The Blue Van.. igen.

When I think about how amazing my life is - I can't help but think back to the old days (people and places alike) and say "suck on that". Not very nice of me I know, but something that can't be helped it seems.

Last night we saw The Blue Van again! Ahhhh - they were so good! The gig was absolutely packed; people were overflowing out the doors trying to get in on it. It was like a sauna it was so hot! I could go on about every little detail and how awesome it was, but the excitement gets lost between words and the web. I'll get straight to the point that i'm dying to brag about...

Rachael and I had lost the rest of our friends since the beginning of the show - and we just so happened to know not only where back stage was, but also that they didn't seem to have any security as it was 'hidden' away. With that we figured - "We're exchange students". Which in our head means - "We can do whatever the hell we want". So (awkward as it was, especially since we were sweaty and gross from raging in the mosh pit) we walked behind closed doors, up the stairs and straight to the table where the lead singer Steffen was having a ciggy and a beer - and just sat down. Literally saying "hey, we're not supposed to be here but - there's no security so....". Ah, i'm so stoked. He was so chill. We got to talking about their tour with Jet and even about our lives here in Denmark. He called my town Frederikshavn 'shit' - but that's an entirely different story!

The point is - I love life, and The Blue Van makes me act like a groupy.

Tusind tak Danmark, jeg elsker dig!

Autumn

Denmark never ceases to amaze me... It is just the beginning of Autumn - and it's 13 degrees. We wouldn't see 13 degrees during the middle of the day until the dead of Winter in Australia, and even then, I don't think we get much below 20 during the day. What the?!

Kære Danmark

Dear Denmark,

You have thoroughly impressed me thus far - there are so many things I love about you, and so many things you have taught me to love; most of all, you've learnt me to grow.

However, like all things, what we have must come to an end. We have four months left - I don't intend to let them go to waste. Hold on to your knickers!

Sincerely yours (with undying love)

Riley Louise.

ALP

The government which is currently in power in Australia is awful - just awful!

I simply cannot understand why anyone with a well educated mind is in agreeance with their policies! Every news article I read about their insane ideas makes me furious. Let alone the fact that the reason they are in power is due to self absorbed, big headed independents. These independents who in fact admitted that they sided with the Labor party because Gillard's possy of 'wanna be' socialists were unlikely to hold government as long as the Liberal party. In simple terms - the Labor party had more to lose, thus more need of the independents. So instead of having the more competent party in favour, who obviously has better policies - or I should rather say: are smart enough to oppose Labor's un-realistic ones - the Liberal party is in opposition. Then again, I do not fear; the count down is on and soon we will re-establish a government that can truly give us what we need.

Rage over.

Day to Day Life: Attempting School

To say that I try my hardest to keep my blog totally updated would be a lie. I somehow got in it my head that I should only write about the most interesting of things, but when I look back at this a few years from now (even a few months!), I know I will still remember the amazing trip to London or Paris or Prague...;but will I remember my day to day life?

So here it is for you!

I have school five days a week. And I have to say, after going to school just four out of seven days in Australia, it is really hard to have just a two day weekend! I'll be honest, my attendance is not of a high standard (to say the least). But in my defence, I believe a lot of exchangers struggle to motivate themselves to wake at 6am for hours of a language they don't understand, and quite frankly - subjects that don't matter in the least. To make this a little more clear - I go to school to make friends, and then see those friends. I have graduated high school in Australia and will be returning to university as soon as I arrive back. Gymnasium by no means can contribute to any certificate of education I hold in Australia. I digress. Like any normal student, school and I have a love hate relationship. I struggle being inside all day when I feel I can be doing much more productive things outside e.g., sleeping. No no, jokes aside - when my Oldie Matt was here in Frederikshavn, we often used to go to the botanical gardens and see the deer (YES, DEER!) roaming around. I'd take photos almost everything! We'd go to town and watch people go buy, while really doing nothing ourselves. That is precisely the beauty of the relationship between exchangers. We are happy to do absolutely nothing at any given place, because we are thrilled to merely be there! It's not the same in asking one of your Danish friends to just 'go for a bike ride' around town. I'm not saying that you can't do that... it's just different.

I'm going to leave it at that for now, it's 2200 (yes I use 24 hour time now - crazy!) and I have been promising myself an early night all day. I WILL go to the first class tomorrow. I will, I will, I will! (If you haven't noticed i'm trying to convince myself to go to the first class tomorrow, though all my heart, mind and soul are telling me that it would be much more pleasurable to sleep and extra hour or two).

Skagen Get Together

With this past weekend, there was a Rotary Get Together in Skagen for district 1440 inbound exchange students. It was absolutely fantastic! I can't name one thing that didn't surpass satisfaction.

I am proud to say that it was in fact my counsellor's idea that made this awesome weekend happen, and it may be for that reason that I favoured this camp above all others. Though with bias put aside, us exchange students could not have asked for more. The weather, atmosphere, food, people (students and Rotarians alike) - absolutely everything was perfect!

