Hi Everyone! It was another typical week for me. Classes Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Went to the gym, ran some errands.
Thursday was a free day. Worked out in the morning, then went to a museum. It was the Danish Museum of Art & Design. Most of the exhibits were household items: chairs, silverware, plates, wall hangings, etc. It showed an evolution of how things were designed starting in the 1600's to present. It also focused on how Denmark was influenced by other countries and how that affected popular design. They had a special exhibit on motorcycles. It started when motorcycles were just bikes with motors attached to all the high-tech Japanese and Italian bikes that are considered the "highest design". Unfortunately I did not take any pictures. I meant to, but seriously just forgot. It was a really nice museum. My only complaint is that it was not free, although I did get to use a student discount. I'm such a poor college student now, it's ridiculous.
Went out with some friends that night. We went to the campus bar - Nexus Club. It was a lot of fun, but I had a little too much to drink. Unfortunately there are pictures of this. They will not be posted. Let's just say the evening started with Grey Goose and drinking Carlsberg on the Metro. And it ended with a broken heel and a cab ride.
Needless to say Friday morning was a little rough. I did manage to get myself to the gym. Still not quite sure how this happened. I had to run some errands this afternoon. Tomorrow is the big "Tour de Chambres" party on my floor. Every room has a theme. So you decorate your room, have some kind of drink and a game. My room theme is "America - F**k Yeah!" (Any one see "Team America: World Police"?) My game is going to be the face of Barack Obama and you have to throw a ping pong ball in his mouth. It may evolve into beer pong, but we'll see.
The problem is that my drink was going to be Jell-o shots. But you can't buy jello in Denmark. I had to track down an American specialty grocery store. When I got there, it was closed. Luckily, there was a British specialty grocery next door. Evidentally the British call jello 'jellies'. I just hope I bought the right stuff. Then I had to find ping pong balls. Finally found those in a sportswear store. I don't think all of this would have been such a problem if I just knew where to go. Back home, I would just go to Target. But there really isn't an equivalent here.
Staying in tonight to recover from last night and prepare for tomorrow. Have a good weekend!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Feb. 20th - 23rd
Hi everyone! Friday was a chill night. I had lunch with my "buddy" and did a little grocery shopping. But I couldn't rally anyone to go out so I watched Superbad and went to bed early.
Saturday was Denmark's version of Halloween. It's called Fastelavn. In Copenhagen it's considered a children's holiday. The ad
ults don't get into it quite like they do in the States. Although it'
s started to get more popular. For anyone who knows me very well, you know my obsession with dressing in costume. So I was super excited! I didn't have much of a costume unfortunately. I bought some crazy sunglasses (see Petra on the right) and just wore all black and a lot of big costume jewelry. I had some friends over for dinner at my place. We were supposed to go to a party, but never quite made it there. After we ate, we started drinking and talking. Next thing we knew it was 11:30, so we just hit a couple bars by my place. All in all, a really fun night.
Sunday was about as lazy as you can get. I did go to the gym in the morning, but that was the extent of my effort. Talked to my parents, did my reading for my Monday class and watched the Simpsons - that was about it. But the highlight of my day was gettting to see my nephew Rafe on Skype. My brother and sister-in-law finally got a webcam hooked up in Alaska. (yes, I said Alaska. Don't ask) Even though they couldn't hear me, I could see and hear them. I haven't seen Rafe in person since last Easter - it's been almost a year.
Hes getting so big. He's so funny. He doesn't get the concept of a webcam. (he's only 20 months old, give him a break). He gets really close to the camera and tries to touch you. He tried to throw a ball at my parents. He says my name now so I could hear him say "At Elly." Close enough! And he did all of his animal sounds for me too. He growls like a dinosaur. It was so freakin' cute. Hopefully we can figure out the sound problems and I can talk back next time.
Monday was back to school. I actually got myself motivated to work out before class today. You wouldn't think it would be too hard considering I don't have class until 12:30. But for some reason I can't get enough sleep any more. The first week I was in my room I slept 10 hours/night. Now I'm sleeping 9 hours and can barely get out of bed. I know I shouldn't complain, but it's just so weird.
