It actually has not been too cold lately. Of course I still have my winter jacket on but it’s not uncomfortable whatsoever to be outside! I went to check the weather today (I usually just look at the 10 day forecast). I saw March 6th on the website and was confused for a second and then realized March would be included in the 10 day forecast! That means its probably & hopefully just not a warm couple of days- its getting warmer in Copenhagen!
This is probably why I didn’t mind walking around for 40 minutes trying to find the Carlsberg brewery; which by the way was totally worth it. The tour was pretty cool and we got 2 free beer vouchers! That is definitely something I will miss here when returning to the states.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I accomplished the impossible
Holy sh*t. Sorry for the language but it is completely accepted here. It is also what the lady standing next to me said as she walked away when seeing the transit officer on our train.
I had the bus system down. I take the 6A to school every morning. Until Monday when I saw a few DIS students from my Kollegium walking away from the bus stop. A women had just walked past and informed them of the bus strike. Luckily, they knew how to get to school on the train right next to us.
Tuesday I left earlier to finish some homework in class so I was on my own. How hard could it be? I manage the NYC public system (like 5 times the size) and DC!
When it was time to switch trains I saw one across the platform and just as I arrived at the station and hopped on. “Does this go to Norreport (basically main station)?” I asked someone; she responded with a no just as the doors closed. Oh well, I will get off at the next stop and go in the other direction- no big deal, I am early anyway.
In Denmark the transit system is by zones; I have a zone 1 and 2 pass. Well I got checked and apparently was on zone 3. I explained that I had got on the train the wrong way. Did he care? Not at all. He pulled out a ticket and asked for my CPR card. Did I have it? No ((see explanation below!)). Next he asked for my address. I don’t carry around my address because look where it got me last time ((below!)); and its pretty hard to memorize when you don’t know the letters. He then asked my if I know my birthday. Of course I do- it’s the same as Suzanne’s! I explained that I take the 6A and the buses are on strike and I had no idea where I was going.
He said with no identification he would have to call the cops; everyone must carry their CPR card. I started to cry a little (right on queue). I pulled out my wallet with my DIS student ID, AU student id and library of congress id card! Well a little bit later I was walking down the stairs to go to another track to get back to Norreport with no $$$$ fine.
I had the bus system down. I take the 6A to school every morning. Until Monday when I saw a few DIS students from my Kollegium walking away from the bus stop. A women had just walked past and informed them of the bus strike. Luckily, they knew how to get to school on the train right next to us.
Tuesday I left earlier to finish some homework in class so I was on my own. How hard could it be? I manage the NYC public system (like 5 times the size) and DC!
When it was time to switch trains I saw one across the platform and just as I arrived at the station and hopped on. “Does this go to Norreport (basically main station)?” I asked someone; she responded with a no just as the doors closed. Oh well, I will get off at the next stop and go in the other direction- no big deal, I am early anyway.
In Denmark the transit system is by zones; I have a zone 1 and 2 pass. Well I got checked and apparently was on zone 3. I explained that I had got on the train the wrong way. Did he care? Not at all. He pulled out a ticket and asked for my CPR card. Did I have it? No ((see explanation below!)). Next he asked for my address. I don’t carry around my address because look where it got me last time ((below!)); and its pretty hard to memorize when you don’t know the letters. He then asked my if I know my birthday. Of course I do- it’s the same as Suzanne’s! I explained that I take the 6A and the buses are on strike and I had no idea where I was going.
He said with no identification he would have to call the cops; everyone must carry their CPR card. I started to cry a little (right on queue). I pulled out my wallet with my DIS student ID, AU student id and library of congress id card! Well a little bit later I was walking down the stairs to go to another track to get back to Norreport with no $$$$ fine.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A bit over due...
So this post is a bit over due because it happened a couple weeks ago but I just didn’t feel like writing about it before; however, the details are essential for what comes next.
Let me start off by saying that I lived in New York City all of my life and have never had anything stolen. Please knock on wood. I was in Zara trying on jeans and went back out to get another size. Did I leave my backpack with my wallet in the dressing room? No, I was smart and took it with me. Well, I returned to the dressing room to notice my book bag was open with my wallet gone. I told the women working at the the dressing room and she ran with me downstairs to security. I was pleasantly surprised how well she responded to the incident but she didn’t seem very surprised by what had happen.
