Am I a Dane?

When I first heard that Denmark was a popular study abroad option, I balked. But now I believe that I could not have been sent to a culture that fits my personality any better.

Danes are planners. They are conscientious and polite, but direct and bold. They are clean (very little litter, clean up after selves). And they are openminded. If you know me well you've been nodding your head because I'm the same way. Not to mention that they 'walk with purpose' - or really quickly and confidently. And after working on my danish 'accent' I've been mistaken for a Dane at least 3 times.

My first day in the city was great. I feel at home already and am very familiar with the area around DIS. My first purchase was a Fransk hot dog and afterward I picked up some school supplies at Tiger. Yesterday evening, Chelsea (another student in the neighborhood) and I went over to the beach/habor, about a 5 minute drive. The water is absolutely clear. We saw a boat from New Jersey (!) and I felt like I was right back at home, walking along the dock in Maryland or Delaware. We also stood for 5 minutes and watched some rather large spiders weave webs near a light post. Neither of us had ever watched closely enough to actually see the spider pull the web from its backside. It was amazing.

 

I was back in the city today (after another 40 minute train ride) and bought my first cup of kaffe. It was 23 dkk. Or approximately $4.60 usd.

Yeah, over $4 for a small cup of coffee with nothing extra. In our opening ceremony, the director of DIS joked that he hoped we didn't come to Copenhagen because 1) we confused it with Amsterdam, 2) for the weather, or 3) for the prices. And in the fashion of Danish humor, he told us not to blame him, but if our grandparents would have saved better our dollars would be worth more. But also be aware that their sales tax is 25%!

Speaking of monetary conversion, I'm getting really good at dividing by 5. "Oh look, that sweater is 279 dkk" :10 seconds later: "$56." This little skill came in handy today when we took to Strøget, the longest pedestrian street in Europe and prime shopping district. I bought a dress and skirt at H&M, and am excited to dress every day. Whereas at Gettysburg I blend in with a pair of leggings, sperrys, and patagonia, I'm looking forward to throwing on a blazer, dress, tights, and leather boots to go to the city for the day. And if I had known that converse are so popular in CPH I would have packed my pink hi-tops.

Today when I got home, Lisbeth and I biked into town (I'm getting much better at jumping on and off) and I bought a planner. Their square is one of the oldest in the world and they have the oldest house in all of Denmark.

I could not have asked for a better host family than Lisbeth. I appreciate that she is very open about everything and allows me to do as I please. I'm glad to follow her very few rules and think we will get on fine. I haven't been too homesick, but when I am maybe I'll have some McDonald's and Ben & Jerry's. Although McD's probably doesn't have a 5 dkk menu...

Roomz with Dansk Dogz.

Fountain in the old city section of CPH. When I know more about it I will update.