Hej again, faithful followers! I've been getting a lot of positive feedback on this blog... I'm glad people are actually reading it!
Right now I'm just trying to kill the awkward hour between classes, that at Gettysburg usually means walking back to my room & taking a nap... but yeah, that's not really possible here.
A few things I've noticed over the past couple days:
- Parachute pants are not just for MC Hammer. This is a trend I am determined to bring back to the U.S.
- You are more likely to get hit by a bike than by a car in Copenhagen. I´ve seen it happen.
- Addictions are worse for your bank account than they are for your health. Cigarettes, alcohol, and my personal vice; caffeine, are all insanely expensive. I´ve been trying to cut the coffee habit now that I am without my one dollar 16 oz. from Bullet Hole... but today it was necessary. I had to resort to a "latte" from 7-11 since they really only serve espresso here. I know I'm a snob, but it tasted like warm water. Never again.
- You can turn in recycled bottles (somewhere??) for cash. I´ve been seeing lots of people digging through trash cans and pulling out bottles. It's kind of gross, but at the rate I'm going I might have to join the club soon.
- People do not sweat. Okay, maybe with the exception of my Healthcare in Northern Europe professor... the Danes are remarkably dry after the long bike ride to work. I mean, I know I have my own issues, but the other runners at Damhussøen lake look at my soaked t-shirt like I´m from another planet. I practically am, after all.
Still have a little time left, so I´m going to start working on some postcards. Start checking your mailboxes in the next week :)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Toto, I don't think we're in Gettysburg anymore...
Here's a little story I think everyone (except maybe my mother) will enjoy.
This is why I don't go to a city school.
So last night DIS set up a free boat tour of the canals followed by a party at a local night club w/ a free beverage. I'm all about free things, so I definitely jumped on both opportunities. The canal tour was nice... I got some more scenery pictures (that I have no idea what to do with in the long run, but it's fun to be touristy sometimes). But by the time it was over at 7, we were starvinggggg. So Jamie, Megan and I, along with Megan's new friend Danielle, went to get pizza before heading to the party.
Here's where it gets interesting.
We got to the club, got our free drinks, watched some of our fellow Americans try to pole dance, you know the usual. A nameless classmate of ours managed to get his hands on a stack of the free drink passes, and did Gburg proud by spreading the wealth & saving everyone tons of kroner. (I still can't figure out why everything is so expensive!!)
..........
I met Cole in my "Survival Danish" class this week, and he was in my group for the scavenger hunt. I spotted him at the bar and new that we needed to make some new friends, so I went up to him and used my good flirtation skills that appear maybe once a year and introduced myself to the guys he was with. Some how this segued (I had to look up how to spell that word, not gonna lie) into a serious adventure. This one kid Tyler's host mom gave him an invitation for himself and 10 friends to go to some "VIP Pre-party" at another club. So I whipped out the map like a good tourist, pulled Sara along (buddy system!!) and we actually managed to find the place.
This was, as someone said, the "ultimate fish-out-of-water experience." We were by far the youngest and most underdressed people at the party. I was shocked we even got in the door. We had to show ID, get fingerprinted, stamped, and have a photo taken in order to get in. And that was AFTER we showed the invitation. This place looked like something straight out of Gossip Girl. I took a couple pictures, but they will never do it justice. A bottle of champagne was 700 kroner..... aka $135. We just walked right in and sat in some reserved booth and tried to act like we owned the place for a little while. I think if we had stayed any longer we would have been personally escorted out.
After deciding that we didn't want to go broke on the first night, we switched to a place called the Wall Street Pub. Idk if that name is their way of luring in Americans... but it worked. I didn't want to stay very long because my bus stopped running at 2.
OR SO I THOUGHT.
We walked back towards DIS and I got to my bus stop, only to realize that it had actually stopped at 12:30. It was now 1:30. I had some words for that, but they aren't internet appropriate.
So I texted Iben & Daniel frantically, and they told me don't worry... just take the night bus. Well it took us forever to finally find the right night bus, poor Sara was trying to run around in heels. Once we went our seperate ways and got on our respective busses, I thought it would be smooooth sailing from there. Oh no. I got about halfway home, and the bus driver was like "okay, you have to get off here. I'm going home. Wait for the next bus." Yeah, well the next bus wasn't until 3:08, so I just sat there by myself, shivering, wanting to cry.
