Goteburg, Sweden

It's been a few days since my return from Sweden. It was a short trip, but a nice one at that. Instead of going to Malmo or Stockholm (like most people might expect), we went to Sweden's second largest city, Goteburg.

On Thursday, a group of five other girls (two from Australia, one from Switzerland, and another from Germany) and I took the train from Copenhagen to Goteburg. We left the Central Station at 2:15pm and arrived at our destination around 6:30pm.

View from the train

The first thing we did when we arrived was attempt to find a hostel. Thinking that it wouldn't be too difficult to find a place to stay for the next few nights, we decided we wouldn't need to book a place ahead of time. We thought wrong. Apparently, there was a jazz festival going on that same weekend, so the first 2 hostels we went to were completely full. We rode the tram and walked along the streets of Goteburg for at least an hour with our bags attempting to find a place to sleep for the weekend (Lonely Planet was a helpful guide when it came to looking for hostels). As we walked, I lagged behind the group a little to take some photos of the city.

Panic was about to set in as we walked into the third hostel with the fear of being told: "Sorry, all our rooms our full". Surprisingly, however, we were informed that they had a room with six beds, which was exactly what we needed. The room ended up being pretty cheap and we could all stay together. Double bonus! The one problem was that we could only stay there for one night, since the next night the hostel was completely booked. We figured that would be fine since we were going to leave Saturday morning anyway. Leaving the night before wouldn't make a difference, except when it came to our wallets.

So after what seemed like a long journey, we brought our things into the room (which had 3 bunk beds, a TV, and a random hairdryer), cleaned up and went out to dinner. By this time it was 8:00pm and we were really hungry. Thankfully, while we waited in line at the hostel, we had time to browse the different menus they had in a binder of some of the restaurants in that vicinity. We knew we wanted Italian food and we found just that right down the street from our accommodation. The restaurant was called Da Vinci's, I believe. We each ordered "individual" pizzas, which were pretty big (the crust was thin though, so I didn't feel bloated after eating the whole thing). One of my friends ordered a pizza that had banana on it, a little odd, but she said it wasn't too bad. I had the vegetarian pizza, pretty satisfying but it definitely didn't compete with pizza from Italy, I can't wait until November!

Vegetarian Pizza (with olives, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and artichoke)

After dinner, we decided to go back to the hostel. By this time it was 10pm and we were exhausted from our long day of exams, traveling and walking. Our plan was to wake up early the next day to maximize our time in Goteburg and none of us really wanted to have a late night. Instead, we went back to our room, watched a little Swedish television, chatted in bed and then went to sleep.

Me and the ugly duvet cover that none of the other girls wanted. Haha

The next morning, we woke up at 7:30am. After showering and getting breakfast (of yogurt and fruit) at the grocery store near our hostel, we took the tram to a ferry. We were going to see the Southern Archipelago Islands.

Side note: luckily, this entire trip we didn't have to pay multiple times for transportation since the train ticket we bought in Copenhagen was valid for 48 hours and could be used on the train, tram, bus, and ferry.

Anyway, we accidentally ended up going back and forth on the tram and by the time we got to the port, the ferry we were planning to take had left just a minute before. We originally were going to visit the island of Aspero, but instead we went to Vrango. The ferry ride was about 40 minutes long, with several stops to the other islands. It was overcast and windy, but we sat on top of the boat to get a better view of the sites.

At the ferry port

Boarding the boat

Our first glimpse of Vrango

The boat made a few stops at the other islands to let people off. After docking at Vrango, we headed to the little outdoor cafe where the girls bought hot drinks. We wanted to see the nature of the island, and the owner of the cafe told us the route we should take. We would walk along the southern part of the island, sort of near the water. He said it would take about 45 minutes to walk all the way around. My friend, Anna (from Germany) and I were definitely up for it, both of us enjoy being outdoors and doing 'sporty' things, the other girls...not so much. They weren't too prepared for the weather and their choices of footwear may not have been well thought out. But they were troopers.

So we started our walk and it was beautiful. Lots of greenery, colorful trees, spiders hanging from cobwebs (two, in fact), and picturesque views of the water.

Anna and I walked on the rocks in hopes of getting close to the water and a better view. Leaving the other girls behind, we jumped from rock to rock all the way to the shoreline. The water was so calm and clear (we could see tons of jellyfish), The surroundings were pleasant and beautiful...a nice change of pace from the city.

By this time, the weather changed and the sun came out! We continued our walk (got multiple mosquito bites along the way) and at the end of our little 'nature walk' we came across a little residential area. The homes were spread apart and I only saw two people, it was a ghost town.

