Light some candles, put on the record player, turn on some mood lighting, a little wine and one would think I was describing a romantic evening for two. Not even close. I am describing a cozy, warm, and loving family dinner with guests. This is what I love about Denmark. Here they have a term called hygge; there is no english word for this, but it means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.
My host parent's had some family friends over for dinner Friday night. It was me, my host sister and brother, host parents, and my host parents friends (a mom, dad, and their daughter) so eight of us total. The dinner was wonderful: salmon, chicken, a vegetable dish that had parsnips, carrots, and other roots, salad, and fresh baked bread. I sat at the head of the table so I got to take in everything.
I was not included in majority of the evening's conversations as everyone spoke Danish (and quite fast I might add). My Danish Language and Culture class has been going well, but definitely not well enough to prepare me for that evening. So instead, I sat, ate, and let my mind wander.
When I looked at everyone laughing and having a good time, the feeling of being home set it and a feeling of Christmas fell over me. Now I know it is literally only October 2, but the evening reminded me of the family dinners and the good food we eat back at home that only occur during the holidays at home because that is when everyone comes together. This dinner was the first time homesickness hit me and I didn't really expect it to. Since I have been here, I haven't been homesick really at all. Just seeing everyone having fun conversations and being together made me miss home.
For dessert we had caramel and licorice ice cream (two separate flavors // the licorice was actually delicious), traditional Danish Flødeboller, as well as caramel apple lollipops I brought from home.
After dessert, the kids went upstairs and played FIFA, while the adults and myself (not an adult) sat and had tea talking about things in Danish (I don't know what they talked about as I don't speak Danish, but the conversations seemed to be stimulating). I went to bed shortly after that because I was exhausted from this week and had a big day approaching fast.
My host parent's had some family friends over for dinner Friday night. It was me, my host sister and brother, host parents, and my host parents friends (a mom, dad, and their daughter) so eight of us total. The dinner was wonderful: salmon, chicken, a vegetable dish that had parsnips, carrots, and other roots, salad, and fresh baked bread. I sat at the head of the table so I got to take in everything.
I was not included in majority of the evening's conversations as everyone spoke Danish (and quite fast I might add). My Danish Language and Culture class has been going well, but definitely not well enough to prepare me for that evening. So instead, I sat, ate, and let my mind wander.
When I looked at everyone laughing and having a good time, the feeling of being home set it and a feeling of Christmas fell over me. Now I know it is literally only October 2, but the evening reminded me of the family dinners and the good food we eat back at home that only occur during the holidays at home because that is when everyone comes together. This dinner was the first time homesickness hit me and I didn't really expect it to. Since I have been here, I haven't been homesick really at all. Just seeing everyone having fun conversations and being together made me miss home.
For dessert we had caramel and licorice ice cream (two separate flavors // the licorice was actually delicious), traditional Danish Flødeboller, as well as caramel apple lollipops I brought from home.
After dessert, the kids went upstairs and played FIFA, while the adults and myself (not an adult) sat and had tea talking about things in Danish (I don't know what they talked about as I don't speak Danish, but the conversations seemed to be stimulating). I went to bed shortly after that because I was exhausted from this week and had a big day approaching fast.
Sweden!
Saturday, my two friends and I went to Malmö, Sweden! It is only a 20-25 minute train ride over to Malmö, a super easy, comfortable, and affordable way to travel. We left around 11 and were eating in one of the squares in the downtown by 12:30. We wandered around to the Turning Torso, the tallest building in Scandinavia, and meandered through the busy streets. My favorite part was going "off the beaten path" and walking through the less touristy places.
Everyone makes a big deal about Malmö and how cute and wonderful it is, but I'm going to be honest: I was very underwhelmed by the city. It was very touristy and had all the big name shops I can find here in Copenhagen. I was expecting clog and sweater shops and Swedish meatballs. Maybe thats me being stereotypical and idealistic about Sweden, but the excitement that people stir up about going to Malmö did not meet my expectations. I am by no means saying don't go there, I am just suggesting you do research before going (exactly what we didn't do) and have some activities in mind that you want to do.
The adventure was fun, company good, and the food delicious so overall I am very satisfied with our day trip to Sweden. I even found my mom a Christmas present so I call it a success. I do hope that someday I can go to Stockholm, that would be a fun trip!
Everyone makes a big deal about Malmö and how cute and wonderful it is, but I'm going to be honest: I was very underwhelmed by the city. It was very touristy and had all the big name shops I can find here in Copenhagen. I was expecting clog and sweater shops and Swedish meatballs. Maybe thats me being stereotypical and idealistic about Sweden, but the excitement that people stir up about going to Malmö did not meet my expectations. I am by no means saying don't go there, I am just suggesting you do research before going (exactly what we didn't do) and have some activities in mind that you want to do.
The adventure was fun, company good, and the food delicious so overall I am very satisfied with our day trip to Sweden. I even found my mom a Christmas present so I call it a success. I do hope that someday I can go to Stockholm, that would be a fun trip!