Glædelig Jul

My first Danish Christmas was one for the story books. In fact, it felt like a holiday fairytale read as a little girl or an old movie seen during the holidays in black and white. All the traditions, customs, and rituals of the Danish folk seem to be caught somewhere back in time for this American expat. It holds a special place in Danish hearts and has definitely made an impression on mine.

We began with mass on Christmas Eve that was held in a church built in the 1200's. It was humbling sitting in a church with such history. I couldn't stop staring at all the paintings, pictures, and artifacts and wondering whether someone else was sitting in my same spot 700 years ago.

Then it was time for Christmas dinner with duck, brown potatoes, white potatoes with brown sauce, french potatoes and red cabbage with fruit. This meal is what every Dane across Denmark is having at approximately the same time. The closest thing I can compare the ritual to is the Thanksgiving feast in the US. Several hours later came the dessert, Risalamande, which was of course my favorite.

Next up, lighting the Christmas tree candles, putting presents under the tree, and dancing and singing around the tree and throughout the house in preparation for the gifts you are about to receive. I didn't know the words, but it didn't matter. I hummed along and got lost in the moment. There was something so cozy about the ritual that you couldn't help but laugh and smile and feel grateful.

Gratitude might be something we talk about at Thanksgiving in America, but in Denmark at Christmastime it is an unspoken feeling.

Give Peace a Chance

On December 10th the President of the United States accepted the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. This award has been subject of major debate and criticism in the US but for the most part has been regarded positively in Europe. People love Obama on this side of the pond (as seen by random graffiti on Copenhagen train tracks above). I find this disconnect rather interesting.

What does that say about us as Americans when other cultures can see the influence and potential our President has for our future as a global community? We seem to be a nation divided between which side we are on, internally. What we fail to see is that this award, and our President represents an idea, or possibility. That we have the ability to hope and inspire for more. Better relations between nations. A more peaceful coexistence.

The fact that as an American I am no longer afraid to travel internationally and feel safe announcing I am from the US brings me a huge sigh of relief. As an American citizen now living abroad, this is particularly important. Seeing the US from a different perspective (not being swallowed up inside it) has been a rather eye opening experience and one that I hope to take with me throughout the years no matter where I live.

Hopenhagen

It's been longer than I had hoped since my last post and that is one part vacation and two parts school and work. Over the past month my Danish has expanded, I have visited with my family and friends back in the States, and we have come home to a newly branded Copenhagen because of the UN Climate Conference being held here in December. Hopenhagen.

For me that one word means so many things. A hope for a better tomorrow. Hope for employment, not just for me but for everyone looking. Hope that the environment finally receives the global awareness it deserves. Hope that Copenhagen becomes the home I know it can be for me.

Come Jan 1 I hope I am able to adapt to my new schedule and routine with open arms and let the busy body inside me relax and relish this time to recharge my batteries. Maybe go back to school to get my Masters, really delve into my Danish studies, and take the time to find a new career, not just a job.

Most of all, I hope I have patience. Afterall, mother nature has been patiently waiting for us to wake up for years. I can give it a few more months!

Taler du dansk?

One week, 15 hours, and 5 homework hours into Danish lessons makes me 5 months and 20 days closer to speaking fluently to my father in law one day. That's the running joke in the family anyway. That in 6 months I'll be fluent in Danish. It's part sarcasm based on the fact that Danish is one of the hardest languages you can possibly learn, and part hope that I will finally be able to speak to my Danish family sooner rather than later.

My class has 17 members from various parts of the world. There are 3 Americans, 2 Chinese, 2 Lithuanians, 1 Parisian, 1 Hungarian, 1 Brazilian, 1 Mexican, 1 Canadian, 1 Russian, 1 Indian, 1 Senegalan, 1 Dominican Republican, and 1 Polak (or Pole) if you'd rather have the English translation. We're as various as our countries, but the one thing that we all have in common is that we found ourselves in Denmark for one reason or another and want (or have to) learn to speak the language while living here.

