Although I don't have any pictures to put in place now, I assure my readers that some will be coming soon. Between classes, figuring out the train, and attempting to establish my temporary Danish residency so I don't get deported, I've been a little too busy to take any pictures (plus, its only light out for about 5 hours a day, most of which I spend indoors at class). However, I do plan to take more pictures over the next several days and this weekend, when I plan to do some more sightseeing.

I thought for this post I'd discuss some preliminary observations I've made about the Danish people. Keep in mind that these are a stupid American college kid's impressions of Danish culture, after being here for only a week, so take everything I write with a grain of salt.

1) EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE,teens, day old infants, and 90 year old Grandmas, SMOKES. We discussed it in my "Health Care in Scandinavia" class, and the professor told us that people don't care because they'd rather have a higher quality of life, albeit a shorter one. Luckily, you can't smoke inside anywhere, except bars and restaurants, so classroom buildings, public transportation and my room are smoke free. Unfortunately, all of my clothes smell like smoke, which doesn't seem to go away quickly. Oh well, I'll have to burn them and buy trendy Danish fashion items.

2) Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, speaks English. I bought my first Polse (a Danish weiner in a bun) at a stand. I was hungry and figured it would be a good way to taste Danish culture. As I was waiting in line, a little old woman (i'd guess around 75), began speaking Danish to me. I turned to her and explained that I didn't speak Danish. She looked perplexed for a minute, and then immediately switched over to speaking to me in broken English. I think she might have been slightly disoriented or senile though, because she couldn't understand that I wasn't actually from Denmark, but from America. But, I had suspicions about her anyways, as she was hanging around the hot dog stand at 3 pm, not actually purchasing anything. So, my point is, if senile little old ladies can speak English, I assume everyone can. It comes in handy when ordering food or asking directions.

3) The Danes love coziness. The word hygge is a concept in Danish culture that roughly means a cozy, warm atmosphere. English doesn't really have a word to describe it, but it can be seen everywhere. Candles and low light, along with comfortable couches are the norm at all coffee shops. People seem to come in from the cold, and snuggle in by fire places or candle light, and talk with friends and family for hours. I've seen Danish homes through windows, as well as coffee shops and restaurants, which have many candles and comfortable seating. I see the appeal after trudging through cold and darkness during the day, having a warm setting to come home to.

Anyways, I have appeared to blather on again.