Saturday was Denmark's version of Halloween. It's called Fastelavn. In Copenhagen it's considered a children's holiday. The ad
ults don't get into it quite like they do in the States. Although it'
s started to get more popular. For anyone who knows me very well, you know my obsession with dressing in costume. So I was super excited! I didn't have much of a costume unfortunately. I bought some crazy sunglasses (see Petra on the right) and just wore all black and a lot of big costume jewelry. I had some friends over for dinner at my place. We were supposed to go to a party, but never quite made it there. After we ate, we started drinking and talking. Next thing we knew it was 11:30, so we just hit a couple bars by my place. All in all, a really fun night.Sunday was about as lazy as you can get. I did go to the gym in the morning, but that was the extent of my effort. Talked to my parents, did my reading for my Monday class and watched the Simpsons - that was about it. But the highlight of my day was gettting to see my nephew Rafe on Skype. My brother and sister-in-law finally got a webcam hooked up in Alaska. (yes, I said Alaska. Don't ask) Even though they couldn't hear me, I could see and hear them. I haven't seen Rafe in person since last Easter - it's been almost a year.
Hes getting so big. He's so funny. He doesn't get the concept of a webcam. (he's only 20 months old, give him a break). He gets really close to the camera and tries to touch you. He tried to throw a ball at my parents. He says my name now so I could hear him say "At Elly." Close enough! And he did all of his animal sounds for me too. He growls like a dinosaur. It was so freakin' cute. Hopefully we can figure out the sound problems and I can talk back next time.
Monday was back to school. I actually got myself motivated to work out before class today. You wouldn't think it would be too hard considering I don't have class until 12:30. But for some reason I can't get enough sleep any more. The first week I was in my room I slept 10 hours/night. Now I'm sleeping 9 hours and can barely get out of bed. I know I shouldn't complain, but it's just so weird.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Feb. 14th - 19th
I just realized how far behind I am in my postings.
Valentine's Day was fun. Went to Leoni's sister's house for drinks and food. It was very chill. And there was another American named Kelly there! Kind of random, but she's friends with Johanna's Canadian roommate. It was an early night. Was supposed to go to another party after, but I wasn't up to it. Valentine's Day isn't as big of a deal here as it is in the US. Thank God! No big heart displays at all the stores and all of that. Much more low-key.
Sunday, Leoni and I went to Christiania. It's a very strange place. Started as a
commune in the 60s. Some hippies started as squatters in an old military base. Now it's this independent community that is technically not under the government of Denmark. Not sure exactly how it works, but police aren't allowed there, they
have their own post office and all of that. The picture to the right is outside the main gates. Although lately there has been a lot of support from the outside community to have it conform with Danish law and become an official part of Copenhagen. They have a lot of problems with drugs and crimes related to that. It was a gorgeous day. The sun was out all day! The area itself has some really pretty areas, but overall not sure if I'll go back.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - Class. Nothing exciting unfortunately. Thursday night I went to my first soccer game (or as they call it here, football). I live close to the stadium so everyone met here. I made chili and we had a litt
le indoor tailgate. The local Copenhagen team - FC Kobenhavn) played Manchester City. Evidentally it was kind of a big deal. The game ended in a tie. And I was a popsicle by the end. The stadium has a retractable roof, but they only close it for concerts. All sporting events are played in open-air. Did I mention that it has snowed every day this week? So I sat in the snow and watched a football game. I guess not much different than a lot of American football games, but you don't get a lot of snowy football in Cali. BRR!!! I'm still thawing out! You can see in the picture below how much snow there was...
Valentine's Day was fun. Went to Leoni's sister's house for drinks and food. It was very chill. And there was another American named Kelly there! Kind of random, but she's friends with Johanna's Canadian roommate. It was an early night. Was supposed to go to another party after, but I wasn't up to it. Valentine's Day isn't as big of a deal here as it is in the US. Thank God! No big heart displays at all the stores and all of that. Much more low-key.
