Saturday, August 27, 2011

Survived one week! (My umbrella did not..)

Hey there!  As of today, I have officially survived my first week in Denmark, yay!  & what a great week its been.

Classes started on Thursday, and all of mine seem really interesting so far.  I was pretty nervous and not sure what to expect, but the professors all seem great and really enthusiastic.  This semester I'm taking War Crimes and Human Rights, Gang Crime in Scandinavia, The Cultural History of Travel, The Scandinavian Detective Novel, and VERY basic Danish.  My War Crimes class has a one week trip to Kosovo included as part of a long "study tour," so I'm very excited abut that- it's definitely somewhere I wouldn't have visited otherwise.  My other classes also have Wednesday "field studies" where we do things around the city.  DIS doesn't have classes scheduled on Wednesdays to allow for these, so it's pretty cool.  Gang Crime is taking a trip to a closed prison, which I am SO PUMPED about, clearly.  (But seriously, Tara-the-Crim-Major is loving this.)

So like I said, even though I survived one week, there was one casualty- my umbrella.  Actually, to be technical it was my roommate Kathleen's beige Eddie Bauer umbrella that she leant me freshman year and I never gave back.  Anyway, I've had it ever since then.  It seemed to be a pretty trusty umbrella (even though I haven't used it in forever) so I packed it to take to Europe with me.  Convenient, right?

Wrong.

Today Amy and I went on a tour of the Kronborg Castle (best known for being featured in Shakespeare's Hamlet.)  The weather seemed pretty questionable, but armed with my (Kathleen's) umbrella, I figured I was all set.  Unfortunately, almost as soon as we got off the bus, it started pouring.  I grabbed the umbrella, only to realize that the button to open it was defective.  I was able to manually open it, but even then it didn't stay open, so I just looked crazy and was still getting hit with rain.  After a pit-stop for coffee and pastry in a bakery we found, I went in search of a replacement.  I was lucky enough to find a brand new, $6 plastic bubble umbrella.  It's the coolest thing ever, and it saved me from getting drenched.






The castle!


Amy & me!

Aside from the umbrella issues and the rain, it was a fun trip.  Of course, my favorite part was seeing the dungeon of the castle.  Typical. 

Dungeon!


Currently, it's still raining, so I'm having a "hyggelit" night snuggled in my room.


ps: Stonehillers, you might want to pick up a few of those candles from what I hear..  Purple and white, even in the hurricane (and from hundreds of miles away).  ;)

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The "hygge" factory

Oh hey!  Aside from these past few days being insanely busy, we also didn't have access to wireless until yesterday, and I still don't have a computer charger, but don't worry, I'm back for a quick update (which as always will probably turn into a long update.)

We moved into our housing on Sunday.  I was absolutely shocked when they took us to St Kannikestaede, the DIS Residential Community where we'll be living for the next four months.  It's ridiculous.  Picture a miniature version of a house from The Real World.  We're really lucky because they just finished renovating this building basically the day before we got here.  It was built in 1750, soo it's older than the US.  Although we have funny rules because of how old it is, like no shoes in the house/washing the floor with extra special soap, its totally worth it.  I live with 7 other people, as well as our SRA Anna.  Amy lives right on the other side of the courtyard, which is awesome too!  Most importantly though-  we have a coffee maker in the kitchen.  Thank.  God. 


View from my window!

My room!

Kitchen!

Common room!


Anyway, Anna nicknamed our house "the hygge factory."  "Hygge" is basically a Danish word that explains the cozy, comfortable feeling that pervades Danish homes and daily life.  One of my goals studying abroad is to fully understand and experience this concept.  A few of us had a moment the other night as we played cards by candlelight the other night in the common room.  I'm really excited to spend more time snuggled up in blankets with a cup of tea when it gets cold out.  :)

These past few days have been filled with lots of DIS orientation activities, and although they can't come close to comparing to Stonehill O-tation, they've been super helpful.  In the opening ceremony, I even learned that all Carlsberg beer sold benefits the arts in Copenhagen...  cheers!  Today we did a scavenger hunt around the city that started out with free pastries, got to see some notable landmarks, and I got to try out the train for the first time!  We also went to the grocery store and picked up a few items to make authentic Danish sandwiches for lunch.  By the way- I ate liver paste ?  

Aside from orientation, I've had some time to explore by myself and try desperately to figure out the streets around here.  Since it's one of the oldest parts of the city, the streets just kind of do what they want and don't run in a logical pattern.  Yesterday I almost got myself lost looking for the Mac store (yup, still no computer charger, but at least I know I can find one now) and the other day one of my housemates and I walked to almost every coffee shop in the area in a failed search for wireless.  At this point, I can get to Netto, the closest grocery store without any problems.  I can find other things too... I just don't always remember how I got there or what the best route is.  Soon though!  (I can also find the DIS classrooms, which is definitely important for the start of class tomorrow..)  I can't even complain though, I have probably the most beautiful streets to get lost on.

