Paris... and a ton of other stuff

Hey again :)

So.... PARIS! My trip to Paris was absolutely amazing! It was pretty much a dream come true and I'll have life-long memories from that trip. After a long day of flying (due to the fact that I had a 5 hour layover in Frankfurt), I arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport around 9-ish that evening. I was able to find my family (I stayed with my Aunt and Uncle who moved to Pairs about 2 years ago) and we found our way home.

 During the week I spent a lot of time with my aunt and uncle who I haven't since since I was about 8-9 years old. They were great tour guides and showed me all the sights. We saw all the main sights in Paris (most being shown in the below pictures) as well as some art museums (The Louvre, Orsay, and l'Orangerie), and we took a day trip to Fontainebleau Chateau which also houses the Napoleon museum.

Standing in front of the back part of Notre Dame

A great view of the Seine and Notre Dame

The Louvre

L'Arc de Triomphe

With the Eiffel Tower before we climbed to the top

Amazing view at night!

Sacre Coeur

Fontainebleau

One of my favorite pictures from that whole week

This would be me coming out of the bell tower at Notre Dame

Overall, my trip to Paris was amazing. It was everything I'd dreamed of and more and I'm so thankful I got to go.

Unfortunately, my trip to Paris ended. I flew back home (clarification for every Floridian who I know will have a fit and start getting confused- home to DENMARK!). I was absolutely ecstatic hearing Danish for the first time in a week, I am pretty sure I smiled the whole plane ride just listening in on Danish conversations. 

My first week back was my school's spring break. I spent some time with my host family (we had an Easter lunch with the whole family my first day home) and friends. I spent a day in Odense (which is the 3rd largest city in Denmark) with my host parents and one of their sons who lives there- we went and saw H. C. Anderson's house. Some of the girls in my class got together and had a great dinner together which was fun since I hadn't seen them for almost two weeks by then. I also went to my host parents summer house with the rest of our family. Aside from those main things, I spent my time with friends just hanging out or going into town for a party or two.

Påskefrokost med familien (Easter lunch with the family)- me with a host brother and his girlfriend

H.C. Andersons hus

My host mom and I at the sommerhouse while going on a little walk

After my Spring break, I went back to school. My school had a spring concert which I sang in (I take music class at school, so I was in with the choir).

Since then, life has been just about as "normal" as life here can be for me. I go to school during the week and spend time with friends after school. On the weekends I go to parties, have sleepovers, sleep in late like every other teenager, and go on small daytrips with my host family. 

Recently, my host parents and I went to see some caves and then went on a little picnic after. The caves are just outside of a town called Viborg and the caves are full of bats during the summer and there is also a special part closed off where they make cheese.

On Monday, my host parents and I went to Copenhagen for the Queens birthday. There's a tradition in Denmark that on her birthday people come and wave and hold Danish flags to celebrate her birthday. At noon she comes out onto her balcony with her family while everyone cheers.

After that we had lunch in a classic Danish lunch restaurant, got ice cream, and walked up the Round Tower which was built as an astronomy tower. I had an amazing day in Copenhagen and will honestly never stop loving that city!

The guard

Happy Birthday Queen Margerete II

Love this city

The Round tower

An advertisement for Carlsberg beer that says "Probably the best beer in town".... Danes aren't the best at advertising apparently

Last night I went to my 2nd host parents silver wedding. I had an absolutely amazing time and am so happy I went. I love that family so much so it was great seeing them again, as well as seeing a cute tradition in Denmark. I'll try and get pictures soon and then talk more about it in the next blog!

-McKenzie

Host family switch and leaving for Paris

As I’m sitting down writing this, I’m waiting at the airport in Billund (Denmark for all the Americans out there who have no clue where that is).

I’m about to go to Paris for a week to visit my Great Aunt and Uncle. I would say that the only feelings I have right now are excitement… but I’d be lying. I am indescribably excited and can’t wait to spend a week in the city that I’ve always dreamed of. But, I am also starting to realize just how quickly my time in Denmark is going by. The last time I was at this airport, I was arriving from Florida, at the beginning of my exchange. The next time I board a flight here, I will be on my way “home”.

