There is no doubt living in Denmark and living in the United States is very different, and moving here has at some point felt like moving to another planet.
But even though I am 5,577 miles away from home, I almost haven’t experienced walking around in Mission Beach and Pacific Beach without meeting another Dane. There are more than 150 Danes living in San Diego, and it is like we have taken over all the vacation rental houses in Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. I have asked some of my Danish friends what they have been most surprised about, moving from the country of the Vikings to the country of the cheeseburgers. Cecilie Kristensen, student, SDSU “I am surprised that there are so few McDonald’s restaurants in the United States. Americans are known for eating fast food, and there sure is a lot of fast food restaurants, but at the same time there is surprisingly many healthy options, too.” Alexander Chul Hjort, student, SDSU
“I think I was most surprised about how big everything is over here. Especially in Los Angeles. And that the food is so unhealthy. Even in the groceries stores. And if you want food that is environmentally-friendly and healthy it is very expensive.” Signe Rasmussen, student, SDSU
“I am surprised about the American people. They are very inspiring, but also very different from Danes. People dress as they want and sing along the beach as if no one is looking. It is very different from Denmark.” Emil Ottosen, student, SDSU
“What I am most surprised about moving from Denmark to the United States is that there is sugar in everything.” Katrine Henriksen, student, SDSU
“I think I am most surprised about the distances over here. In San Diego, you have to have a car to get around compared to many cities in Denmark, where it is often enough to just have a bike.” Christine Olesen, student, SDSU
“I am surprised that people are so kind and forthcoming. If you are standing in line, people often start talking to you and even though it is not a big thing, it is not a normal to do in Denmark.” Mathilde Rousseau Bjerregaard is from Aarhus, Denmark. She is an editorial intern with San Diego Community Newspaper Group. Contact her at [email protected].