My first week in Copenhagen has been quite busy, but full of fun times. Throughout the past week, I have been taking Danish lessons, so that I at least know a bit of the local language- asking for directions, ordering from a menu, introducing myself, etc. I even got a nifty certificate upon completion of the course! This week has flown by so quickly but simultaneously, it feels as if I have been here for ages.
During the past week, after my Danish classes during the day, we had social programs at night, where we could mix and mingle with some of the other exchange students. Those events provided fantastic opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Just in my Danish course alone, I got to meet people from England, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands. At the social programs, I met new people from countless other countries as well. Everyone has been very sociable and friendly thus far.
The first night, we all took part in Danish “hygge.” For those of you unfamiliar with the term (likely many of you, if not all), it refers to a general sense of coziness and wellbeing. The night was focused on interaction and getting to know one another, while trying out various types of “smørrebrød,” which is an open-faced sandwich made on rye bread. This was a nice introduction to some typical Danish food and also a great way to meet some of the other exchange students.
The following day, we went out to a bowling alley. Apparently, Europeans expect Americans to be good at bowling, because they “see us do it in the movies all the time!” I found this to be a funny unexpected stereotype. For those of you wondering… no, I did not live up to their expectations. However, I did get to socialize with many more exchange students, as well as with some of the local Danish students from CBS.
On Wednesday, we all took part in an International Buffet, where we brought foods representative of our country (or state if you chose to be specific). Being the proud Texan that I am, I made queso and guacamole, which frankly stood out a bit from the rest of the American dishes. However, not 15 minutes into the buffet, I noticed that every last bit of my guacamole was gone, and I continued to receive compliments on both dishes throughout the night and following days!
Thursday night was more low-key; we had a game night and more opportunity to converse with others. I recognized very few of the games, so I suppose Europeans have different interests in that area.
Finally, on Friday, we had a fantastic time hanging out at the Generator Hostel. The place had shuffleboard, pentanque, and other games to play, but more importantly, the hostel featured an “ice bar.” One room in the bar was made completely of ice. Even the glasses that they served drinks in were made of ice. A few of my recently uploaded Instagram photos showcase an ice throne as well (sneak peek below). Needless to say, this was quite an interesting experience for this warm-weather Texan. I definitely was impressed by the design and upkeep of this “ice bar,” but was very happy to exit back into the comfortable Copenhagen weather (which usually lies in the 60s, or 70s at the hottest).
It has been an incredible first week and I can’t wait to see what this semester has in store. Even just my first experiences have been amazing, and I am confident that I will certainly learn many things from this trip and from the people I meet. This next week starts orientation activities and my first class on Thursday! Wish me luck. (:
For now, vi ses!
Arianna Abroad 