I’m a person who loves perfect little moments. You know, the ones when it feels like time slows down and everything comes to a halt as you take in the fullness of the world around you— the beauty of a flower, the warmth of a ray of sunshine, the laughs of the people you’re with. Whatever they may be, these are the moments that create memories. I chase these moments, continuously searching for the pure joy of everyday life because I know that this is the only time I will be exactly where I am, when I am. I want to remember this moment in its fullness.
Week Two brought about routine. My classes and schedule are solidified. I don’t need to use Google Maps on a daily basis anymore. I’ve found ways to consistently pitch in at my homestay. I’ve formed the friendships that I hope will last during and beyond my time in Copenhagen.
As my daily life in Copenhagen becomes more normal, I’ve been savoring its perfect, fleeting moments. Because feelings of anxiety and novelty have subsided, I’ve been able to focus more on what my life is going to consistently look like for the next four months and where pockets of joy lie. I’ve been able to stop for a second and think about how I really am here and this really is my life and I really get to live it and living is so, so beautiful and the people who are also here and living with me are so, so beautiful.
So, here are some of those people and some of these moments:
On Thursday I tried Thai street food for the first time with a new friend. We sat outside eating for about two hours, sharing personal stories and some of what we’ve been processing in our short time in Denmark. The man sitting at the table next to us heard us speaking in English and started up a friendly conversation. I walked away feeling full of good food and conversation.
Fridays are special everywhere but Fridays are especially special if you are a Danish child. It is traditional in Denmark to take children to a candy store on Fridays to celebrate the weekend. Along with my host brothers, I too was allowed to pick out 15 krones (about $2.20) worth of candy for myself to be eaten that evening.
For obvious reasons, I didn’t expect to walk out of my first Holocaust & Genocide class feeling immense joy. However, my professor, Torben Jørgensen, came to class sharing his unique perspective on why he entered this field. He told us that we can only learn about loss if we understand how precious and beautiful life is. He ended class early, telling us to go enjoy the the sunshine outside and be thankful for the gift of life.
On Saturday, my host brother’s fifth grade class had a picnic at the King’s Garden, something that is apparently quintessentially Danish. I chatted with some of the parents a bit but mostly relished in the world around me: blankets laid out on the earth, laughter and chatter in a language I don’t understand, lots of delicious cake, two different bachelorette parties, kids playing soccer, and more sunshine.
These are just some of the many moments of joy that have caused me to pause and reflect over the past week. Denmark is constantly surprising, joyful, and giving. I’m excited to continue to discover more moments of joy in my time here.
Danish Highlights:
Jeg taler ikke dansk – I do not speak Danish. Haven’t had to use this yet but I was adamant about learning to say it.
Jeg tager toget – I take the train
Hvordan går det? – how are you?
fødselsdag – birthday
spansk – Spanish
engelsk – English
Jeg bor hos en dansk familie – I live with a Danish family
Viaje a Copenhague 