Ode to Odense and Goodbye to Denmark

The day began with the rushing of hotel check out and preparing for our overnight stay with our host families. We enjoyed a 2 hour scenic tour or quick nap by bus before arriving to Odense. This name is pronounced completely different than it looks (ooddnnsa). I still have to think about it before I say it. Odense is the third largest city in Denmark and is the homeplace of famous author, Hans Christian Andersen. We arrived to Sct. Hans Skole (school) and were happily greeted by the principal, Lars Eriksen. He briefly told us about the school and the pictures below will clearly depict the differences between the US and Danish educational systems.

This is the popular teacher's lounge where teachers spend their free time during duty free lunch/recess. It intrigued me that the students can be unsupervised during those times. Instead of someone making their coffee, a machine does it for them (located in the corner).




Just like our middle and high school students in the states, these students also take life skills classes. Obviously, I missed those cooking classes since I NEVER touch the stove!






The science classrooms left some of us worried since chemicals were exposed and not locked in cabinets. I was also amazed that students start learning chemistry in seventh grade. My dad would be teaching a different age group in Denmark.






Some of us visited a fourth grade classroom and since this was the last day of school, things appeared a little crazy. The teacher told us she would be moving up to 8th grade next year since most primary teachers usually switch grade level or subject area each year. The students go to school 200 days a year. If you pay close attention to the homework board, the students learn English starting in grade 3 along with Danish. Our 9th grade tour guide has already learned 5 languages!






This school has a dentist office to provide dental health for all students FREE of charge. All health care and education costs are paid by the government. The students are not expected to even pay for field trips outside of school.
We enjoyed a custom Danish meal to conclude our visit at the school pork, pickled heron, red cabbage, new potatoes, and the usual rye bread. For dessert, we enjoyed fresh strawberries and soft ice cream. We were very shocked that a selection of Danish beer was also served!

Our host families came after lunch and I was thrilled to meet Anne Lisbet and Svend Erik Larsen. Svend had contacted me prior to my visit via email, so I wasn't as anxious as some who had spoken with their host families at all. As soon as I entered the library to collect my backpack, since they told us to pack "light", I knew who they were as soon as we exchanged our friendly glances. As were approaching downtown of Odense, I realized that the gift I had brought was left at the library. So within 10 minutes, I had already made an impression of being the most forgetful person. I wanted to share the Our State magazine with the Larsens along with giving them their piece of Jugtown pottery to tell them more about North Carolina. I told the couple that I just wanted to see ordinary life in Denmark so we just spent the afternoon walking down the main streets of Odense. I actually enjoyed a cup of coffee (I am not a big fan of coffee) and a chocolate pastry---I already dread getting back on the scales after this trip! I learned that Svend is an avid coffee drink, just like most Europeans, by having at least eight cups per day, so one wouldn't hurt me.

I loved the atmosphere of Odense even after the hours of thunderstorms, unexpected rain, and the usual cold win (reminded me of Boone weather). It was a good thing that I had become accustomed to stay out of the way of cyclists since Odense is known as the City of Cycles. I was enticed with the statues found all around the town that represented HC Andersen's stories.

Remarkably, we ended up Hans Christian's house, where he spent the majority of his childhood. I stood in the small empty space where this young author was inspired to write many of his unforgettable tales that children around the world would read over and over again. I walked through the garden where he became inspired to write one of my favorite stories, "The Snow Queen."

We were able to drive through the beautiful countryside of Odense that I had initially imagined of Europe with green open fields, windmills, and small cottages. Svend and Anne Lisbet took me to the castle where HC Andersen was inspired to write "The Happy Family." It was much different than the typical castles of Denmark. The castle was found at the end of a gravel road and the public was prohibited to advance across a certain point. It was so peaceful here...



We drove to a town 30 minutes outside of Odense to Tommerup, the house of Svend Erik and Lisbet of 20 years. It was obvious they had worked extremely hard to make their "house a home." Their gardens were inviting and colorful. The greenhouse produced all the vegetables that would sit on their table. I immediately felt right at home and wish I could have stayed longer than just two days with them.



I have never felt so welcomed in a home like this before in my life! Anne Lisbet went out of her way to make the most delicious Danish meals and Svend pulled out the American and European maps to share about our traveling experiences. We also shared pictures of our family and friends. Of course, I told more about North Carolina and it was interesting to hear more about ordinary life in Denmark. The couple had grown fond of showing hospitality to others since they have hosted foreign exchange students in the past. Their own son went to Colorado during his senior year of high school. This brought me back to the realization that the Larsens have traveled to more places than I have in the United States. They gave me the perfect give, a collection of 80 stories by Hans Christian Andersen! I can't wait to share these with my future niece/nephew along with my own students. Guess which story I will read first...The Happy Family of course!The next morning, the couple had to attend a family birthday party, so I spent the afternoon with the host family advisor, Sys. I enjoyed spending more time in Odense, including going to the HC Andersen Museum, the birthplace of the famous author. We entered a library that housed all versions of HC Andersen's fairy tales. They have been translated into 151 different languages! We found it ironic that we were greeted by ducklings since one his stories is "The Ugly Duckling" (which is based on the torments of his own life). The author hated having his picture taken because he considered himself to be unattractive.

We experienced two other popular places in Odense including the market and the Cathedral.


It also became interesting to see an Iranian protest in the square. I am not sure exactly what they were saying, but it lasted for at least an hour!
Our last night was spent together as we reflected on an incredible educational experience. This was the last time for our NC Teacher of the Year team to be together and I was excited to make new friends with other teachers from North Carolina.


Saying goodbye to my favorite things: soft ice and HC Andersen!

We returned safely to Newark AND North Carolina ON TIME! It took me several days to get readjusted to the unbearable heat and time change. Even though I could talk for hours about my wonderful experiences in Denmark, sometimes I am left speechless regarding how much it has changed me as a teacher and an individual. I look forward to encouraging my colleagues and students to see the world a little differently as we prepare ourselves to thrive in a global economy.

Special Thanks to:
The country of Denmark for welcoming us into your country, especially in your schools and businesses.

The Center for International Understanding for allowing teachers to have a greater appreciation of the world around them by traveling to unforgettable places.

Angie Bolin for planning every detail of this trip and ensuring we had meaningful learning opportunities. Even though you were not with us, we thought about you and your husband each day.

Lindsey Moulsky for remaining a fearless leader who made sure the "Raleigh folks" arrived to Denmark sooner or later. Also for the interesting evening in the King's Garden.

Bill Ferriter who always challenged us to think even more about our experiences and if "different was better?" Most of all, I am greatly appreciative of his willingness to take care of the Paris group who thought we would never get to Copenhagen and who fought for us to always find the silver lining.

Cindi Rigsbee, my roomie and BFF, who managed to stay an entire week with me (and my suitcase) in the smallest hotel room imaginable.

Anne Lisbet and Svend Erik for welcoming me into their home and showing me the true side of Denmark. I will never forget their thoughtfulness!

Dr. Peters, School Board, and Montgomery County Schools for providing the never-ending support this year during my TOY journey, and especially my participation in this program.

Janice Harless for granting me the use of the mini laptop for my technology ventures, it saved my back!

My Page Street family for your messages and eagerness to hear all about Denmark!

Mama, Beth, and Daddy for giving me the courage to go this far away from home. Thanks for your love and support everyday!

Will Muse, my devoted husband, for taking care of the dogs, buying me a new backpack, and for understanding why I am gone for an entire week. Also, for making me realize how awesome Skype can be thousands of miles away!