Wednesday, August 29, 2012

I live in Denmark now...

Hello! I am writing from MY apartment in Denmark. That is a pretty nice feeling. It's clear to me how important it is to make this place feel homey and MINE. It is also clear that when you travel with two bags you do not have the possibility to create so much clutter. A novelty for me to be sure!

The trip here was great - made friends with two very eager SPU nursing students headed off for their European adventure. One very quietly confident and kind, the other a freaking spark plug. We spent about 15 minutes guessing each others' names at the gate in Seatac and then they ended up sitting right behind me on the flight to Reykjavik. Once in Iceland (WHAT A FUNKY PLACE EVEN FROM THE AIRPORT) I met an elderly woman from Edmonds who grew up in Norway and was off to visit relatives. Her granddaughter, my age, was traveling with her to help - and of course see Norway herself. I could feel that I was in the state of mind to meet people happily and openly.

When I landed in Copenhagen I headed straight for y friend's house.... but I underestimated how far it is from the metro. No matter, it was good weather for pulling a hundred pounds of luggage across the city. Many people - often Danes themselves - go on and on about how cold and stiff Danes are. In my personal experience that has never been quite the case. Yes, they don't want to grin at me on the metro and might not giggle and hug nearly as much as me, but those aren't the truest measures of warmth anyway. Emerging from the metro I boldly attempted to lug my bags up three flights of stairs... I made it about two steps before two middle aged women offered to grab one of my bags shortly followed by two groups of young people who carried the other. Clearly wondering why anyone needed that much stuff they asked where I was from. When I explained I was staying for graduate school they were so extremely excited and surprised. One of the ladies practically exclaimed as I was headed down the street, "Enjoy Denmark!!"

I will do my best.

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