Thursday, December 29, 2011

Yuletide and Julegave

This year was my 2nd Christmas in Denmark and it truly is a magical time. Hearts and stars fill the streets, stores, and homes all over the country during Christmas-time. This makes sense after learning the Danish saying: "Jul er hjerternes fest" or that "Christmas is the festival of hearts."

The Christmas season officially begins in Denmark on the first Friday of November when Tuborg releases the Christmas brew. All stores are decorated on that day and the bodegas are filled with people wanting to get the first Juleøl that night. Since Thanksgiving is not celebrated here, there is no debate or conflict about when to decorate or celebrate Christmas, which is often the case in the US. For two entire months Danes are excited about and anticipate the holiday to come, with various traditions leading up to the 24th. The evening Christmas is officially celebrated in Denmark.

The first tradition of the season (although not a true holiday) is Morten's aften. Saint Martin's day is the 11th of November but often celebrated the evening before with a feast of goose in the old days, or duck during present day. The date marks the day Saint Martin became Bishop of Tours, which he apparently was trying to delay by hiding in a goose-house. Because the geese gave him away, the day is marked by feasting on them. Martin Luther was also baptized on this day, and Lutheranism is the official religion of the country.

Another tradition is gløgg og æbleskiver. Gløgg is warm wine spiced with raisins and almonds and æbleskiver are small round donuts eaten with powdered sugar and jam. These are often served at work events to celebrate the holiday or when guests stop by to visit during the season. They can also be served on the 23rd, but that day's dinner is most notable for risengrød which is a warm rice pudding with a slab of butter in the middle and a sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top.

The Christmas Eve meal itself is duck, three types of potatoes, and red current. The dessert is ris a la mande which is cold rice pudding with chopped up almonds served with warm cherry sauce on top. A whole almond is placed in one dish and whoever gets the whole almond gets a gift. The meal is followed by the lighting of the candles on the Christmas tree where we dance around it and sing before opening gifts. Then the "julegave" or gift opening begins which is a special treat for me. My family is so big in the US that we stopped exchanging gifts among the adults, as we would rather spend time catching up with each other instead of unwrapping. However, the Danish tradition of making a list and checking it twice is taken very seriously, and I have come to enjoy being pleasantly surprised at receiving gifts again.

Christmas day lunch on the 25th or Julefrokost (which is also celebrated throughout the season with friends) consists of the typical Danish smørrebrød which are open faced sandwiches with all kinds of yummy toppings. My favorite is fiskefilet, which is a breaded white fish with lemon and capers, frikadeller (Danish meatballs) and tarteletter, which is a lovely mixture of chicken and asparagus in a crispy pastry shell. Absolutely divine. No Julefrokost is complete however, without Juleøl and schnapps, and lots of Skåls!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Free at Last!

After a pretty intense last semester at Business School, I have reached the point that I nearly thought impossible at the beginning. I am done forever with class exams. My final oral exam was this morning, and right after that I handed in my last written paper, technically due tomorrow.

The only way I was able to stay sane, and meet all the deadlines was by working ahead the entire time. The first paper was finished approximately two weeks ahead of schedule, same with the second. Then I went back to the States for a week for Thanksgiving and lost a little time, but still managed to hand in paper number three four days ahead of schedule. Paper number four was done five days ahead of schedule, so I had time to study for two oral exams before it was due. Whew!

I went through all the phases of grief when I first realized my schedule. First I was numb, then came denial. There was no way all of this was possible. Then came anger and depression. I hated how demanding school was and questioned why I was doing this to myself many times over. I missed my evenings at home relaxing with my husband. Then came bargaining. I had to stop going to Danish lessons in order to save my academic career. Something had to give. Once that was over, I went straight to acceptance. I knew what I needed to do in order to survive the semester.

I had to celebrate the tiny successes. After the first paper was handed in, my husband and I went out to dinner. After the first oral exam was over, I treated myself to cupcakes. After the second paper, a trip back to the US was a pretty cool reward. After the third, there was the Maroon 5 concert. Immediately after the fourth I had a glass of wine and now that the 2nd and 3rd oral exams are over, I am treating myself to a facial tomorrow. Right after I meet the girls out for some drinks tonight.

The stress is slowly leaving my shoulders....balanced life can begin again.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

From Dry Heat to Damp Cold

True winter is now upon us but I can't tell whether that happened before or after our trip to the US. What I can tell you though is that I have lived in Denmark for a while when I physically begin to notice the vast differences in temperature and weather on my body, when I visit friends and family in the US during winter.

While in the US in November, I couldn't drink enough water to make up for the dryness in the air, both inside and out. My friend had humidifiers everywhere in her home which helped. Not to mention, bottles of water because now I also taste the chlorine in the water when it comes out of the tap in the city, which is sort of an out of the body experience. I used to smile inside when the Danes were on their business trips in Chicago and would order bottled water when we went out to eat. Now I'm that annoying visitor from Europe that says no to ice in my water glass.

Inside electric or central heating blows from various places in the wall or floor in the US compared to water radiators here in Denmark, typically situated in one place per room. The former may dry you out, but there's lotion and water for that. It's better than wrapping up in a million blankets, lighting candles, and drinking buckets of warm drinks to stay a normal temperature, the way I have to in Denmark. The damp cold is bone chilling without a fireplace, whereas in dry cold places you can add moisture to the air by simply boiling some water.