In one week I am pretty amazed at how much we have learned. We can introduce ourselves, say where we come from, tell how many languages we speak, and return the questions to one another. We can also count to one hundred and tell time. Lastly, we have begun to learn how to formulate sentences and conjugate verbs and nouns. Our vocabulary is limited (we still haven't learned the days of the week or months or seasons like language class in college would begin) but we are able to get through everyday situations and courtesies which is the whole point.

Living in Denmark is not just about being with the one I love. It's about loving the life I live. I can only do that by integrating myself fully and embracing the language wholeheartedly along with its people and customs. It also means swallowing my pride even though sticking my tongue out of the mouth when talking just doesn't feel right.

Dusk at Dawn

As I read all the gloriously happy Facebook posts from friends out enjoying the beautiful Fall weather back in the States, I am beginning to realize the biggest difference between the Midwest and Western Europe. The lack of sun. There are no golden leaves glistening on the trees here.

I knew this going in, and also experienced it when traveling, but living with it is quite different. You literally wake up to the same amount of light that you will have all day. It feels like dusk at dawn, and never really gets any lighter than that. It is constantly overcast and frequently rains. Even sitting by a window, you will want to turn on lights in the afternoon.

I am beginning to understand why normal working hours are shorter in Denmark. People start to commute home around 4pm, maybe even 3pm (or should I say 16:00 or 15:00). What I thought was pretty fantastic during the summer months, I now see as a necessity in the middle of Fall.

It gives people a chance to enjoy some of the day before it turns pitch black. Maybe even hit one of the self service sun booths that are everywhere in the city to boost the mood. What they lack in natural light, they make up for in artificial access. Sun beds are even at the gym. I am learning a little more everyday just what makes them so happy. Good infrastructure.

Men in Tights

Copenhagen is a city of fitness. It is apparent everywhere. From the thousands of bicyclists riding right along with traffic to the hundreds of parents pushing their babies in buggies on the sidewalks. However, the one activity that sticks out above the rest for me is running.

Not because it is the most frequent, but because it has the most noticeable outfit. The running suit. As an avid runner myself I pay special attention to fellow runners and I'm used to seeing them in all shapes and sizes and outfits. Not the case in Denmark.

For one, most runners are typically one size. Thin and athletic. Two, they all suit up in matching jacket and pants, or running tights. Yes, I said tights. Spandex looking, muscle hugging, shiny material dons the legs of Dames and Dudes!

Just the other day I saw two men warming up together at a stoplight jogging in place waiting for the light to turn green and I couldn't stop staring and smiling as the next blog immediately popped into my head. Men in tights. You don't have to go to the ballet to see them in action in Copenhagen!

Hot Dog in the City

One of the first things I noticed on the streets of Copenhagen was the fact that hot dog stands are everywhere. Strange looking, skinny red, long narrow curved pieces of meat grace the front, back, and sides of hot dog stands and seem to be the universal sign for food on buses.

These aren't the mystery meat dogs you find in American grocery stores either. They are 100% pork and you can have them almost anyway you want them. Two common ways are the Danish way, with fried onions, raw onions, pickels, sweet ketchup, and remoulade or the French way with your choice of sauce squeezed into an enclosed "hot dog in a blanket" bun.

It is the American sandwich version of lunch on the run or the Danish version of fast food drive throughs. At first I was skeptical, and couldn't help but poke fun, but then I had one. Complete with my can of Carlsberg from 7 Eleven it was "Probably one of the best ways to start the weekend."

My Kind of Town

Chicago, Oprah, and the Obama's have been all over the news this week in Copenhagen during the 121st IOC Session for the 2016 Olympics. It has been a fantastic experience as an American and former Chicagoan to witness the excitement of the Danes because of their presence in the country's capital. I have never felt more proud of where I come from, or missed home more.

The hype started when The First Lady landed on Wednesday to support the Chicago bid for 2016 host city, alongside Mayor Daley. It continued when Oprah was seen in the streets and in Danish homes filming a show about why the Danes are "The Happiest People on Earth." Her primary objective was to be here to support the bid, but leave it to "the talk show queen" as she has been called in Demark, to make a show out of it as well.