I had some free time yesterday, so I opted to be a brave traveler and venture down the street to climb the Round Tower.  It used to be the observatory for the University of Copenhagen back in the day.  I'm really glad I went out on my own; as weird as it sounds, it really was empowering to do something on my own.  Afterwards, I was walking back to DIS for my next meeting and someone else from the program came over and asked if I knew where the street was.  I'm not sure, but I think she just might have mistaken me for a Dane because she asked the question really slowly and timidly and then was kind of surprised when I said I was going there too.  I felt pretty cool, and it definitely boosted my confidence!


The Round Tower


First awkward solo picture!


I've been told that the first 48 hours of being abroad are the most terrifying, so I think it's safe to say I survived those!  Tomorrow we start classes, so I'm sure I'll get into a routine soon.  Until then, I'm enjoying my time being a wide-eyed foreigner.  A professor we met with today told us that now is the best time to really take in the culture, because once we get used to it, we won't notice or appreciate the uniqueness of it anymore- like the 584930 bikes that are on the road at rush hour, or having to bring my own bag to the grocery store, or how Danish people might seem to come off cold, but as soon as you approach them they are incredibly welcoming and friendly and helpful.  


Maybe someday I'll even get used to how expensive everything is.....

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Made it!

Yay, made it to Copenhagen!

We left the house in Pennsylvania super early Friday morning to drive back to Boston.  Since the flight wasn't until 9:30pm, I got a chance to stop by Stonehill and say a few more goodbyes (you know how I love those...)  I even got to make a celebrity appearance on a campus tour lead by the one and only PaulAtaide!  After that, it was off to the airport.  Boston traffic was crazy as always, but we made it with plenty of time to spare, AND my luggage wasn't overweight!!  Huge victory.

bye Boston!


Once Amy arrived and we said goodbye to our families, we made it through security and I grabbed a slice of my signature airport food- Sbarro vegetable pizza.  Yum.  At 9:30, we boarded the plane, and it was off to Iceland!  Surprisingly, I slept through most of the flight.  I woke up to us flying into the sunrise, which was pretty cool and which I decided to view as a good omen for the trip.  Transferring to our next flight went smoothly, and we got to Copenhagen around 1:05pm.

Then it got a little interesting.

In my infinite wisdom, I neglected to double-check the schedule for the hotel's free shuttle from the airport.  As it turns out, it wouldn't be running for 3 more hours.  Oops.  Cabs are apparently wicked expensive, so we opted to walk.  The walk wouldn't have been a big deal, except Amy and I both were dragging 100+ lbs of luggage.  Consequently, we had to take ramps instead of using stairs, which made the simple task of crossing the pedestrian bridge across the highway a lot longer than it had to be.  After frequent breaks, usually at the end of every block, we finally made it to our hotel.  I'm positive I'm going to be unbelievably sore tomorrow, and my hands are raw from holding the suitcase handle.  If I had ever in my life lifted weights, this is how I imagine my hands would feel.  But let's be serious, pulling luggage is probably as close as I'm going to get.

After naps and minor meltdowns (forgot my computer charger, Apple in Copenhagen- please be close by!) we finally ventured out into the world to get some food.  We went with the pizza place next door, which seemed to be a safe bet.  It was a good find, and although I hadn't eaten for over 12 hours, I was actually functioning pretty well.  Anyone who knows me knows that I'm intolerable when hungry.

So, that's basically the story of my travels here.  Things should get more exciting tomorrow when we meet up with DIS, get settled into our housing, have a welcome dinner, etc.


ps:  ...credit cards need a PIN number in Scandinavia?

Friday, August 19, 2011

Only the beginning of the adventure..

Even though I've spent the better part of the past two days packing 4 months of my life into two suitcases and a carry-on, not to mention having some aggravating interaction with Target pharmacy and the insurance company, I still cannot believe that I leave tomorrow.  After a lovely last meal with my parents at the local Irish Pub with the best waiter ever (hi TJ!), I'm sitting on my bed looking around my room before I say bye to it bright and early tomorrow.  Now, for a few minutes, I'm going to forget about the incredible anxiety I'm having over my bags being overweight and/or oversized, the possibility that I'm forgetting something important, or the great six hour drive back to Boston tomorrow (followed by a 9:30pm flight to Iceland with a connector to Copenhagen arriving at noon the next day,) to consider quite a few happy things.

Because I am, most definitely, the luckiest girl in the world.  :)  

As nervous as I have been in the past few weeks to leave, I'm so grateful that I was surrounded by amazing friends who have done this before to listen to me, to encourage me, and to remind me that if they could, they would gladly take my place in a second.  Being nervous is okay, and there would probably be something wrong if I wasn't nervous at all.  It's all part of the experience that is about to begin.  Going into this, my goal is to never let fear or uncertainty stand in my way and to never let my expectations cause me to make judgments.  I plan to accept every invitation and every new opportunity that comes my way.