However, both my husband and I could feel the wetness in the weather the minute we stepped off the train in Denmark and it was nice to take a deep breath in and not worry about getting a nose bleed.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Gratitude

There are so many things to be thankful for on a daily basis but most times we get so caught up in the here and now of our daily lives that we forget this tiny little moment of reflection. There's no better time to say it out loud, or write it down, than the day I am preparing to go back to the States to celebrate the nations annual holiday set aside for this very reason, Thanksgiving.

I am thankful to be married to an amazing man who is by my side through the good and bad, and who always has my best interest at heart. There are moments where I can't believe my luck. Like last Friday. He stood an hour in the cold just so I could be the first in line to get the necessary stamp in my passport in order to be let back in the country upon our return. We won't talk about why this was necessary, only that my Viking goes out of his way to make up for some frustrations experienced while living in his country, and I am grateful.

Even though at times it is pushing me to my limits on what I think I can accomplish, I am thankful for the opportunity to get my Masters degree in Denmark. There are so many challenges that come with this degree, but I believe it is making me a better person, each time I push through the next task.

Finally, I am grateful to have such amazing family and friends that love me unconditionally...on both sides of the Atlantic. It's an incredible feeling to be welcomed with open arms and homes no matter where in the world we live. 

Monday, October 17, 2011

Apron Strings

My little sister had her second baby today and I can't stop hearing the song 'Apron Strings' from Everything but the Girl in my head. It's one of those songs that is very appropriate for this day, especially since the movie 'She's Having a Baby' was one of our favorites in the 80's. That movie was also the first time we heard the song.

My sister and I have been inseparable since birth and moving to Denmark is by far the furthest we have ever been from each other, which has forced us to wait the longest to spend time together. She was pregnant when I decided to get married and move to Denmark, and we knew the life we always thought we would have after we were both married and had kids (which included living in the same city of Madison, WI) was probably not going to happen any time soon. That was confirmed after she and her husband decided to move back to the town we grew up in to raise their little boy just over a year ago. It was the right decision for their now growing family, but both of us being so far apart from each other and the life we enjoyed before the distance began has been hard.

However, some sacrifices are worth making. Being close to both parents has been a blessing in disguise for my sister and her husband, and their little boys are going to be raised in a safe and small community, surrounded by the beautiful countryside. The same way their Dad enjoyed growing up. And I am experiencing something I have always wanted to. Life in another country and the chance to study abroad, all with the love and support of an amazing husband and family. Life is good and we are both grateful, but boy would I give anything to be there today. "I was happy, I knew that. While experiencing happiness, we have difficulty in being conscious of it. Only when the happiness is past and we look back on it do we suddenly realize - sometimes with astonishment - how happy we had been." Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Semester from Hell

It's been a long time since I have written. Much longer than I would have liked, but as it turns out the 3rd semester of the Masters program happens to be the most challenging. I clearly underestimated this as I was way too focused on the fact that I get to pick classes I am interested in and didn't factor in the amount of reading and project management skills that would come into play. Four different classes in the first three days of every week means my weekends are spent reading and any free time before or after class during the week goes to project meetings. Not to mention 15-20 hours of work on top of that. All I can say is working in one group on 3-4 different projects, as was the case last year, is much easier than 4 different groups and 4 totally different project topics.

Since the classes are not related to each other whatsoever, there is no method to the madness which means deadlines can be closely related which forces you to plan ahead and get creative. The reason I am able to write now is because I have one project (of 4) done so far and this week we get a break from classes. It's called "efterårsferie" or Fall break. The one thing that keeps me going, or makes me feel better anyway, is the fact that I am not alone. Everyone I talk to is just as overwhelmed and has either dropped a class to better manage their schedule, or are powering through and accepting their life will be insane for the foreseeable future.

Crazy or not, I have chosen the latter. And intend to take a week off to go back to the States for the Thanksgiving holiday in the midst of it all as well. The good news, or silver lining in all of this is I should be done by Christmas. The bad news, is I won't have much of a balanced life until December 15th. A small price to pay for the end goal which is a Masters degree from Copenhagen Business School which will give me the chance to do some cool new things with my career.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Gucci Helle

Last week Denmark voted in a new government. The leader of the winning party will be the first female Prime Minister for the country. Helle Thorning Schmidt is the face of the Social Democratic party which is likened to the Labour Party in England. In fact, Helle is married to the son of a former head of Britain's Labour Party.

The Social Democrats support Denmark's working class, or what would be called 'blue collar' in the US. This is most likely one reason why Helle received the nickname "Gucci Helle" from the media. To highlight the contrast of her taste in upscale bags, given the people she supports.

Regardless of what she carries on her arm, it comes down to whether or not she is able to follow through on what the country needs. Which, like many countries today, is a jump start to the economy, and the creation of jobs. A continued focus on education is relevant as well given Denmark's reputation as a knowledge economy.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Danish Music & Fashion

Our final two guests just left Denmark to wrap up one pretty incredible summer of fun. Five guests, four countries, and two trips were experienced over the past three months. That's a lot of fun all packed into one season! But that's the way summer usually goes. 

As in my last post, my favorite part of the visits from my American family and friends is the perspectives they leave behind and there are two that jump out at me from this most recent visit. One observation was that the music on the radio is different. One station played old hits they hadn't heard in a long time, European hits that never made it to the US, and some new music they had never heard before, but all the music had one common theme. It was all upbeat, or 'happy Danish music' as one of my friends put it. I never really thought of it that way, but I wonder if that has something to do with why people are generally pretty happy here. My guess is it is just one piece of the puzzle.

