8/20/10


I met with Sofie today and Tom and Ferida. Sofie and I had a good conversation about Copenhagen in general. I mostly talked for an hour. Today I got lost, but didn't need to ask for directions until the end of the day which was a great improvement from yesterday. I learned the word for cozy (hygge) in Danish. I also learned the phrase for saying thank you after meals with friends. So I arrive no problem to Ferida's house thanks to google maps and the sign on the bus saying which stop to get off. I got there about 45 min. early and had a good conversation with Tom about studying abroad and the benefits of being in a different culture than your own and what you take for granted. I've been on an all carb diet and desperately need some fruits and vegetables. My phone finally came in today! The food at the dinner was tasty. It was hygge and I felt like I was in the right place somehow. Then, the talk turned to politics and stuff went way over my head. I prefer to stay out of politics and I'm not sure why. I like to remain neutral-so much for all my debate training and so much for all my musical training. After dinner and talk of the history of Denmark and the story about the King Christian IX and how he was willing to give up all of Denmark to Bismarck, but Bismarck didn't want all of Denmark. Later, there was a classical music concert where we sang and played music. I joined in on some of the American soldier songs and patriotic songs. I embarrassingly got through a few measures of Debussy with a prior warning that I couldn't complete the song and don't know how far I can get-It turns out not very far-so much for the 11 years of piano lessons down the tubes. Then I couldn't figure out how to get back from Tom's house so Michelle waited for me and we took the bus together.

Day 2 Copenhagen

8/19/10

Another day in Denmark. I love how the museums (at least some) are free of admission. I did a lot today. First, I went on a tour around the city with Michelle who told me lots about the history of Denmark and about some fun destinations to go to. We stopped by the parliament and the stock exchange building, two landmarks which served me well today. Glad I went on an informal tour first. Felt a little tired because I woke up early 9:15 am and missed breakfast. Anyway We did a 1hr ½ tour of the city. I saw the university and a pretty spot behind the parliament. I took lots of pictures. Then, she dropped me off back at the apartment where I showered and ate a bowl of cereal. Then, I was off on my next big adventure to the canal tours. It sounds good in theory, but of course I get lost along the way. It's fun being lost in a foreign city. I found the people to be very helpful-except for the bus driver that couldn't speak English (some Danish phrases would have come in handy). So I get on the bus 150S thinking OS stands for Osterbro when really I was supposed to take bus 15 so I was rly confused when everyone got off at Norreport station. Plus I was a dumb tourist and didn't know how to pay the fare. But the driver knew I wasn't from around here so obvious and let it go. The next driver was extremely helpful when I asked for directions to the canal tour. I eventually stumbled upon the place after again asking directions from a couple of tourists who also had no idea where they were going. (I finally got smart and used google maps). I was so excited to see the stock exchange...Finally a building I recognized. From there I easily found the boat tours half in Danish and half in English. It was a rly nice way to see the city and it was a beautiful day to be on the water. I had so much fun! I saw the Black Diamond and the modern opera house and the queen's palace and the queen's yacht...etc. Again I took lots of pictures. I was soaking it all in like a sponge. It felt good to wander around in a new location. I'm so glad I chose to study abroad because so far I'm out of my comfort zone here which is what I needed. After the tour ended, I went to the national museum and big surprise got lost along the way. I asked for directions once this time in the parliament building and the man was kind enough to draw on my map the exact location which was rly close to the building, but I still couldn't find it. I finally figured it out-it was right in front of me and went in the employee entrance -whoops. I even walked past the guards twice and they didn't notice me! I asked for directions again to the main entrance bc I thought I had to pay, but it was free. I saw the prehistory of Denmark tour about the Vikings and the stone age through the iron age. It was fascinating to look at all of the artifacts. I especially liked the shape of the ancient instruments I forget what they're called which reminded me of how much Dad would like them so of course I took a picture. I also took a picture of the big warship and some shields. I only had time for the one exhibit so I took the bus back home. I took the right bus, but stayed on until it reached the end of the line! I was so lost and the bus driver didn't speak English so I ended up asking another passenger who happened to be getting off at the same stop and showed me where to go. I think it's a self fulfilling prophesy that I'm so bad with directions.