I have had these plans to go to Paris since I first came in August. Since then it’s always been “Oh yeah, I’m going to Paris… but I have a long time until then”. No longer can I say that. I’m leaving today; in only a few hours. I am obviously super excited, but I can’t get rid of the thought that my time here is slowly slipping past.

But… away with the dreary thoughts of going home…. IM GOING TO PARIS J

I’ll have to send in another update later on to tell you all how that went. For now, I’ll bore you all with the information about what I’ve done the past few weeks.

I am currently living with my 3^rd host family. I moved in with them over 6 weeks ago and ever since I have had an amazing time with them. Leaving my 2^nd family was possibly the hardest thing I’ve done on exchange. I cried more than I did leaving my real parents back in Florida (before you call me a heartless person, I knew I would be back with my family in Florida, but at the time there was no certainty on whether or not I would ever be back to live with my old host family).

After I got over the sadness of leaving the 3 people that I can now call family, I got over the sad emotions quite quickly, because my current host parents are amazing. Kjeld (host dad) and Merete (host mom) are absolutely two of the sweetest people and I am really happy I am with them. They love taking me out to see things on the weekends and all of their family is amazing. I have been to south Denmark and crossed the border into Germany with them, visited Århus, Silkeborg, Holstebro, and Horsens, seen plenty of museums (I realize it sounds boring visiting museums, but some were actually pretty cool. We went to one in Silkeborg called “Aqua” and I saw the cutest otters). Living with them can be described in one word “hyggeligt” which is something I can’t describe other than cozy (even though it’s so much better than that).

I have also been able to tour a tv news station where one of their sons works. We discovered that I could have a pretty successful career in TV journalism J I also went to visit another son of theirs in Horsens, where I was able to get some clothes from Pieces (aka Danish wonderland) because he works there. We already have plenty more plans (visiting their oldest son who lives in Odense where I can see H.C. Anderson’s house and the zoo there), visiting castles, and we will go to Copenhagen on the Queen’s birthday!

We also usually volunteer at the local movie theatre on Monday nights. We work at the counter helping with ticket sales and snacks. In exchange, we can see all the free movies we want. I even went to see the Hunger Games premiere (yes, I had to mention it being the fan that I am) on Thursday. It was an amazing movie (*cough cough* if you haven’t seen it, get your butt to the movie theatre right now) and I even got to see it almost 12 hours before Floridians (aka REBECCA SOLOMAN)… gotta love time changes and the fact that Danes aren’t huge on midnight premieres so films can come out at 6:30PM!

Aside from the normal life of school, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my host family, life has been pretty “average” (I say average  even though my life isn’t quite the average for an American or Dane because I get some pretty cool perks being the exchange student; but, nonetheless, it’s average to me).

One thing I was able to do was give a speech to an “efterskole” (boarding school). I spoke (in English, as it was for their English class) about teen life in America. It was a great day for me.

Lately I’ve just been busy touring Denmark with my host parents, spending time with all of my great friends here, and going to the occasional Rotary meeting.

I’ll be in Paris until Saturday the 31^st. After that I will have my week long Easter vacation from school (aka- I get a 2 week vacation, unlike my classmates who only have one). I already have plenty of plans for that, but I’ll get to those in a later post!

I better go get ready for my flight! I can’t wait to spend a week in Paris J

-McKenzie <3 

Long overdue update

Hi little creepy stalkers out there on the internet :)

As always, bunches has happened since my last post, but I'll start from the beginning and work my way to now!

Christmas:

My Danish Christmas was, unquestionably, the best Christmas I have ever had in my life. Nothing could have made it better.... okay if there was snow that day it would have been perfect.... but I can overlook that fact!

My host parents had all the family come over for Christmas and so we celebrated with a large group and we followed all the Danish traditions. We watched the adorable Christmas Disney special on the 24th (the day they celebrate), ate a huge meal, opened gifts, and danced around the Christmas tree while singing carols and it was light with real candles! Don't believe that they are crazy enough to put real candles on their tree? Proof:

The only way I can describe my Christmas was absolutely perfect. I was afraid that I would be homesick or feel disconnected, but I have never felt more in place here in Denmark than that night. My host family made such a good job of making sure I felt like a part of the family and I was so busy that I couldn't miss my family back home.

