Ok so this week we started out with orientation meetings for three days. The first day was the opening ceremony at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, which was built before World War II as a building for radio broadcasting, but wasn't officially opened until after the end of the war due to concerns of being too luxurious for the hard times. The opening ceremony was nice - some professors spoke and gave us some tips on how to immerse ourselves. After that I had my urban awareness experience, which was a scavenger hunt around the city with four other people I'd never met before. We went to the Church of Our Saviour in Christiantown, the same island where Christiania is (I'm headed there soon!), the Black Diamond (Royal Library), to the Parliament building, the King's Square (where there is an amazing department store) and to Netto, a grocery store, for lunch. It was a good way to see the city and get more grounded with where things are.
This is the stock exchange, located to the left of the main parliament building. I love the dragons on the tower!
On Tuesday I had an optional session in the morning about etiquette in Denmark and what to do and not do while around in Copenhagen. Apparently if you pick up your silverware, you can't ever put them back on the table (not that I would anyway I guess), and it is very rude to be late or cancel plans. Extremely rude. That afternoon I had to get my books, which turned into a 30 pound nightmare. I got lost on the bus with all those books but eventually found my way (see previous post). Then I did nothing because I was so tired.
Wednesday I had to figure out all of my visa paperwork and file for my residence permit so I'm not living here illegally! That went very quickly and I met up with Andrea, a girl who goes to American with me, and some friends she had met that go to St. Lawrence. Then I headed home for lunch and a nap (and typed my latest blog) and headed back that night for a visiting family session. I have a visiting family, so I go see them for dinner and to go places, but I don't live with them.
Thursday I had classes for the first time, but they don't start until 1:15 so I had lots of time to finally sleep in! I'll post my class schedule below so you can see how everything goes! After my classes I went with Katherine, the girl who also visits the family with me, and we went to meet them at their house about a half hour from DIS (and the central station in Copenhagen). They are so wonderful, made us delicious food, and have three great kids. I really enjoyed talking with them and getting a break from being here in the city.
Friday I also had classes, only even later than Thursday because one was postponed until Tuesday. I went to the hospital that my main class is taught at and that was very exciting. Hospitals are very different in Europe than in the United States, so it's interesting to see how things are done there. Then last night I stayed in (I know, my first Friday, but I was really tired!) and skyped and picked up my room.
Today (Saturday) I went to Fredericksborg Castle, which is about 40 minutes from the city. It is so pretty but I was disappointed to learn it was rebuilt in the 1800's because of a fire, so the interior isn't actually from the 1600's, it just looks like it is. But nevertheless, DIS had a great tour planned for us and the bus ride was easy (despite downpour rain the entire time!). It was a really convenient way to see the castle without figuring out transportation, you'd need a car. We had a great time in the gardens and finding funny paintings and statues to take pictures with. There was also a beautiful wedding in the chapel while we were there, and we were able to see the bride! She was very pretty. Then we were told there are four weddings there today, and on our way to the gardens we saw the next bride making her way into the castle grounds in a very old car before her wedding began! I have to say, I wouldn't mind my wedding being there... So despite the rain and gloom it actually was a very nice day and we had a lot of fun!
Amanda and me at the castle! We probably had too much fun there... but the DIS coordinator kept letting us sneak off and explore!
Tomorrow I think everything is closed, but hopefully we will get to go to somewhere! I still need a hair dryer and some other things. Sorry this is so long! When I have time I will pop some pictures in here, but right now my camera battery is charging! Have a great weekend! dwh.
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