Aww Christmas time. A time to be with family. Although, I was not with my real family I still felt surrounded by love. It started out with a visit to my first host family and they gave me my christmas present. I didnt open it until Christmas, of course, but it was a backpack that i have wanted since I arrived. There is a kind of swedish backpack that is a super popular trend here and will just always remind of Denmark when I look at it. I couldnt believe that my host family had remembered how badly I wanted it. After getting that wonderful surprise, I went out to my grandmothers house with my host family on christmas eve. Christmas here is similar but not the same at all. The presents are opened on christmas eve and you dance and sing around the christmas tree and santa literally visits, not while you are asleep to deliver presents, he hands them to you. When we were running around the christmas tree singing and dancing there were candles lit on the christmas tree. A HUGE FIRE HAZARD but that didnt stop anything. On the last song we even ran around outside and through the whole house while holding hands. It was so funny and so much fun, my host brother and i couldnt stop laughing. For christmas I got my brother a morphsuit which is a kind of costume that covers your whole body and it was quite the site to see. It was soo funny to see him running around the house in it so pleased with it. I feel really close to my brother. Along with the fun customs, the food was delicious. To start i had caviar with quail eggs on white bread, duck, pork, potatoes, and red cabbage. Then for dessert a rice dish with a little twist. It is rice pudding with chunks of almonds but there is one whole almond in there and we all take scoops of the rice with a little berry dressing. When you eat the pudding you have to find the one whole almond which means sifting through the food in your mouth before eating it and if you find the almond you have to keep it in your mouth but finish your rice dish, quite odd. But whoever has the whole almond gets a little extra present. It involves a lot of joking and odd facial expressions while trying to find the almond. It doesnt help either that you cant eat a lot because the pudding hits your stomach like a rock. I love danish food because it is all so delicious and traditional. The dinner conversation didnt lack either. I had to explain what a muffin top was to my family (fat rolls) which was so funny because they just didnt understand and really were trying to grasp the meaning. Another part of the night that was really different for me was the opening of the presents. In my family my brother and I are the youngest so we always get the most presents and open ours first and are always at the kids table and pass out the gifts to everyone else but for the first time i had three younger cousins. It was Christmas from a whole different perspective. For once, i stayed at the adult table and laughed and talked with them then watched the younger cousins open gifts and oh so patiently waited for them to give me my couple presents. It was so cute to see their joy and i enjoyed this perspective. Speaking of cute things, they had this forty year old turtle that was not shy at all and i was feeding and it fell asleep on my neck and it just was so sweet, i loved it. Even after all that I received the best christmas present of all, a phone call to my mom. Skype is a gift from God but theres something about a scheduled time to talk that takes away the sentimental value of talking so far away. But this time, it was a total surprise. The second she realized it was me she started crying and I started crying but it was so good to hear her voice, I cant even express the joy i felt after hearing her voice over the phone after so long. As if Christmas evening wasnt enough the fun just kept coming. That night Frederik and I watched a movie and talked for a couple hours and I really felt like he was a big brother to me. I feel like I can talk to him and I really enjoy his company. He is the older brother Ive always wanted.
The next morning, Christmas morning, we woke up exhausted but the festivities werent over. It was a little odd for me to wake up and not have christmas presents but my packages from my mom and friend had arrived so it was a little like christmas morning but not exactly the same. Talk about perfect timing though. Later that day we went to my host dad's side of the family. It was much more low key and there were no younger cousins so it was just relaxing to have lunch together and i even got a couple more christmas presents which i wasnt expecting because I really didnt expect to get anything.
Unlike in America christmas here lasts three days. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas so even on Monday I had something to do. I went with my friend Christina to her family's julefrokost (christmas lunch). I met her whole family and we talked and played cards and also played bingo but it was so different from in America. The cards werent the same and we played for prizes. In the center of the table were a bunch of gifts lined up and the person that won each round got to pick a gift. It was a really neat idea because we teased each other and laughed and it brought us together. I might just have to bring that tradition back home with me.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Just Another Goodbye.
To recap the past couple weeks:
1. Christmas Fun:
The Rotex (past exchange students) put together a little christmas gift exchange for us with the danes that are going out on exchange next year. It was fun to meet them because they all had questions of course and we also got to play a Danish traditional game, it is similar to the swap that is common in America but not everyone ends up with a gift at the end. It was also the last little get together for the oldies in our district but we still make ways to see each other which brings me to number 2.
2. Goodbye oldies:
This goes in to two parts. The first time was an official, little, hyggeligt get together. We just talked and danced a little bit and laughed. The second time was when one of the exchange students from Brazil, Gustavo, asked us all to join in Copenhagen for his last thursday. I couldn't believe that it was his last thursday, on exchange you just feel like it will never end. At the end of the night when I officially had to say goodbye to him i couldn't stop crying. This could be a forever goodbye and I cant stand to think about it. That is the hardest part of exchange, no doubt, to say goodbye. You grow to love every single person.