New Years Eve:

One holiday celebrated here probably more so than in America is New Years. New Years eve is a huge deal in Denmark. The queen gave her large speech about the previous and upcoming years on television, we had a huge meal, and watched an old film that everyone watches every year in Denmark. Then, once it was midnight, we watched the clock tower on the Rådhus in Copenhagen ring in the new year. We celebrated with fireworks at home (not the crappy small ones, but the fun ones that are probably illegal in the USA) and champagne! 

My Oldies going Away:

One thing that I love about exchange with Rotary is the concept of oldies and newbies. There are exchange students (mostly from Australia) who come January-January. The 2011 group are my "oldies" and the 2012 group that just arrived are my "newbies". Anyways..... My amazing oldie went home in January so I must give a tribute to her. I went to her going away party. Amy got me through plenty of tough times and I love her bunches so I just thought I should mention that(she's the one in the middle):

Host family switch:

Last weekend, I switched host families. I am now living with my 3rd host family. I won't lie- moving from my 2nd family was hard. I cried. A lot. But, I'm happy with my new family, and I know that it was time for me to get to know another family. As hard as it was leaving my awesome family there, I honestly think the worst part about that weekend was packing. I realized that I probably have a slight addiction to Danish clothing. And shoes. I honestly have no idea how I will get my stuff home in July (REASON TO STAY IN DENMARK? I think yes!!!!!). I mean seriously, how the heck did I get all THIS:

IN MY DEFENCE: one bag is full of all of my Danish books that won't be coming home, one bag is full of gifts for people in Denmark that won't be coming home, and my backpack is full of my school books..... as for the rest- I sware little Danish "nisse" (elves) must be secretly adding to my collection of clothes/shoes/random crap.

School:

I love school here! After New Years the class groups switched up a little. I loved my new class, but it was a little hard. Due to my schedule, I only spent about half the classes with them, which made forming relationships VERY hard. I worked it out so I switched to a different class. My new class is mostly people from my class before New Years and a few new people. This class is PERFECT! I not only get to have a normal schedule, but I honestly love my classmates. They are all super sweet :)

Danish:

I AM FINALLY DONE WITH MY LANGUAGE CLASSES!!!!!!! I took a test on Tuesday and passed so I am now officially finished with attending Danish classes on Tuesday and Thursday classes. 

My overall Danish is alright. Given that I've only been here under 6 months, most Danes are amazed by how good it is. I am proud of how much I know, but I still wish I knew more. As much as I complain about it at times, I want to learn this language as much as I can.

Sne!:

(google translate the title and you'll understand how happy I am right now). Lately, we have had actual snow! It is basically beautiful and I still haven't found anything against the snow. It is basically amazing. The Danes haven't been able to find a way to make me hate the snow yet.... and believe me, they've tried. I've been hit with snow, picked up and rolled in the snow, and had it thrown at me in every way possible.... I still love the snow :)

^ This would be my reaction to sitting in a HUGE pile of snow

^ And this would be the view from my bedroom window. No big deal, right?

Life:

Overall, I honestly LOVE IT HERE! I don't think I've ever been so happy in my life. I have everything I have ever dreamed of, and I recently realized I am living out some people's dream! I am pretty sure I have had a constant smile on my face for at least the past 3-4 months. I still can't bring myself to think that I'll actually have to go back to Florida in just a few months. One thing I have decided for sure, is that one year in this country isn't enough for me, and I will come back. I don't know when or for how long, but it will happen. I have fallen in love with this amazing country and it's people and it's language. Before I came here, I felt absolutely 100% American and never doubted anything about that. Now, I know I am American, but I also feel Danish. I honestly feel a stronger bond to Denmark and it's culture. I will always be American at heart and that can never be changed or taken away from me, but I also feel Danish and will always be affected by the Danish culture.

So there you go little creepers :) Until next time,

McKenzie

I don't know what to call this so here ya go: Another Blog!

Why hello everyone,

So I have basically been having a blast the past few weeks and my exchange has definitely gone up on the happy- scale (is there such a thing? I don't really know, but for now we'll pretend!).

