Brief Update.

[swestrup]

We´re right in the heart of Copenhagen and in walking distance of all the major sites and downtown. The famour little mermaid statue is just a couple blocks from where we are staying.

I don't have much in the way of communications access while I'm here. The phone is being monopolized by taxlady's sister since she's trying to run a complex project by long distance. There are three TVs in the house, but all of them are broken. The closest internet cafe is a 12-block walk, so we don't get online very often.

This has made me realize how nice it would be to have a palm device of some sort so that I could write things down as they happen so I don't forget them. I fear many details will be lost by the time I get around to writing them down for net publication.

taxlady has asked me to think about moving here and working for a couple of years as it would simplify some of the process of settling her mother's affairs. I was skeptical about the practicality of the idea but two days ago we bumped into someone in a pub who might want to hire me (!). We'll be having supper with him on Wednesday and meeting a technically knowlegable friend of his to discuss possibilities.

I'm not sure how easy it would be to live here for a few years, since I have so little of the language, but I'm trying to keep an open mind.

Anyway, its getting late so I should be heading back to the appartment for supper now. I'll try to post again in a couple more days.

Comments

[sfllaw.livejournal.com]

I suggest getting a good pen with a firm cap, and a notebook that will fit in your pocket. I'm amazed at how often I'll pull mine out and scribble in it.

[thebabynancy.livejournal.com]

I think that living/working abroad is something most people never get to do... and would be an opportunity you shouldn't pass up... if it avails itself. :)

Oh, and Paper Journals rock! Transcribing them can be a pain in the ass though.


Hope you're having fun!


:) N

[cpirate.livejournal.com]

I say if the opportunity presents itself, you should try to spend a few years living abroad. You've even got someone sympathetic with whom you can practice your language skills!

We'd all miss you, but I'm secure enough in the knowledge that Montreal is the best city in the world that I know you'll come back eventually :)

[sorceror.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure how easy it would be to live here for a few years, since I have so little of the language, but I'm trying to keep an open mind.

But everybody in Scandinavia speaks English anyway!

No, really. I mean, it's good to learn the language, but I'm sure you could get along until you get the hang of it.

[lasher.livejournal.com]

How lucky of you if you get to live there for a couple of years. From my past research, it is pretty hard to move into Scandinavia if you aren't married or directly related to a Danish citizen. I would certainly think that your wife's mother being a citizen / resident would be enough to let you stay. And, if you find a company that is willing to sponsor you for the requirements of work visas and such... all the more simple.

I think that you could pick up danish pretty well... well at least the reading and writing of it... speaking it is a whole other animal. lol If you end up needing / wanting to learn Danish... the Rosetta Stone is one of the few programs that I have found that teached Danish very thoroughly. And though working through it has not been my preferred method of learning... it is quite helpful. With the little bit of the program that I learned before I went to Denmark 2 years ago... and what I continue to practice reading information that I collected while I was there... I know enough to "read" basic webpages that would be needed to get around the city and do things. I would think that if one were to actually apply themselves (as you would if you moved there).. that you would learn the language quite quickly because of the immersion, the concerted efforts, and necessity.

The thing that I would think that might be the most difficult after gaining residencing and work permits.. would be a place to live... unless you were planning to live with her mother.

Naturally, skjalm would be the best resource for you for things like this... and I'd be willing to bet that he would be more than willing to give his 2 cents / assistance.

[(Anonymous)]

you qualify for an Euro passport if you wish to work in Denmark
Vaughan and Marcus both have theirs.

[taxlady.livejournal.com]

We wouldn't be living with my mother - we would have her apartment. Well, she might stay in her apartment for a few weeks.

She would be moving into an old people's home. Without close family here, she wouldn't get enough visits. If we don't move to Denmark, she will be in a home in California, where my sister can visit her regularly.

[lasher.livejournal.com]

Well, at least you would have a place to live. I can sympathize with the difficulties or trying to care for an older parent. I spent much of the last couple of years of my father's life commuting 45 minutes away to spend time in the hospital with him, in the nursing homes, and when he attempted to live on his own. At one point, before he got that ill, he even lived with me in my tiny 1BR apt for about 6 months. He lived in my bedroom while I had a bed in the living room. He couldn't really walk at the time and so I worked and prepared his meals and made sure that he has important things close to him since he was mostly bed ridden.

My mother is getting older and less healthy too. She lives about 45 away and needs help sometimes so that he can stay living on her own. I have to make grocery store trips for her sometimes and little things like that. I can't imagine trying to do all of these sorts of things with my family a continent away. Hence, why I choose to live close to her for now. I will consider moving elsewhere when her time passes (which is hopefully a long time away).

I wish you the best with whatever you two decide to do. I know that either choice can be a difficult one for very different reasons.

[swestrup]

thanks, but paper and pencil just doesn't work for me...