Just wanted to write a little so I can start fresh after my trip. To be honest, I have done nothing really but party these past few days. People are dropping like flies and we're going out every night to "celebrate" (even though it's not really a celebration..). I am packing for my trip tonight in hopes to be able to have a mildly decent day tomorrow before leaving. Last night I went to a wine/cheese night before going out. It was really nice, tried wines from all over the world and had homemade cheese fondu. Something I really want to try and organize when I get home. Everyone paid 100dkk, chose either red or white wines and got to sample three different wines. There were printouts with the bio of the wines next to each bottle so you could start to get a feel for what tastes you like the most. I don't think I like flint stone in my wine. There was also one final dessert wine, which was nice--a muscat it's called...? Anyways, for Marc and Alis last night (Tuesday) we had a BBQ in Tordens and then Wall Street after that. Last night was Hannah's last night so we had wine/cheese night and then LA Bar. Here are some pictures (last link, only updated):
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2108592&l=e485b&id=73404302
Info on my upcoming travel plans:
Friday & Saturday--Split (Croatia)
Sunday & Monday--Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Tuesday & Wednesday--Montenegro
Thursday--Sarajevo (Bosnia)
Friday--Bus from Bosnia to Split, back in CPH around 1am Saturday morning
There will be a lot of bus traveling so we can make it to all of these places but I am so excited to see them I couldn't stand doing less bus while not being able to see all of these places. Dino's family is paying for all of our accommodations, which is quite nice of them. We are staying in their summer home while in Montenegro and they have rented us nice apartments by the coast for the other days.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
New Pictures!
Copenhagen Spring Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2107400&l=f4b0b&id=73404302
More Spring Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2108592&l=e485b&id=73404302
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2107400&l=f4b0b&id=73404302
More Spring Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2108592&l=e485b&id=73404302
Can't everyone stop leaving?!
So since the last post I think I'm really starting to feel the depth of how much a study abroad experience can affect a person. People are starting to leave Copenhagen for good. To be honest, I know this means there is a very slim chance that I will ever see them again. People that were my whole world for these past few months are just gone. I feel like I have gotten so close to people here I just can't imagine this being taken away so quickly. Does this really have to end? I have become wrapped up in the carefree lifestyle of barbecues, beaches, friends and fun. I guess friends is quite the understatement. Having come here with nobody along for the ride these people have truly become family to me. I know I'm being a bit dramatic or emotional about this, but it really feels like a shot to my life that this has to end. WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO END?!?!!? Everything was just perfect when my friends were just a call or a floor code away. Or when I could just look out the window and see if the grill was on or not. I can only really remember the past few weeks right now, but the entire experience was beyond amazing. Even the crappier stuff I got through with help and support from friends here or family back home.
A few things I will miss dearly (and I'm not even gone yet..not even close!):
Brewsters loud footsteps and hot chili sauce on everything, calling Jos and Brewster "The Brewsters", Hideaki's loud phone calls with his girlfriend or him scaring Dinos friends, Ubah eating ice all the time (for some reason), never seeing Ariane (like never), Alex and his Borat suit or bizarre sober confessions. Jonathan's bickering about American/British English and long talks about anything, drunk Yasha, Grimey, the phrase "304", "205" and "207" (how we answer the phone), Ben constantly telling me I'm not funny but still letting me talk to him about nearly anything and anytime, Josef always telling me what the biggest thing in Copenhagen is, Marc being the perfect dad on spring break, Marcos and his grilled banana/chocolate, Hannah's stories, and the list goes on and on and on... these are only a few of the people in my residence.
Pearly bay, Kulor bar, being called "Jo Zibell" or "Ms. Arbell"
Just a few random thoughts I wanted to post before I forget them. No need to say that there will be tons more added through this next month.
Okay, back onto my journal portion of my blog:
**Thursday was studying studying studying then Ubah's going away dinner. She cooked Indian food and it was amazing! So sad to be saying goodbye
**Friday was my exam. Four hours but it wasn't too bad, International Management, only two questions but could be long/involved answers. After that we sat outside, went to Aldi, then had a bbq in the backyard. That night we all went out to an international students party at a club called Rename in honor of Brewster's last night with us in Copenhagen. It was nice to see so many exchange students again!
