Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Through ASB, I joined my classmates (Business Performance Management) and signed up for a study trip to Dubai and Muscat, Oman. A study trip is something that is very common in Denmark – trips like these are organized as early as high school. It is basically to learn about other cultures and different parts of the world, to have fun, and in our case, to visit Danish companies in the Middle East and listen to company presentations about business cultures in the Middle East. We listen to how business is different than in Denmark, and how as a company, they survive in a different culture.

The trip was relatively inexpensive, considering we were gone for 12 days. Much of the food and cabs were pretty inexpensive, especially compared to Danish standards. The two days of travel were around 24 hours, which was a long, long time - all in all, this was the longest trip I have ever been on. Being gone somewhere for 12 days was a really long time to be away from home, especially with a bunch of people who you don’t know that well. I was picked up at my apartment in Aarhus at 330am to begin the day of travel. We took the train to Copenhagen, then flew out of Copenhagen, through Istanbul, Turkey, and then on to Dubai, United Arab Emirates for the first 5 days.

Dubai is a very cool, very modern city. Everything is bigger and better, the best in the world. That seems to be what they are aiming for. While very new and unique, many of the buildings (skyscrapers, hotels, etc) reminded me heavily of America – think Manhattan, the former twin towers, Las Vegas and the elaborate hotels, and on and on. That is probably one of the things about Dubai that I am torn about. The boom in construction obviously just began in recent years, so everything is very new and modern. We stayed in Deira, which is more of what you would think the Middle East and Dubai would be like. So while I saw Muslims in traditional dress, woman fully covered from head to toe with only a slit for their eyes (which is intimidating for some reason to me – just fear of the unknown and unfamiliar I guess), I at the same time felt as though I was in America.

And expanding on that - I was the only international student in the group of 15 – 1 American and 14 Danes. At times, the language barrier was a little overwhelming. There are only so many times where you want to remind people to change who they are and their language to speak to you in English. It was frustrating at times because I felt alone, like I was in my own bubble. I am normally a leader, but had to be a follower. There were a lot of type-A personalities on this trip. Lets just say there were way too many chiefs and not enough Indians. I would get most frustrated when a decision would be made (in Danish) without translating to me so I could voice my opinion, and I would just have to be okay with whatever was decided. Or the few times I was able to voice my opinions, they were quickly dismissed. The age gap between me and some of these students was very evident. I am almost 27 years old, and most of them are about 24, with the youngest turning 23 on the trip. A few of the girls were getting upset with feeling left out, or wondering why everyone just can’t do everything together. I told them that there were 15 of us together for 12 days, and you couldn’t possibly expect people to get along and/or do everything together the whole time. It was very trying, but I got through it and didn’t let that ruin the trip. I survived, and actually got to know a few of my classmates a bit better. I am very thankful for AnneMette and Christina, most especially Christina, who went out of her way to hang out with me and speak to me in English. Ironically enough, Christina is an older one like me – 26, and you could sense the maturity level was a little higher.

Sightseeing in Dubai was great with the Danish students. It was cool to hear what their opinions and views were. They would comment on the cars (think SUVs: Toyota Highlanders and Seqouias; lots of Honda’s; Mercedes SUVs; Hummers). They were amazed and kept commenting on how nice they were and how big they were. All I could think of was that I ride in those cars all the time, and my friends own them – (I have two friends who have Hummers, for example). So that was not unusual to me. They commented on the size of the highways (6-7 lanes at times), because they are used to 2 lanes – that’s it. While St. Louis may only be 4-5 lanes sometimes, I have many times seen highways in the US that are that big. (Which, by the way, the mere construction of the highway system in Dubai is so very similar to the US, unlike anything I have seen in Europe). They would comment on the cityline and the skyscrapers – again, think Dallas, NYC, LA. When we visited the malls with the over the top attractions (high end stores, aquariums, marble floors, etc), again, I thought of Las Vegas. So it was very interesting to see how they all reacted to everything they saw, when most of it was fairly common and normal for me. I was not really expecting to see that in Dubai.