We were given a tour of Skagen and the most popular sites that often bring many tourists every year. The 'wondering sand dunes', the 'sandy church', the art museum, the light house, the town and the toppen of Skagen where the Baltic and North Sea meet! We were presented with so much history, culture and truly fascinating facts - it wasn't like any usual boring school excursion.

We made new friends with the newbies (oh my gosh i'm an oldie!) and had a really chill weekend. I could describe everything in detail here, but I would much rather tell you in person! But just know that I loved it, and we all had a great time.

Jacqui & I

(This is for Matt, my oldie, who has inspired me more than any other to love life, and never waste what we have. I love you Matt!)

Katie and I at the Museum

(For once enjoying the view from above)

District 1440 on the Wondering Sand Dunes!

The Sandy Church

Søren and Bente (and Donna!) - min mor og far. Jeg elkser jer!

At the top of the Lighthouse with the toppen in the distance

Saggy Boobs

I went to the local swimming pool today... my purity is ruined.

Denmark (or Europe in general) is very open with the whole change room situation, so it is extremely hard not to notice others around you butt naked. And I mean naked as in.. naked.

I was the only person there over the age of 5 and still under the age of 40... And now I don't know if I want to go back there again... I've seen what nature has intended for me and I don't like it. I actually cried a little, and laughed. That in itself is kind of awkward considering I was chilling by myself.

Seriously, can your boobs hang any lower?! It was awful... And it wasn't just one lady - they all looked like that! I don't want to be a hater, but I remember seeing older people at pools or the beach in Australia and they didn't wobble so much... Maybe my Australian genes will help me pull through...

I can't seem to rid of the images!!!!

Enjoying the Single Life

Stupid things I hear include:

- the saying "Enjoying the single life!"

The only time I would believe someone when they say this, is if they're a whore. I imagine that having a boyfriend whilst attempting to still be with numerous guys would be quite frustrating.

I probably offended a few people in this blog... Sorry.

Idrætsdag med 3.z

Yesterday we had 'idrætsdag' at the Gymnasium... It is what we would call sports day, but not in the sense that we Aussies are used to; there was no long jump, sprints, javelin etc... Just dressing up with biscuits and lollies.

In Australia, I believe it is fair to say, sport is a huge part of both the culture and curriculum in schools. It's not like this in Denmark... The competitions were done as a class, and they included potato bag races, jump rope (how many jumps with 10 people), trivia etc... It was rea

lly fun! But I wouldn't call it a sports day. And it only went for two hours!

There are three years in the Gymnasium, and the third years are considered 'gods'... As a third year, I own the school, along with my level. So we spent the day singing about how much we hate the first years (like any regular day really), and bribing the teachers with lollies and ANZAC BISCUITS(!!!) for more points. Might I add, I have never made such a fantastic batch of anzac biscuits, they were amazing.

Kristine, Julia and Ginne (pulling a really strange face!) and the bribery methods...

Min Klasse! 3.z

Love, life and liberty.

I'm not quite sure how to write this post... I just want to express how grateful I am for my life, and to those who have made it so amazing for me.

One of the reasons I came to Denmark is because I wanted to get out of Cleveland for a while (to say the least). I had my ups and downs like any teenage in high school, and primary school was absolute hell!!!!!!!!! I felt like I needed more; I didn't like where I was going emotionally - I felt unstable.

Denmark has totally changed that, I have been here for seven months (out of the twelve) and I have already achieved what I wanted; I've grown up. Don't get me wrong - I don't want to get older, I wish I could stay 18 forever. But what I mean by 'growing up' is my newfound complacency with everything. I'm struggling to find the words of how I feel - steady, stable, calm, happy, grateful... I know exactly where I am in life; even though my feet are far from being 'on the ground'.

My embarrassing emotional moment that I am suffering right now is because I was stupid enough to browse through old photos that held some of my favourite memories. It made me realise that I was living with so much unnecessary greed - I was adamant on having the most amazing best friend, with something to do every minute of the weekend. I couldn't understand why other people would have plans on a certain Saturday night, and I wouldn't. I digress from the initial point of my blog... but to this I would just like to add - who cares? Who cares if you only have five friends? I can guarantee from experience, that those five friends are better than thirty or forty. You can't be friends with everyone, and you can't make real time for thirty people every weekend.

Back to the point! I wanted to focus on the important people that have made each year of my life better than the last. As I said, I was looking at photos and it brought me to reminisce about how many fun times I had... It did make me sad at first, because I used to dwell (to a ridiculous point) on why things had to end. How could I be inseparable with someone for months, then it come to such an abrupt and strange end? But if I have learnt anything being an exchange student - it's that everything changes, but nothing ends. I might not be best friends with those people anymore, but I have the memories, and we have the history. We will all make new friends who will again come and go, and again we'll make more memories that will go down in our own history. What's important is to do what we enjoy. Yesterday one of my friends said to me - "I will never do anything that I don't enjoy; never again". What I loved most about what she said, was the passion, I just loved that she meant it.

