It takes a village...

Since we found out we are expecting our first baby, many questions are circling... one of which is "Are we ready for society to help raise this little person?" And by that I mean, growing up in Denmark, there is a good chance that an older person will often reprimand youth for intolerated behaviour. Just the other day, a couple of teenage girls sitting on the train had their feet up on the seat, the older gentleman beside them, a complete stranger, gave them a piece of his mind.... something along the lines of 'respect others, be courtious, take your feet off the seat' the girls giggled and so then he let them have it! In a very imperative voice he told them to start using their brains to be more respectful ... something or other. It was amazing - then the girls got it. They have been told off - so they took their feet down. I've seen it happen also when a group of kids are smoking where they should not be - an older person will often walk by and have them all but their cigarette butts out. The funny thing is that they listen! Can't really play tough guys in front of the older folk. Maybe this is what a heavy social-democratic culture is like, people rely on each other to try to insert some sense of value into the younger generations. What ever it is, I kind of like it. Now when I see a young person doing something I don't believe to be right I think, where is that senior citizen when you need them!

The Danish perspective.

One of Chris' colleagues was in Japan during that major earthquake. When interviewed by all the colleagues once back in the office here in Denmark he claimed the feeling he had during the earthquake was ''incredibly uncomfortable." I thought this was a funny way of putting it... I mean wouldn't we all just about freak out??!! Being uncomfortable is an understatement! I've noticed this lack of reaction of many of those local citizens around me... the only people that tend to react to anything around here are the non-danes. Most of my workday takes place at the local library where I teach Spanish. The washrooms are co-ed as they are in most places here, but the reaction you get from foreigners when they walk in is quite funny. Especially when a girl, me, is in there, and an older male foreigner walks in and has a look of shock when he sees me washing my hands. Usually they bolt right out looking at the sign to ensure they are in the right room. It's classic, really.

Spring has sprung and we are back to enjoying those bike rides along the sea, ice cream treats galore and eating brunch on our balcony. Here are some highlights of our most recent celebration.... Chris' birthday!!

The most delicious chocolate cake... ever!

Birthday boy!

Birthday lunch with some great friends!