One of the Essential Tips if one is new to Denmark

LEARN THE DANISH LANGUAGE!!!

Photo from Google

 Although English is spoken widely and fluently across the country but frankly I think, if you wish to adapt to the society, you have to learn the language.  I took 1½ years to complete the whole course (5 modules altogether) and it feel great to be able to communicate in their language.  Programs usually last up to 3 years and are free of charge.  I took mine at Hellerup Sprogskole.

They say Danish is one of the hardest Scandinavian languages to learn because of its speaking patterns and yes, it is a distinct reality.  It is also flatter and more monotonous than English. The Danish alphabet has 29 letters with the basic 26-letter Latin alphabet plus the three additional letters Æ, Ø, Å.

Danish pronunciation is impossible to learn from a book so the best way is to enroll for the course.  It is easier to read it than to speak it.

Learning any new language can be an uphill struggle but hey...nothing is impossible.  Trust me! A language is a means of communication.  Put aside all those negative feelings; embarrassment, hesitation, etc and you have to actually use the language in its natural context. That's what I have been doing.  Speak speak speak.

To speak a language you have to actually speak it!!!

3 days 2 nights cruise to Oslo

We took mini cruise to Oslo via DFDS Seaways on Sunday.  This was sort of a birthday present for our beloved son.   Coincidentally few of the Malaysian students bought the same tickets which was on offer.  It was indeed a great deal.

We departed from Copenhagen on Sunday at 1630 hrs. Bought few stuff from the duty free shop on board, relaxed and had dinner together with the rest at deck 11.

 

He chose the cabin with window and dear hubby ikut kan aje. Afterall it's his birthday present.  Love you sweetheart.

Dinner together and enjoyed each others company with some good home cooked food.

Nasi impit, kuah kacang, karipap, sambal daging, serunding ikan, bihun goreng, pasta, sandwiches, fingers food. Alhamdulillah rezeki2.

Having dinner.

Dinner time...everyone brought some food to be enjoyed together

The little ones enjoyed themselves at the newly renovated Kidz' Club with games, activities and a playroom.  Danish as usual made few new friends there. Friendly as ever!

 Sofea and Khayra...peace Yoh!

We arrived in the vibrant city Oslo on Monday 27 Jan at 0945 and we had 5 hours to explore and see the city. There are countless museums, national landmarks to visit but since this was our 2nd trip in Oslo, we opted to just enjoy some shopping and relaxation before returning to Copenhagen on another pleasant evening aboard the ferry.

Snowy Oslo.

Happy face

Abang with one of Oslo's most photographed "inhabitants.

Oslo tram

Islamic Cultural Centre Norway situated is situated in Grønland.

After a good 1.5 hours of walking around, we decided to have lunch at Marhaba Grill Restaurant which is situated just beside the Islamic Cultural centre in Grønland.  My lunch - spicy grill chicken..yummy!

Back at the terminal

RnR in the cabin before the kids had another fun time at the KidzClub.

Alhamdulillah we had a fun filled short trip to Oslo.

My son's 6th birthday

Izz Danish, the day you were born

And lay curled up in my arms

That very moment

I succumbed to all your charms

Nothing has changed

From that day to this one

I hope it always stays this way.

Izz Danish, you’re our greatest blessing. May your birthday and all your tomorrows be blessed with everything good in life!

Happy 6th birthday sayang...

Indoor ice skating.

We took our kids ice skating for the first time this year. We went to an indoor rink since it was so cold outside.  The purpose of indoor ice skating is to provide an ideal safe skating environment on a level floor with a good surface and this makes skating much easier especially for beginners. It was fun to Danish and Sofea making their way around the rink.  For a first timer, they did pretty well. Well done!!!

Not bad for a first timer.

posing

Future figure skaters. :P

They really enjoyed themselves.

Year 2014

I have not been updating this blog since September.  Too many things happened towards the end of 2013. I was unwell due to terrible morning sickness for 5 months. Alhamdulillah i am feeling much better now. 

2013 left an impact on our family. I lost my beloved mom on 21 December 2013. Al fateha to mom.

2014? Will it be rocky or smooth sailing year ahead? Only HE knows. Taking a day at a time and definitely looking forward to April. Goodbye 2013 and welcome 2014 to everyone. As the new year blossoms, may the journey of your life be fragrant with new opportunities, your days be bright with new hopes and your heart be happy with love. Happy new year!