Denmark

I am just finishing up my time in Denmark, so here is my update before I am off to Berlin this afternoon.


I liked Denmark a lot although it was much more expensive here than I anticipated, which is always a bit discouraging. Also, the first day I was here, I got the conversion rate mixed up and was dividing everything by 10 to figure out the cost in US dollars, but I should have been dividing by 6 instead... oops. One of the things on my to-do list today is returning one of my purchases that turns out really is too expensive. Boo.

One thing I am noticing about Europe so far is that the clothes here are awesome. Although I have an appreciation for beautiful, interesting, and well-made clothes, I wouldn't really consider myself someone who goes crazy over clothes or thinks clothes shopping is something fun to do exactly. But after having lived in a place where most of the clothes wouldn't fit on my right arm, it is amazing to see so many beautiful things that could fit me! Also, since most of the clothes I brought with me to Korea have grown significantly "billowy" since my big weight loss, to try on something that looks trim and tailored is very tempting!!! In fact, I will admit it is downright painful. After one clothing purchase, I have forbidden myself to enter any clothing stores again until Italy. For one, I don't have the space in my bag, and secondly, I know ultimately I will be more happy if I use my souvenir budget on souvenirs rather than clothes. Sigh.

Anyway, that is my first embarrassing, frivolous confession for the day. I spent my first day in Aarhus, where our family originates, and while it was neat to see, there was not a lot to do in this fishing town except eat and shop. I did both but then headed off on the train to Copenhagen. Mom, to answer your question, there is definitely a distinctive "look" for the people here. From the moment I stepped off the plane, at least 80% of the people here were blond, tall, and just in general, big. Most of the men have skinny lower bodies and then big torsos... it is a little funny and reminds me of a few men in our family... ;-) As I walked around on my first day, it felt so strange to be one of the smallest people around! Once again, after having felt huge in Korea for the last year, it was nice to just blend in and maybe shift my body image back to a realistic level, haha. When I was in Aarhus, I walked by this man who visibly did a double take when he saw me and then doubled back to stop me and say "hello!" When I said "hello" back, he spouted off a stream of friendly Danish, to which I said, "Ummm.. sorry..." and shrugged my shoulders. He looked surprised, then disappointed and said, "Oh, I am sorry, I thought you were Danish!" Haha, good to know I can stop a man in his tracks in some area of the world! ;-)

When I got to Copenhagen, I was really surprised at how beautiful all the architecture here is. I did not have very many expectations for what it would be like, but it is very beautiful. Also, the people here are very nice and friendly, and everyone I have met so far speaks nearly perfect English, which I think is kind of amazing! I have met many people who are very helpful and some who even stop to see if I am lost or need directions. I have had many friendly conversations. One of the girls staying in the same room at the hostel is French and we hit it off the first night I arrived. She is learning English but we communicate well, and she pronounces my name the French way, which sounds like "Caamee". She was quite incensed and surprised that I don't speak any French, which at first pricked a bit of annoyance in me (isn't trying to learn Spanish, Italian, and Korean enough?!?!?!?), but that quickly turned to amusement, and she in turn relented also once we talked more. I politely explained my other language pursuits which I think made her realize that I had not simply buried myself in a hole in America. But really, why would I ever need to know French? How many people have I encountered in my life where I was like, "man, I really wish I spoke French right now...!" Counting her, I am pretty sure that makes just one. Anyway, we have spent the last several evenings together, which is a blessing because the evenings usually have the most potential to be lonely when you are traveling alone. We each went our own ways during the day and then met for dinner and evening explorations. Fortunately, there is this big jazz festival in Denmark this month, so we enjoyed lots of live music and entertainment. We have made plans to meet in Paris also, as my hotel is near to her home, and that will be nice to see a familiar face one or two evenings there as well.

Copenhagen is a very walkable city, so I spent one day exploring the area to the north of the hostel - the palaces, the famous Little Mermaid statue, the Museum of the Danish Resistance (WWII) - and one day exploring the area to the south of the hostel - Tivoli, palaces, popular shops and antique stores. I also spent some time yesterday relaxing and reflecting on my time so far, which led to some good conversations with God about the remainder of my time in Korea and my developing friendships. I have a lot of questions still about what God is calling me to next spring when I return to the States and I am praying that He will prepare my heart for my approaching departure from Korea. I am starting to get a picture of just how difficult that will be. Though I long to be a part of all of your lives in a more present and accessible way, a part of my heart is here, which I hope is evidence I have loved and served in a manner pleasing to God. I hope you also will join me in prayer, asking God to work in my heart and prepare me for how I can serve Him next.