Some Cultural Notes

So I know I said I was only going to update once a week, but my last entry was far too long. I write the way I talk and I talk a LOT, so apologies for the longwindedness! Yesterday I was pretty sick, but I feel much better since my fever broke (being sick away from home is miserable enough, but being in another country is worse). However, I am fully functional and excited for life! haha. Anyway, I wanted to share with you all the cultural differences I've noticed in my first week.

1. There are a lot of babies. Like, a billion. Everywhere you look there is a baby. My Danish professor said that could be because of the sweet 1-year maternity leave they receive here. I just think the Danes like to procreate (though the birth rate is only about 1.6 babies per woman. Hey, I'm already learning something in class!) Though I've "seen" a lot of babies, I actually haven't seen very many because their parents keep them completely covered in huge strollers. It's actually really bizarre. However, the ones I have seen are super adorable and very bundled.

2. Public transit is really easy to figure out. Granted, the maps are in Danish, but all of the buses/trains have signs that state what stop is coming up, and they even announce it in Danish. However, I haven't mastered reading the timetables at bus stops yet. Those things are crazy.

3. People smoke a ton here. Bars have smoking sections inside, and they are always overflowing with Danes. Example of how much Danes like to smoke: There is a free concert going on around the corner from me, and 2/6 bandmembers were smoking while playing/singing. I wish I had my camera - it was definitely a sight to see! Their music was pretty awesome too.

4. I have no sense of direction. Okay, so this isn't a cultural thing, but I thought it was funny. I have gotten lost so many times I can't even count. From walking the complete wrong way from the train station to my apartment to walking by the kommune (where I got my CPR card which is equivalent to a social security card + medical benefits + library access) about 12x, I am totally inept at sensing my way home. However, this has made me really really good at asking for help.

No pictures today, but I promise some soon! I just need to stop forgetting my camera...