Day 14

We have been in this wonderful city for two weeks, surrounded by things modern and ancient and even though we don’t understand the language, culture or history, we feel like right now, this is exactly where we should be.

What I like most…

The sunny, blue sky days which I did not expect at all,

The fact that coffee and muesli is much less expensive and much nicer here then at home,

The friendly and colorful people,

Walking down the street with Richard in the snow,

The Danish lifestyle (a little more about it later)

No banking feesJ

No doctors feesJJ

No medical aidJJJ

My new job

What I would have to get use too (but most certainly do not want to)…

Denmark is the most expensive country to live in, in the world (http://www.aneki.com/expensive.html), quite a bit more expensive then Switzerland. Petrol is 20 dkr per liter (R28,57) , a 500ml coke at the supermarket goes for 25 dkr (R35) and rent for an average 2 bedroom apartment outside the city is 10,000 dkr p.m (R14,280) utilities excluded.

The Danish Lifestyle

This is something I cannot yet say that much about, but one thing is for sure, the Danes got a damn good thing going. Fit, healthy, glowing, outdoorsy people everywhere! Two weeks and I have not seen a single over weight person in all this time (I know that its’ difficult to believe, but really, not even one)! The Danes are so active, walking and cycling everywhere. What they call a fitness centre is like no gym I have ever seen (and I have been in almost every Virgin Active in the Cape peninsula). Everything from swimming, bowling, rock climbing, soccer, running, cycling, massive aerobics classes, name it.  Explaining it is no use and does not do there indoor havens any justice. Last week Sunday, we went to see a fitness centre. Despite it being Sunday, I have never been in such a social, dynamic, fun indoor place before.  

The Danes entertain themselves and each other in these sub-zero temperatures by staying active and taking part in sport activities and the cold do not seem to deter their love of the outdoors even one bit. We have only been here two weeks and already Richard was invited to go fishing from a boat yesterday and then we had fish for supper with our new found friends (3 Danes, a German, a Scot who we cant really ubderstand when he speaks and a Venuazualian). Latest news from a friends’ friend in London is that he picked up 30kgs because of the pub culture. I am extremely happy to be in Copenhagen instead.

So if someone is to ask if I miss home yet, it’s difficult to give a straight answer. I miss my parents, my cat, our car, my best friend and me and Richards’ family and friends. But I don’t miss the heat, the sun (I’ve seen more sun this last two weeks then in any Cape Town winter) and having to run to catch the last bus home after work. So not all that much yet and I don’t think I will.

South Africa will always be home. I have that in the back off my mind at all times and this makes it easy to enjoy and experience this strange very different place to its fullest.

Long ago someone once asked me what the one thing is I want, but know I will never have. My answer….”To travel to every country in the world”. I yearn to experience far off places, ancient, historical and rich with diverse cultures, exotic  or contemporary. With 196 countries in the world, I knew this to be impossible. What I will settle for instead is to visit as many foreign places possible.

I have no set plans as yet and will see where the road take me. Instead of embarking this journey as students or travelers (as so many people we know have done), we want and are going to try and experience our travels as the locals does. First stop, Copenhagen, Denmark. My adventure is set to start next week, when me and my husband, Richard depart for this far off land to live as locals.

For family and friends, loved ones and whoever else have any interest, we are hoping that this site will keep you updated with how we are doing. Please, please don’t forget to let us know how you are as well.