Godaften, It is only my second day in Denmark and I have already learnt so much, my head is spinning from the new sounds and sights. I have met many people, all of which have welcomed me to Denmark with open arms. Luckily, I have been told by my host parents I look like a Dane, so along with their kindness I have begun to fit in nicely in my new home. Of course, tak to my lovely host family, they have been a wonderful start to my exchange. The language has become surprisingly normal, especially around the house. It is not as unusual as I thought it would be. Although I am unfamiliar with all but a few words, I am told by my host sister Lousie and host boyfriend Daniel I am learning fast, I just have to pronounce the words correctly. We have placed post-it notes around the kitchen in the hope of picking up simple words, although pronunciation is still a slightly difficult task. Today the winter team visited Christiania, the free village in the centre of Copenhagen. It was unlike any place I have ever visited, but it was very interesting. Our guide for the tour explained the complicated history of 'the village' before we walked around with numb feet in the freezing cold (although apparently not very cold for winter according to the Danes) exploring different aspects of Christiania. The smell of marijuana was almost inescapable, but there was a certain peace that enveloped the village and people within. I miss the Australian sun a lot, it is almost never shining here, and if it does, it is not for long. I am finding it hard to keep track of time, it always seems like dusk. However, I was expecting worse weather, so I cannot complain. My coat is possibly the best thing I have bought with me! Especially when it is only 1 or 2 degrees outside. I have heard the word 'hygge' used many times, and it is possibly my favourite Danish word. The feeling of comfort that is only described as hygge is wonderful, and the Danes have mastered it. I know I can look forward to much more hygge over this coming year. It will not be long before I can call Denmark home. Venlig hilson, Mikaela
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Godaften, In 2 days time I am leaving for Denmark, and goodness me I can not wait! The adrenaline is high and nerves have not yet kicked in, which provides for the perfect excitement leading up to my exchange. Anyone who knows me, knows that I can be unorganised. The most recent question I have been asked is, have you packed yet? No I have not and I understand I have only a short time until I leave. I have one suitcase and I know it will not be packed until the day before. At least it shouldn't be over the weight limit! This last week before I leave has been very busy with last minute preparations. Monday afternoon was full of cooking and baking, with Josh (who is going to Finland) and I practicing Australian recipes to cook on exchange. With the help of Josh's lovely mother Jen, who had been a previous exchange student in Denmark, we made 5 Australian dishes; chicken parmigiana, Ned Kelly pie, meat pie, lamingtons and damper. Thank you to Jen for helping us on along the way, we won't have been able to make the delicious meal without her. I have also Skyped my first host family in order for us to recognise each other at the airport and to 'meet' each other before I arrive. My host father Jan, host mother Lene, host sister Louise and host boyfriend Daniel are very welcoming towards me and I look forward to living with them while I learn about Denmark and get through my first 4 months of exchange. They have organised for me to meet with the other two host families I will be staying with and my counsellor on the afternoon of the day I arrive, and I am very grateful for this. My room is messy, my Danish is forfærdelig and my luggage pile is growing, but none that matters because I am ready for the life that is to come (or at least I think I am). Venlig hilson, Mikaela Godaften,
As this is my first post, I should introduce myself. My name is Mikaela Love, and I am a socially awkward 15 year old from Australia . For the next 12 months I will be living in Denmark, a country I have never been too although have heard only great things about. I have a mother, father, younger brother, younger sister, a dog (whom I love) and a bird (whom I am still learning to like), and we live together in the suburbs of Sydney. I go to an all girls Catholic school, and thoroughly enjoy my time there. After my last day at school, I have been back at least 5 times, hence I am often called a nerd. I don’t mind this nickname, it only receives negative connotations from American teen movies. I spend the majority of my spare time reading, watching Netflix or playing tennis. One would say I am not the most outgoing or social type, but maybe exchange will change this. I want to become an Archaeologist when I leave school, I have since I was little. I love history and often wish I was living in another time. I wouldn’t call Indiana Jones my role model, although I do believe he has the perfect life, however unrealistic it may be. I would like to express my gratitude towards the Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills/Cherrybrook and District 9685, as they have sponsored me for this adventure. As well as District 1470 in Denmark who are allowing me to become part of their community for a year. As you would have read above, I am Australian and have become accustomed to warm weather. In 20°C weather, I am cold. Today it is 38°C and it is expected to be 42°C tomorrow. Denmark is currently around 0 degrees, so as part of my preparations I have tried to mentally prepare for this large shift in climate, although it still amazes me. In 14 days, I will begin a new life. I do not know if I am ready, but I know it will be phenomenal. Venlig helson, Mikaela |
AboutHello there, my name is Mikaela Love, and I am on a yearlong Rotary Youth Exchange in 2018. Throughout this blog, you will find the crazy adventures of a socially awkward 16 yr. old living in Denmark; stories and photos from a world far away. Archive
November 2018
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