So it's currently 4:30 am in Denmark and Skindergade is still alive with activity! I'm guessing this isn't terribly regular, but it is the first real night in this beautiful city...
Today was filled with adventure. We had an inspiring Opening Ceremony where different directors and professors spoke, a wind quintet played Nielsen and Mozart, and the semester was declared officially open. Afterwards, a group of us went and picked up our (very heavy) textbooks, got a few groceries, and then looked for some lunch at Gammeltorv. Alex, Cailtin and I ended up choosing a very large pretzel covered with ost (cheese) - 40 kroner, not bad!
Next, all the DIS students split into several groups to take their first Survival Danish class. It was very useful to work on the pronunciation and vocab. We even went to a supermarket (Netto!) and learned more about grocery shopping and Danish culture.
At 4:30pm, we were done for the day and left to our own devices. Alex and I went to his residence at Egmont Kollegium and decided to actually try real grocery shopping.... and what an attempt! We had a lot of fun looking at all the different varieties of food, prices, and practiced the Danish pronunciation out loud in front of all the locals. The cash register started singing to us at one point welcoming us to Fakta..... a tad odd, but all in good fun. Also, Fakta has the worst, most flimsy bags for carrying items out - just imagine the bags we use for produce at home, but 100 times thinner and less reliable. These past few days, carrying luggage, groceries and books have been a struggle - but a necessary one to really get prepared..... and after all, it's all about the experience right?
After our fun at Netto & Fakta, we went back to Egmont and hung out with the Danes on his floor. We had a blast drinking red wine and talking about cultural differences across the globe.... it was really interesting to get to know the younger Danes, and I look forward to experiencing that even more! After Egmont, I travelled back to the center of KBH (by myself, woo!) and found most of my flatmates heading out for a drink. So, I tagged along and soon found ourselves at "The Australian Bar" which turned out to be a pretty nice place to hang out. I soon discovered that sloppy, drunk Danes are very interesting characters..... and use very predictable pick up lines. But in general, I'm very happy to say that I love the Danish people and their culture. I know it's said quite a bit, but the Danes are very happy people - always smiling, helping, and interested in others' affairs. I'm not too excited about their prices as a foreigner, but hey, studying abroad is definitely worth it.
Well, it's getting late, and we have several things to do tomorrow..... the Skinder-boys are being a bit rambunctious, but you can't deny they aren't fun. :) We somehow made wine brownies taste delicious? Very odd. I also have a decent amount of reading to do for the first day of class (Thursday), and I'm actually very excited. My classes seem so interesting!
Well, my oh-so comfortable bed is calling my name, and I must aquiesce..... Till next time,
Skaal!
Danielle
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