The tipping point for all the hype happened this morning when Danish TV cameras were aimed at the sky from 6am on waiting for President Obama's arrival. He landed on Danish soil nearly two hours later and the cameras and the rest of Denmark witnessed his every move during his short, but influential five hour visit. It was an amazing spectacle to experience. Denmark loves him too!

While Barack kept the media busy, Michelle stole the show during the 50 minute presentation on Chicago. She tugged on the heart strings of everyone watching by mentioning how the Olympic games would be held not far from where she grew up and how her father would be so proud to see what his city has become. Her grace and conviction was so overwhelming that when The President took the podium it took a minute to focus on the man of the hour. Obama told us how he moved around a lot as a boy but chose to plant roots in Chicago. He believes the city of big shoulders has the strength and diversity to bring people together and make the world proud.

In the end it was South America's turn to dazzle the world with the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. A day later and an IOC Olympic bid short, Obama and Chicago are still in the Danish news. Whether it's because those words jump out at me as an American or whether they are the only words I understand is hard to tell. One thing is for certain. Chicago was the crowd favorite in Copenhagen.

Becoming Dane

Not quite as romantic as a Jane Austin novel, but equally enlightening is the experience of becoming a Danish resident. There is tons of bad press associated with the immigration process no matter where you live and the same applies in Denmark, so I was eager to experience it first hand. After the wedding on June 20, we wasted little time. Family left the following Wednesday and we were in the immigration office by Friday. I applied on June 26th and received notice of my residency on September 4th. A two month wait, one of which included us being out of the country, is not too bad compared to the stories we have been told. Six months being the shortest wait in the US.

After the celebratory residency letter was received it was time to get the corresponding sticker including picture in my passport that acknowledges me as a resident of Denmark. Ten minutes after arriving at the immigration office, I was waiting for my information to be processed, and 20 minutes later my passport was back in hand to total 30 minutes to make my documentation official. Next I needed to receive my CPR (central person registry) number, or the Danish version of the Social Security Number. This is the key to the country. With this number I am able to open a bank account, use the health care system, and be treated just like any other Danish citizen. We ended up being the only people in the office needing assistance on that particular day. We forgot our marriage license, but luckily had a very nice Dane who was able to process my application anyway. Less than an hour later I had my number, a doctor picked out, and we were on our way home.

Finally, came my integration meeting with the city to schedule my Danish classes and sign a contract that helps me reach the goal of becoming a permanent resident of Denmark one day. During this very enlightening hour and a half I discovered I had the same rights and benefits as every other Danish citizen, including getting my Masters for free AND getting paid by the government while in school. I could feel Tobias' pride in his country during that moment and felt very grateful to be able to have this opportunity. Going back to school has been something I have been wanting to do for many years, but never thought I'd have the chance because it was simply unaffordable in the US. Or rather, after years of working myself out of it, I didn't want to go back into college debt again.

So overall, the process of becoming a Dane took me two months and three hours. I'm not sure whether it's because I'm an American, or that I look Danish, but the immigration process in Denmark was pretty painless. I dare to say, an unexpected pleasant experience. Now if only learning the language could be that simple!

I See Bicycles

Denmark is a country structured with some basic principles that are visible in everything they do. Health, environmental consciousness and fitness. I've already addressed health by describing the food experience in my last couple of blogs. Fruit is everywhere, and fresh food is often more affordable than packaged goods. All a part of their master plan to avoid obesity in their beautiful country. When I mention beautiful, I'm not just talking about the landscape.

Environmental consciousness is visible in grocery stores where it is expected of the consumer to bring their own bag for groceries. We are just beginning to embrace this habit in the US, but one thing that I'm not sure will ever fly is the fact that you have to pay for plastic bags in stores if you forget to bring your own bag. I will never forget my first Scandinavian grocery store shopping experience when I stood looking at all the items I just bought on the conveyor belt totally confused why the person behind the counter moved onto the next customer without blinking an eye. Quite opposite from the US where they are eager to double and sometimes triple bag your groceries for you.

