"hyggelig" kobenhavn

Getting to know the Danes

I can't believe it - i've been here for a month already! and i'm just now starting my blog :( but that's ok. at least i'm starting it, right? well, i think with this blog, i will not focus on any particular part of my experience or trip, but just comment on anything that pops into my head, be it a trip i take or an exciting encounter with a dane or simply a trip to the grocery store (which was quite frightening the first time!). however, i am studying a lot about advertising and marketing so some of my posts may be some thoughts bout the ideas we discuss in class, just as a warning.

but the first thing i want to talk about is the culture because for me it's the most fascinating and most of the reason why i find myself in yet another country and wanting to experience new things. (an interest in different cultures combined with my short attention span, of course)


ok, so a few quick tidbits about the danes before i get back to the books:

• the danes love love love loooooove to drink beer!!! i mean they love it! and it's carlsberg or tuborg and they are quite proud of it! we even have a bar in our school. it's cool. it turns into more of a club on thursday nights and with a school of 15,000 students who love to drink beer, i'm sure they make a quite a bit on those thursday night parties.
• the danes are obsessed with things that are "hyggelig". now there is not an actual way to translate it into english. but imagine this: it's cold and snowy outside and you come over to a friends house for dinner. when you arrive (with flowers or wine or some small gift, of course), you find a wonderful dinner on the table with candles lit everywhere and other friends are sitting around having some wine and laughing. it's very cozy and warm and inviting. well....this is hyggelig. it's an adjective that describes the atmosphere which danes love to create in their homes. that is why they all have lots of candles around the house i guess.
• well, i discovered that i'm totally being screwed by paying tuition! the danes go to school (even grad school) for free! this country has a socialist government and everyone pays 45 - 55% in taxes, but they have amazing school system, free health care, good roads, and perfect public transportation. not a bad idea if you ask me. however, there are downsides to everything. if you are in need of an operation, well...get in line. they will get to you when they can. some people wait several months for operations and use of health care facilities.
• let's see. one last thing. the danes speak perfect english! which is great for me! most of their movies and t.v. shows are not dubbed over in danish and they learn english from elementary school on. so, it's been quite easy to get around!

Well, i think i'd best get back to reading before bed. but please do keep in touch. i will try to post pictures along with my posts and maybe even get a site that has a bunch of my pictures to browse through. but please keep in touch. send me emails, post on the blog, call me, skype me!

It's been a "hyggelig" time so far and i hope it will continue through the semester!

posted by kaddie @ 11:36 AM