We filed a report at the store and headed back to DIS (my school) because my key (oh, and address) was safely in my wallet. I was sent to the police station to get a police report. Luckily I ran into one of my friends who volunteered to come along for the adventure because the police station they sent me to was closed and I had to find another one. I didn’t have to wait at all to make a police report.
I made it back to DIS to find how we could change my lock! While waiting for Martin to figure how we could take care of everything another friend showed up with M&M’s and water. Dam I have good friends. Martin handed me a map, put me on a bus, he got on his bike and told me to meet him somewhere that was pointed out on the map. What? I had no idea where I was going. I turned to the person standing next to me, showed her the map and said – are we near there yet? She told me she would tell me when to get off. I walked off the bus and Martin was waiting with his bike. We walked to a locksmith and he gave me all the essentials to take out my current lock and put in a new one- we thought.
The screwdriver they gave me could take out every screw in the door except the one I needed. I called the number they told me to call if I had any problems; no one answered. DIS called a locksmith who came and reassured me that they had given me the incorrect screwdriver!
I had a new lock but still could not get into my mailbox because it was the same key. I had been waiting for my CPR card (basically like a social security card; it allows you access to the library, free health care and all the other essentials in Denmark).
Let me start off by saying that I lived in New York City all of my life and have never had anything stolen. Please knock on wood. I was in Zara trying on jeans and went back out to get another size. Did I leave my backpack with my wallet in the dressing room? No, I was smart and took it with me. Well, I returned to the dressing room to notice my book bag was open with my wallet gone. I told the women working at the the dressing room and she ran with me downstairs to security. I was pleasantly surprised how well she responded to the incident but she didn’t seem very surprised by what had happen.
We filed a report at the store and headed back to DIS (my school) because my key (oh, and address) was safely in my wallet. I was sent to the police station to get a police report. Luckily I ran into one of my friends who volunteered to come along for the adventure because the police station they sent me to was closed and I had to find another one. I didn’t have to wait at all to make a police report.
I made it back to DIS to find how we could change my lock! While waiting for Martin to figure how we could take care of everything another friend showed up with M&M’s and water. Dam I have good friends. Martin handed me a map, put me on a bus, he got on his bike and told me to meet him somewhere that was pointed out on the map. What? I had no idea where I was going. I turned to the person standing next to me, showed her the map and said – are we near there yet? She told me she would tell me when to get off. I walked off the bus and Martin was waiting with his bike. We walked to a locksmith and he gave me all the essentials to take out my current lock and put in a new one- we thought.
The screwdriver they gave me could take out every screw in the door except the one I needed. I called the number they told me to call if I had any problems; no one answered. DIS called a locksmith who came and reassured me that they had given me the incorrect screwdriver!
I had a new lock but still could not get into my mailbox because it was the same key. I had been waiting for my CPR card (basically like a social security card; it allows you access to the library, free health care and all the other essentials in Denmark).
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Danish Time!
Friday night I went to dinner at my visiting family’s house foe the second time. They live in a nice area of the city and have two kids, a 14-year-old girl and 12-year-old boy. The mom is a great cook (almost as good as my own mother) and I really enjoy spending time with them.
Yesterday I meet my Danish network person, which is basically just a friend and another way to get to know the Danes. She is only 18 but from the way she acts and looks I would have thought she was 25.
The Danes are known to be rude and to them selves. I definitely agree. We were warned that they don’t say excuse me on the bus or make attempts to be friendly. However, all you have to do is ask. Once you make an attempt to ask a question about anything they are more than willing to stop and help as much as possible. The other day I was supposed to get a haircut but when I showed up there was a sign in the door in Danish. My Danish skills thus far were not good enough so I asked the next person who walked past me on the street to help translate.
Yesterday I meet my Danish network person, which is basically just a friend and another way to get to know the Danes. She is only 18 but from the way she acts and looks I would have thought she was 25.