Just to elaborate on how very Americanized Dubai is…here are a sampling of the stores/restaraunts that are there. Subway, McDs, Charleys grilled subs, Burger King, KFC, CPK, TGI Fridays, Chilis, Applebees, Saks 5th Avenue, Forever 21, Gap, Banana, Lush cosmetics, MAC, Baskin Robbins, Coldstone Creamery, Marble Slab Creamery, Hardees…just to name a few. So even though I was in the Middle East and surrounded by a completely new culture, it was somewhat comforting to be surrounded by familiar places and things. And you can sure bet I took advantage of eating at some of those restaurants since I can’t get most in DK.
Dubai is also very commercialized – so many malls and lots of shopping.

There are gorgeous beaches, waterparks, cool hotels, indoor skiing…pretty much anything you can ask for. It is a new ‘emirate’ with new money, and they are in the business of being flashy. It would be nice to revisit Dubai in a few years when many more of the buildings are done. The entire city essentially was under construction – there were construction sites and cranes everywhere.

The men are not discreet, to say the least. I was almost uncomfortable walking around the streets. They would blatantly stare at you, look you up and down, whistle at you…it was kind of creepy. I definitely did not enjoy that.

Getting taught about the Muslim religion in a mosque - which was cool for me also, because one of my best friends is Muslim, so I was able to understand a little more about what the religion represents for her and her family

Inside the mosque

My favorite part about hte trip in Dubai - we had a desert safari night where we could ride camels, ate traditional food, sat on the ground, watched belly dancing...and best of all, went sand duning in SUVs in the desert. So cool!!! (Check out the videos at the bottom!)

So fun!

Christina Breum was one of my roommates

The camp in the desert for dinner, etc.

Cooling off the engines

I loved it - it was almost similar to the peaceful feeling I get when I am at the beach...

Right before starting the sand duning

A city skyline right across from a manmade beach

AnneMette and Christina - the 3 of us went out by ourselves one night, and it was probably one of the most fun nights for me

Atlantis Hotel in Dubai

Shoes outside the door at a mosque

These mosques were so gorgeous

The really organized trash bin!

We had dinner one night on a boat where we cruised up and down the river

Our dinner boat

Indoor ski slope at the Dubai Mall

They had HUGE pictures of the top man EVERYWHERE - on the sides of buildings, etc. We don't really have pictures of our president plastered around like that, I don't think.

The Danish Consulate in Dubai

The steps to a mosque

A palace

Peacocks in the Sheikh's garden

There were huge houses also!

A mall

Cool looking restaurant in the mall

A throne in the mall

A ceiling in the mall. Doesn't this remind you of Vegas?

They had mannequins dressed in traditional clothing in the mall

A big aquarium in the mall, which the Danes told me was bigger than the largest one in Denmark

Hookahs everywhere!

The old town

I will own a home by the water one day....

That is the Burj Al Arab hotel and is the world's only 7 star hotel

The whole class the first day on a tour of the city

In the Copenhagen airport

Sleeping in the airport. Yes, we were those people.



Sand duning!

Asking for Help

I have been thinking about this a lot lately - I do believe one of the most difficult realizations I have made in moving to Denmark is the necessity of having to ask for help. It has been very, very hard for me.

I did just talk about it the other day at work with my coworker Thomas. We were discussing something, and he said, "That is really hard for you, isn't it?" (meaning to ask for help). I told him yes.

Rachel and I spoke about it the other day too, and she made a very poignant comment - she asked if I thought we would ever not need to ask for help here. I think that once we fluently know the language, that will help a lot. But because processes and procedures are so different here (if you are going to the emergency room, you have to call before you go...that sort of thing), I don't think I will ever be completely self-sufficient in Denmark.

It is a very humbling thing to be in a foreign world and to have to depend on others for help. Even though most every Dane does speak English...I still come across something almost every day that I don't understand and have to ask about.