**Saturday--Brewster left, we were all crowded in his room for about 1/2 hr saying our final goodbyes, etc. I ended up moving into his room so me and Elyse could each have our own rooms instead of being cramped in one. Saturday night we hung out on 3rd floor common room for awhile and then Dino and I went to Copenhagen Casino with his friends. It was expensive and we played the 1dkk slots. It was my first casino experience, so I was glad I went.
Today (Sunday)--We were going to go to Tivoli but the weather was so cold. Ended up getting pizza and hanging out with people all day. Finished moving and then said my goodbyes to Ben. Luckily he isn't leaving for good yet, I don't know if I could deal with so many people leaving right away!
A few things I will miss dearly (and I'm not even gone yet..not even close!):
Brewsters loud footsteps and hot chili sauce on everything, calling Jos and Brewster "The Brewsters", Hideaki's loud phone calls with his girlfriend or him scaring Dinos friends, Ubah eating ice all the time (for some reason), never seeing Ariane (like never), Alex and his Borat suit or bizarre sober confessions. Jonathan's bickering about American/British English and long talks about anything, drunk Yasha, Grimey, the phrase "304", "205" and "207" (how we answer the phone), Ben constantly telling me I'm not funny but still letting me talk to him about nearly anything and anytime, Josef always telling me what the biggest thing in Copenhagen is, Marc being the perfect dad on spring break, Marcos and his grilled banana/chocolate, Hannah's stories, and the list goes on and on and on... these are only a few of the people in my residence.
Pearly bay, Kulor bar, being called "Jo Zibell" or "Ms. Arbell"
Just a few random thoughts I wanted to post before I forget them. No need to say that there will be tons more added through this next month.
Okay, back onto my journal portion of my blog:
**Thursday was studying studying studying then Ubah's going away dinner. She cooked Indian food and it was amazing! So sad to be saying goodbye
**Friday was my exam. Four hours but it wasn't too bad, International Management, only two questions but could be long/involved answers. After that we sat outside, went to Aldi, then had a bbq in the backyard. That night we all went out to an international students party at a club called Rename in honor of Brewster's last night with us in Copenhagen. It was nice to see so many exchange students again!
**Saturday--Brewster left, we were all crowded in his room for about 1/2 hr saying our final goodbyes, etc. I ended up moving into his room so me and Elyse could each have our own rooms instead of being cramped in one. Saturday night we hung out on 3rd floor common room for awhile and then Dino and I went to Copenhagen Casino with his friends. It was expensive and we played the 1dkk slots. It was my first casino experience, so I was glad I went.
Today (Sunday)--We were going to go to Tivoli but the weather was so cold. Ended up getting pizza and hanging out with people all day. Finished moving and then said my goodbyes to Ben. Luckily he isn't leaving for good yet, I don't know if I could deal with so many people leaving right away!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Nice weather is finally here
This past week a lot has happened... here's a quick recap
**Tuesday, May 6th--Dino and I went to the American Embassy to get his stuff settled for his visa to come visit me in the States. It was a big, gray, ugly building with a small waiting room which was also the room that they do the interviews in so you could hear everything. We had to wait an hour and a half before it was time for his interview! When the lady asked him how he knew me he told her we were friends, but I think she caught on. She probed a little harder and he finally admitted that we were "sorta dating" the entire waiting room heard and burst out laughing. It was pretty funny, I've never seen Dino that embarrassed before. Later that day, I went to a park that I had found on the way to the Embassy and studied for my final. I would say there was more napping/tanning than studying.
**Wednesday, May 7th--Today we went to the oldest amusement park in the world which is right outside of Copenhagen. It's called Bakken and is right in with a big nature park. You walk a ways into this park and then finally BAM there are rides, candy stands, restaurants, everything. We ended up buying the unlimited rides bracelet (200dkk) and made good use of it. I think we went on this one that reminded me of the tilt-a-whirl about a million times, each time better than the last. There were bumper cars, race cars, haunted houses, everything.