The second observation that made me smile was that people seem to wear whatever they want here and appear to be less influenced by what 'the majority' are wearing. This comment comes straight from one of my good friends who was visiting Europe for the first time. This could be a general observation for the entire EU as far as I am concerned, but I think she is absolutely right. In the US, everything is new and polished, including the women and the clothes they wear. They are both perfectly coiffed and matched. Whereas in Europe, it's more of a thrown together look with different colors and designs that somehow works. I remember years ago admiring this style from abroad, never having quite the touch to pull it off myself, but after living here for two years I think I am finally getting the hang of it. Or at least letting myself be more daring and less matchy. 

A final observation I have noticed in the way women dress in Europe is there doesn't seem to be as strict of an 'age appropriate dress code' as there is in the US. I enjoy seeing Danish women dress a bit more sexy than their age equivalents across the Atlantic with flowy shirts and patterned tights. One can only hope that enough time spent in Europe rubs off so that confidence in style can be carried back to America. 

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Romantisk København

My good friend Lori just left after 8 days spent together in Copenhagen. Not only was it amazing to have a girlfriend near to chat about makeup, decorating, and the latest gossip, but it was also great to have intellectually stimulating conversations with someone experiencing the current mood of the US, both financially and politically. The latter conversations my husband particularly enjoyed. (For those reading this post that known him, I am sure you are not surprised).

My only wish is that we were on the same time zone or living in the same city so we could meet for those amazing chats once a week like we did in the old days. Having to talk about anything and everything in a short period of time is a lot to ask of anyone. Not that I am complaining. I just now realize how important it is to have close friends nearby so you can share your daily thoughts and happenings. Crazy ideas, and frustrations. Such is life as an Expat. People are constantly coming in and out of your life which means you make a lot of friends, they just don't stay in one place for very long.

My favorite part about having my good friend visit is being able to see the city I live in through her eyes. Everywhere we went, she kept saying how romantic the city was. Granted, she is only visiting and we all know traveling for a short period of time and living somewhere are two totally different experiences, but I couldn't help but open my eyes (and mind) to what she must have been seeing. Winding cobblestone streets and centuries old buildings are architecturally appeasing to the eye, and then there are the candlelit cafes and decadent desserts that appeal to the senses. Not to mention having the love and support of a life partner, makes this one romantic haven after all.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Sensational Summer


I know I shouldn't be saying goodbye to summer already when it is only mid August, but the summer weather started to fade here in Denmark a month or so ago already. However! I just got back from a week of enjoying the glorious 90+ degree heat (approx 35 Celsius) in the Midwest which gave me the summer boost I needed to prepare for the Fall weather ahead.

So before I bid adieu, I would like to pay a proper tribute to the fantastic summer I have had thus far. This happens to be the last summer I will enjoy as a student and part-time worker before life as a Masters graduate and full-time employee begins again. And I have enjoyed the hell out of it. I have taken trips to 4 different countries and have hosted 1 out of 3 visits by friends and family so far.

We started with a trip to the South of France in June to visit my good friend Marie from Danish class. I can say with full honesty that it was probably one of the best vacations I have ever had. The scenery, the people, the weather were all amazing. When we were flying in and looking at the Riviera landscape I turned to my husband and said "If you lived here, why would you ever leave?" and that initial feeling pretty much sums up the trip.

A few days after we got back Mom and Dad arrived in Denmark for a two week visit in July to be spent in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands and that was pretty incredible as well. To be able to show my parents Europe, and guide them back to the origin of the Timmerman name was an honor I will never forget. Two weeks later I was off to the US to see family and friends and soak up the heatwave of a summer they are having in August and I enjoyed every single second of it.

Now I am preparing for one of my best friends from Chicago to visit and I cannot wait to show her my life in Copenhagen! We plan to walk the city, have picnics in the park, and laugh and talk our way through the past two years. Each time I have visited the US since I moved to DK my time has been shared between friends, my husband, and other obligations, so one-on-one time is a precious commodity that we both look forward to taking advantage of this trip.

Next up is a visit by two additional really good friends who have found a travel companion in each other which makes me very happy and excited for the many ladies nights we will share. I have an entire list of bars and restaurants I have been dying to experience with friends who appreciate good food and wine just as much as me. So, summer is certainly not over yet, but I will be sure to enjoy each and every second that it is still here.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Every Day is a Holiday in July


When I worked for the Tribune Company back in the States, we knew not to expect a response from our Danish technology vendor during the month of July due to the fact that everyone went on vacation. However, experiencing it while living in the country is an entirely different experience altogether.

I'm certainly not complaining, as I have enjoyed every minute of the fact that everyone is allowed 3 weeks of vacation during the summer by law, but trying to get anything accomplished during the weeks you are not on vacation is next to impossible. For example, after my parents left I had two weeks of normal daily life before I hit the vacation highway again.

During that time I tried to get some necessary tasks checked off the list. I contacted two doctors, two teachers, two business people, and one beautician for appointments or information which is of importance to me, and no joke. They were all on vacation. Again, I respect the law and really enjoy the work-life balance in Denmark, but I sometimes wonder how the country gets anything done.

Of course this is coming from an American raised in a culture where there is little to no balance between work and life, so this post should of course be taken with a grain of salt. Hopefully I'll have better luck in August! (When I'm back from my vacation in the States, that is).

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Trip of a Lifetime

For as long as I can remember, my Dad has talked about taking a trip to the Netherlands to look up where the Timmermans originated. To research the family history and explore where the ancestors lived before they came to the US in 1880. That trip happened in July of 2011...the summer month of my Mom and Dad's 49th wedding anniversary. The fact that I am now living in Europe gave them the push they needed to make the dream a reality and I am glad they did. I was incredibly honored to be able to share this trip with them and the impressions that were left of Dutch people were well worth the trip.