I have been in the process of moving to a new apartment - and will actually be sleeping there tomorrow. My good friend Susanne just came out and asked me if Monday was a good day for me, for her to help me. She has a car with a tow hitch, so she can help me move all the big things I have to buy at Ikea. What is amazing about her is I didn't even ask her for help. She probably realized I wouldn't ask - and she stepped up to the plate and offered anyway. This is something we have discussed before, and she knows that it is hard for me!

I do think my biggest issue with asking for help is that I feel like I am not independent - almost as if I am weak, and I have to rely on someone or something. I don't enjoy that. For example, every step of my moving process has (thankfully) been assisted by a Danish friend in one sense or another. Back home, I would just load up my car and make a few trips and try to do it on my own. Not having a car doesn't help the scenario, plus most cars are small here...so small that you need to rent a trailer to move anything of substantial size. I do realize this is something I need to work on.

Well, more about the move later. That is my provacative thought for the day!

Things that I Love about the Danish Culture

So previously I had published a list of things that you would never see in America. As I adapt to life over here (tomorrow is my 7 month anniversary!), there are things about Danes and their culture that I would LOVE to bring back home with me. Here is a short list - and hopefully I will be able to continue on as time wears on...

-Hygge (cozy) atmosphere - whether you are at dinner at a friends, or just hanging out and watching movies or playing games...the environment is so warm and friendly. Lights are dimmed or off; candles are lit; music is on; it just feels so warm and cozy. I love that, and I hope candles continue to be a big part of my life.

-Danish windows! I will take a picture and post later. I love the way Danish windows are set up! They are so clean and sleek, and swing open instead of pulling up. There are also no screens here, so when you open up the window, it is just the wide-open fresh air. Although back in the US, I am not so sure that you can survive without screens on your windows.

-Danish design and style. This is specifically regarding home goods and furnishings. Everything is so clean and sleek and simple and modern. Very high-tech, not cluttered at all. Who needs all that junk anyway?

-The work culture. Your family and personal life definitely takes precedence. Most every day I work, everyone leaves by 3 or 4. Very rarely do they stay until 5, and never until 6. The lunch break is always taken; people do not often take work home. PLUS - Danes get 5 weeks of vacation right off the bat, and only work 37 hour work weeks. Nice.

-Aspects of the Danish clothing and style. Again, very simplistic in nature, but very trendy at the same time. And although I sometimes love to wear heels, I love how it is completely acceptable for girls to wear flat boots and shoes all the time!

-I also love the way Danes value their relationships. Although they can be very protective and closed off, once you break through that wall, they can be the most loving, friendly people. And the idea that family and friends come first is amazing. I think as Americans, we are constantly on the go, and don't slow down and take time to enjoy each other's company like I have experienced through Danish culture and my friends here.

-I love the seemingly slower pace of life here. A bit more relaxed than in America where I feel like we are constantly on the go.

That is all for now...hopefully the list will be 'to be continued' later!

Hamburg, Germany

My good friend (and coworker) Susanne and I went to Hamburg, Germany last Saturday and Sunday, really for no other reason than to get away from Aarhus and to give me the chance to see Germany for the first time! Hamburg is fairly close to the border of Denmark, and is a city that is predominately surrounded by water.

Susanne and her boyfriend Kasper picked me up Saturday morning - they had just leased a new car (a Honda Accord, which is a BIG car over here) and wanted to take it for a long drive. We drove a few hours just over the border of Denmark and Germany to Flensburg, Germany, and stopped there to walk around and have lunch. It was a small, quaint town - but we only had a few hours before Susanne and I had to jump on the train to Hamburg.

We said goodbye to Kasper and went on our way. The train ride from Flensburg to Hamburg took around 2 hours. We had an area to ourselves for a long portion of the trip and just talked and talked. Susanne is so fun to talk with - she listens, she advises, she gets my jokes, and I do the same for her. We have joked that we are the same person, just a couple years apart. It is so cool to think that you can find someone you click with so well on the other side of the world...that this person has existed and has had a life so different than mine and that by chance we crossed paths. There is no doubt in my mind she will be a friend forever, and I can not wait for my friends and family to meet her. And to add even more to that, the woman can speak fairly fluent German as well - so she was communicating often with people to get information for us. I was so impressed!