Last year at this time, I never thought this would be me.  I always knew I was going to study abroad, but it was one of those things that I never thought would actually come.  I still don't really feel it yet- for now, it's still something that my friends a year ahead of me did.  Any thoughts or expectations or fears I have about studying abroad come from them; however, I also feel ready to make this experience my own.

I'll miss Stonehill so much while I'm gone.  The other night I told one of my friends that instead of getting "homesick" while I'm abroad, I think I'll get "Stonehill-sick"... to which he called me a huge loser (hi Ted!)  Really though, it's true.  I left home two years ago to go to college, and I've gotten into the routine of calling home/visiting home, etc.  I guess I'm afraid of what I'll miss while I'm gone... everyone always says Stonehill never changes- and that's true I guess (aside from the new ice skating rink and refurbished Dunks!)  But people do change.  Going abroad changes people.  I'm just trusting that it's all for the best.  

With that being said, I'll miss everyone so so much.  I'll miss my family, my friends at home, the five greatest friends that anyone could ever have (Kathleen, Amy, Danielle, Kristen, Caitlyn), the Summer Ambassadors, Mock Trial, and of course the Orientation Team- in particular, The Extremely Hardcore Dream Team Regime: Group 24.

It breaks my little heart to know I won't see these amazing people until January.  By that time, they'll all be way too cool for me, but hopefully they'll still remember their orientation leader that left them for Denmark.  Love you guys to death!  I've told you before, but you will all do ridiculously awesome things; you're the greatest, and you made my second year as an orientation leader wonderful!!


Saying goodbye to one of the best summers ever and to the best people ever has been weird
To anyone who has gone abroad/who I've mooched a pep-talk out of, I admire you more than you'll ever know, and you've given me so much confidence going into this already.  Thank you thank you thank you.

"Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.”
  Richard Bach




...and I'll really miss iced coffee too.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Snip snip..

Well, today was the day.  I've been thinking about this for quite a while now.. and with just  3 days until Denmark, it was now or never.


Peace out, 12 inches...


That's right-- just donated 12 inches of my hair.  Pretty excited about this.. shampooing and blow-drying will be 100x easier now.  Hopefully I won't wake up tomorrow, forget I cut all my hair off, and have a panic attack, because for now I'm loving it!!  

It's definitely quite a change, since the last time I drastically cut my hair was sophomore year of high school.  The moment before my stylist took scissors to my ponytail was one of the most anxious of my life, especially since she asks me multiple times if I was sure I wanted to do this.  Afterward, she placed the ponytail in my hands and I was just kind of like "Oh, hey hair.  Two seconds ago you were attached to me head."  It's weird to think about everything my hair has been with me for.. graduating high school, being a tangled mess during my days swimming at work last summer, starting college, etc.  Luckily, I know it will be going to a good cause to people who need it much more than I do, as I feel I tended to use it as a security blanket of sorts.  Symbolically, I can see the loss of 12 inches as a step to ridding myself of any anxiety, fear, or insecurities that are weighing me down as I prepare to study abroad.  Now, I get a fresh start in Copenhagen!  

Talk about getting rid of dead ends...

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Tying up loose ends!

It's hard to believe that 6 days from now I'll be Copenhagen bound!  Since my last post, the last few weeks of summer have flown by.  (& incase you were wondering, I didn't end up finishing all my food.  Got through most of the perishables, though!)

More importantly, a few days ago I found out where I'm living for the semester!  It's housing provided by the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS!) and it's conveniently a five minute walk from classes.  I'm really excited about that, but also because it's located right in the center of Copenhagen- close to the University of Copenhagen, and also Tivoli Gardens.  Being right in the city and experiencing everything there was really important to me while studying abroad, so this should work out well!  Hopefully I'll find a good cafe to stop by in the mornings for coffee too (quite a necessity).  I'll be living with a roommate, and there are about 20 other people from our program in the building with us.  Along with my housing, I also found out that I'll be participating in the Danish Visiting Family program that DIS offers.  It's a really cool opportunity because even though I'm living with other American students, this program pairs me with a Danish couple who I can meet with occasionally and get to experience real life in Denmark.

(Now begins the part where I'll try to upload pictures.  Might fail miserably, so my apologies if I do!)



This is a picture of my building!





