One of the biggest challenges of being in Denmark thus far is learning how to use my "quiet indoor voice." While walking throughout the streets of Copenhagen, my group of friends usually notice after our conversation how silent the streets are and how we truly live up the phrase "Loud Americans." The Danes don't talk loudly and they don't talk to strangers. Over the past three weeks I've worked hard to teach myself how to "be a Dane;" whispering when I speak and not scaring the person sitting next to me with small talk.
However, last week on the Togbus I just couldn't help myself. There was the greatest group of four teenagers who, in my opinion, couldn't have been any cooler. I saw them and right away wanted to be there BFF. As I saw them get off the bus, I counted down to myself thinking, "If the bus hasn't left when I get to zero then I am hoping off and am asking to take their photos." Ten seconds later, I find myself awkwardly walking up to the crew, introducing myself as an American, and asking if I could take their photograph for my (imaginary) portfolio. Although a little weirded out at first, they opened up within the first minute, sarcastically started making jokes about my poor Danish, and just reminded me that I don't have to be "Danish and Quiet" all of the time- Being American brings so much good!
He was trying to teach me how to correctly say a Danish word. It's a daily struggle.
How cool is she?
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