Friday, 18 September 2009

















So what have I learnt since being here...


Well, my Danish is slowly improving, although what I am currently learning is of no use conversationally, involving boys, girls and dogs, walking, running and jumping...remember those old Ladybird books of Peter and Jane stories, from when we kids....you get the idea....but I gotta start somewhere :)

I remain unconvinced about why there is a need for 3 extra letters in the alphabet: å, æ and ø.

The main obstacle I find is the words dont look anything like the way they sound, as an English speaker. For example, a particularly tasty bread they have here called Rugbrød is pronounced, to my ears, as oo-pull, although I am sure my fiancee will box my ears for my stupidity :D


There appears to be a whole ceremony connected to the topping of and eating of Rugbrød, which is bewilderingly complex to the outsider. Only some topping combinations are allowed and these are to be eaten in a carefully prescribed order. If you dont believe me, come here and sit down to eat some and watch for the shock/horror glances you get when you combine egg with sausage or cheese with Italian salad....scandal lol!


I am going to compile a list of things that Denmark should get from Britain, or the rest of the world and the rest of the world should really get from Denmark. So far I have learnt that Dr Pepper is practically unheard of here and they have scandalous holiday entitlement and mortgages (more on these particular rants to come). On the other hand I am certain Blighty would benefit from Denmarks social norms and values, oh and Karry Sild (a curried herring, which is curiously tasty).

Wednesday, 16 September 2009



















So, here I am and here, as threatened, is my new blog. Thanks to Sting for the idea of the name, albeit his Englishman was in New York.

Its been about six weeks now since I got here, although two weeks were spent in Kas, Turkey on holiday. Had a great time there and will definitely be going back to Kas. Whilst there I asked my girlfriend (the principal reason for my being in Denmark) to be my wife. We are to be married next October 2nd. I am delighted :D

The days are ticking by pretty quickly at the moment. I busy myself job-hunting and dog-walking, interspersed with wedding planning and household chores. The employment market seems rather depressed at the moment, esp. in finance, where my background lies and the constant letters stating 'Thanks for your interest, but we have no vacancies currently' is a bit disheartening. I remain confident however that I will find something soon, even if its just a 'filler' job in a bar or a shop. Maybe I should start writing that book.