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!