17. January. 2010

My first day in Denmark has been quite the experience in the most positive light. Although the plane trip wasn’t as I hoped, for my chair didn’t recline, I managed to make it safely with both 50 pound bags in hand! My fellow students laughed at my attempt to shuttle all of my luggage into the DIS (Danish Institute for Studies) charter bus. Needless to say, I am a strong independent woman---and found a male to help me :).

Waiting for me at in the host family pickup room were three blonde Klausens. They were very friendly and drove me to their home. I had my own room with an American flag on the desk as well as a newly purchased hairdryer. Hehe :) My Dad would snicker at my high maintenance attitudes which yes, may have traveled with me across the world in tiny ways. I experienced my first culture miscommunication when I needed to use the bathroom immediately! I hadn’t gone to the bathroom since before the plane ride. Well, my host sibling (18 year old, male named Tim) escorted me into a room without a toilet. I immediately began panicking thinking I would have to go outside into the cold tundra and use a bathroom in an outhouse. Much to my surprise I wandered the house, after I pretended to wash my hands, and found a toilet upstairs. Little did I know bathroom means a room with a shower and a sink. While a toilet, means a room with a toilet. Yay, toilets do exist in Denmark!

I also had my first experience with a set “tea-time”. Tea time in the Klausen’s house is set on the weekends around 1 p.m. your time or 13 o’clock in Denmark. Trying not to let my picky eating habits get the better of me, I accepted the tea; however, with three large table spoons of sugar! Needless to say, it was delicious. Lunch time in Denmark traditionally includes one piece of bread with meats, cheese, or other toppings such as (anchovies, tomatoes, and other delicious things I am sssooo in love with :(. Dinner was fantastic for I had chicken, broccoli, pasta, and wine!

After dinner we played the Danish version of Sorry and we all headed to bed. My first day was filled with excitement and nerves for I unpacked my clothes and it hit me that I will be here for 4-5 more months. However, talking with you all has made it feel like home. I miss you all very much and will be sending you another update shortly. Orientation starts tomorrow so it may be a few days! However, I explore the city and will have pictures to update.

Tak! (Thanks)
Chelsea