Apparently I haven't been posting enough according to the tastes of my new friend Hege. She isn't really (sorry) my prime audience given that I get to see her on a regular basis. But I'll dedicate this post to her anyway.
Things are overall still going well. I have to remind myself that it's ok to be tired, to need alone time. I don't need the go-go-go attitude because I really want to settle in and make a happy sustainable life for myself. Copenhagen can be both an incredibly easy place to be and a really cold/rough place. I will write more about this when I have more energy... but in some ways I think the culture shock I'm having here strikes a different, perhaps more personal chord than it did for me in Thailand or India. I need to mull it over before I try to put it into words. Today I did have a great conversation with a Canadian who is also on my program and has been living in Copenhagen for over a year. She confirmed what I was feeling - which is always wonderfully reassuring. She has lived in Syria for six months and various other places as well.
While I ponder this.... some more photos of Nørrebro:
Facts about me:
The shampoo I use is called "Nordic Hair Care" and the tagline is: "Fint, Nordisk Hår - Hennot Pohjoismaiset Hiukset" That's Danish then Finnish for "Fine Nordic Hair!"
Last weekend I went to an "underground feminist year-end party" that a Danish classmate invited me to. I spent a lot of the weekend wandering around with my new friends and showing THEM places in Copenhagen - kind of a novel role reversal for me! I successfully managed to navigate us to this funky venue with wonderful stuff all over the walls and a nice vibe. Our friend from school wasn't there yet so we lingered outside for a bit but then dove in and danced for I think over two hours before she showed up, hahaha.... she was at a cousin's birthday party.
Last night I joined the HIA (Humanity in Action) Denmark Senior Fellows Board! I was unable to attend the general assembly at the end of the summer but had expressed interest in joining... I thought it wouldn't be possible so I was just showing up to hopefully be able to join on in some projects that need extra hands on. But turns out Linda, the President of the board and all around fantastic human who has the effect of calming everyone/thing around her, had already had adding me to the board as an agenda item. After the meeting I stayed out with a couple others, went to a cafe. It was cosy.
Had a roommate bonding night this weekend watching "Klokkeren fra Notre Dame" - the Hunchback of Notre Dame in Danish. Teehee. Mirjam (my roommate) also has Mulan and Parent Trap in Danish... and some other slightly more sophisticated stuff.
While wandering around Vanløse headed towards my friend's house to pick up the bike she is letting me borrow for the year, I made friends with a lovely older lady and her Westie!!! MOM, here's lookin at you. The Westie is 11 year old and his name is Tiko. We spoke for about 15 minutes, all in Danish! Which got me to thinking.... older people are often so patient. And less often great at English. And always a group of people I like being around. So my roommate suggested that I volunteer with the Red Cross in a sort of adopt-a-grandparent program they have. We'll see how much time I have.... but I think it could be really lovely.
Today a Danish student from my program and I made a pact to teach each other Danish/English! We're going to meet once a week and exchange lessons. She is already quite good at English (duh) but wants to expand her vocabulary and improve her writing. I need lots of help. We're going to start with pronunciation and general conversation. I also really like her so there's a not so hidden agenda of making friends... :)
Satisfied, Hege?
Some photos of my neighborhood:
This is my apartment building.
Things are overall still going well. I have to remind myself that it's ok to be tired, to need alone time. I don't need the go-go-go attitude because I really want to settle in and make a happy sustainable life for myself. Copenhagen can be both an incredibly easy place to be and a really cold/rough place. I will write more about this when I have more energy... but in some ways I think the culture shock I'm having here strikes a different, perhaps more personal chord than it did for me in Thailand or India. I need to mull it over before I try to put it into words. Today I did have a great conversation with a Canadian who is also on my program and has been living in Copenhagen for over a year. She confirmed what I was feeling - which is always wonderfully reassuring. She has lived in Syria for six months and various other places as well.
While I ponder this.... some more photos of Nørrebro:
Facts about me:
The shampoo I use is called "Nordic Hair Care" and the tagline is: "Fint, Nordisk Hår - Hennot Pohjoismaiset Hiukset" That's Danish then Finnish for "Fine Nordic Hair!"
Last weekend I went to an "underground feminist year-end party" that a Danish classmate invited me to. I spent a lot of the weekend wandering around with my new friends and showing THEM places in Copenhagen - kind of a novel role reversal for me! I successfully managed to navigate us to this funky venue with wonderful stuff all over the walls and a nice vibe. Our friend from school wasn't there yet so we lingered outside for a bit but then dove in and danced for I think over two hours before she showed up, hahaha.... she was at a cousin's birthday party.
Last night I joined the HIA (Humanity in Action) Denmark Senior Fellows Board! I was unable to attend the general assembly at the end of the summer but had expressed interest in joining... I thought it wouldn't be possible so I was just showing up to hopefully be able to join on in some projects that need extra hands on. But turns out Linda, the President of the board and all around fantastic human who has the effect of calming everyone/thing around her, had already had adding me to the board as an agenda item. After the meeting I stayed out with a couple others, went to a cafe. It was cosy.
Had a roommate bonding night this weekend watching "Klokkeren fra Notre Dame" - the Hunchback of Notre Dame in Danish. Teehee. Mirjam (my roommate) also has Mulan and Parent Trap in Danish... and some other slightly more sophisticated stuff.
While wandering around Vanløse headed towards my friend's house to pick up the bike she is letting me borrow for the year, I made friends with a lovely older lady and her Westie!!! MOM, here's lookin at you. The Westie is 11 year old and his name is Tiko. We spoke for about 15 minutes, all in Danish! Which got me to thinking.... older people are often so patient. And less often great at English. And always a group of people I like being around. So my roommate suggested that I volunteer with the Red Cross in a sort of adopt-a-grandparent program they have. We'll see how much time I have.... but I think it could be really lovely.
Today a Danish student from my program and I made a pact to teach each other Danish/English! We're going to meet once a week and exchange lessons. She is already quite good at English (duh) but wants to expand her vocabulary and improve her writing. I need lots of help. We're going to start with pronunciation and general conversation. I also really like her so there's a not so hidden agenda of making friends... :)
Satisfied, Hege?
Some photos of my neighborhood:
This is my apartment building.
I am!
ReplyDeleteHi Alice,
ReplyDeleteYour Aunt Mary's sister here. I have been enjoying your blog - especially your comments about the culture and government.
I'm also glad to hear that there are underground feminist year-end parties, and that you are attending them.
Susan