Sunday, Leoni and I went to Christiania. It's a very strange place. Started as a
commune in the 60s. Some hippies started as squatters in an old military base. Now it's this independent community that is technically not under the government of Denmark. Not sure exactly how it works, but police aren't allowed there, they
have their own post office and all of that. The picture to the right is outside the main gates. Although lately there has been a lot of support from the outside community to have it conform with Danish law and become an official part of Copenhagen. They have a lot of problems with drugs and crimes related to that. It was a gorgeous day. The sun was out all day! The area itself has some really pretty areas, but overall not sure if I'll go back.Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - Class. Nothing exciting unfortunately. Thursday night I went to my first soccer game (or as they call it here, football). I live close to the stadium so everyone met here. I made chili and we had a litt
le indoor tailgate. The local Copenhagen team - FC Kobenhavn) played Manchester City. Evidentally it was kind of a big deal. The game ended in a tie. And I was a popsicle by the end. The stadium has a retractable roof, but they only close it for concerts. All sporting events are played in open-air. Did I mention that it has snowed every day this week? So I sat in the snow and watched a football game. I guess not much different than a lot of American football games, but you don't get a lot of snowy football in Cali. BRR!!! I'm still thawing out! You can see in the picture below how much snow there was...
Friday, February 13, 2009
Feb. 9th - 13th
Just another typical week here in Copenhagen. Class on Monday and Tuesday. Class on Wednesday was canceled, so I spent the afternoon with some other exchange student friends at the National Museum. When it's freezing outside, museums are the only option. We all went for coffee and pastries afterwards. Don't know if I've said it before, but Danes LOVE pastries. They are everywhere! Good thing I have all this extra time now to go the gym every day otherwise I'd come back fat!
Wednesday night went to a birthday party. My new friend, Guido, from Germany turned 29. It was a lot of fun. We were supposed to go the bars, but there was another birthday party at the dorm. So we stayed there and partied with the undergrads. It was like being at a frat party again. Crazy! I'm too old for this! (picture: Amit, me and the birthday boy)
Thursday was a really really cold day. Of course I decided to go sight-seeing. I went to see the Little Mermaid statue. Hans Christen Andersen (who wrote the story, not Disney) is a national obsession for Denmark. There are statues and plaques everywhere. Just a little piece of advice for any one planning a trip to Copenhagen - don't go see the Little Mermaid statue. It's not worth it. It's a tiny statue, it's hard to find and it's in the middle of nowhere. The only reason I knew I was in the right place was because of all the other sucker tourists (like myself) standing around taking pictures. I was a popsicle by the time I got back to the train station. When I thawed out, I met Leoni at Nexus Bar. It's a club that's on campus. It's actually in the building where I have all my classes. It's still really strange to me that they have this huge club in the middle of school. Students from other universities come to this bar. It's weird. But we had a good time. Met some new people, drank some beer. Good stuff.
Friday was a chill day for me. I had to run some errands. Went to the gym. That was about it. Decided to stay in tonight since I was out the last two nights and I'm going out on Saturday again.
Wednesday night went to a birthday party. My new friend, Guido, from Germany turned 29. It was a lot of fun. We were supposed to go the bars, but there was another birthday party at the dorm. So we stayed there and partied with the undergrads. It was like being at a frat party again. Crazy! I'm too old for this! (picture: Amit, me and the birthday boy)
Thursday was a really really cold day. Of course I decided to go sight-seeing. I went to see the Little Mermaid statue. Hans Christen Andersen (who wrote the story, not Disney) is a national obsession for Denmark. There are statues and plaques everywhere. Just a little piece of advice for any one planning a trip to Copenhagen - don't go see the Little Mermaid statue. It's not worth it. It's a tiny statue, it's hard to find and it's in the middle of nowhere. The only reason I knew I was in the right place was because of all the other sucker tourists (like myself) standing around taking pictures. I was a popsicle by the time I got back to the train station. When I thawed out, I met Leoni at Nexus Bar. It's a club that's on campus. It's actually in the building where I have all my classes. It's still really strange to me that they have this huge club in the middle of school. Students from other universities come to this bar. It's weird. But we had a good time. Met some new people, drank some beer. Good stuff.