We needed to drive through Germany before we could get to the Province of Limburg however, and that gave us an opportunity to explore that country as well. The minute we crossed the border of Denmark into Germany it was time for lunch so we stopped at the closest eating exit we could find. We left one foreign country for another, but what made this stop memorable was the fact that people spoke fluent English on one side, and just a few kilometers over the border, not a word of English was spoken. The lunch ladies were very friendly and with a few points and smiles we managed to get our food order in, but it was definitely a culture shock. That theme continued throughout Germany, at dinner that night and at the hotel we stayed in, but with the help of my very smiley Danish husband who also knows a little German, we made it through.

Day 2 on the road we crossed the border to the Netherlands and I could feel the excitement in the backseat of the car. My Dad was asking even more questions about the buildings and fields, to which my husband and I had to kindly say once again: "We don't know." The minute we arrived in the beautiful white town of Thorn, we knew our stay was going to be pleasant. Surrounded by such beauty it was hard to not have a good time. The homes, the gardens, the cobblestone streets, and buildings were all impeccably manicured and well taken care of. They had been preserved since 990 and it was a sight to see.

Day 3 we began the search for the Timmermans gone by and struck some luck at the tourist information center of Thorn who decided to go above and beyond their call of duty and start digging into some archives in order to find out more information for us. We drove a short distance through the towns of Heel, and Beegden, before reaching the tiny town of Horn, where we have been told it all began. To the church and cemetery we went, where traces of Timmermans were found. Walking through the town we found a printing business with our name on it and I could feel my Dad's pulse quicken with excitement as he spoke to the receptionist.

Lucky for him English was spoken fluently, as if we were still in Denmark, and the customer service and friendliness of people was incredible. In addition to the beauty of the town and gardens, I think the memory that will stick most in my mind was the fact that the people of the Netherlands made a point to make us feel like we were at home. Little did they know it was a trip about coming home for my Father.

The Immigration Experience

Living as an American Expat in a foreign country has opened up my eyes to many experiences. Some good, some bad, but all educational. Most of all, it has allowed me to empathize with those who have experienced this when trying to come to my country. The land of opportunity.

When moving to Denmark two years ago the immigration process was pretty straightforward and fairly easy. The longest wait at the immigration office was our very first visit submitting my application to enter the country, and it was only for a couple of hours if I remember correctly. After I was approved, I had to go back to the immigration office and receive a stamp in my passport indicating my temporary residency status. I was given instructions to go wait in a certain line so that it wouldn't take very long and I remember being in and out in 30 minutes on my second visit.

However, after applying for a renewal of this residency in early May, I am still waiting for the approval in July. My temporary residency expired June 26, 2011. Since it is summer and I have travels planned, and since the stamp that once allowed me back into the country has now expired, I had to go back to the immigration office and get a temporary stamp that would allow me back in the country, while I wait for my residency to be renewed. This time, this visit, was far different than any I have experienced before.

The immigration office opens at 8:30am and you have to take a number to wait your turn to be called. On the website it indicated the doors open at 8am so you can pull a number and be first in line once the office opens, which was my intention on the day I planned to go. However, it took me longer to get there than I had intended and I arrived at 8:30am instead of 8 and took my number. Which was already 111... and the office had just opened. After talking to several people I found out the doors open as early as 7am, and even at that time the person I talked to was only able to pull number 14. At 8am, when the doors are supposed to open and number taking is supposed to begin for the very first time, the number pulled was 58.

When I realized it would take me close to 3 hours I was immediately impatient, thinking there had to be another way. Surely, a temporary travel stamp for someone who was already approved to be in the country shouldn't take that long. I looked around, heard an announcement in Danish about people who only needed a residency renewal card should go to line 2, so I waited in line to see if that was me. Afterall, once my residency was renewed I would get a card, and not have to worry about the stamp in my passport business anymore. After waiting in a relatively short line for 45 minutes, I was turned away, and told to get back in the regular line, like everybody else. Which essentially meant take a seat and wait for your number to be called. My fighting spirit had been diminished and I succumbed to my fate. I was patient up until about hour 3, as that was the amount of time the office counter had indicated it would take me to get through given my time of arrival. How mistaken they were.

5 hours later, my number was finally called. Long after my friend Beth who was there to give me company (while we were supposed to be celebrating our last day in Denmark together) had gone home for some lunch. My number was also called an hour or so after they had locked the front doors so no new people could get in. Which meant if you went outside to get some air you were locked out, unless someone let you in at the exit. Air being the operative word. There were no windows or fans, and it was a hot sunny day. We were left breathing the same stale air which became filled with body odor as the day wore on.

My final thoughts of the day and the entire experience was that of Ellis Island. I wondered how long they had to wait after a long journey by boat across the Atlantic....in the 1800's. And then my thoughts moved to cattle. It felt like we were trapped and in cages, just like animals. No sunlight or fresh air. My rage was in-explainable. So much so, I couldn't even talk to my husband after the experience. I needed to calm down before I shared any words with him. Amazingly enough, after a walk to clear my head, lunch with my friend Beth, and a glass of wine to finally celebrate our last day in DK, the anger had subsided and I was just grateful to be done with it. I can finally travel now and enjoy my summer, while I wait for immigration to make a decision on whether Denmark will allow me to live in their country for another two years.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Nice Paint Job

Prior to our trip to the South of France I decided to treat myself to a mani/pedi in CPH. This is a regular ritual for many females living in major cities all across the US (well, at least in Chicago) and was always something I would be sure to schedule prior to any vacation or trip. A regular pedi is particularly important for the summer sandal season.