I am just so thankful for life; I am so grateful for my family and friends, I love to reminisce about how great life has been - but I no longer dwell on what is gone. "Be not spiteful for what you don't have, but grateful for what you do".

I was going to name those who have given me some of the greatest memories, but then I realised that I would have to name almost everyone I have met. Be it an entire year, or just a day - everyone I have shared love, life or joy with - I owe thanks to.

It seems that I sound like a hippy, tree hugger, I am aware. But to those who are sceptical, I have to ask if you realise what you have? Life, love and liberty. Do what makes you happy!

The reason I am writing this on my blog, is because I am so fully aware of how amazing life is, and how lucky I am. But does everyone else? It's easy to say "Yes Riley, but you're off spending a year in Denmark while I study uni/work/die of boredom". But what I do in Denmark is little different to what I did in Australia. I am with friends on the weekend, family during the week, I go to school and spend far to much time on facebook at all hours of the day. I do almost exactly what you are doing. I may be having an experience, but I am also 16 000 km from my mum (my absolute other half), I live on a tight budget and obey strict rules of exchange. I am constantly put in severely awkward situations where I know no one, and don't even speak the same language. I am making new friends, but I am going to have to say goodbye in five months.

I admit I am lucky because I was able to come on exchange, and it truly does change your life; it changes the way you think when you are taken out of routine. Even more, I believe that it has to be a realisation of how much you have. As much as I can write to you, and tell you to be thankful and grateful - it has to come from within. I have no doubt that everyone knows they are lucky... that they don't live in a war or flood zone. But with my realisation of "life", I have also found an intolerance to people who are ungrateful. More than anything I idol people who are strong in truly tough situations. I will always be a friend if someone needs me, but I won't surround myself with people who pity themselves for tedious 'problems'.

I write to inspire, not because I am inspirational (haha, not in the least!). But if I can believe my friends and family to be as happy as I, or if they can take joy from mine (be it just my mum) - then that's just another piece of me fulfilled. Even if I get this all wrong, even if what I am saying makes you think i'm an idiot - it's just a blog, and these are just a few thoughts from reminiscing over the past five years.

Thoughts to Share

I know, i'm spoiling you; yet another blog!

I just was thinking about what I miss and also the differences between Denmark and Australia and thought it would be nice to share them....

- I miss my mum! Do I need to explain this? I'll just mention that it's impossible not to appreciate your mother more, especially in my case as my year in Denmark is a gift from her, an incredibly generous one at that.

- I miss my family and friends. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder. Of course you are going to make amazing friends during a year abroad, but... an Aussie is an Aussie, and what kind of Aussie doesn't need their mates?!

- School. Okay, well my observations can only be fairly made by the one class I understand; English. Number one rule: put your hand up to speak, or suffer the death penalty. Seriously... Also, they don't have GBS or school teams for soccer, basketball, netball etc. Every now and again, classes form a team to have an in school competition for volleyball or something (though I don't think it is taken entirely seriously). We have sport twice a week (we are currently playing basketball), but no one seems to know the rules, I mean - have you ever heard of back court, or travelling? And our teacher doesn't correct anyone, it's driving me mad I tell you.

Everyone brings a laptop to school too! In fact, it would be exceedingly strange if a student didn't have one.

- Take away coffee from any one of the numerous coffee shops in the morning. Danish people don't do take away coffee so much - well, at least not where I live. Maybe more in Copenhagen though? But man, a good latte would go a long way right now! Especially considering the weather is often so cold and rainy, which is when it was most likely for mum and I to stop into Banjos on the way to school back in C-Town... we were so sneaky...

- The food. Oh God, good Aussie food........ pies; pasties; frozen cokes from maccas, natural confectionary lollies, dip (Danes don't do dip - who doesn't do dip?! And I lived off dip too...). And the huge variety of global cuisines... Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Turkish, American - what ever you want, anywhere you like. It's really expensive to eat out in Denmark too, dammit! However, the pizza in Denmark is healthy, kid you not. It's thin and not covered in cheese and yet tastes so good (though not the same). You also don't die from saturated fat after eating it which is always a plus!

- Denmark epitomises safety. I don't know how to elaborate much more on that, but you can all be assured that I am safer in Denmark (be it 16 000 km from home, with very little knowledge on the language) than I have ever been in Australia.

- Riding bikes. It's like Bike World... everyone rides a bike almost everywhere! Compared to Aussies who really only use bikes for cycling in lycra (yuck) or bmxing. It's so refreshing... (i'm aware I sound like a geeb!)

- 24 hour time. This may not seem like much but it had been pretty damn confusing for the first few months when people were telling me to meet at 1900!!!!

- Public transport.... is so much cheaper in Australia. For example, it cost less than $5 to catch a train to the city back home - it now costs me at least $20 to do the same in Denmark. On the other hand, the possibility of being stabbed on the train in DK is like... 0.0002% and the chairs aren't covered in filth!