Friday was a chill day for me. I had to run some errands. Went to the gym. That was about it. Decided to stay in tonight since I was out the last two nights and I'm going out on Saturday again.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Feb. 6th - 8th
Had a busy, busy weekend. Went out with a group of friends on Thursday. There's a super-cheap undergrad bar in the city center. 60 kroner ($15) to get in and then free beer from 11PM to 1AM. That's a bad combination! Definitely did not make it to class Friday morning. The only bad thing is that it's full of 20 year olds, but I guess that's what happens when there's cheap beer around. The picture is me and my Czech friend, Petra.Friday was a nice, relaxing day. I went to the gym in the morning, got some school work done. Didn't go out,
needed a night in. Saturday was pretty much the same. Went to the gym in the morning, did some reading. I did go out Saturday night. Had a blast. Hung out with my Czech, German and American friends. My German friend, Guido, is fascinated that I have the same last name as their Chancellor. I've also been trying to explain exactly how German Dubois County is, but I don't think he believes me. The picture to the left is me trying to read a Copenhagen guide book that's in German. I like to pretend that I can still remember what I learned in high school.
The bars here are very similar to American bars. The one we went to was called Bang & Jensens. Just your typical small, dive bar. Cheap beer, good music and good friends. In this picture is my friend Petra from the Czech Republic, Guido from Germany and Amit from Los Angeles (fellow Trojan).
Sunday I slept in a little, went to the gym. A group of exchange students got together for dinner at a friend's house. It was nice to have a home-cooked meal that I didn't have to prepare. The restaurants are really expensive, so most people (especially students) don't go out to eat. It's typical to get a group of friends together at home and share a meal.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Week of Feb. 2nd - Feb. 5th
Started my second week of classes and settling into a routine. I have a lot of free time, which I am NOT used to. Like today, I have nothing that has to be done. Only plans are to go out tonight, but that's not until 9:30. It's strange. I went from juggling a full time job, classes part-time, boyfriend and friends to really not having much to fill up my day. I guess I shouldn't complain.
My class was canceled Tuesday, so I had the entire day free. Originally left the house to go to the post office and get a cell phone. But ended up walking around my neighborhood and the next neighborhood all day. Did some shopping and stopped at a cute little cafe for lunch. All in all, was outside for about 3 hours. It was cold!!
Surrounding Copenhagen are 5 artificial lakes. They are really nice. Took a ton a pictures. See below. There were tons of birds and for those of you that know, I don't particularly like birds, but couldn't avoid them. There is one cool picture - there are sections of the lakes that are frozen and the birds stand on the ice above the water. But in some places you can't tell it's ice and it looks like they are standing on water.
Monday and Wednesday I had class both days. So I spent some time on campus. Finally figured out the printing system so I can start to organize my notes for class. Today's Thursday. No plans for today yet. Going to do some school work this morning. Wanted to go join a gym this afternoon, but not sure if I can. Denmark issues CPR numbers to all residents. Basically it's like a Social Security number. I haven't received mine yet, so not sure if that's going to happen.
View of the homes surrounding one of the lakes
There is a really nice path around the lake -mostly for strollers, runners and bikers.
Ducks and geese standing on the ice.
Huge park by my house. Next to it is Parken - the football (soccer) stadium. The Copenhagen team, FC Kobenhavn, plays here.
My class was canceled Tuesday, so I had the entire day free. Originally left the house to go to the post office and get a cell phone. But ended up walking around my neighborhood and the next neighborhood all day. Did some shopping and stopped at a cute little cafe for lunch. All in all, was outside for about 3 hours. It was cold!!
Surrounding Copenhagen are 5 artificial lakes. They are really nice. Took a ton a pictures. See below. There were tons of birds and for those of you that know, I don't particularly like birds, but couldn't avoid them. There is one cool picture - there are sections of the lakes that are frozen and the birds stand on the ice above the water. But in some places you can't tell it's ice and it looks like they are standing on water.
