So, a few days back marked my one-month point of my exchange here in Denmark. Being the introspective, reflective sorta-sappy person that I am, I figured I would summarize where I am in this whole adventure.
1. Adventure is the perfect word. I usually think people are being a little dramatic when they talk about having 'adventures', but I think I now really know what this word means. Everyday I really don't have any idea what I might encounter, I'm always meeting new people and places, and funny language miscommunication is around every corner. I have never felt more like I am in a fairy tale, oh, and the fact that when I look outside my window there's a cathedral doesn't really help. Haha:)
2. I really freaking love this country, and I am so, so lucky to be on exchange here. Again with the sap- I know, but almost everyday I think to myself, 'whoah. This is a really awesome place.'.
3. Danish food is very distinctive and really good. LOTS of meat and bread, and lots of cakes and sweet things. Basically it's viking mixed with the genius of modern-day danish candy makers.
4. Danes are sarcastic, and if someone says something to you that seems really uncalled for...assume sarcasm. From what I've seen, there's almost always good intention behind the bitter, sharp mannerism.
5. Opportunites to do stuff you like to do, and meet people you want to meet, are all over the place- you just have to look. Yesterday I started a visual-art-school kinda thing that's six hours a week, and I'm really excited about it. I'm also signed up for some other art classes, and I'm part of a social-activism-type group. I'm also on the school newspaper! Basically, extra-curriculars aren't going to jump out at you in Denmark, but with a little motivation and seeking, you can find a place to do what you love to do.
6. DO NOT TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY. If you say something about yourself that's arrogant, the response is either gonna be a smirk, or, if you're lucky, a sarcastic comment that'll make you laugh at yourself. Basically, this is really cool because I've rarely heard people bragging(unless, of course, it's about drinking or sex. Don't get crazy, of course. We're in Denmark.;), and when I have it's usually followed by eye-rolling.
7. Well, let's just say I am definitely not fluent in Danish yet. However, things are moving along pretty smoothly, so we'll see where I am in a few months. Basically it's hard, but I'm getting somewhere at least.
8. DANISH BIRTHDAYS ARE THE BEST. My next post will be starring my ever-lovely younger host sister, because she had a birthday this past monday! IT WAS SO FUN.
9. The work-life balance in denmark is pretty essential. Or, in my family at least. Like, yes, you work hard and do you work well, but at the end of the day you hang out together with your family, talk to each other, care about each other, etc. I'm not exactly sure how common this is, but my family sits together to eat most times, and it's not like we just sit and stare at each other-- everyone cares about everyone elses lives, and this is SUCH a nice thing.
10. Having other exchange student friends, and ALSO having danes as friends is a good way to about stuff. Having other exchange students to talk to about your experiences, practice your muddy/awful danish, and get icecream with is really cool-- but also having danish friends is kind of the point of being on exchange, so, well, yes.
Basically, I am having the time of my life and ROSKILDE IS MARVELOUS! I freaking love this city. More updates to come super super soon! Also, flip book #1 is on the way! Keep an eye out.
Write ASAP,
Vi se's guys!
-Rowen
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