After completing our loop around the southern part of the island, we headed back to the port to board the next ferry back to Goteburg. This catamaran was more modern and therefore faster than the ferry we took on the way to Vrango. We got back to the mainland in half the time it took us to get to the island. The sun was out, making for a nice trip back.

After the boat docked, we took the tram back to downtown Goteburg where we met two of our other friends who had planned a day trip. They weren't able to join us the day before but it was nice that they woke up early to take the train from Copenhagen to meet up. The rest of the afternoon was devoted to shopping. We split up into two groups since three of the girls were keen on power shopping and buying lots of things, while the rest of us wanted to casually look at the shops and have a bite to eat.

We did a little shopping first. My friend was so excited to buy her winter coat that our meal was delayed for just a bit. Our two friends who had arrived in Goteburg that morning had discovered (thanks to Lonely Planet, again!) a market that had everything from fresh produce and a meat shop to Swedish meatballs and a bakery with delicious loafs of bread (a had a sample of one which had fruit in it). So, we decided to go there and have lunch. It was pleasant indoor market in the middle of crowded shops and restaurants. Inside, however, was a slow-paced, yet friendly environment and everyone seemed to be enjoying the food and the people.

We walked around looking at all of our options and I ended up ordering vegetable stew with vegetarian orzo and a roll of fresh bread from one of the little indoor restaurant/bar. The food was tasty!

After re-fueling our bodies, we got to shopping. We all bought something at one of the many stores we went to. I bought a new pair of black boots, which were 50% off! I'm surprised they fit me because it was the type of sale where there is only one shoe and one size on sale...usually I never find anything that I like, yet alone that fit my tiny feet.

At 5pm, we all congregated in one of the main parks and headed back to the hostel to pick up our bags (which they so kindly locked away for us for the duration of the day). We rushed there so that we could be sure to catch the train back to Copenhagen, since they leave once an hour or so. We grabbed a bite to eat and boarded the train that left Goteburg at 6:42pm. While on the train, we all did a "show-and-tell" of what we bought that day (to entertain us and make time go a little faster), ate, chatted, and napped. We arrived back in Copenhagen at 10:30pm refreshed and ready to go out to the bars with our other friends.

Although the trip was cut short, it was still nice to experience another Scandinavian city. I definitely loved seeing the Southern Archipelago and walking along the streets of Goteburg. I'm itching to go on the next trips that I have lined up!

...and now, to Sweden!

I just finished the second half of my Danish exams (the oral exam). Today begins my week and half break before starting my "real" classes and to start it on a high note, I am now off to Sweden with some of my girl friends for a little weekend trip. I will be back in Copenhagen on Saturday. When I return, I'll be sure to post lots of pictures and fill you in on the places I visited. Will blog soon!


Nat

"Jeg har aldrig smagt leverpostej"

Sorry I haven't been able to blog much in the past few days. I have been studying for my Danish exams. Part 1 of 2 begins in less than 3 hours. The written exam is today, the oral is tomorrow...here I go.

Rosenborg Slot

My friends and I visited the Rosenborg Slot on Thursday after class. We had originally planned to see the Crown Jewels, but we got there around 4:30pm and the exhibit closes at 5. Instead, we walked around and relaxed on one of the many beautifully manicured lawns for an hour or so. The weather was mild, not too sunny considering it was late in the afternoon. We vowed, however, that we would return another day when the summer weather was acceptable (i.e. no rain) and we could bask in the sun.

Today was that day.

We were there to "study" for our Danish exams and hang out together. Let's just say the former never happened, it was just too nice of a day to put on our thinking caps. Here are some of the pictures I took on Thursday:

Before entering the Rosenborg Slot

Rosenborg Slot

Rosenborg Slot

View of the homes from inside the walls of the Slot

A garden inside the Slot

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

In addition to taking Danish classes, the Intensive Language Program offered by KU (a.k.a. the University of Copenhagen) also gives students the option of attending cultural excursions and activities. Last week, I toured the Royal Library/Black Diamond and this past Monday, we watched a Dogme 95 film. Yesterday after class, I toured the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Founded by the brewer, Carl Jacobsen (you may know Carlsberg beer), the Glyptotek is an art museum in Copenhagen that houses both ancient and modern art. You can find Roman sculpture,  Egyptian mummies and sarcophagi, and Danish paintings.

We took a tour of the Golden Age of Denmark exhibit where we saw many paintings highlighting Danish nationalism and culture. Afterwards we were free to roam around the other galleries of the museum where I had the opportunity to see many different forms of art and artifacts. Enjoy this brief virtual tour of the Glyptotek!

