I cannot believe I am finally in Denmark! After months of anticipation I am finally beginning my first trip to Europe! I will be spending the next four months studying at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen and living with a host family in Køge.
My host family is very welcoming, and I am excited to experience life as they do. My host parents speak English fluently, their older daughter speaks English very well, and their younger daughter is starting to learn English in school. I am looking forward to beginning classes on Thursday so that I can begin to learn to speak Danish. The pronunciation is very complex and unlike any other language that I’ve heard.
Living in Køge is wonderful! It is a small town approximately 40km south of Copenhagen on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Køge is one of the oldest towns in Denmark and is comprised of windy cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, cozy cafes, and small shops. It is also the town where my great-grandmother attended school before she emigrated to the United States and where my great-great-grandparents are buried. What a wonderful coincidence that I am now living in Køge! Each day I ride a bike to the train station and take the train to the central station of Copenhagen. I walk just a few blocks from the train station to my classes in the city, but on the way I pass Tivoli and cross Hans Christiansen Anderson Blvd. and City Hall Square. It is a long but beautiful commute.
It is interesting to already notice both the differences and similarities between Danish and American culture. Danes are more sarcastic than Americans and “small talk” does not exist here. I think I will enjoy the sarcasm, but I can’t help saying hello whenever I sit next to someone on the train. However, from my bedroom I can hear the same music coming from my host sister’s stereo that I hear coming from Kirsten’s room at home. This evening after dinner my host Mom, host sister, and I discussed food, movies, and our love of Harry Potter.
I miss everyone at home, but I am having a blast in Denmark!
More details and photos to come soon!
Love,
Allie
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