However, the biggest environmental conscious piece of infrastructure they have put into place is a direct result of the green tax put on cars. All to encourage what no doubt has a dual purpose, bicycling as a popular means of transportation, and to keep their people fit. Bicycle paths have been built into the highway system, alongside the car lanes, and before the sidewalk begins. Often elevated or protected by a curb, making a cycler feel safe, encouraging their right of way. Which is the case in Denmark. Bicyclists have the right of way here, not pedestrians.

It takes some time, but you learn to look for bikers before you step out onto the sidewalk, cross the street, step off the bus, pretty much do anything outside. At first I was annoyed, but now I am just amazed. I have seen men in full suits riding their bikes to work with baby seats on the back, ladies in dresses and skirts (with leggings and scarves of course) balancing their laptops on their backs, and a cell phone in their hands, while maneuvering their way through traffic lights and fellow bikers.

Come wind or rain or shine they are visible in the thousands day after day regardless of the elements. Whether their bikes are lined up alongside buildings, bus stops, train stations, or sidewalks. It doesn't matter. Here there are even parking garages for bikes like there are for cars!! It never ceases to amaze me and keeps street life interesting.

This is the city I live in. Food is fresh, health is encouraged, and they are leading in environmental consciousness. Not a bad rest stop along the bike path of life.

Men Who Cook

I've been to four dinner parties over the last few weeks and the theme I can't help but take note of is three out of the four meals were made by men. The ladies set the table, had some wine, caught up on each others lives, and the men were in the kitchen preparing the feast. This is definitely something I can get used to.

Men cooking is so common in Scandinavia it's almost not even worth noting to the average Dane. This isn't the typical American male making meat on the grill sort of "cooking" either. These are men that like to experiment in the kitchen, take pride in making a meal, and actually prefer to do the cooking. Not only for the family, but with their guy friends as well. Getting together with a group of guys and planning and preparing a meal is something you would never see in the US. Order pizza, yes. Prepare a three course meal together, no.

If you've been keeping up with me, you know that cooking has never been a strong talent or overwhelming desire that I possess. That's not to say I don't enjoy a nice meal, or appreciate the skill involved. I consider myself and my girls back home "foodies." Our favorite past-time includes checking out the latest and greatest restaurant and rating them on food quality, service, ambiance, and/or whether or not we would go back. Our very own "Check Please!" if you will.

However, my life and therefore past-time has taken on a different turn. I now live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, which means going out to eat is a rarity versus regular activity. Inviting people over for dinner is more common than making reservations at the hottest place in town. In my new circle of friends anyway. So I can't help but make the same restaurant rating observations and what I have come to conclude is: "Why pay extra when you can make better food at home?"

I am now hearing a gasp around the globe and I totally get it. Believe me, I myself, had a hard time writing that last sentence. I'm pretty sure every child has grown up hearing that a time or two, but I am now seeing the truth behind the words I have rolled my eyes over a thousand times in my youth. At least in my adult life in Denmark. The quality of the food here is incredible and provides a good base. Mix that with some actual talent, which men and women learn in school. Combined with warm and friendly service, which isn't always common in restaurants in Denmark. Topped with a cozy or 'hyggeligt' atmosphere and I leave thinking: "I can't wait to do that again next time!"

Fantastisk Food

As if the fashion wasn't enough nutrition to keep me coming back out to the streets for more, it should be noted the food in Denmark is divine, and deserves it's very own blog. For those who know me well, you know I have never been a Julia Child in the kitchen, and actually border on the lines of Carrie Bradshaw, using my stove for storage. However, I have turned over a new leaf in Denmark! (Literally).

I have never tasted such fresh food, happily free from chemicals and preservatives that we all pay the price for at Whole Foods in the US. The food quality found in Danish grocery stores remind me of the selection we have to wait until the weekend to get at a local Farmer's Market in the US. Healthy food options are as much a part of the Danish culture, as bicycles are as a means for transportation. Fresh produce is available to buy from farmers alongside highways in the countryside, and fresh fruit is available at work as a snack, in all the kiosks and 7 elevens, and is typically the cheapest food you can buy. Whereas in the US chips and candy and soda or in other words; sugar is always on sale.

