The Start to Danish Life

Anja and I in my apartment

I have currently been in the country of Denmark for just about 4 days.  It's hard to believe how much one can accomplish in a day.  

Upon arriving we (my dad and I) were greeted by the woman seen on the left.  Her name is Anja and she has been so helpful over these past few days.  She has explained the contract of my apartment, helped get me signed up for my CPR number (like a SS # in the states).  During out various outings she has pointed out many locations of where to purchase food, where concerts are held among other things.  

Everyone I've met so far has been extremely helpful.  My apartment was missing a few items to make it feel more like home.  Maria, a friend who lives part time in Copenhagen and part time in Seattle, took me to Ikea.  I was able to make some small purchases-one of the most important being candles.  Candles are important here for hyggelig (HEW-glee).  Hyggelig is a word used to create a comfort/nice setting at a table.  Which I have seen at almost every restaurant.  

A staple Danish item is a bicycle.  I would say everyone has one.  They use them to get around the city and some the country side.  The ones used for basic transportation are referred to as City Bikes.  These are nothing like the bike I have at home.  They have the basic three gears, are extremely heavy, and these special ring locks for the back tire.  Not to mention the baskets that they all have attached either at the front or the back of the bike for carrying your bags.  If all goes well I should have a bike by this Tuesday meaning that I will get a chance to explore the city via bicycle!

To become a Danish resident for a year, I have to get a CPR number.  This picture was taken at the building where I received this number, and when you get your CPR number you also choose a doctor!   Now that I have my CPR number I can sign up for almost anything.  Cellular phone, library cards, and a bank account.  

The wait here was much shorter than when I had to get the papers put into my passport stating that I had a work and residence permit.  It was also humorous because at first they were confused because it stated that someone else was already living at my residence.  I then learned that not only do you have to register, but you also have to DE-register when living here in Denmark.  I find it every aspect of my adjustment here to be very interesting, I like learning the ways of a new country.  It's still all very exciting and charming (though some of that may fade later).

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On Thursday the 26th of August we met Rachel at the airport and helped her to her apartment as she will also be doing a work exchange here in Denmark with Novo Nordisk.  Shown here is a photo of us in her apartment.

That evening we had a quick walk around the Nyhavn area and ended up having dinner.  As we walked we would see so many people sitting along the edge of the canal enjoying one of the last few days of warmth.  Having a picnic dinner as the sun slowly set.  Not to mention one of the canal boats went by almost as if it were a party barge filled with a younger crowed clearly out to enjoy the evening.  

Here is just a glimpse of what we had for dinner.  This was a chocolate mousse cake with some pistachio ice cream.  It also included a line of raspberry sauce which I also found to be delectable.

Chocolate Mousse Cake

   

Dinner at my apartment

Friday I spent most of the day sleeping as I am still not fully adjusted to the Danish timezone.  Once I finally did decide to greet the day, my dad and I went looking around at various bike shops in the city.  We spent a little time at one shop that had bikes that were used and for sale.  We also learned information about the two main styles of bikes here.  One of the two options is to have a bike with a handle bar that is straight across which provides you with a hunched over stance as you ride the bike.  The second of the two options has a handle bar the curves upward (which you can sort of see in the picture of the bike above) which allows the rider to sit up as they ride their bike.  I am hoping to acquire one of the bikes that has more of the retro feel.  In the evening we had Rachel over for dinner and just made a simple pasta meal and salad.  It was nice to chat and hear about how Rachels first day at Novo went and to hear about how a typical day might look for us.  

Amalienborg Palace

Opera House

Saturday we met up with Rachel and followed a Rick Steves map of Copenhagen.  Just walking around some of the touristy sights and enjoying the sun when it peaked out from behind the clouds.

As we were walking I saw this family enjoying their Saturday afternoon.  The ballons looked so picture perfect I had to grab a shot.  Then as we walked down the walking street, I pointed out that there was a baresso.  Which is important because it is a take away coffee place.  My dad and Rachel quickly ducked in to grab a drink.  I stayed outside (because I noticed that it was very crowed inside!) and had to grab a quick shot of these little Asians and their coffees.

Basketball Competition 

There was a basketball tournament happening at the end of the walking street.  It was pretty cool to see all the hoops set up for the occasion.  There was also a DJ-actually I think there were two.  One spoke English and the other Danish.   

Carlsberg:  Probably the Best Beer in Town

Also in the square is a building that contains many advertisements that are lit up at night.  The funniest one being Carlsberg.

After the walking tour we took a short rest around the lakes.  The lakes are used mostly as a reference point for direction, as they divide up the City Central from the other areas of Copenhagen.  

Dinner in the Latin Quarter

That evening we went and had dinner in the Latin Quarter.  Every restaurant that still has seating outside places blankets on the chairs so that the guests can stay warm throughout the meal.

My view at dinner

Tivoli Entrance 

Trying to be in the European mind set we had a very late dinner which wrapped up around 8:45pm.  After we walked down to Tivoli and walked around to see all it has to offer.  We walked past the dinning establishments, rides that looked slightly terrifying, and then small carnival games that one could stop and play.


The whole place is enchanting at night there are so many lights.  All different colors, shapes, and layouts.  Here are just a few pictures of all the light set ups.

                              

                               


As we were walking out we started to hear the sounds of a band playing.  There is always some sort of live entertainment at Tivoli.  It was a nice sending out as we made our way home.

Kind Regards!