- Summer Houses. Okay, it might just be me, but has anyone else noticed that almost every family owns a summer house in Denmark? (Be it just an hour from their own home). But seriously, everyone!

I can't think of any more for now - but I will edit this post if I do.

I think a 'final thoughts' would be appropriate for this....... But I guess all I can say is, before you ask, neither is better, I consider both Australia and Denmark my home and love them for different reasons.

The Blue Van

I know i'm uploading two entirely different posts today, but I need to make up for the last two or three months. I am going to try and update every Monday and Friday - wish me luck!

So, this is basically just to say, I freaking met The Blue Van!!! I can't express this moment in my life, it has almost entirely made my year; I am speechless! But every time I tell a somebody about this phenomenal experience I had; they ask me who they are! Okay, fair enough, not every band is as famous as The Beatles... But I am willing to put a ridiculous amount of money on the fact that in maybe ten or twenty years time, they will be known world wide. On stage they have a sort of Sex Pistols image, but with more modern rock. I think that they're one of those bands that just become better as they get older (unlike Blink for instance, who die with age).

Although I want them to have their deserved fame (more so because I think they deserve the pay), to be honest I really hope that they're not played continuously on the radio. Maybe something like Oasis - everyone knows the songs, but your ears aren't bashed by them on the radio... You know what, scratch that - I want them to stay exactly the way they are so they can keep playing the same brilliant music, and continue to be the genuinely cool guys that we met!! Their words being "we didn't know we had fans in Australia".

In September they are playing another gig in Ålborg, I am so excited. I intend to lose my voice (again) - because I just can't help but sing (rather shout) along.

I also just wanted to mention that it was thanks to Gabbie's host dad that we got to meet them, so thank you so much Jens Ole, you've made my year!

One more thing (as this photo was from the same day), Rachael and Katie have been the most amazing friends while here in Denmark. Being 16 000 km from home isn't easy (and I am an emotional person to say the least), and these girls keep me smiling when I miss my mum too much!

Europa Tur

Fiinnaalllyyyyyy

So, Euro Tour; I have been avoiding this blog as I simply don't know what to write or how to express how fantastic it was.

There were about 50 students on the bus that took us around Europe, and we came from the countries of Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Brazil, Portugal and Argentina. We went to so many cities and saw so many different things. It's strange how Europe is such a small place, yet so full of such different cities and cultures and people!

This was our itinerary...

Day 1: Denmark to Berlin

Day 2: Berlin

Day 3: Berlin to Prague, Czech Republic

Day 4: Prague, Czech Republic

Day 5: Czech Republic to Vienna, Austria

Day 6: Vienna, Austria

Day 7: Vienna to Lido di Jesolo, Italy.

Day 8: Lido di Jesolo, Italy

Day 9: Venice, Italy (day trip)

Day 10: Lido di Jesolo to Verona to Riviera of Italy

Day 11: Riviera of Italy to Monaco to Avignon

Day 12: Southern France

Day 13, 14, 15: Paris

Day 16: Paris to Brussels

Day 17: Brussels to Holland, Amsterdam. Stay in Arnhem.

Day 18: Arnhem to Denmark via Hamburg.

My favourite city was Paris, which was surprising considering I had such high expectations; I am amazed that they were met! The city is truly beautiful and the people are not obnoxious as far as I can tell! There are so many attractions to see and it is very easy to travel around. The food was very good and the atmosphere was just amazing. I can't express my love for it and I cannot wait to go back!

My second favourite city was Prague. Upon arriving in the city I was not impressed at all as it seemed very 'grungy' and dirty, every wall was covered in graffiti and it did not like a pleasantly safe place at all! To add to this, the politics in the Czech Republic are known to be extremely corrupt! However, we then travelled to the other side of the city where I had my breath taken away. It was so beautiful and old style with such charm!

My least favourite city was Berlin, but this is almost entirely due to the fact that my wallet got stolen! Bah, how awful. But what can you do? And also… Venice is over rated! Too damn expensive with too many people.

I also turned 18 in Prague (some time near the beginning of the trip). I had such a fantastic birthday which I honestly didn't expect to have without my Australian family and old friends. Everyone had such a good night and I felt very, very special!!! We just went to an Irish Bar where there was a real life Irish singer playing his guitar! Perfect. During the day of my birthday we also found the MOST PERFECT RESTAURANT EVER! I can't express how good the food was. I never knew salads could taste so amazing. But i'm rambling about food now…..

The routine with most of the cities was just for us to be dropped off in the morning, being free to roam and explore for the day, and then to meet with the bus again later that day. This was great because we also had the opportunity to follow our guide to certain places, but what we found was best, was for Henrik (the guide) to point out the best places on a map, so we were able to go at our own pace with desired friends.

I'll upload a separate blog with all the photos so I can describe them individually…

My Oldie, Matt Meza

I know I need to do an update about Euro Tour and what not... but while I have the time; this is more important.

Matt just left this morning to go back to the USA. I'm devastated on so many levels, but so glad that I not only got to meet him, but that he was MY oldie. We know that us exchangers in Frederikshavn have it better than any other exchange student in the world.