After my last trip back from the US I decided to go on a detox and get all the chemically induced foods out of my system and start fresh with natural Danish nutrition as an experiment to see how I would feel afterwards. It's week 3 and my body is free from caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, dairy, wheat and sugar (for the most part) and I've never felt better. My skin and nails are noticeably healthier as well. Now, it hasn't been an easy process, it's forced me to cook, but it's also taught me to be creative in the kitchen, which as it turns out, is sort of fun. (Don't tell Tobias!)

Our first true "detox" recipe included stuffed peppers with brown rice and all sorts of vegetables and spices that got me excited for future dish potential, but when I realized the herbs didn't come by the batch readily wrapped in a plastic bag or already encased in portable plastic, but an actual plant that you had to buy, I had to take a picture! Our stuffed peppers turned out phenom, and our herb plants have now taken a permanent residence on our kitchen ledge, where I will continue to try to keep them alive while plucking at their leaves when needed.

After I thought about it, and laughing a little as well, I decided it made sense. It was the same price I have paid time and again for a small batch, parted from her mother plant, to only die 5 days later, and cheaper when you factored in how much more use you got out of the herb you just bought. Brilliant! Not only that, it was once again, very environmentally conscious. A theme that is alive and well in Denmark on a daily basis. More on that one later!

Danish Design

Last week was fashion week in CPH and it was fun to be in a city known for its design and feel the excitement on the streets as the models strut their stuff on a giant screen in Rådhuspladsen, the city hall square in the center of the city.

I couldn't help but notice the ladies stepped it up a notch on the sidewalk in regards to what they wore on an everyday basis. The 80's is alive and well in CPH just like it is in Chicago and any major city in the US, but the theme that is different here and hasn't quite made it across the pond is the big flowy, romantic shirts that seem to be on every Danish girl in sight.

From what I've been able to gather the tunic trend started right around the time skinny jeans and leggings came back and could have been Fall/Winter 2006 in Europe. It's not a sloppy look as the shirt seen on a rack would suggest, but rather angelic when worn. I've come to conclude it represents the overall laid back attitude of Danish people in general. Their look can best be described as finely dressed with a relaxed style. The clothes are high quality and effortlessly comfortable at the same time.

I think part of their style also comes from the way they feel. We all have a certain style that's our own, partially determined on a daily basis by our mood and what the weather looks like outside. Danish people have been known (and rated twice) to be the happiest people in the world. Part of that comes from having very little to worry about financially and keeping expectations in check. They flow through their days with little concerns, and it shows.

Makes my well advised "What Not To Wear" close fitting tops and tailored jackets seem sadly outdated and restricted in an odd way. Not to fear, I've managed to add a few flowy tops into my collection while trying to be smart about the selection, wondering when the trend will end - but everything in the stores so far indicate they're alive and well, for another season at least. Maybe the carefree attitude will rub off one of these days too.

We Are Family

Madison, WI - July 18, 2009. My thirty "faux" birthday and our wedding celebration in the United States. Not quite as sunny as June 20, but it was fantastiskly filled with family and friends.

As it goes with couples with two countries, you need to pay your respects to both. And happily so! My family had never traveled internationally until they came to Denmark for the wedding and the experience was "wonderful." For all of us! One for the memory books that we will laugh and talk about for years.

Then it was my Danish family's turn to come to the US and travel internationally for the very first time as well. They marveled at our portion sizes and tall buildings. Were impressed by our customer service and clean streets. A lot of firsts have happened on this entire experience, and Tobias and I embarking on the journey called marriage is just one of them. What has come out of all of the adventures so far is one great big happy family, and many future trips to look forward to!

This experience has also shown me that small towns and close families are pretty much the same all around the world. I come from a family of six girls and two boys, and just inherited the island of Møn! While Tobias' family welcomes me with open arms I continue to be amazed how two people from totally different worlds can have similar past experiences and share the same future goals. All cultural differences aside, what took us so long? I read a quote recently that sums it up. "It's luck and openness and timing and where you're sitting."

