Today, I saw snow for the first time in FOREVER. (Doesn’t snow much in Oklahoma) The temperature was a chilling 17 ºF and in Copenhagen it was 19ºF, so I decided to throw on my winter gear and go on a walk to test it all out! I was planning on listening to music but my phone unexpectedly died, so I had the whole walk to think about the quickly approaching semester #fate. (I leave in 8 days) While on my walk I decided to come up with my pre semester ABC’s of Denmark. The following list reflects what I am looking forward to, hope to accomplish, and simply associate with Denmark at this moment in time. Enjoy!
A: Adventure. I plan to push my bounds and limits because I want to experience life in a completely different environment.
B: Bikes. I plan to do as the Danes do and commute to DIS via bike. Wish me luck.
C: Copenhagen. The vibrant city I will call home the next four months!
D: Danish. I am very excited for Danish Language and Culture class to tackle the language!
E: Europe. I am looking forward to traveling to countries I wold normally never have the opportunity too like Norway, Belgium, Poland, etc!
F: Finland. I am signed up for the Finland Snow and Sauna trip and I AM SO EXCITED! I love being outside and a whole weekend dedicated to winter activities that I never get to do is going to be amazing. I cannot even imagine how cold it is going to be ,but that’s ok because I will be having to much fun to work about that!
G: Gasværksvej 11. I am living in a residential community with 2 roommates and around 27 other students. The building looks gorgeous and is approximately a 5 minute bike ride to DIS. Can’t wait to show you pictures!
H: “Hygge…is a Danish word that is a feeling or mood that comes from genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every day moments more meaningful, beautiful or special.” Gimme some of that is all I can say.
I: Independence. I like to think I am a pretty independent person. I go to school 7 hours away from my home, have flown solo numerous times, and have somewhat of a grasp on how the world works. I hope this only grows during my semester in Copenhagen!
J: Jaywalking. I read somewhere that Danes do not do it and it is frowned upon, so I will have to learn to wait patiently and enjoy the moment.
K: Kaitlyn. Likes: to be outside, going on walks, being around people, learning, trying/seeing new things. Dislikes: being alone, slow walkers, broccoli. Let’s see if this changes at all.
L: Learning. I purposely chose classes I would never be able to take in the States to gain a knowledge set that is uniquely my own.
M: Metro. My use of public transportation is pretty bleak so wish me luck as I navigate my way around Copenhagen. It only has two lines so I hope to become a Master of the Metro.
N: Netto. My Target away from Target ❤
O: Mø. (I’m sorry I tried, but focus on the Ø) She is a Danish musician slowly but surely making her way into the American music scene, and I dig it. Check it out.
P: Pork. I heard the Danes eat a lot of pork, bacon is a big deal, and I should have no problem finding Sausage Stands. Will confirm when I get there.
Q: Queen Margrethe II. Danish Royalty. Much more to learn.
R: Restaurants. Copenhagen has good food everywhere ranging from traditional fare to the award winning “new nordic” cuisine at places like the famous Noma (which has been names the World’s Best Restaurant three times)
S: Snaps (Also known as akvavit). It’s a traditional drink that you either love it or hate it. I will let you know.
T: Tivoli. A famous amusement park that opened in 1843 making it the oldest operating amusement park in the world.
U: You are a smart and nice and beautiful person. (I can’t come up with anything so enjoy my compliment to you)
V: Vikings. While their pillaging days are over, their history and culture still live on.
W: Wienerbrød. Delicious flaky Danish pastry.
X: Uhh words are hard. Don’t forget you still rock.
Y: Yoga. I used to be attend yoga classes but life happened and it lost importance in my life. This semester I am choosing to focus on me and get back into my practice. Copenhagen Yoga has a discount for DIS students that I am looking forward to using!
Z: Zoo. The Copenhagen zoo is a must see attraction housing numerous exhibits but has also been at the forefront of controversy in regards to killing animals. It is important to remember there are multiple sides to every story.
Next time you hear from me it will be from Copenhagen!!!
#peaceandblessings
Kaitlyn in Kobenhavn 