However, soon after I moved to Denmark I realized this would be one of those luxuries I would have to give up. A $12 manicure can easily be justified on a whim and a $40 mani/pedi could be worked into any monthly budget under the 'maintenance' category in the US, but at approximately 40% more the cost, this was something that would be put in the 'special occassion' category while living in Denmark.

Like, at my wedding. That was my first wake up call at how much more expensive this treatment was in Denmark and how much better the service was in the US for half the price. However, I chalked up that encounter to my lack of experience in knowing where to go, and took into account the fact that the little island of Møn might not exactly represent the rest of Denmark as far as beauty services go.

Fast forward two years later after meeting many foreign women experiencing this same dilemma, I finally got wind of a place that came highly recommended in Copenhagen, so I saved my Kroner and waited to book the treasured mani/pedi for this very trip. The overall experience was pleasant. But once again, I paid much more for less service. I got a great nail job, but if wanted the nice extras I am used to (like hand soaking and pumice removal) that would have cost more.

Så jeg siger nej tak for nu! When you're used to great quality at less cost, it's hard to justify doing the opposite.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Summer is just around the Corner

The Memorial Day weekend in the US, or the last weekend in May always used to mark the beginning of summer to me. School was out, or nearly at the end, (high school that is) and the days were beginning to get hot and humid in the Midwest.

This year marks my third summer without celebrating that holiday and I find myself still adjusting to when summer will begin. The first summer I arrived in DK was actually Memorial Day weekend, but my head was in wedding and moving mode. Last year I was busy preparing for summer school so it slipped right underneath my fingers but this year I found myself consciously aware of its presence, or lack thereof. Probably because I have been counting down the days for school to end.

Thursday, June 16 marks the official end of my first year at CBS, when summer will finally begin for me. We've been blessed with beautiful weather on and off since the week of Easter in April, but my mind and schedule has been far too busy to truly enjoy it. I have been told the first year of your Masters is the hardest at CBS and I hope they are right. Either way, I intend to fully enjoy the few months of summer that are soon to start.

Beginning with visiting a good friend in the South of France this weekend. Then Mom and Dad arrive for two weeks for fun and travels around Europe. Then it's off to the US to see family and friends and before you know it my good friends Lori, Danielle, and Jacquie will be here, and then all of a sudden it is August. Summer is one of those precious times of year when you await its arrival and before you know it, it's gone. The best way to make it last is to soak up every single moment, which I will be reminding myself of every single day.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Come Smell Our Dairy Air

My friend Beth and I were recently involved in an artistic exhibit featuring immigrants, refugees, and foreigners. The goal was to share an experience of our home country by describing a t-shirt we once owned that represented a sense of identity or belonging. The t-shirts would then be recreated by an artist based on our descriptions of them and be sold in a local consignment shop. The proceeds from the t-shirt sales would then go to assist those in need in Africa. The t-shirt that came to mind for me was one that I bought in Madison, WI. It was green and yellow (Green Bay Packer colors), had the state of Wisconsin on it, with the slogan "Come Smell our Dairy Air."

This of course has a dual meaning which is the reason I bought it. It represented where I come from in the US with good humor, poking fun at the fact that we are known as a "dairy state" with lots of farms and pleasant smells drifting in the air, while at the same time sort of telling the person reading it to "kiss our behind" in the kindest way possible. It made me laugh when I read it. I had hoped it might do the same for others that read it too. I would wear this t-shirt at Organic Valley events where I used to volunteer whenever they were in Chicago which gave me another warm feeling and good memory. Any chance I could get to support a local cooperative farming initiative from the drift-less region had my name written all over it. Particularly given the fact that my nickname with a group of friends is known as "free-range" for a reason. Being socially conscious and environmentally responsible is something I take to heart, so I guess it makes perfect sense that I married a Dane and now live in one of the most sustainable countries in the world.

The part that makes the experience of being involved in this exhibit so interesting is the interpretation of the artist. As I was describing the t-shirt for the artist he asked about the shape of Wisconsin. So, as any Midwesterner does from the great lakes region, you use your left hand to represent Wisconsin, and right for Michigan (with Lake Michigan representing the gap in between). Then you point out where Chicago is and it becomes clear in the persons mind where in the world you are from. Instead of replicating the state from the shape of my left hand however, he used my hands to represent both states and put it in his reinterpretation of the t-shirt which added an additional element of humor all on its own.

To read more about the exhibit, check out the Lokal Global Plan website.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Lessons in Language

It has been a while since I have posted an update and there are several reasons for that. First, I am nearing the end of my first year as a Master student at CBS which is, from what I hear, notoriously one of the hardest/busiest times one encounters on this journey. Lots of preparation for upcoming written and oral exams has consumed most of my energy.

Secondly, I am also balancing 20 hours a week of work which includes updating the company blog once a week. Even though I love writing, all of the writing for school and work has kept me from updating the one piece of writing that is 100% fun, totally personal, and can be about pretty much anything that inspires. My blog here in Denmark!

However one thing has been on my mind for some time that I have been wanting to write about. I have noticed from both educational and professional experience that customer is one of the most commonly misspelled words. I have seen it on websites, in lecture notes, and even in company presentations as 'costumer' which is a person who buys, sells or makes costumes. Not a customer which is also known as a client, buyer, or purchaser. It's an easy enough mistake, as it's a simple switch of the letters u and o, and I am positive I have made plenty Danish spelling mistakes myself, but it's just one of those things that goes unsaid that is pretty common.

