Waiting in Heathrow

Although I won’t be posting nearly as often, I’m practicing getting into the habit of writing about my days and also, I have a lot of time to kill in this airport. Haha! The view from the plane was gorgeous and within 7 hours I experienced the sun set and rise below and above the clouds. The plane from Chicago arrived early to London and while I wait for my flight to Copenhagen, I am reflecting on how much has changed and happened since I was last there. As I scroll through my photos from 4th and 8th grade, it’s hard to believe how grown up everyone is and I can’t wait to see mor, far, søstre, og brødre! Oddly enough, we have similar activities planned as we did in 8th grade but this time, viewed through a different lense. It’s incredible how much of an impact the Denmark program has played on my life and even more incredible to think last time we saw each other, we were kids, and now we are adults.

If you know anything about my past experiences in Denmark (in particular, the passport situation), you know it was definitely quite the adventure and came with very unique challenges that became stories. I cherish these crazy stories and it still sometimes feels surreal that so much could happen to a group of 30 4th graders on a field trip. For starters, most 4th graders definitely don’t have that kind of field trip. But on top of that, they certainly don’t have the kind of obstacles and factors we encountered. Nevertheless, they made us stronger and taught me how to be a SMIT, as Mr. Horowitz would call it, Sophisticated Mature International Traveler. Each of these moments were growing points and each taught me a lot about traveling. In 4th grade, the trip centered around our awe of just about every little thing surrounding us, and as 10 year olds, we took pictures of practically everything and enjoyed our freedom with the Danish children, much different than our own structure at home. In 8th grade, we really soaked in that freedom, some of us even having Danish cell phones, being able to pick and choose which activities we partook in, and taking public transit around the city by ourselves.

This trip, however, is not only viewed from a more mature lense but feels more like coming home and visiting friends. I’m excited to live daily life with my family and attend special events, embrace theater and music, and relax before the busy school year begins. I’m excited to go to some of my favorite spots (The Little Mermaid) and reminisce and be familiar and comfortable with a setting. It will be the perfect blend of nostalgia with a taste of fresh perspective layered onto the story. I can imagine my former classmates have wiser opinions on the ideas we once had on our trip. I know I certainly do; and I look forward to discovering that new perspective upon coming home to Copenhagen. It’s been way too long, my Danish is rusty, and my jet lag is real, but my vivid memories of that house and the neighborhood and walking to Dyssegardsskolen and Netto every day are as real and clear as they’ll ever be. As I always say, Jeg savner Danmark (I miss Denmark) and now I’m blessed enough to come back. Jeg elsker Danmark.