The Dannebrog on the Coffee Cup: Small Steps Heading North October 4, 2022
Yesterday was a special day — Michael's birthday. And somehow it felt exactly right that this time the gifts had a very particular focus. The Danish textbooks actually arrived in time (thank you, dear delivery person!), and yes, I couldn't resist ordering two cups with the Dannebrog as well. Sometimes it's these little things that make you smile — every sip of morning coffee will now remind us of our goal.
It's almost a bit funny how happy these simple merchandise items can make us. The red and white flag on the cups is like a little symbol for what lies ahead. While we drink our coffee, we make plans and dream of our possible life in the north.
In less than two weeks, the language course begins. The anticipation mixes with a certain excitement. Danish isn't exactly known as the easiest language, but hey — what matters doesn't have to be easy, does it?
At the same time, we've really immersed ourselves in the various expat groups online. It's fascinating to read how others have already walked this path or are currently walking it. Some stories give us courage, others show us what we need to pay attention to. It's like a big puzzle where we gradually piece the parts together.
What strikes us particularly: most people write about exactly this feeling that we had too — this inexplicable connection to Denmark that simply won't let go of you. It's reassuring to know we're not alone in this.
The textbooks are now lying on our coffee table, next to the cups with the Dannebrog. Small, but very real steps toward our dream. Who would have thought that learning materials and two simple coffee cups could make us this happy?
"Jeg lærer dansk" — "I'm learning Danish." That will probably be one of the first sentences we'll learn. And even if the pronunciation will still be a bit rough around the edges, it's a beginning. Our beginning.
PS: By the way, Michael said these were the best birthday gifts in a long time. I think that says it all.