Sort of like how native English speakers begin to lose their English the longer they live in a foreign country. Another very strange, interesting side effect I have experienced from living in Denmark for nearly two years, which I can only explain by the following. The less you use or are exposed to your native language, the less you use certain words, which means they escape from memory right when you need them most. I am counting on getting them back one day, along with my emphasis on the right syllables.

So the lessons in language while living in a foreign country extend far beyond learning and comprehending a new language. It also involves getting used to my own language being spoken and written in a very different way. Which in turn I adapt to, that could perhaps prevent me from using my own language in the way it was meant to be used. Strange, but true.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Extreme Security

I took my first trip to the American Embassy in Copenhagen to renew my passport, in preparation for a renewal of my residency here in Denmark, and I was just so excited to be on "US soil" that I didn't even think about all of the security precautions that come with "officially" entering the US, even if it's in a foreign land.

For example, there is no such thing as simply walking in. You have to report your name and purpose for being there to two men who are standing guard outside. After they thoroughly examine your passport you are then allowed to stand in line to be allowed to enter. Before you can enter, you need to turn off your cell phone, and keep it in your hand. Then you hand over your bag so they can examine it first, while you stand outside.

Finally, you are let in but now the secondary bag examination begins. You are asked to turn in your phone, locate your keys and take them out. I had a USB stick in my wallet and they asked me to locate that and also take that out. I also had a bottle of water in my bag, so they asked me to remove that and take a drink of it. After it was determined the liquid was safe, they put the bottle of water and any papers I was carrying in a container to be scanned, while my bag, keys, and shoes were in a separate container.

Finally, you walk through a security scanning machine (like at the airport), and once you reach the other side you can have your bag, keys, water bottle, and papers back - but not your phone or USB stick. You are given a number so you can pick it up on your way out. Once inside, there is a security guard behind a glass counter that directs you to where you need to go.

After it was all said and done, I amazingly got in and out in under 30 minutes after the Embassy opened at 9am and made it to my 9:50am class in time, but it was pretty incredible considering all of the above. However, I would gladly do it all over again if it meant the one safe place for US citizens in Denmark, was fully protected.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Marathon Man

Yesterday Tobias completed his very first Half Marathon in 1 hour and 50 minutes and was in great shape and in good spirits the entire day. The running route was in a beautiful neighborhood in the city called "The Lakes" in Østerbro, which reminded me a lot of where I lived in Chicago, near Lake Michigan.

In true Danish style, the entire family showed up to give their support on the sidelines. It ended up being a beautifully warm sunny day in the Hagen, after a cloudy cold start to the morning which gave everyone a bit of energy and set the tone for the day.

We had specific instructions to meet the runners (both Tobias and his cousin Mathias ran) with water at the 7.5 and 15 km marks which were the approximate spots they had stopped for water breaks during their training. The family decided to make the best of these little breaks ourselves and enjoyed coffee and homemade nougat horns (made by Tobias) and gradually made our way to the finish line where we greeted the runners with sandwiches, sodas, and cake for årets første skov tur! (The first picnic of the year). Det var rigtig hyggeligt!


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Dejlig Dessert Klub

My wonderful husband and his bow-tie wearing friend (butterfly på dansk!) have started a lovely little dessert club and I get to be the lucky recipient of the delicious outcomes. Last time they made Sportskage which has nothing to do with sports, actually. It is an amazing concoction of cream, sugar, profiteroles, hazelnut, and marzipan and has about 7,000 calories in the entire cake...or kage. But oh so good.

This time they are making Flødeboller which are a very popular Danish treat and literally translates to cream balls, but in reality they have no cream in them at all. They are more marshmallow based I would say as they consist of sugar, glucose,
egg whites, marzipan (of course!) and are covered in chocolate. You can find these treats pretty much in any convenience store or confectionery shop in Denmark and are often brought to parties
or gatherings.

The next item on the menu is yet to be determined, but I am sure it will be another successful and sweet result. I have no idea what got into these fantastisk fellows to make them want to start a lækkert little dessert klub, but they can keep on meeting and mixing and bringing home the sugar!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

The Power of Networking

Yesterday I went to an event hosted by various organizations through Copenhagen Business School (CBS) called Matchmingler and I have never been more grateful for the education I am receiving which gives me the opportunity to meet so many cool people. CBS has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship and that was essentially the theme of this event. People could come with their own business idea with the chance to bounce it off others, or look for potential business partners.

I went with two Danish classmates and colleagues with our idea to create a consulting service for foreign professionals in Denmark. We wanted to practice our elevator speech, get reactions and insight from others on the idea, and potentially find future business partners to help us get the idea off the ground. We were successful in the fact that the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, but not quite able to help those in need as quickly as we would like. Between the three of us we talked to at least 5 people that need our services now as they are well educated, bright and aspiring students willing to work hard, but unable to find a job in Denmark. I have a hunch the language barrier might be the issue, so hopefully we can work with companies to break down that barrier and bridge the gap.

In addition to bouncing our idea off others, we heard many great ideas from fellow participants and advice from three pretty incredible speakers. The first being Anne Skare Nielsen who calls herself a Chief Futurist, the second Nicolai Moltke-Leth who has a special forces military background and has pushed his physical abilities to the limit, followed by Alex Farcet, the co-founder of Startupbootcamp. An opportunity for future entrepreneurs to bring their business idea to life. That set the stage for a day and evening of open communication and engaging conversation. Something that was good for both mind and soul.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

La Favorite

Today was one of those perfect sounding Sunday's when planned and it turned out to be even better when experienced. The sun was shining in the Hagen, which always puts everyone in a good mood, and the plan was to visit Denmark's oldest confectionery for coffee and cake before watching the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's at the Film Institute. We topped it off with an impromptu stroll through the Botanical Gardens which was the icing on the cake.