Inside of the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Painting of Mother Denmark-symbolizes nationalism

Emperor Constantine the Great

Sarcophagi

Just a bunch of noses that were previously on the heads of statues

Athena

Apollo

Nero

Edward Sharpe concert

On Saturday night, a group of friends and I went to the Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros concert at Vega in Frederiksberg. Everyone came over to my place beforehand (it was the first time I've had friends over!) where we just hung out and talked. Then we headed over to the show. I love the band and they were awesome live . I had an amazing time with all of my friends. Afterwards, we went to a bar in Frederiksberg. It was an all-around great night. Here are some pictures of the band:

...and yes, the lead singer is wearing a onesie/long-johns. Haha

This week in Copenhagen

This past week has been jam-packed with activities. In between having Danish language class everyday, over the course of 5 days I have: registered with the local authorities, figuring out which Danish culture class I want to take at the University's International Office, making new friends from all over the world (Germany, Austria, Australia, Italy, the UK, the US), socializing at bars and friends' kollegiums (Danish word for 'dormitory'), sightseeing, taking tours, etc.

On Monday after class, my German friend, Olivia and I did an abbreviated bike tour around Copenhagen. I finally saw The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Castle, the Marble Church, and Rosenborg Slot. That afternoon, I registered with the local authorities and got my CPR number and free healthcare. (This was where I saw the woman with her Chili Talula tattoo, in reference to her young, blonde hair, blue-eyed daughter)

Amelienborg Castle

The Little Mermaid (she literally is "little")

Posing with The Little Mermaid

The Marble Church

Inside the Marble Church

On Tuesday, I went shopping with Olivia (I didn't buy anything though). We went to Europa Cafe on Stroget where we enjoyed our drinks outside, talked, and watched people walking by. Afterwards, we sat at the canal on Gammel Strand and talked some more. Without any indication of the forthcoming rain, it started to pour and the sky became a beautiful, almost auburn color (see picture). We got drenched, but we didn't mind one bit (I'm getting used to the drastic change of weather without prior notice...I always carry my rain jacket everywhere I go now). That night, a huge group of people from the Danish language program went to a bar that hosts an international student night every Tuesday. The music wasn't very good, but the drinks were cheap and it was a nice opportunity to meet more people.

Right after the rain stopped and before I finally bought rain boots.

The picturesque night at Gammel Strand

On Wednesday, I toured Copenhagen's Royal Library where many of Denmark's important manuscripts, including H.C Andersen's original writings are held. When the tour was over, I sat outside of the Library's cafe with my German speaking friends (of course, I have no idea what they are saying when they aren't speaking English...maybe I'll catch on a little by the end of the semester). It was at the bank of the canal where I witnessed my Austrian friend's cookie (which he paid $3 for) fly off of his plate and into the water...the wind was that strong. Afterwards, we went to Christiania where we listened to a live band. We perused many of the shops and restaurants. We also walked along the water looking at the homes and environments of those who live in the area.

View from the inside of the Royal Library

The Royal Library's garden. According to our tour guide, this is Copenhagen's best kissing spot.

Statue outside of the Royal Library

On Thursday, my Austrian friend, Matthias, and I went to Field's Shopping Center after class. We were on a mission to find rain apparel since both of us came to Copenhagen ill-prepared (he was without an adequate rain coat and I lacked rain boots). Field's is basically a giant American mall in Copenhage,  it is the largest shopping center in Scandanavia. After going into only a few of what seemed to be hundreds of stores, we both walked out of Fields and into the rain wearing exactly what we had gone in looking for. I am now the proud owner of a pair of navy rain boots! Now my feet won't get soaked, yes! 

I went to a kollegium of one of my friends from UC Santa Cruz ("go banana slugs!"). There were six of us, each of us originating from Germany, California, Australia, or the UK.  We had wine and cheese and laughed and talked about everything from what we are studying, our lives at home, and learning Danish. It was really nice to get to know them in a smaller, more intimate setting where there were no distractions. Afterwards, we moved to another kollegium (called Keops) nearby. We were met in the common room by many more students from that building. More talking and laughing occurred late into the night.

On Friday, I went to the International Office to turn in my Danish culture class form (I hope to take either the general culture class or Nordic Mythology). Then I came back to my place, cleaned, and finally unpacked everything. I still don't have shelves in my wardrobe, which is very inconvenient, but I can make do without them, I suppose. I'll be sure to post some pictures of the room soon. Then, I headed to Keops for a barbecue. A bunch of the students from last night were there, plus even more (including some Danish students who also live in the kollegium). It was a great opportunity to eat some delicious food and socialize with everyone. It was a lot of fun.

Looking back on this past week, I realize I have been incredibly busy, which is a good thing because I've made so many friends and fond memories already. I'm looking forward to all of the exciting weeks to come!