**Thursday, May 8th--Went back to the park and found a nice place to get to serious studying. I ended up staying there for quite awhile. That night there was a barbecue for one of the girls' birthdays in Tordens. There is a really nice grill and sitting area in our courtyard so a bunch of people from the dorm were there, lasted almost til midnight outside before it was too cold/dark.
**Friday, May 9th--It was such a nice day I decided I would try my hand at a run outside. Considering I love sun but hate running it turned into more of a walk/tan than anything else. After that I was hustled out to go to the beach with Marc Larivee, Chris Brewster, Ben Murphy, and Jonathan Jones (friends from Tordens... I was asked to use their full names so they could google themselves..idiots, I know). Dino met us a little later on. It's so sad to think that this is one of our last outings together!!!!!!! People start leaving on the 17th (one left on the 10th). After that we picked up some grill food and had another dorm-wide bbq. People from other dorms joined us too, turned into a good gathering with lots of people I haven't seen in awhile.
**Saturday, May 10th--Had an early library session to try and stay on track with my studying then I met Brewster, Ben, and Marc in Kings Park for the Whit Carnival celebration. It wasnt the actual carnival part of it, but the parade was on Stroget so a ton of people gathered there. I went with Alex and his friend who was visiting. We got some beer and sat and enjoyed the weather. Another barbecue that night... smaller this time and at some point I got a brilliant idea to go visit Dino and his family in Helsingor. I ended up getting there around midnight...
**Sunday, May 11th--Mothers Day. Dino and I got his mom some flowers and I wrote out a card for her (in Bosnian). They don't really celebrate Mothers Day that much in Danish or Bosnian cultures so I think she was really surprised and happy to be getting flowers. Later that day we went to the beach in Helsingor which was right on the coast and you could see Sweden across the way. Another barbecue.. Bosnian this time though. Pretty much that just entails a lot of food.. the chevapcici sausages, hamburgers, chicken, salads, fruit, everything. That night we rented some movies and had a quiet night
**Monday, May 12th--Another Danish holiday. I don't know or care anymore what all of these holidays are. To me it just seems like another vacation day for them. We worked out, watched movies, then got ready for ANOTHER BBQ! This was definitely the most interesting of them all, and I promise they do stop after this one. It was a BBQ with Dino's friends, the same ones we played basketball with a few months ago. I would say there were about 10 people in all. I can't really find words to describe how I felt during most of the time there, everyone was speaking Danish and making jokes in Danish and laughing in Danish (if that's possible). Dino seemed to be having such a great time with his friends that I felt a little forgotten about, like I was just dumped into this weird sea full of Danish speaking people. Almost a cruel joke because it seemed like they were having so much fun and I could see the fun, feel the fun, but not understand ANY of it. While the food was cooking, a group of people were outside and I got to talking to Dino's friend Stasha. He was so nice and really seemed to take an interest in what I had to say. He spoke almost perfect English and went out of his way to make me feel welcomed. Throughout the dinner whenever there would be a funny joke he (or sometimes a few of the other guys) would translate and make sure I wasn't left out. It was such a nice gesture to try and make sure I could laugh with them but it was hard because jokes don't translate all that well and it felt like the spotlight was on me because everyone else had their laughs already and were waiting on me to react. I really appreciate having the opportunity to have been at a true Danish house and experience a true Danish gathering (even though most of them are foreigners too) because with the exchange program you really don't get integrated into Danish culture, more into being only with other exchange kids. Other elements of human interaction and connections that I hadn't noticed before were more evident--you could tell who were the funny ones and the quieter ones. The experience really did shake me a little bit though.
Tuesday, May 13th--Came back from Helsingor, studied at CBS, workout, then made dinner. Nothing too exciting to report. After dinner Dino and I walked this trail near Osterport station and found a preserved army fortress.
Wednesday, May 14th--See above. Exam Friday
**Tuesday, May 6th--Dino and I went to the American Embassy to get his stuff settled for his visa to come visit me in the States. It was a big, gray, ugly building with a small waiting room which was also the room that they do the interviews in so you could hear everything. We had to wait an hour and a half before it was time for his interview! When the lady asked him how he knew me he told her we were friends, but I think she caught on. She probed a little harder and he finally admitted that we were "sorta dating" the entire waiting room heard and burst out laughing. It was pretty funny, I've never seen Dino that embarrassed before. Later that day, I went to a park that I had found on the way to the Embassy and studied for my final. I would say there was more napping/tanning than studying.