3. But back to the happy, my first family. I went to visit them again and O it was wonderful. I just feel like they are truly my siblings and parents. I love every second I spend with them. Dinner at their house is non stop laughs and being with Kirsten just is indescribable. She calls me her party girl and always jokes with me and hugs me like i havn't seen her for a year. I love that family so much and I know that I say that every time I talk about them on this blog but every time I see them my love grows, no joke.
4. On top of the joy that my first family gives me, this host family makes me just as happy. My host brother and I made chocolate chip cookies together today and it was so fantastic. The simplest of things makes our bond stronger. We laughed and joked the whole time, shared music, and talked about movies. I really enjoy his company and he's the older brother that I have always wanted.
5. The good news just keeps rolling. I GOT MY PACKAGES!! For two weeks now I have been waiting for packages from my mom and my friend. They couldn't have come at a better time. Christmas is a little more difficult than I could imagine because it doesn't feel like christmas. America has commercialized christmas so much while Denmark has kept christmas as a small, family holiday and I think I am so used to the American version that it doesn't seem right any other way. The package contained a stocking and food and presents and it just reminds me of being home because my friend and family's personality reflected in everything they gave me. It makes me miss home but at the same time, I love Denmark so much. I am excited for Christmas but at the same time a little apprehensive because I don't know how I will feel but we will see. I am excited to see how my family likes their gifts.
An update to all after christmas. GOD JUL OG GODT NYTÅR. merry christmas and happy new year <3
1. Christmas Fun:
The Rotex (past exchange students) put together a little christmas gift exchange for us with the danes that are going out on exchange next year. It was fun to meet them because they all had questions of course and we also got to play a Danish traditional game, it is similar to the swap that is common in America but not everyone ends up with a gift at the end. It was also the last little get together for the oldies in our district but we still make ways to see each other which brings me to number 2.
2. Goodbye oldies:
This goes in to two parts. The first time was an official, little, hyggeligt get together. We just talked and danced a little bit and laughed. The second time was when one of the exchange students from Brazil, Gustavo, asked us all to join in Copenhagen for his last thursday. I couldn't believe that it was his last thursday, on exchange you just feel like it will never end. At the end of the night when I officially had to say goodbye to him i couldn't stop crying. This could be a forever goodbye and I cant stand to think about it. That is the hardest part of exchange, no doubt, to say goodbye. You grow to love every single person.
3. But back to the happy, my first family. I went to visit them again and O it was wonderful. I just feel like they are truly my siblings and parents. I love every second I spend with them. Dinner at their house is non stop laughs and being with Kirsten just is indescribable. She calls me her party girl and always jokes with me and hugs me like i havn't seen her for a year. I love that family so much and I know that I say that every time I talk about them on this blog but every time I see them my love grows, no joke.
4. On top of the joy that my first family gives me, this host family makes me just as happy. My host brother and I made chocolate chip cookies together today and it was so fantastic. The simplest of things makes our bond stronger. We laughed and joked the whole time, shared music, and talked about movies. I really enjoy his company and he's the older brother that I have always wanted.
5. The good news just keeps rolling. I GOT MY PACKAGES!! For two weeks now I have been waiting for packages from my mom and my friend. They couldn't have come at a better time. Christmas is a little more difficult than I could imagine because it doesn't feel like christmas. America has commercialized christmas so much while Denmark has kept christmas as a small, family holiday and I think I am so used to the American version that it doesn't seem right any other way. The package contained a stocking and food and presents and it just reminds me of being home because my friend and family's personality reflected in everything they gave me. It makes me miss home but at the same time, I love Denmark so much. I am excited for Christmas but at the same time a little apprehensive because I don't know how I will feel but we will see. I am excited to see how my family likes their gifts.
An update to all after christmas. GOD JUL OG GODT NYTÅR. merry christmas and happy new year <3
Monday, December 12, 2011
Odense
This past weekend I took a little trip to Odense to visit my friend Isabel and say goodbye to the oldies (exchange students that came in January/ February and are leaving in the next month or so). It was awesome to see everyone but saying goodbye was really hard. I have only known the oldies for four months and already it was heart breaking to realize that it was the last time i would ever see them, i cant imagine how its going to be when i have to say goodbye to the group that i came with. I cant bear to even think about it.
On the happier side my second host family is amazing. I am adjusting quite quickly and I cant believe how lucky I am to be with such wonderful families. Little stuff may get in the way like getting my keys stolen, having a bike stolen, breaking a cellphone but besides the little crap that looks like it should stand in your way i feel untouchable. My exchange is just too full of wonder, adventure, and amazing components that I cant stand to dwell on the little.
