everyday Sicilian life.

5 HIGHLIGHTS FROM SICILY

1. PALERMO

Our Sicilian adventure began at one of Palermo’s hidden treasures, I Segreti del Chiostro, where the city’s most famous cannoli are still made using the traditional recipes once prepared by cloistered nuns. Sitting quietly in the beautiful monastery courtyard while enjoying freshly filled cannoli was the perfect introduction to Sicily.

Afterwards we visited the adjoining church and climbed to the dome for spectacular panoramic views across Palermo.

2. LIDO ROSSELLO

Just fifteen minutes from where we were staying, we discovered the secluded beach at Lido Rossello. Accessible only on foot at low tide, it feels wonderfully untouched.

Wild capers grew from the limestone cliffs, and we spent the morning swimming in crystal-clear water, relaxing in the sun and simply enjoying each other’s company. With hardly anyone else on the beach, it felt like our own private corner of Sicily.

At the far end of the beach stood the spectacular white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, giving us a glimpse of our next destination.

3. SCALA DEI TURCHI

A short ten-minute drive along the coast brought us to the magnificent Scala dei Turchi.

Walking across the brilliant white limestone cliffs, sculpted by wind and sea over thousands of years, while looking out over the turquoise Mediterranean was simply breathtaking. Nature has created something truly extraordinary here. Looking back towards the beach where we had spent the morning gave us an entirely new perspective on the coastline.

3. SCALA DEI TURCHI

A short ten-minute drive along the coast brought us to the magnificent Scala dei Turchi.

Walking across the brilliant white limestone cliffs, sculpted by wind and sea over thousands of years, while looking out over the turquoise Mediterranean was simply breathtaking. Nature has created something truly extraordinary here. Looking back towards the beach where we had spent the morning gave us an entirely new perspective on the coastline.

5. CALTABELOTTA

Perched high in the Sicilian mountains, Caltabellotta became one of my favourite places.

We climbed to the ruins of the ancient castle, where sweeping views stretched from the surrounding mountains all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. The village itself was equally memorable. Friendly locals were eager to share stories about their hometown, making us feel genuinely welcome.

One of the sweetest memories was tasting homemade granita made from hand-picked mulberries and locally grown almonds. The almond flavour reminded me beautifully of fresh marzipan — simple, authentic and utterly delicious.

LOOKING BACK

The greatest gift of this journey was not only discovering Sicily, but spending precious time with Charlotte and both of my godsons Oliver and Odin.

Watching these boys grow into kind, thoughtful young men, building lives of their own, was incredibly moving. As their godmother, it touched me deeply that they still wanted to spend time with me. It was a beautiful reminder that true friendships — and family by choice — only deepen over time.

Looking back, Sicily gave us memories that will stay with us for years to come. From ancient temples glowing in the evening light to quiet beaches, mountain villages and long conversations over wonderful food, every experience felt richer because it was shared.

Some journeys stay with you because of the places you visit.

Others stay with you because of the people you share them with.

This trip was both.

Do you want to catch up on some of the previous months? Please head to my Journal here: https://lindbjerggraphic.com.au/journal/

Feel free to share “let’s hygge” with a friend…

I wish you a lovely month of August with lots of hygge,
good conversations and shared experiences !

Capers in Bloom. One of Sicily’s delights was discovering the caper plants growing wild along the roadsides and clinging to the cliffs above the sea. Their delicate white flowers and vibrant berries seem almost too elegant for such rugged surroundings — a beautiful reminder that resilience and beauty often grow side by side.