The Danes are known to be rude and to them selves. I definitely agree. We were warned that they don’t say excuse me on the bus or make attempts to be friendly. However, all you have to do is ask. Once you make an attempt to ask a question about anything they are more than willing to stop and help as much as possible. The other day I was supposed to get a haircut but when I showed up there was a sign in the door in Danish. My Danish skills thus far were not good enough so I asked the next person who walked past me on the street to help translate.
Can you believe it?
Danes leave their baby carriages (with their babies) outside!!! I am not kidding. Our Danish teacher tried to make us feel better about it by saying they would not leave them outside a grocery store and go shopping for an hour but they would leave the baby carriage outside if they went into a café and then sat down and could somewhat see the baby (but your back is till turned while you are waiting in line to buy that coffee!). I have seen carriages outside of small shops while walking down the street. Apparently a couple of years ago a Dane was arrested in New York City for leaving their baby outside of a store. Crazy!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Taking Advantage
Yesterday in between classes I was walking around the busy city streets (as I usually do during the day) when all of a sudden there was a marching band followed by guards walking down the street! I had heard about this but did not realize I had been in the right place at the right time. Every day at noon a bunch of soldiers march down the main walking street (Stroget) to the Palace for the changing on the guards; I of course followed them to watch, trying to not stay so close looking like a tourist though. It was so cool, something like that would never happen in the states!
I continued to wander around onto streets I had never been before and find my way back to school just in time for class.
Today I went up the round tower in the center of the city. It gives a great view of Copenhagen and reminded me a lot of the Empire State building look out. They also had an exhibit about Christiana (the “independent” part of Copenhagen), which inspired my friend and I to return to the pot district to explore more. This time we walked and crossed the bridge to make it over to Christiania. WE discovered the town was much larger than we had explored last time and were able to see more than just the entrance streets.
We took the metro back (our toes had been numb for a few hours now), got a cup of coffee and then went to the Design Museum because it is free on Wednesday nights. It was really cool and talked a lot about light!- It was interesting, I promise! The Danish are discovering ways to obtain more light with less energy (I hope you are not surprised!). They also had an “IQ lamp” that apparently helps you study better. What do you think?
I have also visited the Glyptotek, a beautiful building with a lot of famous art and the National Museum.
I continued to wander around onto streets I had never been before and find my way back to school just in time for class.
Today I went up the round tower in the center of the city. It gives a great view of Copenhagen and reminded me a lot of the Empire State building look out. They also had an exhibit about Christiana (the “independent” part of Copenhagen), which inspired my friend and I to return to the pot district to explore more. This time we walked and crossed the bridge to make it over to Christiania. WE discovered the town was much larger than we had explored last time and were able to see more than just the entrance streets.
We took the metro back (our toes had been numb for a few hours now), got a cup of coffee and then went to the Design Museum because it is free on Wednesday nights. It was really cool and talked a lot about light!- It was interesting, I promise! The Danish are discovering ways to obtain more light with less energy (I hope you are not surprised!). They also had an “IQ lamp” that apparently helps you study better. What do you think?
I have also visited the Glyptotek, a beautiful building with a lot of famous art and the National Museum.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Stockholm & Black Boots
I just got back from Stockholm for the weekend and am sooo tired, I really just wanted to write before I went to bed to try to remember what we did because there was so much! We got in Friday night and did not leave until Sunday night and now it is 12 30 and I have to get to school early to print out the paper I have due tomorrow morning for my 8 30 class!
We just walked around the entire city for two days straight; we were really proud we saw so many different parts of the city in only 2 days. Stockholm is really beautiful, and it is a lot cheaper than Copenhagen! I got a diet coke for under $3! (I really miss diet coke).
Saturday we went to a Church and then he Royal Palace, which has over 160 rooms! The Castle was gorgeous and definitely nicer than the castles I have seen in Denmark. We also were able to see the changing of the guards. After walking through the old city we went to the Modern Museum later in the day. Today we walked through a whole different part of Stockholm, which I do not even know how to spell, but had the most beautiful sites.
The best part of Stockholm was that I found black boots!!! And for really cheap. I think my friend Molly was even more relieved and excited than I was- she knew she would not be dragged into any more shoe stores in Copenhagen (even though I am pretty sure we hit all of the shoe stores already).
