Hygge

In Danish there is a word that cannot be truly translated into English. Hygge. Pronounced something like Hoo-ge...with an emphasis on the first syllable. I'm trying to learn what this means. Every night, my host family will sit around the TV, eating chocolate, drinking tea, laughing, talking, studying, being at peace with one another. The lights are low and it makes you drowsy. They simply enjoy one another's presence. This evening I fell asleep on the sofa, so tired from the days of running around Copenhagen, trying to understand this new culture. When I woke up later, my Dad said I've experienced a little Hygge. He described the cat like this earlier too. Max was laying on his back, sprawled out on the side of the sofa. He looked so funny. My Dad said he lay like that because he felt safe. This feeling of safety and comfort is a beautiful thing.

All this talk of culture shock and change is an interesting thing. At first I thought the language barrier would be the hardest thing to deal with, but it is not so bad. Every Dane I have talked to has been so nice and polite. Every time I'm lost (which has happened quite often), they are very quick to help. So while they do not smile at each other when passing on the street, they do not talk loudly in public, they appear reserved, they are so kind and approachable. It is an interesting balance.

My deepest desire is to represent America well. I want to break all the stereotypes of loud, obnoxious Americans. I don't know how well I'm doing. I find that when I am by myself, or with my host family, I come across quite reserved. But, as soon as I am with other DIS students, all American, I become quite comfortable talking all the time about everything again. There is just something about being with other Americans that are experiencing the same sights and sounds, discomforts and joys, even if I have never met them before, that instantly bonds us. These bonds are quite Hygge, I think. Going and getting pancakes, sitting in a pub, reflecting on our journeys. Being at peace, enjoying one another's company. Maybe in a month I will understand this phrase better, but it is all a learning process.

All I can really say that sums up my current understanding: Enjoy the simple things in life. But, not in the loud, excited American way. In the quiet, peaceful, Danish way.