CopenHELEN: Tak = Thank You, Tuken Tak = Thanks a Million

Day two in the City and a total success!! For our orientation today we had the DIS Amazing Race where we all raced around the city in small groups stopping at different historic places in downtown CPH. It was so fun! I initially was skeptical of this 4 hour endeavor but it turned out to be very fun and a great way to bond with some other American students I hadn't met before!

It has been a little weird adjusting as I am the only student here from Rhodes (lots of other students came with friends from their respective university) and I am the furthest south of anyone I have met. No other students from the Midwest so far and absolutely none from the South…I’m representin’ all on my lonesome here, Memphis! But everyone is sweet as pie and I’m sure when classes start I will meet I’ll meet lots more people!

We have been out two nights so far and it has been really fun! The Copenhagen nightlife is laid back and fun! The first night we went out with about 25 other Americans (the EXACT opposite of what DIS told us we should do.) But rollin’ 20 deep we found a hole in the wall local pub. The rest of our group wanted a more hopping scene so they quickly left this bar but myself and four gals from my kollegiet stayed and chatted up the locals. We learned that most of them want to interact with Americans and find our outgoing and friendly demeanor charming (also the opposite of what DIS told us.) And last night we were able to chat up some members of the Danish Royal Navy who showed us videos on their iPhone of the Danish crowned prince playing on the deck of the royal ship as it sailed to London last week. This truly is a testament to the way Danes live, they are excited to meet other people, they love their country and want to share their culture with visitors, and above all they are kind-hearted and love good company. I am so unbelievably excited to call Copenhagen my home even if it is just for the next four months.

We just returned from a local café where I think we may have frequent outings. Café Bizzaro has a small but wonderful menu and the most delicious hot chocolate (see picture below). It is about 50 degrees tonight and it’s late August….