We just walked around the entire city for two days straight; we were really proud we saw so many different parts of the city in only 2 days. Stockholm is really beautiful, and it is a lot cheaper than Copenhagen! I got a diet coke for under $3! (I really miss diet coke).
Saturday we went to a Church and then he Royal Palace, which has over 160 rooms! The Castle was gorgeous and definitely nicer than the castles I have seen in Denmark. We also were able to see the changing of the guards. After walking through the old city we went to the Modern Museum later in the day. Today we walked through a whole different part of Stockholm, which I do not even know how to spell, but had the most beautiful sites.
The best part of Stockholm was that I found black boots!!! And for really cheap. I think my friend Molly was even more relieved and excited than I was- she knew she would not be dragged into any more shoe stores in Copenhagen (even though I am pretty sure we hit all of the shoe stores already).
Monday, February 9, 2009
I have heat in my room!!!!
Yes, I have heat. Finally! Denmark is not the place to be without heat.
Another update: I am going to Stockholm this weekend!
By the way…if you want to send me anything…
DIS, Danish Institute for Study Abroad
Vestergade 5-7
DK-1456 Copenhagen K, Denmark
(Don’t worry too much though- mom is sending me no spray on butter and some other essentials so I will last for a while!)
Another update: I am going to Stockholm this weekend!
By the way…if you want to send me anything…
DIS, Danish Institute for Study Abroad
Vestergade 5-7
DK-1456 Copenhagen K, Denmark
(Don’t worry too much though- mom is sending me no spray on butter and some other essentials so I will last for a while!)
The Danes...
Want to guess how much of Danish peoples paychecks go to the government? 60 %
Still complaining about your pay check? Didn’t think soo….
The good part about all this I guess is that I have free health care while I am here!
Yes, the are taxed very heavily. However, most don’t mind it. Everything is paid for: health care, school –even a masters degree! Also its nice that when I go into a restaurant and order, the price on the menu is final (tax & tip is already included).
Now you are in for another surprise…cars are taxed 180%!!!!! Does this explain why most Danes ride their bikes? Did I mention Denmark is trying to be environmentally friendly? However, cars used for work are not taxed. So all the truck drivers are driving Mercedes!
Still complaining about your pay check? Didn’t think soo….
The good part about all this I guess is that I have free health care while I am here!
Yes, the are taxed very heavily. However, most don’t mind it. Everything is paid for: health care, school –even a masters degree! Also its nice that when I go into a restaurant and order, the price on the menu is final (tax & tip is already included).
Now you are in for another surprise…cars are taxed 180%!!!!! Does this explain why most Danes ride their bikes? Did I mention Denmark is trying to be environmentally friendly? However, cars used for work are not taxed. So all the truck drivers are driving Mercedes!
First Time: Hostel & Putting unkown food in my mouth
I didn’t know what to expect. And let’s be honest, even though I am not as bad as my sister, some may consider my standards of hotels a bit high maintenance.
It was time for my short study tour with my Business class and we were traveling to Western Denmark and staying in Hostels. I cold not have been anymore pleasantly surprised. They pretty much shoved 7 girls in the size of something a bit bigger than a dorm room – plus a kitchen and bathroom – but it was so clean and really modern. I did not mind it at all; probably nicer than some hotels I have stayed in.
We visited Bang & Olufsen, an extremely pricey electronics luxury company and Vestas, the largest company that makes windmills for alternative energy; both company visits were pretty cool. DIS also provided us with several meals and refreshments. However, the fist nights dinner was a traditional Danish meal. It was the first time I ever ate anything without knowing what it was; and we all know that is a big deal for me. Lets be honest, I am a picky eater! I think it is safe to say most students would have been happier if DIS spent an eighth of the cost of dinner and bought us all McDonalds.
It was time for my short study tour with my Business class and we were traveling to Western Denmark and staying in Hostels. I cold not have been anymore pleasantly surprised. They pretty much shoved 7 girls in the size of something a bit bigger than a dorm room – plus a kitchen and bathroom – but it was so clean and really modern. I did not mind it at all; probably nicer than some hotels I have stayed in.