On the happier side my second host family is amazing. I am adjusting quite quickly and I cant believe how lucky I am to be with such wonderful families. Little stuff may get in the way like getting my keys stolen, having a bike stolen, breaking a cellphone but besides the little crap that looks like it should stand in your way i feel untouchable. My exchange is just too full of wonder, adventure, and amazing components that I cant stand to dwell on the little.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
New Family
As you read I just moved in with my second host family. They are absolutely fantastic people. My brother, Frederik, is smart and funny and just really wonderful and my parents are so willing to help and just seek to make me comfortable and assure that I have the best year of my life. Their names are Pernille and Kim. The weekend started off a little chaotic. On saturday I had to pack everything (it was a lot) and move and I had a cold so it was all a little overwhelming. I settled in and got more comfortable and got to spend some time with them, it was meget hyggeligt:] On sunday Pernille's side of the family came over and we made christmas decorations. As fantastic as it was to be with her family it made me miss my family that much more. My cousins, and my aunts and uncles, and grandparents. I just wanted to be with them so bad but no complaints im the luckiest girl in the world right now. Just being with them was great and my host family now speaks mostly danish which hopefully means I will get really good really quickly. My understanding has gotten really good but theres always room for improvement and i just want to be fluent already. Hopefully it will all come together after christmas!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The First of December
O these silly danes. It is the first of december and they are acting as if it is the 24th. If they are this excited for the first day of the month I cant wait to see what the next 24 days holds for me.
Well it has been a while since ive posted but there are only a few things to catch up on. First off I went to Tivoli again the other day but this time with a bunch of exchange students from Odense (a different part of Denmark, about an hour and a half away). I really liked seeing them because I havnt seen them since Holbæk. Of course it was crazy running around the park with them because you put a bunch of exchange students together and its never boring. On top of all the excitement of Tivoli I move on Saturday. My mind is blown, already one third through exchange!! I am so excited to be with this new family but at the same time im being taken out of my comfort zone again. I love my host family as much as I love my real family. They are such amazing people and I couldnt thank them enough for everything theyve done. Ida is so funny and carefree and wonderful to be around. She makes me laugh and the way she enjoys life makes me aspire to be like her. Anne is so charismatic and ready to sing and dance. She is so smart and I could see her helping many many people when she gets out of law school. She has a big heart and she is so caring. Now Mads, that boy will change the world. He is a genius and he is funny and willing to help with anything but at the same time he will not hesitate to challenge you. He sticks up for what he thinks and stands by it no matter what. He is going to have a huge impact on this world, i know it. Christian is the best older host brother i couldve asked for. He is hilarious!!! Although he wasnt around much because of school he always seeked to tell me something interesting when he was here and seemed to always have a question in mind to get the answer to. I get the impression he wants to know everything. For Kirsten and Thyge, O my. On top of raising four amazing childrem, they themselves are just as amazing. They have never hesitated to help me with anything and they are always so willing to show me everything Denmark has to offer. Kirsten is my party girl. She makes me laugh and could cheer up the darkest days. She has a beautiful appreciation and on top of her amazing personality she is the best cook. Thyge is among one of the most resourceful men ive ever met. He knows things that I wouldnt even think of. Thyge always goes to the positive and has the cheekiest laugh ive ever seen. All in all this family was more than I couldve ever hoped for in a first host family. I love them with all my heart and I will never forget them.
Well it has been a while since ive posted but there are only a few things to catch up on. First off I went to Tivoli again the other day but this time with a bunch of exchange students from Odense (a different part of Denmark, about an hour and a half away). I really liked seeing them because I havnt seen them since Holbæk. Of course it was crazy running around the park with them because you put a bunch of exchange students together and its never boring. On top of all the excitement of Tivoli I move on Saturday. My mind is blown, already one third through exchange!! I am so excited to be with this new family but at the same time im being taken out of my comfort zone again. I love my host family as much as I love my real family. They are such amazing people and I couldnt thank them enough for everything theyve done. Ida is so funny and carefree and wonderful to be around. She makes me laugh and the way she enjoys life makes me aspire to be like her. Anne is so charismatic and ready to sing and dance. She is so smart and I could see her helping many many people when she gets out of law school. She has a big heart and she is so caring. Now Mads, that boy will change the world. He is a genius and he is funny and willing to help with anything but at the same time he will not hesitate to challenge you. He sticks up for what he thinks and stands by it no matter what. He is going to have a huge impact on this world, i know it. Christian is the best older host brother i couldve asked for. He is hilarious!!! Although he wasnt around much because of school he always seeked to tell me something interesting when he was here and seemed to always have a question in mind to get the answer to. I get the impression he wants to know everything. For Kirsten and Thyge, O my. On top of raising four amazing childrem, they themselves are just as amazing. They have never hesitated to help me with anything and they are always so willing to show me everything Denmark has to offer. Kirsten is my party girl. She makes me laugh and could cheer up the darkest days. She has a beautiful appreciation and on top of her amazing personality she is the best cook. Thyge is among one of the most resourceful men ive ever met. He knows things that I wouldnt even think of. Thyge always goes to the positive and has the cheekiest laugh ive ever seen. All in all this family was more than I couldve ever hoped for in a first host family. I love them with all my heart and I will never forget them.
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