We arrived in Hamburg, settled into our hotel, then got up and headed out to dinner. We tried to get reservations at a restaraunt that is a 'blind' restaraunt - one where everyone who works there is either blind or visually impaired. As a customer, you are either blindfolded or sitting in a pitch black room, eating and drinking whatever you are served. You have to focus on your senses of hearing and taste. Sadly, we couldn't get in, so we went down the street to a Vietnamese Noodle Bar - which was fantastic. We had great conversation, figured out our life plans (kind of funny!) and then went to the night area that Hamburg is famous for...Reeperbahn. Although I have not been (yet!), think of the Red Light District in Amsterdam, and that is very similar to Reeperbahn. A street full of bright lights, sex shops, bars, women...unlike anything you would ever really find in America.

We walked up and down the street, then settled down at a bar that looked pretty decent and calm. We made a good choice because they played great music all night. Susanne and I just sat down and talked for a couple of hours. Later on, there were a group of Germans who were celebrating one of their buddies' 30th birthdays that sat down by us, and we ended up talking to them and becoming friends. Susanne was making fun of me at one point - she knows how analytical and reflective I can be (which she is also!) and asked if I was going to blog about that exact moment. She knew I would, because she knew that I was amazed and impressed that three different cultures - American, German and Danish - could all be sitting down together, speaking English, communicating well and having fun. I think that is super cool. Even though America is the 'melting pot,' I definitely don't think we come across many opportunities like this.

The next day, we woke up after a leisurely morning. We had lunch at a vegetarian restaraunt (huge for me - but wanted to do it for her because she is a vegetarian). They were serving brunch, so it wasn't so bad - I was able to eat eggs and potatoes! After that, we walked around Hamburg. The two main things I wanted to see were the Rothaus (their city hall, which is huge, and actually has 6 more rooms than Buckingham palace!) as well as Saint Michael's church. Both were very cool, although I was a little disappointed by St. Michael's church because the whole darn thing was basically under construction. We were able to visit one small side of the church, but the whole center was covered with construction and scaffoldings from top to bottom - you could not even make out a single thing.

We just spent a leisure afternoon. I was happy because we saw a Starbucks!!!!! and stopped there so I could grab a drink. We headed back to the train station and grabbed some food before we got on the train. I was able to get...Subway for dinner! It's the little things in life that you miss. It made me pretty happy to be able to have both Subway and Starbucks in one day.

And yet another nerdy but funny story. Susanne was reading aloud some of the tourist info we had printed off and said "....Hamburgers...." and I couldn't stop laughing. I don't know why I think that is so funny, but I do. The fact that people from Hamburg call themselves Hamburgers....who knew?!

We were exhausted and had to switch trains twice on the way home. We got back into Aarhus around midnight. It was a long couple days, but a fun couple of days. And I couldn't have asked for a better person to travel with!

A bridge in the middle of the city

This was the once part of St. Michael's church we were able to see. The whole church is the simplistic white and gold...the pictures we saw were so pretty, anyway!

St. Michael's church

St. Michael's

I believe this is a memorial to those who died in WWI

A really cool tree

The front of Rothaus

This man was sweeping up beer bottle caps and trying to be funny about it. Hey, I guess there is nothing wrong with an honest days work?

Rothaus

Susanne looking up in the courtyard of the Rothaus

The courtyard at the Rothaus

Inside the Rothaus

The duck on the left was awesome. He kept diving under for long periods of time to get food.

Some of the German friends we made

The guy in the middle is the one turning 30

Probably the best picture we took that night on Reeperbahn...they didn't turn out so hot.

We were just being funny and laughing about everything

Susanne

Chinese eyes are out!

Susanne translated this sign for me, and it has nothing to do with the picture. Who does that? A bunny with a butcher knife dripping with blood?