I spent a weekend in Copenhagen (which by the way is my favorite city! It is so beautiful! It's a great mixture of new and old- marked with history everywhere and yet modern at the same time.) I went with my club president and his wife. We had a great time, just walking around the city for a while. We also stopped by the National museum (which by the way has a great brunch saturday morning for anyone interested.,.. and it also has some really cool viking artifacts).

We also did a little creeping and found the USA ambassadors house and, of course, being the American I am I couldn't help but take a photo:

The best part about visiting Copenhagen was Tivoli! For everyone who doesn't know what Tivoli is- it is one of the most magical theme parks! It is smack in the middle of Copenhagen and at Christmas time it is beautiful! That weekend was amazing and definitely won't be my last weekend in Copenhagen (I love that city too much- I definitely reccomend it to every traveler!).

Aside from visiting Copenhagen, I've just been busy living life. I still go to language classes every tuesday and thursday. I go to the gym mondays (which unfortunately hasn't been doing too much to fight my rotary fat.... well at least I have a good excuse for buying cute clothes here?).

On Monday my 3rd host parents took me to Århus for a few hours to see "Den Gamle By" which was fun! It was interesting to see houses from over a hundered years ago! Heres one pic:

Another fun thing I did was learn how to shoot a gun [insert the screaming and fearful faces from my family and friends back home here]. I was surprisingly good given it was my first time!

^photographic proof



Since some people have asked me about the Christmas traditions here in Denmark I figure I should share them here:

~ They eat Æbleskiver and drink Gløgg (both pure deliciousness.... just use google and educate yourself). Oh and they eat pebernødder which are delicious little cookies and eat Ølkage which is basically the same thing as gingerbread, but made with Danish Christmas beer instead. These four things are basically the reasons why I am fat!

~ They have a Kalendarlys (advent candle) which you burn a little from every day in December which are amazing.

~ They actually celebrate the 4 sundays before Christmas which my family never did back home.

~ They always have real trees and wait until like a week before to decorate them!

~ They put these cute things around the house called nisser and they are basically little elves and they're adorable!

~ They have advent shows! The classic one is hilarious because it's half in english and the english is so terrible and they speak my language- Danglish! It's hilarious!

~ They celebrate the 24th not the 25th!

~ They put real candles on the christmas tree and dance around it on Christmas.

 Basically Danish Christmas is amazing! It is so beautiful and I can say that this Christmas is sure to be one I will never forget!

Last weekend I made a "Thanksgiving meal" for my host family. It wasn't a full legitimate Thanksgiving meal like I had hoped, but it was nice nontheless. It was just the 4 of us so there was no need to make a giant meal and they don't have a lot of things I needed to make some things I love (sweet potatoes aren't in Denmark along with canned pumpkin and we couldn't find a real pumpkin in December so no pumpkin pie or sweet potatoe casserole for me this year). It was great and my family liked the meal (although they probably thought I was attempting to give them diabetes with the amount of butter I put in the stuffing).

Aside from that I have just been making friends and having a great time here! I love my host family and the thought of leaving them scares me! I love my 3rd host family already, but this family now is so amazing and leaving them will crush me!

Wednesday is my last day in school before 2012. That day we are just having a few hours of activities and then that evening we are having the gymfest which should be lots of fun!

Until next time, I want to wish you all a Glædelig jul og Godt Nytår!

-McKenzie

Pictures I promised ages ago :)

So I suppose I finally should get around to posting some pictures of me here! I'll start from the beginning and work my way through 3.5 months!

Leaving Florida: Me and my little brother at the airport August 5th, 2011

West coast trip: One of the amazing sandsculptures I saw when I visited the west coast.

My birthday: Me with my birthday cake

Intro camp: A picture of me in front of ARoS museum in Århus while at intro camp

District Get- together: Me and Misaki (Japan) after we hiked Himmelbjerg!

Random: Pretty Danish sunrise

Me right before my first take off:

Viking: Me dressed as a Viking in "Roskilde Viking Skib Museet"

Roskilde kirke: Me standing in the church in Roskilde

Unpictured: below my feet are dozens of dead ancient kings, queens, and other royalty

Me and my "friend" the guard in Copenhagen (this is as close as he let me get to him):

Den Lille Havefrue: The epitome of Denmark!

