Vi Ses Danmark!

I can't even think of the right words to describe my time abroad. It made me reconsider so many things I thought I knew about myself, my own culture, and Europe. I feel like as I better understood Danish culture, I better understood the American culture as well. I am definitely already missing Denmark and all of the great things about it- especially the people :( but rather than dwell on all the sadness of leaving, ill list a couple of my favorite things about Denmark that I wish I could/will bring back to America!

p.s. this isn't as well thought out and insightful as I had hoped it would be, because I wrote it on the plane in between naps. but I think it covers most of my feelings haha 

1. The welfare state. Is. So. Fucking. Cool. Granted half of you reading this will probably freak out about the socialism of it or whatever, but it works in Denmark. Sadly I know this isn't something I can ever try to bring home haha. But I will try to help people at home understand how it works so well for them! Also, maybe if Americans could learn to want to care for their fellow citizens as much as the Danes, we would be better off. Danes pay such high taxes to receive so many benefits from the state, for themselves as well as others. They think everyone should be entitled to good healthcare and a good education and a home. I can't think of any reason why Americans shouldn't want the same thing for each other. I know paying half my salary in taxes to get all those benefits wouldn't work in America, but a girl can dream right? Or just move to Denmark..  

2. Awesome things about Danish culture in general:
- BIKES. It makes so much sense and is so good for the environment! Also for yourself! Can't understand why every city isn't actively trying to be as bike friendly as Copenhagen 
- everyone is gorgeous. It must be in the genes. Or the constant biking. Or..
- the foooooood. I know not every Danish family eats like my host family, but my family eats so healthy and every single meal I had I loved. If you know me at all, you know that is a miracle, especially considering Denmark is the land of herring (fish=no). Like actually their food was so good and the fact that an after dinner snack was often fruit, and so much of their food is homemade, without preservatives.. Awesome. My body and stomach will probably hate me now that I'm home lol
- open container laws. Need I say more? 
- maybe the greatest public transportation system ever. I will so miss my 20 minute commute each morning, on the comfy train that runs every ten minutes, that's quiet, clean, and with free wifi. Couldn't ask for more. 
- pastries. Needs no explanation. 
- the fact that a place like Christiania can coexist in a city without much issue. Like never in America could a mini city dwell within a major city where they abide by their own rules and governing system, with illegal activity well regulated and not often bothered by the police. it's just so cool, and also beautiful.  

3. People I met while abroad
I know this isn't really Danish (some of them are) but I think the fact that we were all drawn to study in Denmark is key here. I made so many amazing friends who I plan on keeping in touch with and visiting when I can! I've never met so many people from the Midwest before, but I love them. So many lovely days were spent huddling in a cafe over coffee, freezing while exploring the streets of Copenhagen, huddling for warmth outside of bars, being cozy and writing papers in vestergade 23, basically just being cold together anywhere will bring people together. Then there were those few beautiful weeks of park lunches or sunny explorations. 
In terms of the Danes, my host family left the best impression. I couldn't have asked for a better family to live with for the past four months. Each of them made me feel so welcome, in Danish or in English, all the time. They allowed me as much freedom as I wanted, while providing the best home for me to live in, complete with adorable cats :) my favorite times are when we were all together at night, talking or eating or playing cards or watching tv or a movie. Or going to handball or football games together. Or going riding with lærke. Or having friends over for dinner. Also any meal together. Basically, all the time was just great. It was very 'hygge' (my new favorite concept) which I will explain.. Now! 

Hygge is literally the coolest thing about Denmark. It doesn't really translate into English, but usually it means cozy or a good time with friends. Basically, it's any situation where you're with people you love in a comfortable, happy setting. And Danes try to make so many things very hygge. I love that as a culture they value time with loved ones so much. This is probably why they're the happiest people in the world. Of course every other culture values this time as well, but I've never seen it so highly prioritized as in Denmark. You can really feel the intimacy and happiness in every situation too, whether it's in a cafe or classroom or living room. It's one of the things I fell in love with first about Denmark because its just so nice and happy and relaxed and full of loved ones, and isn't that how life should be? 

So now I'm home and struggling to readjust to American culture. Struggling hard actually haha. I had a great travel back, except when they made me check my carry on cause there wasn't enough 'cabin space', and except for that time that I landed in JFK to find that only one of my three checked bags was there. After 14 hours of travel that was NOT what I wanted to hear. So I've been in America since Thursday night and only got my bags Sunday morning, after my dad had to drive to the Philly airport to get them. So basically, fuck you klm and delta baggage services because now I've had only Sunday night to unpack, do laundry, and repack for Tyler place.  

And so this is my last blog post because sadly my time in Denmark is over :( but if, and hopefully when, im in europe again, i will definitely be back in copenhagen! there were a lot of tearful goodbyes, but I'm hoping most of them will only be see you laters :)