I just wanted to say thank you to Matt for always being there, for teaching me, for laughing with me, for putting up with me, and just being freaking amazing. He's so kind, open minded, ready for fun and has one of the biggest hearts i've ever known. Jeg elsker dig, Matt.

Det er ikke farvel, det er kun vi ses.

Long weekend

It's the final weeks of the school year here in Denmark and the days spent in class are slimming down. The last time I was at school was last Tuesday (due to a religious holiday on Thursday and Friday and my inability to wake up before mid-day on Wednesday). And this week, from Monday to Wednesday, my class is having årsprøve (exams) which I will not be participating in. Oh, it's a hard life!

I have FINALLY begun to receive Danish lessons however my teacher has decided that it is going to be fast tracked - thus I should accomplish what should be done in a few months, in a matter of three weeks. No complaints here, the more I learn the better - I want to understand/speak as much Danish possible ASAP!

This week I hope to make a boring one because I really do not want to spend even one krona as I am saving every penny for Euro Tour which I begin on Sunday! Ohhh myyyy Rowling!

Last Wednesday (after my friends had finished school and I my Danish lesson) Jannika, Kristine and I basically had a perfect sleep over. I love these girls so much. They are always doing things to make me happy, they truly define the word 'friend'. On Wednesday they gave me an early birthday present - a really beautiful sterling silver heart necklace. We had en meget hugelilig aften!

On Thursday I went with Nitzcsh, Kristina and Anders to an Eagle sanctuary (which I maintain was a prison!). I have never been so scared of a bird before - they were huge! They sometimes hunt deer - which are about twice their size! I didn't get very good photos as I was partly tissing at the fact that the birds were being subject for human entertainment, and also I truly didn't want to make too much movement - I really was the scared! They were of course "perfectly harmless" though.

eagle sanctuary man and eagle

After the Eagle show we decided to keep heading further north of Jylland. The church below is a major tourist attraction here in DK as it is said to have been buried by sand. Although Kristina and Nitzsch think other wise - Anders and I choose to believe this is a hoax and that there really is no other part to the building that is now under ground. Buuuttttt it's a silly debate that really isn't worth pro-longing my blog.

It was about a ten minute walk to the church, I used this time to sit on Anders shoulders and impersonate Kanye West/pretend to be a monster. Time well spent I think!

My favourite part of the day was going to the peninsula of Jylland, Denmark where the two seas (the North Sea and the Baltic Sea) meet. It is an incredible experience to literally see the seas crashing against each other. The best time to go is when it is stormy as the ocean is obviously rougher with more waves and thus more dramatic impact. Unfortunately my picture doesn't grasp how amazing it really is!

Kristina and I where the two seas meet!

On Friday I went with Amalie to the Sindal Markets and saw all the cutest little animals. Puppies, rabbits and horses were everywhere! It was adorable and made me miss my pets back home so much! They don't have markets every Sunday like we do back in sunny Queesland so it was sort of a special treat. It was a really pleasant day and I suppressed all urges to buy anything so I could save all my spending money for Europe!

cute little puppies!

Just a picture of how beautiful and green denmark is in Spring!

I made a special effort to keep ya'll up to date - I hope you appreciate it!

I'm missing everyone lots!

KNUS!

April

So it's been an entire month since my last substantial update… woops!

I will relay the events of the past few weeks in the shortest yet most interesting form possible - if you have any problems with my writing skills; give Ms Dennis (my previous english teacher) a call… Kidding! It's a lost cause, so I will apologise in advance for what you are about to read...

So I would like to begin with how the chicken pox (skoldkopper) ruined me for longer than the week it was supposed to. There are still blemishes on my face that just won't go away dammit! Nevertheless, I finally found the courage to take my first steps out of the house and into the sunshine of beautiful Denmark.

On Friday (16th April), my Gymnasium had a Friday's Cafe. For all the Aussies that don't know about this splendid idea - it's basically a "let's get drunk at school" party. From about 3 to 6pm the students all chill out in the kantine or outside on benches while having a beer or two (or three, four, etc etc). It was such a nice day, believe it or not the sun was shinning here in DK, and we just had a whole lot of hugelilig with our classmates. The song "Hey Shorty" by Kato was constantly playing in the background, and my classmates thought it was incredibly funny to literally force me to sing along to the Danish lyrics. Oh Rowling, the humiliation was painful (yet fun all the same). Later that night I went to a party with a few of my classmates however came home at about 1.30am - upon arriving home my host parents were quite alarmed and asked "what's wrong, why aren't you still at the party"?. Uggghhhh, let's just say I was confused and also amused. If I came home at 1.30am in Australia, my dearest mum would be asleep in bed and expecting me to do the same! Not suggesting to me to keep on partying to the break of dawn! (I didn't take any photos sorry!)

