Holbæk Get Together

On Thursday after school, I quickly made my way to the train station to take an hour long train ride to Aarhus. I met up with Sophie (Australian) and Claire (New Yorker), and had a very hygge night with Chinese food and Facebook stalking. In the morning, we were back at the train station to go to Holbæk for the get together. The majority of the exchange students on the Jutland were on this train so there were very few seats and lots of talking. I sat in the aisle for the majority of the train ride. I'm sure the other passengers were very annoyed but the one sitting nearest to us commented that he was "holding in his laughter." Regardless, I am glad I had these lovely people to make the five hour journey with.

Upon arriving to Holbæk , we were escorted by bus to the Holbæk Gymnasium. The reunions in the doorway of the gymnasium were priceless; there were so many hugs, and I think I saw a few people holding back tears. Although it had only been a few months since the last time everyone had seen each other, the bonds that we have are so strong that they allow this kind of relationship. The rebounds running the event hadn't allotted for this reunion time, so by the time we got to dinner, the pizza they were serving was cold. Being exchange students, and having bottomless pits for stomachs, we all had quite a few pieces. After dinner, we sat around for a while just talking and catching up on the few months that we haven't seen each other. Eventually, they got a stage and dance floor set up so I danced the night away, returning to the classroom I was sleeping in just before 4 A.M.

Around 8, the rebounds went from room to room with a megaphone yelling to get up. Although this was slightly terrifying, it was very effective. Breakfast was served at nine, then shortly after we took a group picture then walked into the city for some exploring. My friends and I got coffee then did a little shopping. When we returned to the school, they had lunch waiting for us. We ate quickly then started getting ready for the costume party. Claire and I were going as mimes, and believe it or not, but doing the mime makeup was a huge challenge. The first attempt resulted in raccoon eyes and a very frustrated Millie. About an hour later, we were finally ready. I thought that our costumes were going to be on the promiscuous side, but other than the girl that went as a pregnant nun, we were among the most covered up in the room. We had a very lovely dinner, followed by a show with performances by various exchange students. Cal and Harry, two of my Australian oldies, were the MC's so they volunteered Claire and I to do a mime act. The act before us was two Brazilian guys, dressed as babies, giving a girl a lap dance. I'd like to think that our innocent, twenty second, performance was a nice eye cleanser. The show ended with a video that Eddy, another Aussie, had made. It was twenty minutes long and went through the year that the oldies have had. I didn't see a single oldie with a dry eye, and I have to admit that I was crying as well. I love my oldies so much and I don't know what I am going to do without them. After we had dried our tears, and fixed our smudged costume makeup, we went back out and danced the night away. Everyone was much more enthusiastic about the dancing this night. Eventually, my friends and I headed to the gym and spent a long time talking on the mats. With ten minutes until 5, we called it a night. My towel, which I was using as a pillow, had never felt more comfortable.

On Sunday, they came around with the megaphone at 7:30. Breakfast was at 9, and after eating the oldies pulled out their books and flags to be signed. I made sure to sign the people's who I didn't know if I'd see again, but I am saving most of the signing for later in the year. I watched as so many people cried as they said goodbye. Fortunately, the oldies I am closest to are near me or in my district so I know that those goodbyes weren't final. We left the gymnasium around 11:30. There were two trains that we could have taken, but we opted for the second one, because there was a delicious kebab shop about 100 meters away. When we finally got on the train, there was less running around and more cuddling. I said goodbye at the Aarhus station, and made it home just before 7. After dinner and a shower, I was in bed and asleep.

Monday morning, I woke up more sick than I was before leaving on Thursday. Luckily, my host parents were okay with me staying home. I slept the majority of the day, then spent the rest watching movies on the couch.

Aarhus is not just a city, it's a feeling.

Typical flag picture.

Claire and I; so much love.

Group picture, featuring three zombies, a kangaroo, and Frida Kahlo.

Mimes.

Group Photo.

Sidenote about events on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean: earlier this week, my Great Grandma Hilda passed away after living 103 amazing years. This didn't come as a shock, but I was still saddened by it. I know that heaven gained another angel, and she is currently watching over and guiding me. Rest in peace Great Grandma.