At Last

June 20, 2009 was a beautiful day to get married. It was sunny and the temperature surpassed 70. Two things that made me very, very happy!! Not to mention the man I married. He; or rather "we" are the reason I am in Denmark.

The morning of the wedding day went smooth as silk, with just a few rain showers that had cleared up by the time we left the house - perfect! We were even ahead of schedule. When does that happen? We followed Tanja and Mikkel down the bridal path so everyone would be present before the ceremony began. At the last minute, I see Lene running to make it. Lene is Tobias' former boss, and the reason we are together today. She had to be there! I stopped, laughed, gave her a hug, and a few minutes to get settled.

Mathilde began and was perfect. She had been preparing and took her job of flower girl very seriously! She walked very slowly, pausing after each step like a pro. She gave the crowd a knowing smile, focused her eyes on Tobias for the rest of the journey, and received a big hug at the end.

Sarah was next and had been my rock all morning. She is the reason things went so smooth. Helping me with my hair, the dress, the veil, the flowers. Looking stunning all the while.

And then it was my turn. Moon River wasn't playing, but I wasn't about to keep everyone waiting for our song as they had waited long enough, so I begin. In the middle of my walk down the aisle or 'dirt path' the song changes to ABBA. Take a Chance on Me....and all I can hear are the lyrics. "If you change your mind..."

Seriously. Is this some sort of joke? What's a girl to do? Laugh, twirl my flowers in the air, and keep on going...

June 20, 2009 was a beautiful day to get married, but the journey is what I am really looking forward to. "Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see."

Sandals in the Rain

It's summer in Denmark. Wait, there it just went.

I think I was spoiled shortly after my first week in; after the daze of the newness passed. We had three or four gloriously sunny and warm, practically HOT days where having the windows open (no screens, another difference) was not enough. Having two individual down comforters (no sheets, another difference) was too warm.

Those days were over before I knew it and then I really started paying attention to the weather. Waiting...willing the warmth to come back. The temperature dropped radically and all of a sudden that summer dress I had worn, and sandals I was planning to wear would have to wait for another day, or week, or...who knows how long.

So the weather I am now living with on a daily basis is wet. Maybe damp is a better word because it rains in short spurts and then the sun breaks and it dries up. One thing is for certain. It's cold. Cold for June at least. Correction, the June I am used to in Chicago. I can barely bring myself to wear flats, let alone sandals, and I see women wearing them everywhere! In 50 degree weather. Never mind the wind and rain.

It sort of reminds me of April in Chicago when you're brave enough to wear open toed heels out at night because you know the drinks you consume will make you forget about the cold soon enough. But there are no drinks to be had on Strøget!

Toughen up Heather. I'm sure my thin blood will thicken and before you know it I'll be wearing them too. Preferably, when the 70 degree (Fahrenheit) weather returns!

hlt

Red and White and Proud

Flag poles and their accommodating Danish flags are EVERYWHERE!! The Danes are very proud of their small country. Flags go on the buses when it's a national holiday, the Crowned Prince's birthday, and even double as shirts when the Danes play the Swedes apparently!

Even though a feeling of pride is everywhere, being humble is a virtue that is taught in DK. Take the country's pride and joy of beers' slogan for example: Carlsberg. "Probably the Best Beer in the World." This virtue can best be summed up by something called "Jante Law" or Janteloven which is described below, thanks to Wikipedia.

Jante Law is a concept created by author Aksel Sandemose where he writes about the small Danish town Jante in his novel "A Fugitive Crosses his Tracks." Jante is very typical of all small towns where nobody is anonymous. There are ten different rules in the law/town, but they are all variations on a single theme: Don't think you're anyone special or that you're better than us.

In the book, those who do not follow this unwritten 'law' are regarded with suspicion and hostility, as it goes against the communal desire to preserve social stability and uniformity.

The ten rules are:
Don't think that you are special.
Don't think that you are of the same standing as us.
Don't think that you are smarter than us.
Don't fancy yourself as being better than us.
Don't think that you know more than us.
Don't think that you are more important than us.
Don't think that you are good at anything.
Don't laugh at us.
Don't think that anyone of us cares about you.
Don't think that you can teach us anything.