The next day (the 17th April), I caught a five hour train ride to the south of Denmark to a town called Vojens to see Anya for her 18th birthday. Bridget and a few other exchange students were there too and it was so nice to catch up and share stories about all our crazy experiences! We went out to town that night and I learnt something new… I was under the impression that Denmark was quite literally the most peaceful country in the world… Apparently that's just Frederikshavn. I kid you not when I say I am currently living in a little bubble - the birds really are always singing, everyone is always smiling - you get the idea. I was surprised to see a fight when going out to town in the south of Denmark. I am very accustomed to violence in Australia, I just didn't expect it here in Denmark. Then again, with that said, I think it is still a little worse in Australia than here in Denmark. It was ssuuuccchhh a good night with my favourite Aussie/Danish friends. On another note of my Vojens weekend - because the planes were not flying here in Europe (due to the volcanic ash from Iceland) the trains were full with people traveling through Denmark (from Norway or Sweden) to Germany and the rest of Europe. On Saturday I made good friends with (a cute!) French guy, and on the way home on Sunday I made another Norwegian friend. I just found it so incredibly cool that you can meet so many different nationalities so easily. I mean, what are the chances of meeting a French or Norwegian guy on the Cleveland line in Australia?!

(Anya, Bridget, me, Laura, Lidice and Gabi at a bar in Vojens)

The next weekend (23rd to 25th) I went with my host family to Læsø Island to check out the said very popular tourist destination. Because it's not quite summer yet - we basically had the island to ourselves. It was really peaceful and happily pleasant. Læsø is "famous" for it's salt - which is apparently stronger. However I am not the salt conisieur so I have to admit I couldn't taste the difference. It was surprisingly interesting to see how the salt is made too… We also spent our time there walking around the beaches and I found my first pieces of Amber!!! (Amber is made over thousands of years from the sap of trees rolling around in the ocean mixing with the sand - it's often used in jewellery like opals and what not).

(My host sister Amalie and I in front of a house with a sea weed roof!)

On Thursday 29th, we had an examination which I actually had to do! It was a presentation on the Holocaust and just mumbo jumbo talking for 10 minutes. Because we had Friday off, and we had all just completed an assessment - we had a class party at Amalie's that night. It was meget hugelilig! (really nice). I really love my class… The difference between high school in Australia and the Gymnasium is that I have one class for all my subjects. So I am with the same people everyday in class. It is quite literally a family… I don't know how to explain it in any other way. If someone has a party it will be for the class… We all sit together at lunch as opposed to with other friends in the school. There's a bit of conflict between a few people, but deep down everyone loves each other because, like I said, your class is your family. It's sweet.

That weekend (1st and 2nd) I went to Nibe/Ålborg to see my Australian friends again (I know i'm bad catching up with other exchange students!) and it was also really nice. There's not much to say except that I had so much fun with Rachael and Katie and am so happy that I have become friends with them!

(Rach and Katie)

That finally brings us up to date with this weekend… Fright night was the Galla fest. Which is like formal where you wear nice gowns except no where near as important… Ginne, Jannika and Kristine came over to my place in the afternoon to get ready together which was just sooooooo nice. I loved it. We then went to Christians for our class's pre party. We stayed there for about two hours before heading to the Galla at about 8.30. The time spent with my class before the actual Galla was definitely my favourite part of the night. I can't express how amazingly fun they are - just really kind people. Then on Saturday night I chilled at Jacobs place before heading into Ålborg with Jacob, Amalie and Nitzsch to see Rene's band play in the final of a battle of the bands. His band didn't win which was rubbish! But I won't say anymore on that injustice. After we saw Farklip play, we then went to the party street and had a really great night. I saw basically all of the Ålborg exchange students - it was crazy to know so many people in the clubs!

(My class 2z before Galla fest)

Annnddd at last we have reached today! I was supposed to talk with my dearest mother on Skype, it being Mothers day and all. But that plan failed! In stead, I went with Matt and his first host mum to basically the top of Denmark (on the west coast) to the mountain sand dunes. It was incredible and just really nice/interesting to see.

(me taking a photo of all the amazing dunes!)

I feel as though I have used all energy left in me to write this. I hope it wasn't too boring - a catch up of the events doesn't really portray my emotions, but I guess it will do!

Love to all my friends and family in both Australia and Denmark. I wish I could forever have the best of both countries, but I can't. So while I am here in Denmark - i'm living it to the fullest yet still missing all those I care about in Australia.

Stay safe, well, happy and healthy!

Knus!

Vege

I am sitting here looking at numerous Vegetarian sites and I just can't stop! It's like i'm traveling back in time and haven't broken any promise. I remember that there is this strange feeling you have when you don't eat meat; something that you cherish. This feeling of euphoria even, because you know you're doing something so selfless and truly making a difference in someones life. It's like the rest of the world doesn't know what they're missing out on... The Vegetarian Communities little secret. But that's not me anymore. Not for another nine months. I am a meat eater. I eat meat. I've dealt with it - I don't care. I'm just blogging.

A step closer to world peace...

If you know your limit;

If you know your right;

Compromise.

Just sayin'

I often have these moments where I just think - "Fuck I love life!"