Me and My new boyfriend: JOKING! He's way too old for me! (it's the bog man in Silkeborg!)

National G2G: On the train ride home after our get-together (this picture doesn't even come close to showing how tired we were)

Kolding huset: Me in the courtyard of the castle in Kolding!

Obviously I've done much more than shown in these pictures but I just thought I'd attempt to keep my word!

Much love!

-McKenzie

Værts familie skift!

So.... I have officially switched host families! Oh and I've gone to a Rotary weekend on Sjælland (the island where København is), gave a 20 minute presentation for my Rotary club (in full Danish!), and today I visited a castle and mall with my new host parents.

Here's what's happening:

Host family switch-
On Sunday 30. October, I switched families. I spent the weekend packing and relaxing for the most part. That day my old host mom took me to Silkeborg and we saw the Bog man (google it!), but other than that I stayed home. That night, my new host parents came and we all had some coffee and then they took me home! I was absolutely amazed to discover all of my junk I've aquired already fit into their car. The next day I unpacked (and realized how many of my clothes don't fit anymore :/ stupid Rotary fat!) and I have felt at home here ever since. My new host family (my host mom Vivian, host dad Bjarne, brother Morten, and their adorable dog Sofie!) is wonderful and I feel so comfortable with them. I already joke around with my host brother and we all agree it feels like we've known eachother a lot longer than just a few months! My host mom is a hairdresser (and she gave me the cutest haircut which I LOVE!) and my host dad is a postman. I find it hard to believe I've only lived here just shy of two weeks because I already have found a routine and feel completely comfortable with them.

Rotary presentation- på Dansk!!!!!-
On 2. November, I actually got up the courage (I still don't know how- I was scared to death about the speech!) and gave my speech to my Rotary club. Now, if you ask anyone that knows me, they'll tell you I am not a shy person and so public speaking doesn't bother me (heck I've done acting on and off for years!) but this was one of only 2 speeches I've ever given that I was afraid for (the other one being the speech I gave at my Rotary district interview just last year). The whole car ride down I sat in the back silently and for the first time since I arrived here I actually couldn't finish my meal at the meeting! It was finally my time. I stood up and within one second of facing my club, all of my nerves calmed. It was insane, but just looking at their faces I realized they were supporting me and were proud of me and so I gave my speech without fear. I may have flubbed a few words, but overall it went well and I must admit I never expected to be giving a speech in Danish, but I did it! The night turned out to be a success and I was so proud of myself!

G2G in Holbæk-
Last weekend we had a national get together weekend for all of the inbounds in Denmark in Holbæk (on Sjælland). It was from friday to Sunday and it was the craziest 3 days! It was amazing to see some of my really good friends again. I got to see my old roommate from intro camp (love ya Kelsea if you're reading this!), my oldie, the other two people from Florida, and so many other people! We spent most of the weekend doing nothing, but we did go into town for a few hours to shop (where I only bought food... hahah I'm such an exchange student!), and we were given a huge party! On Saturday night we had a huge halloween costume party (where I borrowed a friends sailor costume). That party basically lasted all night (literally I got one hour of sleep that night, well actually Sunday morning from 7-8 am) and it was crazy but so much fun! Exchange students are the best people to party with! That entire weekend was exhausting (not just because of lack of sleep but spending a weekend catching up with them was draining) but it was amazing. It was almost theraputic because you realize that you aren't the only one experiencing the things that happen on exchange. Unfortunately it was our last g2g as a group because our oldies (the people from Aussie land and the kiwis!) will be leaving in January :( As much fun as the weekend was, I was so happy to go home to my bed and be back with my host family (... and sleep!!!).

Today, my host parents and I went to Kolding (about an hour drive). We spent the morning at the giant mall there! It was fun spending time with them and just relaxing. Then we went to Kolding huset (which translates to the Kolding house), which is one of Danmarks many castles. It was so beautiful and when we climbed the tour we had a great view.

