Viking Holiday

For my thirty faux birthday, my husband and I in true Viking style, took to the sea for a weekend of leisure. We sailed to Oslo to check out Norwegian country.

This was especially fun for me as I was surrounded by my own little Norway in the Midwest as a child. I grew up next to a little town called Westby, where a lot of Norwegians settled. Names like Hansen and Petersen were very common to me in school which is probably one of the reasons I have felt right at home here in Scandinavia.

Sailing into Oslo I also realized why they must have felt right at home when they settled into the US. Wisconsin is a spitting image of Norway. For a second we felt like we were on the Mississippi River, not the Oslofjord Bay. Hills and valleys of green speckled with houses of yellow and red. It was beautiful, and actually made me a little homesick.

Change of Dress

Summer has finally bestowed its lovely self upon Denmark and I am happily smiling while I sweat it out. AC is not the norm in this earth friendly country which means the buses and trains are stifling and sometimes it's hard to sleep at night, but who needs sleep when you have warm summer nights to enjoy!

I never thought I would get a chance to bust out my summer dresses, tank tops, and flip flops in this Scandinavian land, but the past month or so has been absolutely gorgeous and provided plenty of opportunities to soak up the rays.

One thing that is definitely different however is how strong the sun is. In the Midwest we only need to be wary between 12pm and 2pm. Here, I can sit out after 3pm and still get tan, or burnt.

Another thing that is different is how young everyone dresses. Leggings and stripes can be seen in all seasons, but my favorite is when I see modern and stylish women in their prime years of life not afraid to show a little leg. Now that's something to aspire to!

Back to School

After a year of planning and waiting and insisting that I qualify - I have finally been accepted to a Masters Program at Copenhagen Business School. This was a close call and a battle almost lost because of the differences in my American education but I am happily toting my bags to summer school so I can 'officially' be accepted come Fall.

This means I have to take my nemesis of a class called Accounting and then the subject that is like breathing to me called Marketing. Why Marketing is a requirement completely baffles me, but I knew I was two tiny little nothing points short on the requirements in Accounting. So I am struggling through. Actually the subject matter isn't so bad, it's the time intensive problem solving that sucks the life out of you.

My professors are American, so I get a little taste of home during each lecture and while I still sometimes want to throw my Accounting book into the bin, I channel my good friend in the USA, the CPA, and try to appreciate the language of Accounting.

The Hats are Back

It's that time of year again when Danish high school students walk around the city proudly wearing their graduation hats to signify to the rest of the world they are close to completing their education. Another reminder of that tradition is when groups of recent grads drive around the city in decorated trucks honking and screaming to the world that they are finished with school.

The first time I witnessed this unique Danish tradition last year I was shocked and confused as it goes against the quiet and introverted way Danes live their private lives, but I found myself smiling at the students wearing the hats this year and have even found the screaming and honking endearing. It sort of reminds me of homecoming parades back in the day, back in the US of A.

It's truly amazing what a year can do to your perspective! I am either becoming more Danish or less affected by the differences between our two countries.

One Year Wiser

A year ago today my husband and I began the journey called marriage. Every new couple adjusts to this new status differently, but when you are a bi-country couple, the obstacles are automatically higher.

No matter where you live, one person is always outside of their normal surroundings or home country. Away from family, friends, condo, city and the job that you love. Without all of these things, it requires you to figure out the kind of person you are.

It requires a lot of patience, understanding, listening, and expectation checking. It forces you to be honest about the things that you really need in your life to make you happy, and to let go of the things that just aren't as important.

At the end of the day, or month, or year, I have come away from my experience in a foreign land and in a new relationship status, a little bit wiser. I have realized it is not what you have that defines you and makes you happy. It's who you have in your life.

Homecoming

Last weekend we made the annual trip to Germany to stock up on beer, liquor, soda, and confections. That may sound strange, but as it turns out Danish products are cheaper in Germany than they are in Denmark. So the Danes go across the border to bring their goods back home.

Since Germany basically borders Denmark, and is just a 45 minute ferry ride away, it is a fairly normal procedure. What I witnessed was families with "ferry picnics" fueling up on food and drink before the marathon race in the border shop, which reminded me of a Costco or Sam's Club back in the US, where buying in bulk is the main attraction.

The same happens with the Swedes. They come to Denmark to load up on alcohol because it is cheaper in Denmark than in Sweden. However, the Danes go to Sweden for clothes for the same reason. Confusing yes, but all I know is this.

Wherever you live in the world, there is always something else, somewhere close where you can get a better deal. For the Wisconsinite, that's shopping for clothes in Minnesota and for the Chicagolander, that's buying Fireworks in Wisconsin. The only difference is you don't need a passport.

Royal Modernists

Denmark may have the oldest monarchy in the world, but the successors to the throne are young, modern and vibrant.

The latest royal tourist attraction open to the public is the renovated apartment of the Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary in the Amalienborg Castle located in downtown Copenhagen.

I took the time to be a tourist for a day and grabbed a sneak peak inside the lives of Royals. What I found was a traditional castle turned into a modern living space. The backdrop of the castles gold rimmed doors and crystal chandeliers were complimented by colorful wall paintings and murals selected by some of Denmark's finest artists.

My favorite room was called "The World Room" which had a contemporary, almost rock and roll feel to it with black walls and white outlines of continents and countries with personal touches and messages, only those close to the Royals may understand. Tasmania was clearly marked, as that is where the Crown Princess is from, and I have a sneaky suspicion the Crown Prince may be a fan of Soundgarden.

The space that took the cake however, was the stairway to additional floors. Amazing, almost indescribable circular lights emerged from the walls designed with criss cross lit tubing reflected by mirrors giving the space a warm glow. Complimenting the look was a silver constructed piece of art hanging on the ceiling several floors above made to look like waves.

I left feeling grateful I took the time to visit and inspired to keep working on my own little castle in the land where tradition and modern design collide.