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.