My new project:
Tomorrow will be my last day speaking english! I have decided that starting Monday I will speak ONLY DANISH 100% of the time (unless I am in English class or talking with a non-dane, since my American family and friends and fellow exchange students won't quite be able to do that! Don't worry mom and dad I will still speak english with you!) for a full month! I have already warned everyone and they are all excited (which scares me a little.... I think they'll find this way more entertaining than me. Although I have tried to speak Danish most of the time, I have slacked a little at school and figured this might give me some motivation. I am hoping to be much more fluent after 4 weeks of this!

That's about it for now. I could babble on and on about how I've changed this year so far and everything I've learned, but you would probably be bored. I will say that I have grown as a person, learned more than I knew was possible, and experienced so many wonderful things. Oh and now I can say I've been here for 3 months! I am super excited about that but sad as well since it means my exchange is that much closer to ending :( and to make that reminder even stronger, I just discovered that this weekend my District back home is holding interviews! It feels insane knowing that just last year I was in their shoes and I still can't believe it.... but enough of my tear fest of how quickly this year has gone on, I'm going to go back to living my happy (short) life here in Denmark! To everyone in America, happy Thanksgiving since it will be in just a few weeks! I love you all!

-McKenzie

Efterårsferie!

So I thought I should tell you all what I did during my “efterårsferie” which literally translates to be autumn holiday (In Denmark, you get a random week long vacation from school and often times adults get out of work as well).

I’ll start at the beginning and work my way through:

Friday:

My last day of school before the holiday my class all had to take their final exam for their intensive Danish grammar class, which meant I got to come in late (yay!). Then we had a biology class and were free. Some of my friends and I went out to lunch and then I took the bus home where I relaxed for a few hours.

That evening I went to the “efterskole” (it’s like a Danish boarding school that many teens go to for a school year when they’re anywhere from 15-17) that my current host mom works at. The students were putting on a circus styled play with Beetles music. I got to watch that with my host mom, afterwards I ran into a friend, then they had a reception which I helped with, and then my host mom and I went to her bosses house for a small gathering/party with all of the schools employees. I went home and slept.

Saturday and Sunday:

I mostly stayed around the house and relaxed. My host mom and I went to a very small museum in a nearby town. I also took what I am quite certain was at least a 10km walk with my host mom (she says it was 5-6 km, but I have run 5k’s before and this was definitely longer!). She had just asked if I wanted to go for a walk, which I stupidly agreed to and put on my fall boots that I was still breaking in- note to self: Don’t do it ever again: wear sneakers on all walks! I had blisters!

Monday:

First, I went over to my third host family’s house. I got to have breakfast with them and get to know them as well as see the house (the house is adorable, they even have a beethingy- can’t think of the word because I’m losing all English this year- since my host dad makes honey! I didn’t get to see my room because it isn’t finished yet, but I saw where it will be and I can tell I’ll love it!). We discussed what it will be like when I live there and got to know eachother better. They live in a different town than my other host families (only 8km away), so we walked around the town and I got to see the school they both worked at (they are both retired teachers). We also discussed what I would be interested in visiting while I live with them and they seem like such a sweet family. I am very excited to live with them eventually and I think they will be a good family for me.

Then, my host mom walked me to the cookie factory in their town (that’s right there’s a cookie factory IN MY TOWN!!!!). For all of you Americans, every heard of Royal Dansk Butter cookies (they come in the round blue tin with a Danish farmhouse pictured on the front)? Well here they go by the name Kjeldsens  (they have a different name for the USA because the average American who doesn’t know how the Danish alphabet works pronounces the J and D when it should be pronounced like “Kyelsens” or “Kelsens”)… well anyways, the main factory is in my town. The plant manager is a Rotarian in my club who gave me and my host mom a tour! It was like a dream come true- I mean who hasn’t dreamed of touring a cookie factory (especially since here things like that are top secret- my host mom who toured it with me has lived in that town for quite a while and says she’s never been in!)! We got to eat a few cookies fresh off of the line (still warm and oh so good) and I learned more than I ever knew there was to know about those lovely cookies! Did you know they make the paper cups the cookies go in at the factory? Or that the butter comes from New Zealand? Now you do! And of course no Rotarian in my club would miss an opportunity to donate to much weight gain here- I was sent home with too many cookies to count (seriously, I got 3 normal sized cookie tins, one jumbo tin of chocolate chips, and a box of a new cookie type)- My Rotary Club is determined to make me jump a few clothing sizes this year!

