It's only been about two and a half days, but it feels like quite a bit more since I arrived in Copenhagen on Sunday afternoon. Since then, I've met tons of new people, mostly American students with some Danes mixed in. I've walked around the city a few times--it's amazing. It's extremely beautiful and clean, and there are more people riding bikes around than driving cars. Though it's cold and wet, I still think this place is like a little paradise. I can't imagine what it's going to be like in the Spring.
Orientation has been helpful, but generally pretty boring. We had opening ceremonies at the reception hall at the University of Copenhagen, which is literally right around the corner from my house (speaking of which, the location of my house is absolutely phenomenal, right in the middle of everything and within walking distance of wherever I want to go in the city). A wind quintet played a few pieces by Mozart as part of the tradition of DIS opening ceremonies. We also listened to a speech from one of the head instructors--a guy who has been worked for the Danish government and in various high-powered positions. The man's basic point throughout the speech was this: "Danes are the best people in the world, and we all know it. You've made a great choice coming to Copenhagen." It was pretty funny.
Today there were a bunch of orientation activities, including a little class on the basics of speaking Danish, a 3-hour scavenger hunt around the city, and then an activities fair where we can sign up for various groups and activities. Unfortunately, I loved so many of the activities that I realize I'm going to be spending quite a bit of money in the next 24 hours as I sign up for them. I'm joining a Danish soccer club ($50, or 250 kr), I'm signing up for this Bornholm Biking Weekend Adventure Tour trip where we take an overnight ferry to Sweden and then have the weekend to explore as we want to (by bike or whatever means we desire) which I've been told is one of the most amazing experiences the DIS program offers (though all the trips are pretty expensive). I'm most excited for the next two weekends, though, as there are four different trips within Denmark that are being offered on each of the four days of the next two weekends. They all look so great and are relatively cheap ($12-15 per trip) that I want to go on all four, if I have the energy. I'm pasting all four trip descriptions below:
Vikings and Kings - Sat. Jan. 23
A guided tour of the historical Roskilde Cathedral & Roskilde Viking ship Museum where you have the unique opportunity to experience Viking ships. Departure by bus from Frue Plads at noon (please be on time!) and returning at 5pm.
Frederiksborg Castle - Jan. Sun. 24
Guided tour of Frederiksborg Castle. Don't miss the opportunity of experiencing this impressive Royal Renaissance castle and the Baroque Garden! Departure by bus from Frue Plads at 12.15 pm (please be on time!) and returning at 4pm. Please remember to bring your own lunch.
Elsinore and Kronborg Castle - Jan. Sat. 30
Historical and cultural excursion to Elsinore (Helsingør) and Kronborg castle. You will have time on your own to explore the narrow streets of "the North's Riviera" and a guided tour of Denmark's most famous castle. Departing by bus from Frue Plads at 10am (please be on time!) and returning at 4pm. Don't forget to pack your own lunch, or buy one in Elsinore.
Spears, Arrows and Abbey Ale - Jan. Sun. 31
Visit the middle age Esrum Abbey, learn to compete with your fellow students in traditional, middle age fighting games and conclude with a tasting of the infamous Abbey Ale! Departure from Frue Plads at 11.45 am (please be on time!) and returning around 6pm.
I'll be sure to take tons of pictures of all these places. The pictures of the places at the fair today were breathtaking--I can't wait to go.
Well, that's about all I can think of now, I'll be sure to write more soon about the rest of orientation, my first days of classes (which start Thursday) and of course these amazing trips.
Pictures to come, as soon as I can figure out how to get them on here.
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