Farvel Danmark

I don't think I could say it any better than Jassie did, but my extremely heartfelt thanks also need to be expressed for what has been the most amazing experience here in Denmark.

Although there is some sadness to be leaving this wonderful country, I leave with many new friends, unforgettable memories, personal and professional inspiration, and probably a few extra kilos!

I echo Jas' thanks to Finn and his team of helpers in every town we went to, to our brilliant host families and other Rotarians who opened their homes and lives to us on our journey, and to our vocational mentors who took time out of their working days to show us how our work is done here in Denmark.

And to my amazing team leader and teammates, while we are parting ways tomorrow for a short time, I can't wait for the new adventures that await. Thank you for making me laugh until I felt ill, being incredibly supportive throughout our time here, for teaching me so much and just generally for being the best group I could have hoped for to share this experience with!

Jeg elsker Danmark!

Happiness is only real when shared

Tonight we had our farvell party in Aalborg. It was our chance to reflect on amazing times and thank all the people it has taken to make our GSE experience one we will never forget!

I know we said a quick thanks tonight...but I just want write my last blog from Denmark to express my gratitude.

The poignant moral of the story from one of my favourite movies "into the wild" is happiness is only real when shared. And i think there has never been a truer word said. This GSE experience would be nothing with out the people I have shared this with.

First and foremost our marvellously generous and kind host families and vocational mentors who have welcomed us with open arms, shown and shared their lovely homes, workplaces, meals, towns and best hygge and hospitality. The generosity, pride and passion they have shared it with have not gone unnoticed either...thank you for taking us in to your home, sharing your city and making our experience so personal and memorable.

Of course to Finn and his incredibly dedicated team of GSE coordinators who put in all the hard work coordinating and organising our hosts, vocations days and cultural experiences behind the scenes. You have done yourselves, Rotary and Denmark proud. You have shown and given us the very best. Thank you!!

And last but certainly not least my most fantastic, amazing, incredible BFFs...my GSE teamies! You guys re just the best! You are such an amazing bunch of people, who I feel so lucky to call my friends. The biggest heartfelt thank you for all the laughs, chats, special times shared and friendship. This trip would not have been as rewarding, fulfilling or enjoyable if I didn't share it with you.

Tomorrow is our last full day of our experience. I leave Denmark full of wonderful memories, inspiring lessons and so much richer from all the new friends I have made. Tak for den fantastiske oplevelse! Denmark will always have a special place in my heart!

Secret Santa, with a twist

I'm backtracking here to Frederikshavn (stop 6) and not just to brag about how good our host mum Tina's roast pork was (although it was out-of-this-world amazing).

I wanted to quickly write about an important topic we were discussing over said roast pork (and many bottles of red wine) - Christmas!

Morten and Tina told us about a lovely tradition they have around Christmas with their staff at their company, Seafood Sales. At the start of the month of December, each staff member draws a name out of a hat. Then, every day leading up to Christmas, it is their job to do something nice for that person, be it making them a cup of coffee, collecting their printing from the printer, buying them lunch. It doesn't matter how big or small, as long as it is something that will make their lives a little easier for the festive season.

I loved it, and think it should be compulsory to implement it in every workplace! It's yet another example of a small gesture making a big difference to the happiness, motivation and drive to perform at work.

Golf

One of the key responsibilities of the GSE Team Leader is to look after the welfare of his/her team.  This is particularly true towards the end of the trip. Of course to be effective at this one needs to look after oneself as well and it is the interests of this that I permitted myself to participate in my third round of golf in Denmark. 
Before the game, I pondered the possibility of changing my vocational activities from school principal(retired) to "Golf Professional" given my obvious prowess at the game.  On the way to the course I decided to visit my GSE "Son" Neil.  I was so pleased that I could awaken him at 12:30 in the afternoon (he must have been up late the previous night studying).  The previous afternoon, of course, we had presented at the District Conference and there was a little "letting down of the hair" to follow.  I understand that the girls were also a little slow in the morning.
Anyhow, I have decided after today's game that I should delay any sudden career change until my return to Australia. 

A bit of Einstein wisdom...

I had the pleasure of being seated next to Jens-Martin at last nights Rotary meeting in Aars, and he shared this great quote with me. Perhaps there is something about me that indicates my constant struggle to keep a clean desk (it's true).

I know there are a few others in my team who have the same problem, so I thought I would share :)

Back to school

Today, I went back to school - to Erhvervsskolerne Aars, which is a combination of gymnasium, basic vocational education and training, and adult vocational education and training.

Let's just say, when I left the grounds of All Hallows' ten years ago, I never thought I would be returning to high school, let alone partly teaching a class (yes, that happened today).

I began my day with a brief introduction to the school by the vice principal Kasper. We spoke about the size of the school (1,200 students in total), the background of the teaching staff (all have at least a masters degree plus practical experience) and a bit about their COOL - or cooperative learning - approach to classes (basically involving group work for short periods of time).

Then, it was off to my first class of the day - International Economics. Unbeknownst to me, I was actually a guest speaker, and ended up giving an introduction to the Australian Economy according to Lauren. Thankfully the information I gave the class was in line with what their teacher, Sven, was going to tell them so I didn't lead the students completely astray.

The rest of the class was done in Danish, but what impressed me was how engaged the class was. While I didn't actually understand what was being said, judging by the tone of voice, body language and lively discussion between the students and their teacher, it seemed as though they were genuinely interested in being there.

This same attitude was evident even moreso in my second class of the day, English. The topic of the lesson was Australian Business Behaviour, and I was able to give a little bit of insight into some of the verbal and nonverbal traits of communicating with Aussies. It was really fun to chat with the students, and I think they were excited to ask questions about home - especially about the wildlife and the beaches.

So, another really interesting vocational day, and while I won't be going home to teach classes per se, it's always very useful to practice speaking and presentation skills, and always great to meet new people!

Thanks heaps to Kasper, Helle and Sven (not pictured) for taking me around today.

Hjallerup Folkskole

On Tuesday I visited Hjallerup Folkskole with Lone, had dinner with the team and all of the wonderful hosts at President Henrik and Kirsten's place and then next morning had to farewell Heinrich, Asger, Peter and Lone to make our way to Års.    One of the fabulous  features of the school was the before and after school facility which was like a warm and comfortable home, complete with indoor and outdoor games, on-site baking, quite areas, a loft, dress-ups, craft, etc. etc. and lots of room.  The majority of children actually attend this site.  I enjoyed also talking to the children in one of Lone's classes and they tried (and easily succeeded) to test me with a famous Danish tongue twister - Rødgrød med fløde.  I paid them back with "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers". Lone's commitment to her pupils and her family was outstanding and this made me a  little sad to leave.  I hope that we can keep in touch.  A few photos including some of the wall and floor charts follow.