Then this different bus pulled up (not the one I was waiting for) and the driver came out and was like "ohhh... come with me! I'll show you the whole city. I'll drive you around, wherever you want to go." I was like nooo way dude. I'll wait here for the actual bus, thanks. He was kind of relentless but I did NOT trust him so he finally disappeared, and I got on the 3:08 bus and made it home around 3:30.
I feel like there is some kind of moral to this story, but I don't really know what it is. I told my host family all about it and they seemed pretty unphased. I guess it's normal. I'm just so used to Gettysburg, where we think a far commute at night is a walk from College Apts to Midnight Madness or Lambda Chi. Just be glad we don't have to navigate public transportation. All I'm saying is I better catch the 12:30 bus next time!
Until the next adventure,
- Caitlin
:)
This is why I don't go to a city school.
So last night DIS set up a free boat tour of the canals followed by a party at a local night club w/ a free beverage. I'm all about free things, so I definitely jumped on both opportunities. The canal tour was nice... I got some more scenery pictures (that I have no idea what to do with in the long run, but it's fun to be touristy sometimes). But by the time it was over at 7, we were starvinggggg. So Jamie, Megan and I, along with Megan's new friend Danielle, went to get pizza before heading to the party.
Here's where it gets interesting.
We got to the club, got our free drinks, watched some of our fellow Americans try to pole dance, you know the usual. A nameless classmate of ours managed to get his hands on a stack of the free drink passes, and did Gburg proud by spreading the wealth & saving everyone tons of kroner. (I still can't figure out why everything is so expensive!!)
..........
I met Cole in my "Survival Danish" class this week, and he was in my group for the scavenger hunt. I spotted him at the bar and new that we needed to make some new friends, so I went up to him and used my good flirtation skills that appear maybe once a year and introduced myself to the guys he was with. Some how this segued (I had to look up how to spell that word, not gonna lie) into a serious adventure. This one kid Tyler's host mom gave him an invitation for himself and 10 friends to go to some "VIP Pre-party" at another club. So I whipped out the map like a good tourist, pulled Sara along (buddy system!!) and we actually managed to find the place.
This was, as someone said, the "ultimate fish-out-of-water experience." We were by far the youngest and most underdressed people at the party. I was shocked we even got in the door. We had to show ID, get fingerprinted, stamped, and have a photo taken in order to get in. And that was AFTER we showed the invitation. This place looked like something straight out of Gossip Girl. I took a couple pictures, but they will never do it justice. A bottle of champagne was 700 kroner..... aka $135. We just walked right in and sat in some reserved booth and tried to act like we owned the place for a little while. I think if we had stayed any longer we would have been personally escorted out.
After deciding that we didn't want to go broke on the first night, we switched to a place called the Wall Street Pub. Idk if that name is their way of luring in Americans... but it worked. I didn't want to stay very long because my bus stopped running at 2.
OR SO I THOUGHT.
We walked back towards DIS and I got to my bus stop, only to realize that it had actually stopped at 12:30. It was now 1:30. I had some words for that, but they aren't internet appropriate.
So I texted Iben & Daniel frantically, and they told me don't worry... just take the night bus. Well it took us forever to finally find the right night bus, poor Sara was trying to run around in heels. Once we went our seperate ways and got on our respective busses, I thought it would be smooooth sailing from there. Oh no. I got about halfway home, and the bus driver was like "okay, you have to get off here. I'm going home. Wait for the next bus." Yeah, well the next bus wasn't until 3:08, so I just sat there by myself, shivering, wanting to cry.
Then this different bus pulled up (not the one I was waiting for) and the driver came out and was like "ohhh... come with me! I'll show you the whole city. I'll drive you around, wherever you want to go." I was like nooo way dude. I'll wait here for the actual bus, thanks. He was kind of relentless but I did NOT trust him so he finally disappeared, and I got on the 3:08 bus and made it home around 3:30.
I feel like there is some kind of moral to this story, but I don't really know what it is. I told my host family all about it and they seemed pretty unphased. I guess it's normal. I'm just so used to Gettysburg, where we think a far commute at night is a walk from College Apts to Midnight Madness or Lambda Chi. Just be glad we don't have to navigate public transportation. All I'm saying is I better catch the 12:30 bus next time!
Until the next adventure,
- Caitlin
:)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
"Devil the Egg"
Hej!! Don't worry, I'm alive ... and finally in Copenhagen! I wrote this really long (and I thought witty) blog entry a couple nights ago, only to have my internet crash just as I was about to post. I see we have some catching up to do.
