Well, it's 3 AM. But I'm on an academic high ... well, that, and the fact that I've consumed a pack of Maoma candies (Haribo's spin-off (okay, they probably made them first) of Starbursts. Imagine them chewier, more flavorful, and generally cool because they're SOO European). Anyways, I decided to post. Because I owe it to you, readers, and to me. Because I've forgotten that I have to keep up with the things that I love, which includes writing. So here's to giving you an update on where life has taken me (up, down, and all around) recently. And yes, as always, there will be plenty of pictures...to follow. Perhaps even tomorrow.
Where to begin? I believe that I've finally made it out of culture shock. That's ridiculous, you've been in the country for almost 3 months and have traveled before. Right you are, my quick, savvy, and critical reader. For some reason, this trip has been oober challenging for me. Here are my estimations why. I hope they can serve as suggestions for any fellow travelers...and as idealist, I will say, I hope they can help you all in life in general.
When I was reading about culture shock I read that one thing that exacerbates it is the desire to absorb all the culture too quickly. GUILTY. It was just so overwhelming. The Danes are 'the happiest people in the world.' Well, if that's not incentive to assimilate... I'm living with a host family. There are plenty of things I LOVE about this.
1. I have 3 sisters. I've never had a sister before. Well, that's not ENTIRELY true. I DO have sisterwives...
2. I have a black lab, FEE. She runs with me, plays, cuddles and sleeps beside my bed when I need company. And she is capable of the dog skill RUSTY has yet to master---fetching.
3. They make everything from scratch. I've learned how to make sushi. and homemade applesauce. and crackers (yes, from flower and seeds).
4. They have a trampoline. And a 7 year old with a trampoline makes for a happy 20 year old indeed.
5. I get to check out Danish design--my host families houses and all the other ones I get to creep about in (neighbors, playmates, birthday parties ((imagine--20 little elementary school children, at least 80% blonde and beautiful, running around with birthday cake and candy))
6. I learn funny things like how the Danish tv show for children has characters that sleep at night to encourage your little Danes to get some shut eye (what I should be doing. clearly Nick JR should've thought of this and trained me...)
7. They care for me so dag gone well. When I slept in my host mom woke me up for my flight to Belgium. yes, I can still sleep through ANYTHING. When I forgot breakfast my host dad sent me out the door with a buttered roll wrapped in tin foil. They bought me a bike. They took me to Tivoli. They offered to let me borrow underwear when I forgot to put mine in the wash (fear not. I declined. That's why God gave us stores)
8. I'm learning DANISH. Sure only 5 million people speak it. But it's wonderful while here. and they get to laugh at me ... often. Plus, science tells me it's enriching my mind.
9. We went to a summerhouse in SWEDEN this weekend. We've also had trips to Rosenborg Castle and Kronborg (yea yea, the one Hamlet is about).
10. They're adorable. Mor og far (mom and dad) still snuggle on the couch, the girls walk arm in arm, and on Saturday morning you can find my host sisters being hyggelit (cozy) wrapped up in a duvet on the couch. It's teaching me alot about how I want to be when I have a family.
Things I HATE: Sorry mom, you told me never to use the word hate. Maybe it is too strong. Perhaps more appropriately, as the humble Danes would say, Jeg kan ikke lidt (I can not like):
1. I'm 45 minutes from the city/school. 7 min bike ride to the station 30 min on train (I'm not made for commuting. for me it is lonely and boring..although there is a nice view around Lyngby and Holte) and 8 min walk to class.
2. Sometimes, I JUST want to sleep in. Remember that lovely black lab I previously mentioned? She goes for a walk with Nicolaj every morning around 7 AM. At that point her loud toenails and the hardwood begin to join together righhhht outside my door. *Cue Beyonce's song 'Ring the Alarm'*
3. Cultural divides are real. for example: --Danes are practical. I am not. Carolyn, you would prosper here. --Danes are also punctual. To the point that a broken commitment could jeopardize a friendship. I am not. Most of the time I don't have time to pack my planner. --Danes are blunt. I am not. I like to have it put gently and sweetly. F.ex from public bus transport: Excuse me, scoot over, the door is about to hit you. verus. "Move" + push as door hits me and I awkwardly fumble around. Man...in new places/alone...I'm prettty awkward.
4. Danes are not into God. Or religion. Its a supppper liberal country. And God means the world to me...it's how I see the world...and they have a completely different outlook and worldview. And that's really hard for me to grasp, because for me, that's what makes me happy.
5. Danes are NOT expressive. They are calm, cool and collected. They are humble and reserved. They're not the ones to scream and shout. If something is fabulously wonderful, it may elicit a 'that was nice' and a small smile. Hm..that doesn't mesh with my 1/2 Texan 1/2 NJ loud and boisterous self. I don't like having to hold in expression. I also SMILE alot. For me...that's a sign of 'I am happy' (shocking, yes?). Often, as an ENFP (Myers Briggs reference) I go around with a happy go lucky grin. And that's prettty strange in Denmark.
6. Because the world around me takes place in Danish, which I can not FULLY (okay, thats an understatement) understand ((yet..ha)) I have alot of introspective time. Too much maybe? Alot of pondering.
My favorite things so far in Denmark? Picking wild mushrooms this afternoon in Sweden and eating them for dinner with the pasta (they are DELICIOUS). Meeting my Global Econ friends. Traveling to Ghent, Belgium. The fact that CAROLYN is coming for a week at the end of December. Being able to order a latte in Danish. Learning how to use a French press. The small group and church that I found here. The way that Europeans dance for themselves, and like nobody is watching. Discovering that I have to do what makes me happy...and trying to figure out what that means. These cups that my host family has with Swedish cartoon animals on them. Learning about the stereotypes within the EU. Being here when the Euro ((potentially fails?))...what are you going to do Merkel? Long and meaningful conversations that the cultural exchange has spurred. A tiny cupcake place we found in Ghent. The new market at Israels Plads. The fact that I can bike with a suitcase/backback/purse now...it's kind of a big deal.
So that's that. I'm not sure where the next 2 months will take me (actually, I know that it will include Paris, Tours, Vienna, Barcelona, Madrid, and London) but I'm excited to learn more, see more, and do more. My goal as the sunlight starts to fade is to maintain a sense of awe and wonder for the opportunities, and most of all, to stay true to myself ... and discover exactly who that is.
No, I have not solved the world's problems. Or answered all the questions I've set out to..in this post, or in my travels in general. But it felt good to write. And I hope that...it felt good to read to.
A little of me, from Denmark to you.
xoxo Elise
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