There is always a comfortable level of familiarity whenever I return to Copenhagen. Since moving to Malmö almost 30 years ago, I’ve visited the Danish capital more times than I can count, quietly accumulating way more than enough photographs to eventually put together a book with some unique perspectives of that great city.

Yet, every time I, for whatever reason, get to explore a new neighborhood or district, I realize how much more there is to uncover.

Some cities are just like that – they make it hard to ever really finish documenting them. The cutoff point is definitely nearing for Copenhagen, though. I’m itching to get started on that particular project.

Yesterday was a great example of this. I met a friend for a traditional Danish smørrebrød lunch deep in Østerport, where I have very limited experience and barely any frames.

While historically significant as one of Copenhagen’s four main ancient gate-cities (the others being Nørreport, Vesterport, and Amagerport), Østerport feels like a quiet, charming village tucked right against the bustling city center.

I was about an hour early to our lunch, so strolling through peaceful, cobbled streets lined with colorful houses felt a world away from Strøget and Nyhavn.

As usual, when I sit down for that kind of meal with someone who, like me, has lived with creativity as life’s dynamo, there was no shortage of topics to cover over the course of nearly four hours.

They say that one of the keys to longevity is having regular social interactions and keeping in touch with friends. Yesterday’s lunch was just that – a perfect blend of good company, inspiring conversation, and fresh perspectives.