After spending my first week in Copenhagen, I finally have the time to sit down to update you all on what an amazing time this has been. Looking back, the days begin to swirl together, and I’m left with memories of cobblestone streets, coffee and croissants with new friends, and an overwhelming sense of wonder. My friends and I have been going non-stop trying to soak in the city as the weather has been treating us so kindly. We’re lucky enough to be staying in the Inner City close to a Strøget, a high end shopping street. I should also mention, our apartment is older than America (so we’re not allowed to wear shoes inside) which is awesome to think about and kinda crazy they’re trusting us 18-year-olds to live here.

With such a prime location, I’ve felt the need to first go see what’s around me. Right next to our building is the 17th century Rundetaarn (Round Tower) that allows you to see all the way to Sweden on a sunny day. Nyhavn, a harbour that will pop up when you Google search Copenhagen, is some what of a longer walk, but just as spectacular in person as it is on Google. Bustling with people and restaurants, it is a nice place to sit by the water with friends. On our second day here, we took the Metro to Christianshavn where we enjoyed a Danish outdoor concert and market in an area called Freetown Christiania (an anarchist commune). Classes began on Thursday and have proven to be quite interesting and reading intensive. The amount of homework hasn’t stopped us from still venturing out. Our apartment is also a quick five minute walk from the King’s Garden which encompasses the Rosenborg Castle so naturally I’ve taken the time to go and read my book and people watch. On Saturday, we took the Metro to the harbour Island’s Bryyge to par take in the Kulturhavn Festivel where my friend Hannah and I practiced out handstands and then cheered on our friend Colin as he was invited to play in a pick up game of kayak polo with a group of visiting Italians.  On Sunday, my cohort participated in the Habour 5K. I’m not much of a runner, but I loved the experience bonding with my friends and picnicking near the water afterwards. Even after all these amazing moments, some of my favourite have been cooking dinners with (and for) my roommates and sitting together in our courtyard, as well as finding cozy cafes just around the corner to order overpriced coffee and dive into my assignments.

This whole week has been a major transition; from jet lag to learning to cook for myself to making my way around a new city. Although, it’s already starting to feel like home. The Danish culture is quite different than ours, but not so much so that I can’t assimilate quickly (except regular denim skinny jeans don’t quite seem to fit into Danish fashion and those are my go to 😦 ) For example, even after the first few moments off the plane, here was an odd sense of quite. The whole city is much quieter than what an typical American city might be. You can spot Americans by how loudly we speak — especially in public transport. Danes don’t tend to chit-chat, but will be friendly if you need advice. My roommate and I share a favourite saying that we’re not quite homesick, but that we’re home hungry. The food isn’t quite as sweet and the fries aren’t as salty, but there are some great spots for some fantastic food (we also stop by the grocery for candy when our sweet cravings arise.) Just a few more weeks, and I should be navigating this new place like a pro, but until then…

Hej Hej!

Chrisann