Another thing I'm excited about is that I'll be living really close to my friend Amy (hi Plooffers!) who is studying abroad in Copenhagen too!  According to GoogleMaps we're only a few blocks away.  For those of you who don't know Amy, aka Plooffers, aka White Chocolate Teardrops (waddup O-Team!), here she is:

Amy and I have been friends since freshman year at Stonehill.  We have the same birthday (April 5th, best day of the year), we're Psych majors, we were next door neighbors sophomore year and shared a wall, we're both Peer Mentors and are obsessed with orientation, AND we have the same freckle on our left hands.  Oh, and I guess we're pretty excited to study abroad too.  :)



As exciting as all of this news was, though, for the past few days I've been faced with a life or death situation-- I couldn't find a home for Monster, my pet fish at school.  My roommate from the school year Kathleen and I got him on my birthday back in April.  At that point I knew I was staying at school for the summer, so I could easily transport him from one side of campus to the other.  Morbid as this may be, I suppose I didn't have much faith in his life expectancy, and I never really considered what would happen when the time came to leave for Denmark.  Four months later, the little guy was still alive and well.  I searched tirelessly for a home for him, but I couldn't find anyone who a. wanted the (very minimal) responsibility of a fish or b. didn't think they would accidently kill the fish.  As my move out day drew closer, it was looking as though I would have to send him to meet his demise, which I could absolutely not bring myself to do!  Fortunately, just two days ago one of my friends from work agreed to take him and give him a good home.  She has a fish too, so he'll even have a tank neighbor!  This is Monster, Kathleen, and me shortly after his homecoming this past spring:



The adoption of my fish was the first of many loose ends that needed tying up.  Friday was my last day of work in the Admissions Office for the summer.  I've literally been there since May 14th (with a brief break for Summer Orientation and a short trip home), so it was crazy giving my very last campus tour for the summer.  I'll miss walking to work every morning with the best coworkers in the world, spending every day in gorgeous Donahue Hall, sitting in the "cupboard under the stairs," the Sporcle tournaments, Dunkin Donuts runs, and MAYBE even data entry... okay, maybe not so much with the data entry.  Here are a few of the most wonderful tour guides in the world:




Between packing my room at school, saying goodbye to my friends, and driving all the way home to Pennsylvania early this morning, I'm pretty exhausted, but also incredibly excited at the same time.  Tomorrow I get to see some of my family, and throughout the week I'll probably be running around seeing friends, making lots of lists, and picking up last minute things.  I'll find time to actually pack my suitcase eventually.... for now, I'm choosing to avoid this ridiculously daunting task.


ps: Get ready for a surprise on Tuesday!!

Monday, August 1, 2011

Eating my way through the next 19 days...

Considering I hop on a plane destined for Scandinavia in less than three weeks, I think the time has finally come for the start of my blog, yay!  Over the next few months, I hope to have TONS to write about, complete with pictures and maybe even some videos (depending on how tech savvy I become) chronicling my travels around Denmark and Europe and anywhere life takes me.

I'm super excited, but also anxious to leave Stonehill College and my family and friends in a few short weeks.  On the good word of my friends who have gone abroad before, all these feelings are natural, so I'm doing my best to ride out the waves of uncertainty mixed with excitement and not take a second of this for granted!

Anyway, the reason my very first post is called "Eating my way through the next 19 days" is because I will, quite literally, be eating my way through the next 19 days.  Allow me to explain.  This summer, I have been living at school, working in the Admissions office and having an absolute blast with my friends on campus.  One thing many of us had to learn was how to cook for ourselves.  Over the course of the summer, I made a few decent meals, faring better overall than I had expected.  As the summer draws to a close, however, I'm realizing my fatal culinary flaw- in an effort to prepare for the times when I didn't feel like cooking "real food," I stocked up on staples such as Chef Boyardee Ravioli, Ramen Noodles, frozen veggie burgers, and Suddenly Pasta Salad. Today, as I started to consider moving out of my summer housing, I realized that in the interest of space and reducing items to move home to Pennsylvania, I have a lot of eating to do.  The food contents of my room are as follows:


  • 6 frozen veggie burgers
  • 1/2 a bag of frozen tater tots
  • freeze pops
  • half a carton of Ben & Jerry's "Clusterfluff" ice cream (thanks Nicole!)
  • 3 yogurts (2 Chobani, 1 Dannon)
  • Assorted cheeses (I don't even like cheese that much)
  • Pesto
  • Pasta
  • Garlic
  • 6 pack of Ramen Noodles
  • 1 can ravioli
  • Triscuits
  • 2 boxes of cereal
  • 1 serving of applesauce
  • Cheeseits
  • Tortilla chips
  • Salsa
  • Oreos
  • Coffeecakes
  • Dove chocolate
  • Wheat bread
  • Pancake mix
  • Peanut butter
  • Nutella
  • Pretzels
  • Cape Cod chips
And don't worry Mom, I also have:
  • 4 apples
  • 1 clementine
  • half a bag of baby carrots
  • ..and hummus.

...Okay, maybe you can worry.