A Beginner's Guide to: Not Saying "Excuse Me" in Denmark

How many times do you say "excuse me" in one day? If you live in America, I would guestimate perhaps 3 or 4 times at least. It's common courtesy, right? When you accidentally nudge someone in line, when you pass through a huge lingering crowd, when you need the person in front of you to get out of the way. I didn't think twice about saying it until I came here- because no one says it. Not even the Danish equivalent: undskyld (pronounced oonschool-pretend there's a potato in your mouth for the right pronunciation).

It irks me. I try not to let it bother me since everyone here claims that it's not out of rudeness...but it's still hard to get used to. If I'm in the way of someone trying to get off the bus, instead of saying undskyld, they'll just stand there, do a little feet shuffle, and then push past me.

Today I found myself pushing past someone without saying excuse me. At first I felt bad ass, like, hey- look at me, I'm being Danish..watchu gonna do...but then afterwards I felt kind of bad and was tempted to go back and apologize. Ah, well..

Anyway, here are a few more pictures from my parent's visit...

My Dad and I standing in front of the Rosenborg Castle. It used to be the King's summer house. Imagine that?!

Strolling through beautiful Nyhavn...

And the lunch we had there. I got this amazing pea soup...it was so good that I might have to go back....

I hope you are all having great weeks so far!!
xo