THE FLIGHT
I'll start by saying that I'm not even going to complain about the jetlag, as it was entirely self-induced. I didn't think I'd have any trouble sleeping on the plane, especially after my 9th consecutive week of camp had just ended. (Never thought I'd say it, but SO SAD!) I guess I shifted into Marie-mode for a little while because instead of sleeping, I got overly wrapped up in the little personal TV in front of me. I watched 2 episodes of Flight of the Conchords, 17 Again (changed my views of Zac Efron forever btw), and mayyyybe dozed off for 30 min. while listening to one of the many CDs that were also available. Then I read Cosmo until I realized the 40 year old woman next to me was awkwardly reading over my shoulder & probably making some mental notes of the sex tips (Come on, you would too). If I did sleep, I woke up shortly when some serious pressure changes rendered my left ear completely useless for the next 3 days. Sweeet.
WHO'S WHO
I figure I'm going to do some serious name dropping in my next couple blog posts, so here's a quick cast of characters:
Iben - my host mom, runs a tight ship but doesn't like to appear strict so will lecture me on the rules but then proceed to apologize for sounding mean. great cook, and in all actuality probably not that different from my real mom :)
Thomas - my host dad, haven't really spoken to him that much yet but he's pretty funny. when I said I'm from NJ, his response was "Oh, like Bruce Springsteen!" Gotta love the guy.
Daniel - Twin #1. (They aren't identical, thank god) Spent a good part of last year in the U.S., and speaks English very well. as a result is probably the more outgoing of the two
Kristian - Twin #2. Much quieter, but compensates by being a professional youth soccer player on the danish national team. For real. I'm going to have to go to a game sometime.
Chika & Tessie - The Chow Chows!! Iben says that Chika looks like a bear and Tessie looks like a lion, and she is exactly right. I looooove them.
Jonathan - The neighbor, aka 3rd brother who has already spoken to me more than the other two combined. I have a feeling I'll be seeing a lot of him.
and finally, The House! - is amazing! I live in the basement with the two boys and really my only complaint is that we share a bathroom. Wouldn't normally be an issue, but they can't get in an out of their rooms without walking through the bathroom first. And the doors don't lock. Can't wait for the inevitable awkard situations hahah
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Well, the city is beautiful. I love everything about it, especially the architecture. My commute is a very easy 20-25 min. bus ride right to central Copenhagen. But things are different here, let me tell you.
First of all, the language is impossible. They had us take a "Survival Danish" course the past couple days, but no dice. Nothing is pronounced how it is spelled... for example, "I am from Rodovre" (which is where my house is) is spelled "Jeg kommer fra Rodovre" and pronounced "Ya comma fla Loooo-OHhhh." I kid you not. The only phrase I can properly say is "I don't know," which my orientation group decided is best pronounced by just mumbling "devil-the-egg." It works.
Also, I have free range of the kitchen, and am expected to pack my own lunch everyday. The problem is I can't read any of the labels. This morning I poured salt all over my corn flakes instead of sugar and was almost too embarrassed to say anything. But it was gross, and I had to, and my host family loved every second of it.
Something else that's different, of course, is the drinking age! A few of the girls from Gburg and I went out to dinner last night and we purchased our first legal beers. Except... another thing that's different here is prices... so a beer and some potato skins cost me like $25. Lameee.
And then of course, certain things stay the same. I hopped on my bus this morning (after missing the first one, I swear it was fate) and the bus driver was blasting "Your Body is a Wonderland." No one talks on the busses here, but I just had to let the driver know, I LOVE THAT SONG. Stoopidamerican.
Finally, I went for a run around Damhussen lake today when I got home. My family said it was about a 5k or 6k so I was all pumped to see what horrible shape I was in. But when I finished the loop in 16 min, I decided that either I had become D1 national material in my time off, or I had been duped. Felt good to run again though. Everyone runs here. EVERYONE.
I'll wrap this up. Today we went on a scavenger hunt in the city and I got some cool pixxx so check for those on facebook soon! Miss you all :) And by all, I mean more than just the 3 people who might happen to stumble across this blog.
Hej hej!
- Caitlin
THE FLIGHT
I'll start by saying that I'm not even going to complain about the jetlag, as it was entirely self-induced. I didn't think I'd have any trouble sleeping on the plane, especially after my 9th consecutive week of camp had just ended. (Never thought I'd say it, but SO SAD!) I guess I shifted into Marie-mode for a little while because instead of sleeping, I got overly wrapped up in the little personal TV in front of me. I watched 2 episodes of Flight of the Conchords, 17 Again (changed my views of Zac Efron forever btw), and mayyyybe dozed off for 30 min. while listening to one of the many CDs that were also available. Then I read Cosmo until I realized the 40 year old woman next to me was awkwardly reading over my shoulder & probably making some mental notes of the sex tips (Come on, you would too). If I did sleep, I woke up shortly when some serious pressure changes rendered my left ear completely useless for the next 3 days. Sweeet.