After that, I went and spent a few hours with my second host family (well only the parents and their sweet dog Sofie because my brother was out of town for his holiday). We had a snack, I got the tour of the BEAUTIFUL house and my AMAZING room! (seriously I don’t know how but my host mom designed the most amazing room- simple, sophisticated, and perfect in every way!). My host mom doesn’t speak much English, but she can understand quite a bit, which is good because I am sure it will help my Danish improve!  We had dinner and just got to know eachother! They seem so sweet and in just those few hours, every fear I could have had was completely gone because I felt right at home! That evening I went to the gym with my future host mom because every Monday night she works there! Then I went home and got ready for the next day (I’m a busy girl- gotta get some sleep eventually!)

Tuesday:

I woke up bright and early (5:30 AM) in order to go to work with my club counselors wife at “Børnehaven” (the daycare that the government provides for all children- but unlike in America, the govt. daycare is so nice and way more classy!). It was a tiring day but overall fun. I actually read some books (all in Danish) to little kids, played games, did some arts and crafts, etc. and the best part was that I HAD to speak Danish because although Danes are crazy language robots that have almost perfect English (seriously- how do they do it?) the little 4 and 5 year old don’t!

Wednesday:

That day was my “resting day”. I had been very busy for the past few days and definitely needed some rest. I slept in late and caught up on some online tv! Then that afternoon, I hopped in the car for the “long” (less than 3 hours!) drive to none other than: KØBENHAVN!!!!!! (for those of you who can’t recognize the name it’s Copenhagen- Denmark’s most amazing city!) Their son lives there and so we stayed in his apartment! That night we didn’t go into town because we got there after dark, but just knowing I was less than 10 minutes away from one of the most amazing cities thrilled me!

Thursday:

That morning we woke up early and prepared to go into the city. We took the short bus ride into town and I was in awe right from the start! First we walked down the famous harbor and I took the ever so popular picture of myself with the harbor in the background! Then we took a 60 minute boat tour of the harbor and it’s areas! We saw lots of amazing places from the water and I recommend this to all visitors (only 40kr - $8 USD for an hour long fun informational tour!). Then we got off and walked over to the queens castle (castle? Palace? No American knows the difference since we don’t have them but you know what I mean!) to see the changing of the guard! By looking at the flags, we knew the Queen wasn’t home but the Crown Prince was home in his castle right next door! I took a picture with a guard (funny story- I knew to not stand too close so I stood a few inches away, my host dad holding the camera motioned for me to inch a little closer so I stupidly listened…. The guard gave me a look that was half scared, half ticked off and then motioned for me to move closer- I didn’t smell I promise so he just must not have liked me L ). Then we walked over to Christiansborg Slot (slot means castle in Danish) to tour the Folketing (parliament). I saw the group of seats where the royal family sits when they come to watch the parliament! It had a red rug and all! After that we walked around outside and then went into where the Kings horses for the carriages are kept! The horses were sweet and I saw carriages for the Royal family! Then we toured the castle portion of Christiansborg slot. Then we walked down the main shopping street and then returned to the apartment.

Friday:

That morning we started in Copenhagen by touring Rosenborg Slot. This castle was built before the USA existed (1624 to be exact)! The castle and insides were amazingly stunning and I even took a picture in front of a really old throne (legitimate royal butts sat on that thing! Ahh so cool). It’s also there that the royal jewels and riches are held. Denmark actually happens to have the worlds 3^rd largest set of Regalia (if it’s wrong my host dad said it not me! Haha google hasn’t been helpful in my search for the truth and world listing). I was absolutely speechless (ask anyone who knows me well- it takes a miracle for that to happen) when I saw the crowns and jewels! But we had to eventually leave L After that we went to lunch. We then went and saw none other than DEN LILLE HAVEFRUE (the little mermaid for those of you unfamiliar with the Danish language)! It felt so weird to be taking a picture with this statue because it was the first thing I found out about Denmark officially after being chosen to come here! It was a moment I won’t forget and it was amazing! Then we went to Christiania (best described by my host parents son as “a place for people who want to be free”). It is almost like a hippie-homeland! It is an area in Copenhagen that basically doesn’t belong to Denmark (technically it does, but in some ways it doesn’t). It is very interesting to walk through. There is graffiti EVERYWHERE! I mean when we drove up there were 4 people painting graffiti on the walls to the town. We walked through and saw everything. I think most Americans would be taken aback by Christiania but I am now at the point where nothing shocks me. We even walked down pusher street (google it for info….) and it was an oddly amazing experience! After that we walked across the street to the church that has the Round tower on top of it. We then had the experience of walking up the tower! It was really scary at some points because its so old and the stairs were very narrow and people were walking up and down at the same time! It’s a good thing I’m not afraid of hights though- because the view was phenominal and worth every step! That night we walked around and saw Copenhagen by night which was beautiful!