**Wednesday, May 7th--Today we went to the oldest amusement park in the world which is right outside of Copenhagen. It's called Bakken and is right in with a big nature park. You walk a ways into this park and then finally BAM there are rides, candy stands, restaurants, everything. We ended up buying the unlimited rides bracelet (200dkk) and made good use of it. I think we went on this one that reminded me of the tilt-a-whirl about a million times, each time better than the last. There were bumper cars, race cars, haunted houses, everything.
**Thursday, May 8th--Went back to the park and found a nice place to get to serious studying. I ended up staying there for quite awhile. That night there was a barbecue for one of the girls' birthdays in Tordens. There is a really nice grill and sitting area in our courtyard so a bunch of people from the dorm were there, lasted almost til midnight outside before it was too cold/dark.
**Friday, May 9th--It was such a nice day I decided I would try my hand at a run outside. Considering I love sun but hate running it turned into more of a walk/tan than anything else. After that I was hustled out to go to the beach with Marc Larivee, Chris Brewster, Ben Murphy, and Jonathan Jones (friends from Tordens... I was asked to use their full names so they could google themselves..idiots, I know). Dino met us a little later on. It's so sad to think that this is one of our last outings together!!!!!!! People start leaving on the 17th (one left on the 10th). After that we picked up some grill food and had another dorm-wide bbq. People from other dorms joined us too, turned into a good gathering with lots of people I haven't seen in awhile.
**Saturday, May 10th--Had an early library session to try and stay on track with my studying then I met Brewster, Ben, and Marc in Kings Park for the Whit Carnival celebration. It wasnt the actual carnival part of it, but the parade was on Stroget so a ton of people gathered there. I went with Alex and his friend who was visiting. We got some beer and sat and enjoyed the weather. Another barbecue that night... smaller this time and at some point I got a brilliant idea to go visit Dino and his family in Helsingor. I ended up getting there around midnight...
**Sunday, May 11th--Mothers Day. Dino and I got his mom some flowers and I wrote out a card for her (in Bosnian). They don't really celebrate Mothers Day that much in Danish or Bosnian cultures so I think she was really surprised and happy to be getting flowers. Later that day we went to the beach in Helsingor which was right on the coast and you could see Sweden across the way. Another barbecue.. Bosnian this time though. Pretty much that just entails a lot of food.. the chevapcici sausages, hamburgers, chicken, salads, fruit, everything. That night we rented some movies and had a quiet night
**Monday, May 12th--Another Danish holiday. I don't know or care anymore what all of these holidays are. To me it just seems like another vacation day for them. We worked out, watched movies, then got ready for ANOTHER BBQ! This was definitely the most interesting of them all, and I promise they do stop after this one. It was a BBQ with Dino's friends, the same ones we played basketball with a few months ago. I would say there were about 10 people in all. I can't really find words to describe how I felt during most of the time there, everyone was speaking Danish and making jokes in Danish and laughing in Danish (if that's possible). Dino seemed to be having such a great time with his friends that I felt a little forgotten about, like I was just dumped into this weird sea full of Danish speaking people. Almost a cruel joke because it seemed like they were having so much fun and I could see the fun, feel the fun, but not understand ANY of it. While the food was cooking, a group of people were outside and I got to talking to Dino's friend Stasha. He was so nice and really seemed to take an interest in what I had to say. He spoke almost perfect English and went out of his way to make me feel welcomed. Throughout the dinner whenever there would be a funny joke he (or sometimes a few of the other guys) would translate and make sure I wasn't left out. It was such a nice gesture to try and make sure I could laugh with them but it was hard because jokes don't translate all that well and it felt like the spotlight was on me because everyone else had their laughs already and were waiting on me to react. I really appreciate having the opportunity to have been at a true Danish house and experience a true Danish gathering (even though most of them are foreigners too) because with the exchange program you really don't get integrated into Danish culture, more into being only with other exchange kids. Other elements of human interaction and connections that I hadn't noticed before were more evident--you could tell who were the funny ones and the quieter ones. The experience really did shake me a little bit though.
