Back to school, back to school to prove to dad that I’m not a fool. Oh gotta love Billy Madison! Naesgaard Efterskole, my final stop in Denmark. Anders and Line, Lasse’s other sister and her family, graciously opened up their home to me for five nights.

I had a wonderful time staying with them along with their two kids Marius and Kirstine. Oh and cant forget the loving dog Kibu (wanted to take him with me). Since Anders is head of a boarding school for students who want an extra year before deciding on a path to study in university, they live on the school grounds. This gave quite a few opportunities for us to enjoy some pleasant meals with the students. I had a really good time talking with the students even though it usually took them a little while to open up. All of them were really nice and had great english as well.

In the morning, the house was empty providing some time to relax and take the dog for a walk. Yea, might have found the dog I want once the time comes to settle down (still a long ways away), a Rhodesian Ridgeback. We enjoyed several pleasant walks down and along the beach.

The teachers would also get together in the morning for some coffee, bread, cheese, and meat. It was so cool meeting more people and learning about their lives and work. As the afternoon would swing around, the kids would arrive home from school and it was time to hang out and have some fun! I enjoyed going to gymnastics with Kirstine and Marius Thursday afternoon. Turns out I am a gymnastics junky and no matter where I go I always tend to end back up in a gym at some point. Seeing how different programs operate is always intriguing and especially in Denmark where the clubs are not privately owned like in the states.

Since Marius and Kirstine are younger, they haven’t had much if any english yet. But it wasn’t a problem that some toys, stone tossing, and sports couldn’t take care of. We still enjoyed having a good time and figuring out ways to communicate. Several hours were spent in the school gymnasium flipping off of the mini tramp as well as playing futbol.

As the weekend came, Line took us to visit Mons Klint. An enormous chalk wall cliff that is a unique worldwide natural area. It was beautiful and has become a favorite of mine.

The riding school that Kirstine goes to was celebrating 35 years in business so of coarse we had to stop by for some coffee and cake! I also got suckered into riding a horse, something I haven’t done in who knows how many years. Not going to lie, it was great and I loved it.

It was a big weekend for the school and Sunday was spent hanging out and seeing all of the cool activities that were offered. Prospective students and parents showed up for the open house and were escorted around the grounds by student led tours. Anyone that comes to the school has to decide a path to take either sports, nature, art and design, or music on top of normal classes. It was incredible everything that was set up and on display. This also provided ample opportunities for me to talk with the students, teachers, and parents as I wandered around.

My favorite part about this school is that every student is required to run. Some students join the school that have never run before and by the end of the year each student participates in either a half or full marathon. It is such an excellent idea and helps the students grow tremendously.

I can’t describe what an amazing time I had with Anders, Line, Marius, Kirstine, and Kibu. They were all really good to me and took me in like family. It is never easy leaving and this time was no exception. Such a great family and I am going to miss the valuable time spent with them. It was wonderful making some new great memories that I wont forget! Thanks Anders for the new shirt as well! It’ll get a lot of use!

Well the time came Monday morning to say our good byes as we headed off separate ways. My journey took me along the coast, through the forest, and to the ferry harbor. A short ride of 45km (27mi) brings me to the end of this chapter in Denmark.

I have to say of all the countries I’ve been to, the list is very short for the ones I want to return to. After this trip through Denmark, meeting Lasse’s family and friends, I couldn’t have asked for a better time! It is most definitely on the list as one of the four countries I need to visit again. I can’t thank Lars, Vera, Henrik, Lotte, Silas, Isabella, Ulrik, Line, Anders, Line, Marius, and Kirstine enough for showing me such great hospitality, Danish culture, and several different sights! I really appreciate the time you guys took while I was with each of you!