Copenhagen, DIS is it!

So, I'm in Copenhagen, Denmark for my last semester with a program called DIS-Denmark's International Studies program and I've already learned some Danish:

Jeg Hedder Lindsey (pronounced Yai Hille with no "H" sound) and means "my name is Lindsey" Whoo hoo! I'm almost a native haha

I'm staying in a town called Alburtsland in a kollegium (equivalent of an American dorm) called Denmark's International Kollegium or DIK. I'm about a 5 minute walk to the train station and about a 20-25 minute train ride from downtown Copenhagen. I have my own room! First time in college! There's a bed, desk, lights, chair and my own bathroom and shower too...pics below!



As far as how things have gone, I've met quite a few people already and continue to drift around from person to person until I find that core group of friends...much like everyone else is doing right now. There's about 10 people from the U of M here and quite a few others from Minnesota and Wisconsin. It's funny how easily you become friends with people...like last night, I went grocery shopping with some people and ended up getting invited to dinner with two other Americans and two Danes, and it was a great dinner! Steak, potatoes, and rolls! In fact, I'm having leftovers right now :)

Some things I've learned about the Danes...everyone rides bike! Literally, there are tons of bikes everywhere and you can even rent them from certain bike racks. Many do keep to themselves (especially on train rides) but are very friendly once conversation is started and usually willing to help give directions. Copenhagen was NOT designed on the grid system for streets, that's for sure! All of the streets curve and eventually meet up with each other. Many places have english menus and the Danes enjoy speaking english (or so I'm told). Places close incredibly early (like 7-8pm early) except for on weekends...so we'll see what this weekend holds! One down side is that the Danes do not have a particular liking to peanut butter, and the two brands I found in the grocery store looked quite organic (which I'm sorry to say but I like my peanut butter full of preservatives!--bring on the JIF haha) . And, I was bummed to see no toaster in my kitchen, but I have met people that have told me they have them in their kitchens so--crisis averted! whew :) For those of you who don't know I'm a big fan of toast!

We have one more day of orientation and then classes start on Thursday, January 24. So far we've had a bus tour of the city (which I don't get to go on for another 2 weeks because the program screwed up and didn't have enough tour buses for everyone...so the picture of the Little Mermaid is going to have to wait), learned a little Danish and found out that Danish pastries are called wienerbrod (or Vienna Bread) here...kinda funny, and received our books. Most people received a lot more books than what they thought...everyone, including me had to lug an entire IKEA blue bag full back to their residences.

Well, tomorrow I'm going to do the tourist things and take lots of pictures on a longer break I'll have so more pictures coming soon!