La Glace is one of those places you walk by and admire from the outside that lives up to all of your expectations when you finally make it inside. It has a friendly staff, a quaint atmosphere, and cakes and confections galore. Even though I have lived in Europe for a year and a half, I was overwhelmed with how quintessential European this little place really was. From the cramped space, to the vintage photographs on the wall, to the old school water fountain, to the antique coffee pot, everything had an element of history and intrigue.

The place was founded in 1870, but who knows how long the building has been there. Even though it was 3pm on a Sunday afternoon, when most Danes are at home enjoying their families, and 99% of all businesses in Denmark are closed, a stream of people, young and old, tourist and resident, were waiting to be seated or waiting to get inside. We lucked out and found a table as soon as we walked in the door, and took our time soaking up the delicious atmosphere and fantastisk company.

La Glace is definitely one of my favorite places so far in Copenhagen and today was another great memory to add to the list of life in Denmark.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Memories of Rhoni

The purpose of this blog is to write about my life in Denmark. However, every once in a while something so important happens in your home country that it is all you can think about. That for me over the past couple of weeks has been about praying for justice and peace for my cousin Rhoni. I have no doubt that Rhoni has been at peace for the last 3.5 years, as that is just the sort of person she was, but I think her soul would rest a little bit easier knowing that her Mom and Dad and brothers can finally begin to heal.

Memories of her have come flooding back over these past couple of days and my first thought was to write them down in a paper journal, as I did before I moved to Denmark and began writing about my life online. Then I thought, how liberating it would be for others to have a chance to know her, how I knew her. Not as the victim or woman portrayed to be hopelessly in love with a local hero, but as a phenomenal, striking, amazingly beautiful personality of her own.

We were always family, but we became friends shortly after I moved to Chicago in 2001. She had lived there for nearly a decade before I moved to the city, and was many years older, but that didn't stop her from seeking me out and becoming like a big sister to me over the next 8 years. We would meet for brunch or lunch and keep up with each others lives via email throughout the years. We didn't have a regular meeting schedule, but always knew when it was time to see each other again. When we did meet, I was always blown away by her beauty. She radiated it inside and out. The sort of person that you stop and stare at when she walks into a room. People would literally ask me who she was, when we were out together. I'm not sure she ever knew that.

We shared stories of family. She told me I had my mother's eyes and I told her she reminded me of my sister Renee. She told me of her dreams to go into fashion while I was just beginning to figure out mine. The more we talked, the more we realized how similar we were. She was reading about the "Blood Type" diet at the same time I was. We both believed in the benefits of using natural products and eating organic foods. But the one thing that stays with me in our last conversations was our shared belief in a higher purpose, energy, or spiritual realm. A way of living your life where you focused on the good and brought those positive things into your life.

She was in a really good and happy place before she left us. That is the one comfort that I go back to again and again. I hope that good place stays with her in the next realm, and I pray her family can find it again after enough time goes by on earth.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Concert at Christiania

I was lucky enough to have been recently invited to a concert in Christiania, a "freetown" in the middle of Copenhagen with a hippie vibe, featuring an Afro beat band called "Who Are You People." It was one of those nights where everyone smiled at you and the mood was completely chill.

It could be said that the location of the concert, or the mood of the music, or whatever was floating in the air that night, might have had something to do with the 'relaxed' vibe everyone was feeling, but it could also have been one of those nights where people were just a little bit kinder to one another, or a combination of all of the above.

Either way, it was a breath of fresh air and for a second I thought I was back in Madison, Wisconsin attending the "Berkley of the Midwest", dancing to Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans at the Crystal Corner. Which, for those that have no clue what I am talking about, means I was surrounded by good people and good music and "life was good." It was nice to feel that familiarity again, if only for one night, in my new country of residence.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Fastelavnsboller

I've lived in Denmark for 18 months now and this is the first time I have heard of Fastelavn. It's a carnival or special time of year when children (and adults) dress up in costumes and get candy and oranges by hitting a wooden barrel (similar to a piñata) with a black cat painted on the outside. In the old days a black cat actually used to be inside the barrel and was thought to ward off evil spirits.

Sounds a lot like Halloween in the States to me, except there is not a delightfully delicious pastry to go along with the event called a Fastelavnsboller. (Which is so Danish!) And one of the reasons I love living here. The bakeries and the pastries and wonderful customs that are still celebrated even though no one actually knows why at times.

Fastelavn also comes at the same time of year as Mardi Gras which is a big carnival in New Orleans, that is celebrated all over the States. In French it means Fat Tuesday which is the last day of feasting on rich foods and drink before fasting for Easter begins on Ash Wednesday. Even though Denmark is not a religious country, it's comforting to know that similar traditions are an annual calendar event here as well.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Cabin Fever

Right about now I would be booking and/or taking my Mexican vacation if I were gainfully employed and still living in the US. When you are from a part of the country like the Midwest that begins winter in October or November and ends in March or April you need to get that dose of Vitamin D in January or February to keep you going until Spring. So what does one do when the situation has changed from fully to partially employed (on the other side of the world) and I have my nose in the books the other half of the time? Book summer vacation!!

Alas, the picture of Nice, France where we will be spending my first few days of freedom once the Spring semester breaks for Summer vacation in June. Not to mention, our second wedding anniversary which is the icing on the cake, but the ice cream on the side, is the fact that I get to see a good friend I met in Danish class from the South of France, whom I adore.

