From Mexico to Denmark: Balder Neighbour of the Quarter has found a home at Skibbroen
The final Balder Neighbour of the Quarter award of the year goes to Cynthia from Skibbroen. Nearly eight years ago, she moved from Mexico to Denmark with her daughter Angela and has since built a close friendship with her neighbours, Lars and Mette.
In the corner of the cosy living room, overlooking Copenhagen’s canals, stands a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. It clearly reflects Central American influences – and that’s no coincidence, as the homeowners originally come from Honduras.
Cynthia arrived in Denmark nearly eight years ago with one of her daughters and their dog to work. They left their family behind in their home country and had to build a new network from scratch.
“We don’t have any family in Denmark, so in many ways we had to start over when we arrived. Over time, we’ve made many friends here at Skibbroen – friends I almost consider our family. That means everything to us,” says Cynthia, who has been named Balder Neighbour of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2025.
A talented cook and a smiling Christmas elf
Cynthia receives the award for her warm heart, her cooking, and her ability to create Christmas cheer. She was nominated by her neighbours Lars and Mette, who say:
“Cynthia and her daughters are always incredibly kind, generous, and helpful. They often bring food and cakes when they’ve cooked dishes from Honduras and Mexico. At Christmas, they hang a stocking on their door. After we played ‘Christmas elf’ one year and put some treats in their stocking, a stocking suddenly appeared on our door the following year. Now we hang stockings on both doors every December and play elves for each other. We’re always met with warm smiles and cosy conversations when we see each other. We couldn’t wish for a better neighbour.”
Sharing both joys and sorrows
Over time, the neighbours on the 6th floor in stairwell 14E have grown so close that they share both happy and difficult moments. This was especially evident when Lars and Mette had to say goodbye to their dog, and when Cynthia’s dog underwent major surgery. Cynthia explains:
“It means so much to be able to share the difficult moments with one another – and of course the joyful ones too. We’ve celebrated New Year’s together, and Lars and Mette also joined us when my daughter held her graduation celebration in the outdoor area in front of the building. They’ve truly become our Danish family.”
In addition to her neighbours on the 6th floor, Cynthia has built close friendships with others in the building. They look after each other’s pets and help out with both big and small things in everyday life.
“We have a strong sense of community that I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s essential when you come from another country and need to find your footing in new surroundings and adapt to a new culture.”
Balder would like to congratulate Cynthia on this well-deserved award.
Remember, you can nominate your neighbour for the Balder Neighbour of the Quarter at any time. You can do so right here