This Week's Theme: Three Things

Oh hello again... Thanks for tuning in this week! Let's see... my week has been pretty low-key (and honestly, that is fine with me after traveling for the last two weekends). Among going to class and doing homework… because that is partially why I am here... I did three fun things this week.

On Wednesday, a group of us went to the opera. We saw Cleopatra at The Royal Danish Theatre performed by The Danish National Opera. It was really fun to be able to go to the theatre, however, it was performed in Danish with Danish subtitles. Needless to say, we did not know exactly what was going on but we had fun trying to figure it out!

On Friday, we had a class field trip to a local Danish newspaper, JP/Politiken. We got a tour and talked with a true editor and blogger at the paper. After our field trip, we attended a Britney Spears dance class, hosted at the CIEE institute by one of the staff members. I was told we will be learning Toxic next week and I'm totally here for that!

Because my week has been kind of slow, I've had time to do a lot of reflecting. Reflecting on things that I love about Danish culture, things I’ve learned about myself, things that I miss… and I figure now is the perfect time to share them.

Thing #1: Something I love about Danish culture…

Hygge

Commonly pronounced as “HOO-ga”, it is best translated to English as “cozy”. Hygge is a Danish tradition that can be celebrated at any time. It consists of lighting candles, turning on the fireplace, and enjoying a calming moment with the people closest to you. You can use this time to eat and drink together, you can use this time to enjoy some relaxing music, you can use this time to be alone and center yourself, if you so choose. It is a time to relax and enjoy the company of those you love.

Hygge is something that my roommates and I have really taken to heart. Our apartment is sprinkled with candles that are lit almost everyday. Sometimes we will light our candles, have a glass of wine, and do homework on the couch together. Hygge is something that I want to take with me; making time and creating a space for relaxing and enjoying someone’s company is one way I hope to continue to enjoy Danish culture when I return home.

Thing #2: Something I’ve learned while in Copenhagen…

Journalism is not for me

As you may recall, I am taking the classes International Journalism and Free Speech in Denmark this block. When I registered for them, I was in the mindset of trying something new that could lead to a possible career for me. While I am happy I decided to take these classes, I have now learned that journalism is not for me. It is just not what I am interested in, not what I am looking for. So I think it is safe to check "journalist" off my list of future career options.

Thing #3: Something I miss…

My life back home

Please do not get me wrong, I am having an amazing time abroad. I really am. However, coming on this trip, it feels like I put my life back home on hold. Like I dropped everything and everyone to study abroad... and I haven't really felt that until now.

I miss my friends back home. I miss not having to use Google Maps to get anywhere. I miss seeing everyone on campus. I miss being able to walk five minutes to get to class. I miss knowing exactly what I am purchasing at the grocery store. I miss the ease of purchasing things in US dollars (and easily understanding the value of something). It sounds crazy, but I somewhat miss the Minnesota snow. And, because FaceTime can only do so much, I miss seeing my family.

As I am halfway done with my semester abroad, I am starting to think about what comes next. I will be living at home this summer and will have an internship in the Communications Department with the Waconia School District. I am still excited and grateful to be here and experience all these new adventures, but I am also starting to get excited for what comes next.

Thanks for spending three minutes of your day with me,

Olivia

Pictures: Copenhagen by day, by night, and our fancy night out at the Opera.