Saturday:

That morning we drove to some town on Zealand and I got to ride in an old car (sorry Grandpa I wish I could tell you what type since you are probably wondering, but we all know how big my interest and knowledge of cars is). Then we went to Roskilde! While there we went into Denmark’s largest church (according to the desk employee it is Scandinavia’s 2^nd largest)! It was amazing and giant…. But of course that’s not all- It’s also the gravesite for all of the Kings and Queens of Denmark! The one currently standing is from the early 1200’s and made of brick but there was one before that from hundreds of years earlier made of wood. It was creepy yet awe inspiring! Columbus hadn’t even sailed the “ocean blue” yet and that giant church was already built! And seeing some of the coffins for the Royalty and knowing a dead king was in there was a bit freaky but nothing compared to WALKING ON THE GROUND THEY’RE BURIED IN! I literally stood just feet above where Kings and Queens older than I could imagine were buried! It was oddly spectacular and awe-inspiring! Then we went to “Roskilde Vikingskib Museet”  (The Roskilde Viking ship museum). I saw 5 viking ships that were discovered just a  few decades ago in Roskildes waters. Given my extreme fascination with Vikings I was in love with the museum! That afternoon we drove home, a bittersweet moment for me!

Sunday: Of course I had to end my amazing holiday with more fun! That morning my second host moms brother and his family came by to pick me up to go to North Jylland to visit with my entire 2^nd host family (my host family left Saturday so they couldn’t drive me). The whole car ride down I bonded with my host cousin who is really nice and easy to get along with as well as her whole family! Then I spent the day meeting the family that will all be coming over for Christmas! It was odd how quickly I felt comfortable with everyone! I instantly felt like a member of the family! After a few hours of fun and getting to know everyone, it was time for another “long” (only 2 hrs this time) ride home with my future host mom, dad, and brother. I spent the car ride bonding with my brother and can tell this family will be perfect. Eventually I got home and prepared for this week of school.

My autumn holiday was amazing and full of memories! Since then I’ve just been busy with school, Danish, and life! This Sunday I will move host families and I am so excited! I already love my next family and can’t wait to live with them! The one sad thing about it is that moving means that I will have finished 1/4^th of my exchange! I still can’t believe 3 months are almost gone and I am already having to think about when I’ll come home. I have started to make a life here, a life that I love and don’t know how to leave. I have friends and family, am finally being able to understand the language and communicate somewhat effectively, and have changed as a person! My outlook on life is different and I now see things as a Dane. I know that this is the point of my exchange, but I can’t help but feel sad about if because I don’t know if I’ll be ready to leave Denmark in 8 months or how I’ll find my way back into my Florida life. As much as I miss my friends and family back in Florida now, I already know it will be just as hard when I have to leave this beautiful place in only a few months!

Today I am finding it even harder to believe that I will be leaving so soon since my Danish is finally getting good! It has been steadily improving and for a few weeks now I have had random thoughts or words be in Danish, not English, when I think. Then, last night, I had my first dream in Danish! I remember it was this time last year almost down to the week that I was being told by Mrs. Paula from RYE FL that I would eventually dream in Danish and now I am having that happen! The dream was very short and basic but in Danish nonetheless! I was so excited and it’s safe to say it made learning this hard language a lot more rewarding!

Until next time,

McKenzie