Harsh.

Given the above and in general, it's not a surprise that people follow the rules in DK. Especially when it comes to traffic. No jay walking allowed! Even if there are no cars for miles around, you wait until the light turns green to go.

Danish design is apparent everywhere. I've noticed it especially in homes. Where we in the US would spend $15 on stack of Crate and Barrel coasters, the Danes choose to spend $25 on one coaster...if it's Danish design. I know this for a fact. We have two coasters.

Men cook...A LOT. It's very common for a group of guys to get together at someones house and cook a meal together. Bromance or budget consciousness? I guess in the end it all sort of makes sense. Copenhagen is the second most expensive city in the world and going out is expensive. So if you're going to spend most of your time at home, cooking for your fellow man, it's best to do it with style!

No selection of black teas can be found in your local grocery stores apart from Earl Grey. An odd difference to notice I'll admit, but coming from a big black tea fan, this is highly disappointing. Conversely, single selection of beer and liquor is available almost anywhere. Wait, are those antioxidants I don't know about?

It's extremley difficult for foreigners to buy anything in Denmark using anything other than cash. The Danes have a chip system put on all bank cards that they use everywhere. When you present a credit card to use they get perplexed at the counter and often times don't know how to switch the transaction to credit from debit. It's very frustrating and actually stops money from coming into the country if you ask me! On second thought, maybe that's a good thing. It's stopped me from buying many things I perhaps would have otherwise.

For more info on Danish culture, this is a handy little link that is pretty spot on:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danish_culture

hlt

First Week In

It's the first week in and I had to take the time to jot down a few differences/things I've noticed before they become the norm. We, as humans, are very adaptable so it won't take long before Danish customs become ordinary and American customs become something I talk about. So this is for my family and friends at home, and for my own memory years down the road:

At home:
- I had my first IKEA Scandinavia experience last night and got most of the essentials I need to make room for my stuff and make Tobias' place feel like mine as well and his. Still getting used to the whole 'ours' thing! I have to say it is exactly as you see in America, and now I know where the whole 'bringing your own shopping bag' thing began. It is normal to bring your own shopping bags everywhere you go in Scandinavia and the fact that IKEA has them at your ready to use before you shop made me realize that people are just now starting to use the concept in their daily lives in the US. Interesting!
- My hair and skin seem to like DK. In general, it is much more wet here, so my skin and hair are drinking up the extra moisture!

At the office:
- Every Friday around Denmark, people at work have breakfast together at 9am. A person in the office is designated each week to bring in the breakfast bread and bakers all over Denmark make extra on Fridays.
- The Danes truly are happy people. Every few minutes in the office someone is laughing about something. Irony or sarcasm is used in almost every conversation.
- Every Friday the day ends early. Officially at 4pm, but many leave earlier (or enjoy a drink at the office) beginning at 3pm.
- Everyone has a coffee cup of their own that they use. (They even made one for me with my name on it!) Coffee machines are everywhere. It's rare to go out for coffee, and a special treat if you do.
- People wash up after themselves. The kitchen is impeccibly clean compared to office kitchens I've experienced in the US!
- The food is a lot healthier. No pizza, burgers, and fries at your finger tips in the office cafeteria. Lots of salads and breads and meats. Even in convenience stores, there are tons of fresh fruit options.

In general:
- If you are not nice to them, it is normal. I had my first grocery store experience on my own on Monday and didn't say one word while I was in there. Ignored them, didn't smile (like I would have in the US). You get in, get out, get what you need, don't worry about being rude. It was actually sort of refreshing!
- Public transportation is clean and quiet. HUGE difference from America where someone is always on their phone.
- The weather is in the 60's and has been sunny for the most part. Only rained once or twice and only for an hour or so at a time. Be sure to bring warmer clothes than you would expect to wear in the US at this time. Summers are not the same here. There is a chill in the air.

Love and miss you all and can't wait to see you soon!!

hlt