We visited Bang & Olufsen, an extremely pricey electronics luxury company and Vestas, the largest company that makes windmills for alternative energy; both company visits were pretty cool. DIS also provided us with several meals and refreshments. However, the fist nights dinner was a traditional Danish meal. It was the first time I ever ate anything without knowing what it was; and we all know that is a big deal for me. Lets be honest, I am a picky eater! I think it is safe to say most students would have been happier if DIS spent an eighth of the cost of dinner and bought us all McDonalds.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
European Style
So I have a theory that you need only 3 things so look European and fit in: the right coat, boots and bag. I got the coat! I am still working on finding the right tall black boots (I have been into EVERY shoe store in Copenhagen I think though). I did however buy a pair of shorter boots that will do for now. As for the right bag, I got one but still searching…
To sum it up, all you need is the long black coat, tall black boots and a stylish bag. People in the streets won’t see anything else because you will be all bundled up in the cold! However, I am thinking I may need the right gloves too…
Another Euro style is brightly colored jeans and yes, I did get a pair. They are purple (almost like a lavender). And yes, I did wear them to class and out the other night. Pictures will be up soon because it is necessary you see these amazing jeans. However, I can predict some (Amanda Suckow) will not enjoy them.
To sum it up, all you need is the long black coat, tall black boots and a stylish bag. People in the streets won’t see anything else because you will be all bundled up in the cold! However, I am thinking I may need the right gloves too…
Another Euro style is brightly colored jeans and yes, I did get a pair. They are purple (almost like a lavender). And yes, I did wear them to class and out the other night. Pictures will be up soon because it is necessary you see these amazing jeans. However, I can predict some (Amanda Suckow) will not enjoy them.
Sooo.....
It is hard to believe I have been here for almost three weeks. It went y really fast but at the same time I feel somewhat adapted to living in Copenhagen. I no longer wake up wondering how and why I am in a different country. Antoher way I can tell I am acquainted is that I no longer am surprised that after my shower the entire bathroom and floor outside near the bathroom is soaking wet.
I am actually really enjoying my classes (maybe that is because I did not have to write any papers yet! Which reminds me…..).
My core course is International Business and Economics. We had a field study today to some company that makes wires, it wasn’t really that boring actually and they feed us, which is a huge plus these days! Tomorrow I leave for Western Denmark for my short study tour and come back to Copenhagen on Saturday.
My other classes are International Advertising in a European Context, International Marketing a Branding, Holocaust and Genocide, and Danish. In April we have an overnight field study to Germany to visit a concentration camp.
People do not exaggerate when they say everyone in Denmark speaks English. I don’t even have to ask “Do you speak English?” However, the only two people in Denmark who don’t have approached me asking for who knows what (I take it as a compliment that they think I am Danish and think I may know the answer to their question- I guess I fit in!).
Danish is a really hard language though, absolutely nothing is spelled the way it sounds
Example: “Jeg” is pronounced “Yi” and it gets even worse…
I also recently have a lamp in my room! (Still waiting on the heat)
I even made it out of Denmark already! We went to Sweden on Saturday. It is only a 30 minute train ride to Malmo.
I am actually really enjoying my classes (maybe that is because I did not have to write any papers yet! Which reminds me…..).
My core course is International Business and Economics. We had a field study today to some company that makes wires, it wasn’t really that boring actually and they feed us, which is a huge plus these days! Tomorrow I leave for Western Denmark for my short study tour and come back to Copenhagen on Saturday.
My other classes are International Advertising in a European Context, International Marketing a Branding, Holocaust and Genocide, and Danish. In April we have an overnight field study to Germany to visit a concentration camp.
People do not exaggerate when they say everyone in Denmark speaks English. I don’t even have to ask “Do you speak English?” However, the only two people in Denmark who don’t have approached me asking for who knows what (I take it as a compliment that they think I am Danish and think I may know the answer to their question- I guess I fit in!).
Danish is a really hard language though, absolutely nothing is spelled the way it sounds
Example: “Jeg” is pronounced “Yi” and it gets even worse…
I also recently have a lamp in my room! (Still waiting on the heat)
I even made it out of Denmark already! We went to Sweden on Saturday. It is only a 30 minute train ride to Malmo.
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