Crash course in Danish language and life

Traveling to Denmark went smoothly, minus a minor hiccup at the Portland Airport. You see, on the ticket information it never specifically said that international travelers are allowed to check two bags, in addition to a carry-on. I assumed it was the same, and well you know what they say happens when you assume... you make a spectacle out of yourself in the airport. So I found out this convenient fact after my suitcase weighed in at 83 pounds, 33 pounds over the weight limit. In order to avoid a massive fee, my father went scrambling to the nearest store to buy another suitcase. He arrived back in time, problem solved, and I was on my way.

I traveled from Portland, to Chicago, to Stockholm, to Copenhagen. No major delays and my luggage arrived here in tact, which is a miracle in an of itself. I managed to get some sleep on the planes, but I was still completely wiped when I arrived in Denmark. The mandetory orientaiton session prevented me from crashing right off the bat. After getting keys, metro money, 2/3rd of my food stipend and a million other forms I was allowed to go to my dorm. I don't think I've ever slept so well. (Pictures of my room to come!)

This morning we had opening ceremonies for DIS (Danish Insitute for Study Abroad, my program) at the Black Diamond, The Royal Danish Library. It is a stunning building. ( See photo below from Wikipedia)

Next I recieved my course books, and if weight is any indicutation of future knowledge, it looks like I will be learning a ton this semester. There are 10 heavy books for my 5 classes. That may not seem like a lot, but those books are thick and my arms are not.

This afternoon I had a three hour crash course in Danish. It is not easy. The language neither looks how it sounds, or sounds what it looks like. We did basic questions and greeting, then went to the grocery store. After class, on the way back to the metro, I tried my hand at grocery shopping. This time, however, I had no teacher and was carrying my books.

It is important to note that Danish grocery stores are not like American grocery stores. According to one Dane, Denmark has the worst food in Europe. Having been warned, I was bracing myself for the worst. It is not as bad as I thought, but it's not ideal. The vegetables and fruit are lacking quality and quantity. You can tell they are genetically engineered, which is odd for a country who prides itself on being 'green'. There was no butcher at either the stores I visited. With that being said, grocery shopping is one of my favorite things to do so I had fun roaming around the store picking up the essentials. Milk is more expensive than alcohol and juice. Yogurt was my favorite buy, it comes in milk cartons. I picked up only one American vice, heinz ketchup. If I didn't find it I would have begged my sister to send it over to me.

After spending over 300 krones, $60 dollars of my stipend, I had three heavy bags and was a bit lost. I was able to find the metro station, and two nice vendors walked me over the right entrance with proper directions. I think they helped me because I looked like I was going to topple over or cry or both. On the way home I met a Scottish girl living in my kollegium and successfully found my way back to my room

Well it is almost nine here and I have to get going. I'm outside and it's getting dark. Good Night.