Monday, November 10, 2008

3 Month Anniversary of Living in Denmark

It's been a rocky road, but we have managed to get through the first 3 months. While riding back from taking the kids to school this morning I reflected on our first few days here, compared to now. The first week we lived in a fog, not knowing where to go or how to operate in this society. Just look at how we've integrated:
  • we ride to school in inclement weather, with rain gear and boots, and play outdoors in the rain at recess...
  • Craig kisses me good bye at 5:15 am and goes to Germany, Holland and Poland for 3 days, like it's going to the office. Other weeks he drives 3 hours to the current office.
  • Maya's beginning basketball season next week and rode to school by herself this morning. She took the city bus home with a friend last week for the first time. These are all normal events for that age here.
  • Molly is on a Danish Soccer team, indoor and outdoor year round.
  • I am starting Danish language classes this week, 3 days/wk for 3 hours each
  • I have a home gym set up and work out at least 3 days a week.
  • We now have our Dankort cards, Citizen cards, on-line banking, wire transfering successfully, emailing, skyping, watch t.v., have land-line phone and local phone book so we are hooked up on the communications
  • Craig got his company car with GPS, hands free phone and IPOD connection.
  • We know the bus and train schedules and I know the roads, neighborhoods and ways to get around.
  • I know where to shop for almost everything we need and I'm going to IKEA less and less all the time.
  • We are making friends and socializing. Going to more museums, family activities and investigating culture. Last weekend Craig and I went to see an English play and out for Thai food.
  • I'll start to teach after-school yoga classes for students in December.
  • We are now planning our Xmas vacation break: a road trip to Switzerland to visit Karin and Elmar Auf Der Mar.

There's obviously more, but you get the picture. We're getting involved and feeling connected. Right now as I type, it's pouring rain with winds. From what I gather, fall is the rainiest, dreariest season of all. They start celebrating Xmas in mid November with fairs and festivals and keep lights up until the end of January.

2 comments:

Paul Hehn said...

Sounds like a jam-packed three months! Glad you're feeling settled in.

Michelle Rafter said...

Mary Jo:

Your hard work over the last three months is now paying off, good job. You sound very settled in and the girls also sound like they've adjusted very well. Sorry about Craig having to travel so much - having the office 3 hours away can't be good; hope that doesn't have to continue indefinitely.

Keep us posted on the language lessons!

And let me know if you ever venture over to Sweden, I'd love to find out if you visit Malmo, Lund or Eslov, the towns I lived in or visited a lot.