And this is all thanks to Denmark and the new friends I have made.

I get sad when I think about leaving, but then I hope with this new found super positive attitude, when I return to Australia the love can keep on rolling and trolling.

I am very much aware that I am one of those incredibly annoying people that spread too much love and "super duper" positivity! - (said in a quirky voice). But I can't stop... I am beginning to hate myself a little, but then I quirk right back up.

Ps. Sorry for swearing Grandma!

KNUS!

Just a quick catch up!

First and foremost - I love Denmark.

Since getting back from London I have been one of two things; very sick or having a huge amount of fun with my best friends. The ups make the downs disappear so everything is A.O.K.

Now, while you are reading this, I do want you to have a slight feeling of sympathy for me as (though I hate to admit it) I am suffering from.. the chicken pox. Laugh you will but I prefer now than on my Euro Tour!

I will tell my short stories with photos - i'm not much in the creative writing mood when I am ridden with red sores ALL over my body. That and the fact that I have little left the house in the past two weeks now...

So last Sunday Rene, Amalie, Nitzsch and I went for a 'Sunday Drive' which was absolutely fantastic. I got to see so much of the country side and it was all so very, very beautiful! This is an old castle(?) we went to not far from my home! (Imagine all this culture, literally five minutes away - you just don't get that in Cleveland, let alone Brisbane!)

This is just one of my closest friends here in Denmark - Jannika. I love here. Along with Kristine they have made me feel very much at home here. We have so much fun and they are such beautiful people! And yes, I know I am a sop!!!

Jannika and Kristine randomly arrived at my home today with a gift basket wishing me well and to get better soon! Seriously - the most amazing friends ever. It was filled with cookies and chocolate and lollies and girly stuff and what not... Exactly what I needed. They are perfect people! I don't know how I became lucky enough to have friends like them, but i am so grateful.

Today I ALSO received a bunch of flowers. This at first puzzled me, who the hell was sending me flowers?!! When I read the card and saw it was from Mum, Chris and Georgia... I burst into tears. It was the worst/best feeling. I can't express how nice it was to receive this gift - it wasn't so much the flowers but the thought behind it that made me feel so sad... but in a good way! I feel their love from such a long distance away. I wish I could give back to them what they give to me. That's how I feel with a lot of people nowadays.

Like I said, I haven't left the house all week so my happenings aren't so entertaining. I am missing everyone from home like crazy but still having the time of my life. I feel like I need to give back more to people because everyone is just making me feel so special, but I don't know how!

Knus

LONDON BABY med 2z

Wow - where to begin?! London was simply amazing. It was incredibly fun yet so tiring. I could ramble a thousand adjectives to describe my week abroad in the UK, but i'll just stick with 'it was perfect'.

Already the sights and places are becoming hazy in my memory - there was just so much to see and do! But I will do my best to relay the fantastic trip without missing any important notes.

On Sunday night we arrived at our lovely little Westland Hotel - and by lovely I mean deceptive… The foyer was beautifully furnished; the hotel was clearly very old but in a good and cosy sort of way. We MANUALLY dragged our heavy suitcases up the stairs to our room where we quickly changed to head out for our first night in London! It was not very eventful as we knew very little of the streets or pubs so we were quite at a loss as to where to go! After walking aimlessly around town for an hour, we ended up getting a bottle of wine and having hugelig back at the hotel.

(the hotel)

On Tuesday our class went to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre which was really fantastic to see. We learnt about the ins and outs of 18th century theatre and the huge difference between a play performed today and then. It was incredibly interesting.

(inside the Globe Theatre)

Tuesday night we took the famous Jack the Riper Walk. It was, again, fantastic. History being not only told; but seen or felt! We stood on the ground of murder victims, we walked down small side streets and felt the chill in the air - the same as Annie Chapman or Catherine Eddowes would have on the night of their deaths. We learnt the gory details of throats slit and bodies disembowelled. However awful it was very interesting!

After returning home (while checking my shoulder every five minutes!) our class headed to a bar/club close to the hotel. Coincidentally, two other classes from further south in Denmark were also staying at the Westland. We somehow managed to turn an English club into our own little Danish one. With about fifty Danish students and twenty seedy old men, the night proved to be a fantastic start to the week! Although half the fun was laughing while literally escaping the sly winks of our forty year old friends.

After awaking from not much sleep on Tuesday - we all dragged our feet to the Danish embassy where we endured an hour long presentation on something about Denmark and Britain. I wish I could give you more detail, however it was all in Danish and to be perfectly honest (from what I have been told), a very boring seminar. Once being free from this compulsory school exercise, most of us headed for Oxford Street - our favourite place for the week. I unfortunately only had time for a few glances in a couple stores as I was to meet Justin (a friend from Australia now living in England for those who don't know) at about 2 in the afternoon.