WHO'S WHO
I figure I'm going to do some serious name dropping in my next couple blog posts, so here's a quick cast of characters:
Iben - my host mom, runs a tight ship but doesn't like to appear strict so will lecture me on the rules but then proceed to apologize for sounding mean. great cook, and in all actuality probably not that different from my real mom :)
Thomas - my host dad, haven't really spoken to him that much yet but he's pretty funny. when I said I'm from NJ, his response was "Oh, like Bruce Springsteen!" Gotta love the guy.
Daniel - Twin #1. (They aren't identical, thank god) Spent a good part of last year in the U.S., and speaks English very well. as a result is probably the more outgoing of the two
Kristian - Twin #2. Much quieter, but compensates by being a professional youth soccer player on the danish national team. For real. I'm going to have to go to a game sometime.
Chika & Tessie - The Chow Chows!! Iben says that Chika looks like a bear and Tessie looks like a lion, and she is exactly right. I looooove them.
Jonathan - The neighbor, aka 3rd brother who has already spoken to me more than the other two combined. I have a feeling I'll be seeing a lot of him.
and finally, The House! - is amazing! I live in the basement with the two boys and really my only complaint is that we share a bathroom. Wouldn't normally be an issue, but they can't get in an out of their rooms without walking through the bathroom first. And the doors don't lock. Can't wait for the inevitable awkard situations hahah
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Well, the city is beautiful. I love everything about it, especially the architecture. My commute is a very easy 20-25 min. bus ride right to central Copenhagen. But things are different here, let me tell you.
First of all, the language is impossible. They had us take a "Survival Danish" course the past couple days, but no dice. Nothing is pronounced how it is spelled... for example, "I am from Rodovre" (which is where my house is) is spelled "Jeg kommer fra Rodovre" and pronounced "Ya comma fla Loooo-OHhhh." I kid you not. The only phrase I can properly say is "I don't know," which my orientation group decided is best pronounced by just mumbling "devil-the-egg." It works.
Also, I have free range of the kitchen, and am expected to pack my own lunch everyday. The problem is I can't read any of the labels. This morning I poured salt all over my corn flakes instead of sugar and was almost too embarrassed to say anything. But it was gross, and I had to, and my host family loved every second of it.
Something else that's different, of course, is the drinking age! A few of the girls from Gburg and I went out to dinner last night and we purchased our first legal beers. Except... another thing that's different here is prices... so a beer and some potato skins cost me like $25. Lameee.
And then of course, certain things stay the same. I hopped on my bus this morning (after missing the first one, I swear it was fate) and the bus driver was blasting "Your Body is a Wonderland." No one talks on the busses here, but I just had to let the driver know, I LOVE THAT SONG. Stoopidamerican.
Finally, I went for a run around Damhussen lake today when I got home. My family said it was about a 5k or 6k so I was all pumped to see what horrible shape I was in. But when I finished the loop in 16 min, I decided that either I had become D1 national material in my time off, or I had been duped. Felt good to run again though. Everyone runs here. EVERYONE.
I'll wrap this up. Today we went on a scavenger hunt in the city and I got some cool pixxx so check for those on facebook soon! Miss you all :) And by all, I mean more than just the 3 people who might happen to stumble across this blog.
Hej hej!
- Caitlin
Monday, August 17, 2009
Everybody's doing it.
Hi!
So, blogging seems to be the thing to do, now that we are all venturing to different corners of the world. (Even though I guess the world doesn't have corners.)
I don't leave for Denmark until Saturday, but I figured I would start this now, since the next 4 days of my life are going to be consumed with work at the summer camp (which could really make a great blog in itself) and packing. When traveling to & from school, I usually take a lot of pride in my ability to cram lots of stuff into a very small space. Flying is a different story. All of a sudden, my entire life has to weigh less than I do. Shoes are a problem.
Anyway, I finally heard back from my host family today. Thomas & Iben have twin 16 year old boys (heheh) and 2 dogs. So really, it's not that different from my real family... you would just have to double Greg. Apparently Iben even works for the same pharmaceutical company as my Dad. My real Dad. Crazy!
Stay tuned, this could get interesting :)
- Caitlin
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