Day 5 Hilltop and Legoland

Day 5 -- Legoland

The rainy and cold day could not affect the amount of fun that we had at Legoland. This park is the original and has served as a model for the many others that have sprouted up around the world, including the few in America. We were joined by Yette and Thomas from Hilltop. On the ride down to Billund, we drove through several heavy rain squalls and even had some hail. When we arrived, the sun magically appeared and our tour began with a warm coffee and some exploring of the incredible Lego models. The models include elaborate cities, towns and harbors all built with working parts made of Legos (the Copenhagen model took 3.5 million). There were even some that we were quite familiar with.

After a couple of hours touring the awesome models, we decided it was time for some lunch. Burgers and fries around for almost everyone. With full bellies and renewed excitement, it was off to the rides! The first few rides were easier and smaller but, then came the roller coasters and pirate land which included a haunted house and some cool (wet) water rides.

After some awesome rides, the rain really began to fall heavily and we headed to the shops for souvenirs and for some photo opportunities with new and old friends.

After quite a day at Legoland, we headed back to Hilltop for a pizza party with all of the Hilltop students. The students also played chess and pool following dinner. Then it was off to Summerhus to get a good night's rest to be fresh for the last full day in Denmark.

Day 4 Hilltop School

Day 4 Hilltop School

Due to inclement weather, today's plans were altered a bit although after some great morning activities, we all forged through the weather and headed out to Estvad Camp with Hilltop staff and students. Upon arriving, we noticed that the Hilltop staff had included our flag with theirs on the flag pole as a sign of unity between FLCIS and Hilltop. The afternoon began with a fantastic hike through the rolling meadows.

After returning from our hike in the brisk Denmark air, we then we treated to coffee and tea along with a small birthday snack in honor of Debbie W. After the snack, the Danes and Americans were split up into four groups of 6 for an Olympiad. The activities were all based on team building and cooperation and included an activity that was based on tying knots with a visual representation being communicated verbally to a teammate. As the games ended, the Hilltop staff began to bring out food from the barbecue with influences from Denmark and the United States. Footlong hot dogs, hamburgers and other sausages served with Danish remoulade and salat.

Day 3 Hilltop

Day 3 Hilltop

Day three began with a full breakfast of scrambled eggs, different fruits, toast, yogurt and cereal. Then it was off to meet our group of guides for the trip to Aarhus. A beautiful two hour country ride to Aarhus and then began our shopping session and a personalized tour of Aarhus. We toured two churches, one protestant and the other was the Aarhus Cathedral that was built in 1190 and still holds mass every day with a capacity for 1200 people.

After a very fulfilling shopping session, we headed back to Hilltop School for dinner with our hosts and then participated in social activities for the evening. On the way back to the house, someone suggested ice cream and of course, the stop was made! When we got back, we found that the ice cream did not fill us up enough and dug into some smoked mussels and sardines. With full bellies and high expectations of the rest of the trip, everyone headed to bed for some rest.

Day 2 Hilltop

Day 2 Hilltop

Day 2 was filled with fantastic activities that our students and Hilltop students all participated in. The morning session consisted of  tour of the school, taking part in an English class, a current events class and an ice breaking activity in which the students drew pictures together, interviewed each other and after learning more about each other, took part in a World of Warcraft III game.

After the cool activities in school, it was off to explore downtown Skive with Andreas. We toured a couple of churches, one that was build almost 1000 years ago and another new church built in 1896 as well as a majestic cemetery where the families impeccably maintain each site with statues and beautiful flowers. Time to exchange some Euro and USD to Kroner, then off to the bowling alley for "beef and bowl" with 19 Hilltop students. Everyone had a blast and the food was superb as well!

Day 1 Hilltop -- Sommerhus

Day one -- Hilltop School 2015

After a safe and easy flight, the group was picked up by Thomas and Henrik at the airport in Billund and were driven to the beautiful Sommerhus (Summer House) in Skive. After unpacking and meeting with some of the Hilltop staff and students, it was then off explore the area along the Limfjorden (inlet between North Sea and Kattegat). We saw beautiful bluffs where the swallows have their nests. Then we went to a 1000 year old burial mound which the students were able to go into... Amazing! More sights, sounds and smells of the Fjord and it was time to head back to the house for some tea and a snack. At 6:00, we then headed up to Glyngore for a fantastic dinner on a working fishing pier joined by Bill and Sarah. An awesome meal with lots of laughs! Then back to the house for some relaxation and a good night's rest.