Next trip for the summer will be with my parents to the Netherlands to trace the family heritage which will be monumental. Particularly since we will be driving through Germany and taking in the countryside along the way. I can hardly wait for July!

Last, but not least, my dear, dear friend Lori Ann will be visiting me in Copenhagen to end the summer on a sweet note. August simply can't get here soon enough!

Monday, February 14, 2011

En Rigtig Fest

This past weekend my Svigerfar (or Father-in law) turned 60 and him and 40 of his closest friends got together for dinner, singing, and dancing.

This was my first 'rigtig' or real Danish birthday party where songs are written especially for the occasion and man of honor. There were three songs written in total and several speeches and laughs along with food and drinks galore.

My favorite part of the night however was when the lights turned low and all the couples got out on the dance floor. I felt like I was watching my parents back in the days when they first met and I realized that soon I would not be able to witness parties such as these as this is not the stuff of my generation.

Couple dancing, like I saw on Saturday must have died somewhere with the later generations. My parents are in their 70's and my husbands parents and friends are in their 50's and 60's but my oldest brothers and sisters who are in their 40's don't dance like this, and never have to my knowledge. That tells me that those born in 1960 and above dance to a different tune.

That's cool that the later generations march to the beat of their own drum and all, but sometimes you just want someone you can dance with.

Home Team in a Foreign Land

This year I watched the Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl with a movie theater filled with Danes. I knew American football had a following in Denmark, but I had never anticipated how large that following actually was.

Since the game started at midnight on this side of the pond, the evening began with a movie at 9pm. We watched the Oscar nominated film The Fighter about an American boxer from Massachusetts and then it was game time. With popcorn and Budweiser in hand, we settled in for 3-4 hours of my home land's national winter past-time.

The theater was 60% Packer fans, 40% Steeler fans by the sounds of the cheers and an exciting game from the start. Even though it was nearly 3am at half-time I was amazed at how awake I was, but coffee was still a nice and necessary treat. Soon it was over and at 5am I found myself riding the Metro home with other Super Bowl fans, ready to get some rest and get back on local time.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Oral Anxiousness

This past month I experienced an entirely new exam technique while receiving my graduate education in Denmark. Oral exams. After each group project or written paper (which often registers as an exam for that class) you need to defend your chosen topic or technique to an instructor accompanied by a censor for approximately 20 minutes.

Only 5 minutes of that time is you talking and the rest of the time is for Q&A and receipt of your grade based on both the quality of your written paper and oral presentation. This is partly to make sure you have done a portion of the work yourself, and not given a free ride from the other group members. I also believe it is done to encourage discussion of issues which is common in the Danish work environment where everyone's opinion on an issue is considered before a decision is made.

However, it's purpose could also be to prepare graduates for presentations in the future or to be fair to those who are better talkers than writers. Either way, most Danes have had to do this since they were in the 8th grade, but for us North Americans, it is a strange and nerve wracking experience. Especially for people like me who prefer writing. (Shocking). I guess it's time to break out of the shell.


Panic at the thought of doing a thing is a challenge to do it. ~Henry S. Haskins

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Top 10 Things I Miss about the US

It's been one and a half weeks since we have been back from our trip to the States and I still can't shake the great feeling we had while there. So in order to get it out of my system, and live in the present, I am dedicating this blog to the good ol' US of A and in David Letterman style, I'll start with number 10.

10. The Golden Globes. They were on this past Sunday and I am still annoyed by the fact that I couldn't watch the red carpet events all day and enjoy an evening of TV and movie star studded bliss.

9. The TV shows. Modern Family, Housewives of Beverly Hills, True Blood, Glee, Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, and the list goes on....SO many new shows I am missing out on. Thankfully, Denmark is influenced by US pop culture so we do get some of these shows, at some point.

8. Starbucks. Even though I have gotten used to the lovely creamy, Euro style lattes, you can't beat a $3.50 latte, any way you want it.

7. Options. I admit that ordering a cheeseburger from Five Guys in Chicago was a little overwhelming. Raw onions or grilled, seriously? But after revisiting one of my favorite stores (Whole Foods) I was in multiple option heaven as I slowly took in all the different types of healthy, organic and creative food selections one could possibly want.

6. Style selection. One thing I have noticed living in Denmark is a lot of the style is the same. At first it all felt unique to me, but the longer I am here, the more I am noticing people wearing similar styles. I know the same thing happens in the US, but my past trip reminded me of the variety of stores and selection to choose from to make your style stand out from the crowd.

5. Prices. Which brings us to cost. You can't do the above if it costs a fortune, so the fact that the prices are a lot more reasonable in the US means you can expand your wardrobe and are not only limited to stores within your price range.

4. Friendliness. Danes may be the happiest people on earth, but you would never know it in public. They keep to themselves and avoid eye contact, whereas I saw several people walking down the street in Chicago with a hint of a smile on their face, and even said hello. Perfect strangers! It felt so good.

3. The sun. Even though the Midwest is colder in temperature in the winter, the weather is more dry and the sun often shines with glorious blue sky. It has been gray everyday since I have been back and I dearly miss the sun. It does wonders for the mood!

2. Customer service. Walking into stores in the US is a downright pleasure. There was only one time within two weeks where the service was overwhelming and borderline annoying, but I would rather put up with it than not have it at all.

1. My family and friends. This goes without saying. My heart hurts when I think of the fact that I am missing my newest little nephew and godson change and grow everyday, not to mention be there for my sisters and best friends, but all I can say is thank goodness for Skype!