Seeing Justin was, to say the least, absolutely wonderful (which really does not describe how truly great it was). It was however extremely difficult to say goodbye - far, far worse than I anticipated. Admittedly, I had a teary moment. There are people that truly deserve good fortune in their lives, and Justin is most certainly one of those people. Our afternoon together reminded me of how lucky I am to have so many great people in my life. And although I know what beautiful friends and family I have, when put in perspective - I am far more rich than I realise. So many people from both Australia and Denmark (and England!) that I just could not imagine being happy without.

(Justin and I - sushi restaurant)

Tuesday night (once I had regained myself), our class went to the Fortune Theatre to see the spine chilling performance of The Woman in Black. I dare not to relay the story - but I encourage you to read reviews. Admittedly, I feel I did not fully enjoy the play to it's fullest potential as my fear kept me withdrawn from the story somewhat. I do wish I was joking - but I have never been one for thrillers. After about two hours and numerous amounts of shrieks from the audience - we were left to explore the night life of London once again. What to do once being scared half to death in the theatre? Have a beer - a big one at that. We found a very cosy little pub to sit and just relax while deciding the plan for the rest of the night. The grouped ended going in many different directions - myself with four other girls found a sweet club where we made best friends with a Danish bartender, a British bartender whom, at my request, pretended to be an Australian bartender and also a gay bartender. Well I think he was gay, but that is only because I didn't get any free drinks (kidding!). This night was truly the ONLY time all week that I got to speak with some true Brits. Australians and Danish people are, to say the least, very popular with our 'strange' accents! I intend to keep playing the "Australian Card" during my stay abroad!

Our late night made it very difficult to awake in the morning where I spent a most busy day abusing my feet with walking ridiculously long distances! Wednesday was all about seeing the main tourist attractions of the city - Piccadilly Circus, St James' Park, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall and Trafalgar Square. It was all so lovely to see, yet my hunger and fatigue did ruin my enthusiasm. We ended the day with some more shopping in Oxford Street. On this particular afternoon we went to the much acclaimed Oxford Street Top Shop. I hated it! To say so is like blasphemy I know - but really it was just too large yet with too much of the same stuff! I was very disappointed with the London shopping that I was so looking forward to. Don't mistake me - of course I loved shopping! However I set the standards far higher than what was met. This was a most exhausting day. After a long night and an even longer day - dressing for the night was an effort faced with all my strength. A large group of us went to a restaurant which was absolutely dismal. The food was rubbish and the service was worse. Yet the company was of course great so my spirits were not diminished. The girls and I headed back to the apartment to regain some energy for one more outing in town. Julie, Jannika and I then went to the Mexican restaurant nearby to have some margaritas! It was very hugelig, but we kept the night short as we were so tired!

(the awful restaurant with good company)

(mexican restaurant)

Thursday was D-Day where we all had to pack our bags and enjoy our last moments taking in the beautiful city. Our school commitment for the day was having a member from the Conservative Party come and speak with us. I believe I was the only one who enjoyed this, let alone more than tolerated it. Admittedly, our speaker had less of a way with words than most people I know - so many students in the class who cannot speak very good english found it very difficult to understand. What I enjoyed most however, was the tisks of judgement coming from some students of the class about the system of government in England compared to that of Denmark. There were many comments of raising the taxes in England and other such ideas to "try and make England as good as Denmark". I do not disagree that Denmark has a system that is working absolutely fantastically for the Danes, although I do also feel that it's simply not that easy to "just raise the taxes" to take the homeless off the street.

The afternoon was spent in the company of some of my favourites again, and of course shopping in Oxford Street. The journey from the centre of London to the airport was a long one as there was just too much traffic! We arrived back in Aalborg at about 23.30 to a colder chill than what we had been enjoying all week. However the clean shower was extremely welcoming and the sleep in the next day was even better

One of the things I found most fascinating about London was the huge number of different nationalities. Like I said earlier, I spoke to a British person once in the entire week. All through the underground subway and shopping stores were languages from all over the world. Little did I hear any english! Here I thought Australia was multi-cultural, but we have nothing on London! Also the construction sites all over the city were incredible - almost around every corner there was work being done on a building or side walk. But I guess that is expected in a city so very old! I don't think the construction will ever end.

As some of you may have guessed, I was extremely excited to go to London merely to buy Harry Potter related items. I regret to tell you all however, there was nothing of the sort! The closest I got to such a Potterhead related thing was seeing the Millennium Bridge (at which i shrieked with excitement of course!). The only other HP moment of excitement was during our bus ride home to the airport where we lived through most prefect Dementor breeding weather. No need to worry, we had chocolate (thank Rowling!).

(Millennium Bridge aka Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Bridge)

(Dementor Breeding weather)

Another thing that I found truly fascinating about London was the INCREDIBLE amount of Starbucks. There are more than 200….. TWO HUNDRED in London city alone! I kid you not, I googled it. Needless to say we were always keen to have a frappuccino or latte resting in our hands.

(Ginne + Starbucks)

I know this was a very long post! Thank you if you read it all, and I am sorry if I bored you. I hope everyone is safe and well back in Australia - I am always missing you all.

KNUS!