Insight into Danish Culture - Viking habits

Hi guys!

As some of you already know from UCN Student Help Desk FB page together with my colleagues, we are running the office for UCN service, hospitality and tourism students in order to help them with integrating into danish culture much easier and faster. That is why we decided to open new blog page, only for them and all of the posts are going to be written by all of us in there. More information about that soon - but get ready!:)

But Me-You-UCN will be still written by me, don't worry :)

Anyways I hope you have had a really nice weekend, because I must say - I had, and that gave me an inspiration for this blog post.

All of the people from our office went out on saturday night, to spend some time outside the office. We had a really nice time together, drinking danish beer and having conversations about differences in our and in danish culture.

While we were drinking beer, my danish friend Rasmus was saying all the time "Skål" (read Skool) what in english simply means cheers. I think this is a very important word when you are trying to integrate with Danes, because they put a lot of interest into it. For example when they say 'skål' and you do not put your glass up - it is very rude. (Your glass needs to be filled!) Also when you are in Jomfru Ane Gade (read the post here) and people are going around with the glasses, yelling to you Skål, all the time, that means they are happy and you should just say it back and simply drink!

Why is it so important then? Well, as you know, Denmark is known from its viking culture, who in the Middle Ages raided most of the European countries. They are known from its big success and power. When you say it to the others, or others say it to you - it is a wish of a good health, fortune and an honest friendly connection.

Little curiousity - I asked Rasmus if they still keep their viking culture in their hearts, and he told me, that it just appears in sports - they fight til the very end and never give up. I guess, that is why, they are so good in it.

Anyways, coming back to the 'Skål', earlier this word, was also used as a greeting between the vikings. Nonetheless, after every battle they fighted, they were so tired, when coming back to their camps, they just dreamed of a relaxing drink and without too much words, they just raised their bowls (Yes, vikings drunk like a real men) and said SKÅL, til they get asleep and ready for the next battle. Nowadays it is used only as a Scandinavian toast of friendship and you just greet each other with a short 'Hej' (read Hi).

I must say - what impressed me about that, is that in eastern European contries we say 'cheers' ('na zdrowie') only when we drink alcohol, but here in Denmark they say it even when drinking tea.

So have a good life in Denmark, SKÅL to all of you!

Aleksandra

Hvordan er vejret i dag?

Welcome back!

Today I have prepared for you something unexpected and silly but actually highly requested.

When I was in Poland to promote UCN, many people asked me question "why they should come to Denmark? Isn't too cold there?"

Before I came to Denmark I also imagined people as vikings still in here, who are living in warmer ice age. Anyway, I have to say - I love the danish weather. You can experience 4 different seasons in one day!

Some say that danish weather is so unpredictable as women - you never know what is coming next.

What really surprised me when I came to Aalborg in September 2009 was - beautiful sun and looooong days. After I moved in to UC house, around October, I remember days were getting shorter, very windy and rainy. It was shocking for me that the sunrise came at 8 or 9 in the morning and when I was going out from school - around 15:30 it was already dark. Bearing in mind that I am living in Scandinavian country - it was beautiful for me to observe the changing days.

Winter

I also remember when teachers were saying that there was no really winter snow from 30 years. It is all the time raining and lots of mud on the streets. Well, what is that picture saying then?

November 2009

I remember when I woke up in UC House and I took this picture behind my room window. I also remember the days I was going to school that time. I even told my mother to send me in a package my snowboarding jacket! It was freezing so much.. As you can tell, it was unexpected for Danes as well:)

From that time we can see this every year right now. The climate is really changing.

But committing myself to vikings again - maybe they really are the ones. Even in that kind of weather you can see many of them walking on the street without jackets, sometimes in shorts.

Autumn

When I am writing about that - I just remembered when UCN took us for integration day together with danish students. It was our first year here. They separated us into small groups and we needed to follow some steps and make small exercises in order to finish the day with sandwiches and hot tea. I think it was end of September, beginning of October. It was getting really cold when you had to spend all day outside and   the most important - it was raining. The last exercise with the most rain on it, was to jump into water and swim to pick up some balls. Okay guys - even though I wanted to help very much and get some points for my group to win - I just could not take my clothes off, in such a weather and swim in that cold water! Guess what? All the international student did not do that! Just the Danes! I really admire them for that. Don't believe me? I think I should have some pictures from that time.. :)

Getting some points for the team:)

Spring

Me in Aalborg Park :)

When coming to spring time - I must say - the weather is really beautiful, although you can still feel some freezing wind. I remember the time of picnics in the park, boys playing football or basketball, girls volleyball. Danish  people love sport very much, so it is quite normal to see more and more people jogging after winter and going outside to play some sports or music. It is really nice to go to the river side and meet all the people walking with a dog or kids dancing on the streets.

Summer

I guess summer is the most beautiful time for all of us. I stayed in Denmark for the first time in the summer previous year. It wasn't too hot and it wasn't too cold. I even sunbathed in the parks ;) It was really good! Music is bombing the city, all the birds are singing and people are more happy. What else do you need? Wait! I know - days are so long that the sunrise is around 5-6 in the morning and the sunset around 23:00!

In summer time, there is a lot going on in Aalborg. You always need to check websites with different events (for example this ONE) to find something for yourself. When it is really warm outside I like to go out for a long walks and enjoy the weather of course. I am always buying ice creams and just go around the city to make some nice pictures. Going out with friends for a picnic, sunbathe and playing volleyball is my thing  as well. I also like to sit on the bench with a good coffee and just stare at the people. (It is not weird, right?)  I am leaving you with some pictures.

Twin sisters at the same bike, in the same clothes. Lovely

Guys! Let me know if came or stayed in Denmark during the summer and what did you like the most here?

 I would be really glad to hear your thoughts :)

PS. I created a facebook page, that you can like and be informed when is the next post ready!
YOU CAN LIKE IT HERE!