It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... Mostly it was the best of times!
My year abroad had its ups and downs and has finally come to a close. I would say it's been everything I hoped it would be: new, interesting, eye-opening, a chance to meet great people and see life in a new way... and it's been far more than just that.
There were some down-sides to my trip. Winding up in Denmark via Holland was tumultuous and surprising to say the least. Once in Denmark I learned that the weather isn't much to boast about, and things are incredibly expensive by my American standards. I lived in a tiny village which was really tough at times. But in the end, I loved it. All of it. I met some dear, wonderful people along the way and every challenge brought lessons that I now hold with tremendous pride.
Read on for some anecdotes and highlights from my time there!
My Danish kids! Patricia and Viggo were my life in so many ways. I love these guys, and felt honored when Viggo made the observation "I have three parents: Lars, Mette and Lynae". It was very true that I was completely at home in their family. And it was thanks to them (their whole family) that I ended up with a redneck Fynsk accent when I speak Danish. :)
The fountain in Svendborg. The city where I spent most of my time is really beautiful.
Just an ordinary house in town.
Someone is having a little "yard sale" in the passageway between houses. (pictured below)
Town square (pun intended).
Did I mention it's expensive there? Cheap eats would be a pita or kabab, which runs around 70 kroner ($13). The generic bottle of shampoo from a grocery store costs around 45 kroner (nearly $9). And if I want a beer at the pub, it was 25 for the cheap one, 50 for a good one ($5 or $10). Going to music on a Tuesday night meant shelling out 125 kroner at the door (nearly $25) just to get in. Did I mention that was a Tuesday night?
Being stateside again feels dreamy.... the land of plenty indeed! Everything is about half the price here, sometimes cheaper.
For my birthday the family treated me to a Danish birthday doughnut. They also put the Danish flags out all over the house and on the driveway (a Danish tradition) and sang to me in Danish! It was a bit like this video. I'm the one with the floppy ears ;).
Everyone bikes! I found it really unbelievable when I was first there, but now I love this cultural difference about Holland and Denmark both. Biking is just very ordinary there. This picture was taken outside the local high school - but doesn't do it justice. There were hundreds of bikes parked out in the snow all winter long.
Kahytten is one of many old pubs in town due to Svendborg being a drinking well for so many sailors. This became a favorite hangout and got affectionately nicknamed "Hooters". My favorite (in a love/hate kind of way) was Thursday karaoke nights when the locals would all sing along to the likes of John Mogensen and Bamse.
Another favorite place, Maskinen ("The Machine"), had guests such as this Balkin/Turkish pop group which was absolutely a blast to listen and dance to! If you care to give it a listen, they are called Klepti Klepti, and though some would argue they are an acquired taste, they won me over instantly!
I was lucky to have many great friends while there, and though the locals aren't known for being friendly I was lucky enough to make some fast friends.
My partner in crime, dear friend and a brilliant woman who taught me about all things Danish: Maiken.
And of course, my danish life would not be complete without a shout-out to Hans Christian Andersen.
I wouldn't say life there was a piece of cake. It was just life. Full of many ordinary things, yet with many extraordinary moments in the mix.
Just another typical Danish breakfast: homemade rye bread with butter, goat cheese and strawberry jam, and a soft boiled egg.
As I said my farewell's to those nearest and dearest, I was treated to an amazing 5-course meal at the local Kro by my hosts, Mette and Lars. They are lovely, dear people and enjoying this with them make this night one to be remembered!
Farvel Danmark, jeg vil savne dig!
Goodbye Denmark, I will miss you!