Tuesday, May 13th--Came back from Helsingor, studied at CBS, workout, then made dinner. Nothing too exciting to report. After dinner Dino and I walked this trail near Osterport station and found a preserved army fortress.
Wednesday, May 14th--See above. Exam Friday
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Foods I figured out I liked
I’m dedicating a blog to recording all of the foods I’ve discovered I like throughout my travels.
Copenhagen— I think a very special blog section is called for as a tribute to my “7-11 Food Loves”: P.I.B.s, Haribo gummies, Matilde cocoa milk, Vanilla & Mint gum, Danish hot dogs, Kim’s Minimum white popcorn, and portable yogurts. Other than that, not that much really, nothing that is really “Danish” except I guess pork or something of the sort. I had a sandwich from a place called “Danish Lunch” and that was the closest I’ve gotten to being sick from food this whole trip. I do like Carlsberg and Tuborg beer, Pearly Bay white wine, Fishermann’s shots, oh and Danish honey.
Dino’s family—Tea (with or without Danish honey), Chevopcici (Bosnian sausages), vegetables with vinegar, homemade pancakes (preferably with Nutella), Bosnian spice (on chicken is the best), goulash, homemade bread,
I’ll keep adding to this list as travels go on and if I remember some other ones
My first live "Football" game
This past week hasn’t been all that exciting. After the buzz of
One of the days I found out my grade for my Corporate Finance exam (the one I thought I did so well on). A FOUR!!!!!!!!! That is absolutely horrible! I don’t know how on earth I could have done so poorly, especially when I thought I did so well. (If you don’t me all that well, I am usually a very good student—A’s or AB’s) I will definitely have to figure out what went so bad. It’s so frustrating because this is the same teacher I had problems with before—Bechmann (avoid him like the plague). He uploaded all of the class information to the site that full-time degree students have access to but international students have very limited access to. That’s frustrating for many reasons, for example, no exam information was posted previous to the exam (where/time/etc), and no information about who his secretary is or how to contact him/her. I emailed him a few other times, letting him know that international students can only see part of what he posts with very snotty replies mainly to the effect of “Contact my secretary”. Which, would be fine (still annoying, but fine) if I had access to that information!!!!!!!! I think I have a new arch nemesis…
Other frustrations dealing with CBS Administration this week—Housing Department. I may sound like I’m going on a crazy lady rant, but honestly, this administration is so messed up. Paying for the second half of housing has been a complete joke. I went to get my bill on March 15 (when they originally said it would be out), and they were late with it. Two more times this happened until I finally received the bill. Great, there goes about $30 lost due to the plunging exchange rate while they were so late in getting their stuff organized. Then, when I went to pay the thing…following their instructions, and let me quote… “Your payment can easily be made in any Danske Bank branch office or at the post office…” Following strict instructions I went to the post office to “easily” make my payment. Stood in line for a good 15 minutes until they told me only Danish bank cards are accepted at any/all post offices in
Yeesh.. okay moving on. Wednesday night I went up to Espaergade (near Helsingor) to stay with Dino’s family for a few days. Thursday was a Danish holiday (not sure what, but they don’t do anything that day). We were going to have a barbeque but it was such bad weather we couldn’t. Dino and I took a walk around Espaergade that night, very pretty and quaint neighborhood. Oh and I got to try the Fitnessdk up in Helsingor, it was really nice. Of course, there was so much food I was stuffed the entire time. Friday we went back into Helsingor and walked around and ate dinner. I also went to mail a package to my roommates (finally after I had been trying for a week or two) and because I wanted to mail a shot glass (to Anna for her 21st) they were going to charge me almost $30!!! Without that it was close to $15…sorry Anna I owe you a drink or two.
Saturday we came back to
Sunday (today)—we went to Vladebeck or somewhere like that to watch Dino’s brother play soccer. His first game back since a foot injury about 6-7weeks ago. Very nice weather, he scored a goal, but they still lost. I think I’m turning a little European because I actually enjoyed watching the game a bit. A good workout, finishing my book (Diary of Anne Frank) outside in our courtyard, and finishing up some things to round out my weekend. Whew.. long blog but I think I’m updated!
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