Monday and Wednesday I had class both days. So I spent some time on campus. Finally figured out the printing system so I can start to organize my notes for class. Today's Thursday. No plans for today yet. Going to do some school work this morning. Wanted to go join a gym this afternoon, but not sure if I can. Denmark issues CPR numbers to all residents. Basically it's like a Social Security number. I haven't received mine yet, so not sure if that's going to happen.
View of the homes surrounding one of the lakes
There is a really nice path around the lake -mostly for strollers, runners and bikers.
Ducks and geese standing on the ice.
Huge park by my house. Next to it is Parken - the football (soccer) stadium. The Copenhagen team, FC Kobenhavn, plays here.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Friday Jan. 30th - Sunday Feb. 1st
Friday was an easy day. I had a couple of orientation events that I went to. Stayed in Friday night. Starting to get a nasty cough and am completely exhausted.
Spent Saturday morning/afternoon shopping. I went down to the city center which is kind of touristy, but also where all of the good shops are. We had our final orientation event tonigh
t - the Welcome Dinner. Everyone gets dressed up and we have a nice dinner. There was a DJ after. I had a lot of fun and did a little dancing. Still getting used to techno. It's really hard to get on board with. Didn't stay out very late, still not feeling well. The picture is me in my new dress for the event.
Sunday was a big day. I finally got to move into my room!!! Woke up WAY too early, but I was so excited. Took some pictures so everyone could get an idea of where I'm living. It's a really nice place. It feels so good to put everything away and really settle in. Probably the most exciting part is getting to sleep on an actual bed. I've been on an air mattress since I got here. Plus I was on one for a week before I left LA. Never again will I do 3 weeks without a bed.
The weather got really cold Sunday. It was actually snowing around mid-morning. Of course I needed to go to the grocery store, so I had to get out in it. It was a mess. I bought way too much and had to carry three heavy bags home (in the snow). I learned a very valuable lesson today - only buy what you can carry!
Spent the rest of the day reading, took a little nap. Later that evening I went over to my friend, Maja's house to watch the Super Bowl. She spent some time in Boston for undergrad, so she's Danish but a huge football fan. Kick off was midnight our time. Was able to stay awake, kind of. Kept dozing off during the first half, but was able to see most of the big plays. It was a really exciting game. Decided to go home at half time. It was 2 AM and I was pretty much asleep, so I wouldn't have seen the 2nd half anyway. Looks like I missed a really amazing game!
Sunday was also 2 weeks since I got here. That went really fast!! I'm still loving it, although I wish it would heat up a little bit more.
Spent Saturday morning/afternoon shopping. I went down to the city center which is kind of touristy, but also where all of the good shops are. We had our final orientation event tonigh
t - the Welcome Dinner. Everyone gets dressed up and we have a nice dinner. There was a DJ after. I had a lot of fun and did a little dancing. Still getting used to techno. It's really hard to get on board with. Didn't stay out very late, still not feeling well. The picture is me in my new dress for the event.Sunday was a big day. I finally got to move into my room!!! Woke up WAY too early, but I was so excited. Took some pictures so everyone could get an idea of where I'm living. It's a really nice place. It feels so good to put everything away and really settle in. Probably the most exciting part is getting to sleep on an actual bed. I've been on an air mattress since I got here. Plus I was on one for a week before I left LA. Never again will I do 3 weeks without a bed.
The weather got really cold Sunday. It was actually snowing around mid-morning. Of course I needed to go to the grocery store, so I had to get out in it. It was a mess. I bought way too much and had to carry three heavy bags home (in the snow). I learned a very valuable lesson today - only buy what you can carry!
Spent the rest of the day reading, took a little nap. Later that evening I went over to my friend, Maja's house to watch the Super Bowl. She spent some time in Boston for undergrad, so she's Danish but a huge football fan. Kick off was midnight our time. Was able to stay awake, kind of. Kept dozing off during the first half, but was able to see most of the big plays. It was a really exciting game. Decided to go home at half time. It was 2 AM and I was pretty much asleep, so I wouldn't have seen the 2nd half anyway. Looks like I missed a really amazing game!
Sunday was also 2 weeks since I got here. That went really fast!! I'm still loving it, although I wish it would heat up a little bit more.
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