Hej from København!!
Hi everyone!! My name is Kelly McNally and I'm studying this semester in Wonderful Copenhagen, as the capital city is often called. Although I have had the time of my life at the University of Virginia these past two and a half years, I just couldn't pass up the unbelievable opportunity I have to live in Europe for the semester. Mary, Shelby, and I, three amigos back at UVA, are excited to use this blog to record all of our adventures and experiences in Europe as well as share them with loved ones and friends near and far.
So, where to begin!? I have been in Copenhagen 2 weeks so far and it has definitely been a blur! I am glad to say that I have overcome some early crisis already like my computer breaking, new coat being stolen, heat not working, and a cold. Even with some early difficulties I have been having an incredible time so far! I am living on a street called Gammeltoftsgade right in the heart of Copenhagen, and you can only imagine how thrilled I was to show up to my room the first day and see this view out my window...
The lakes (there are 4 in a row like this with land bridges that separate them) are lined with colorful row buildings that epitomize Copenhagen and are a very popular place for runners and walkers!
The first week was filled with Orientations and scavenger hunts run by DIS, the school I'm studying through. The apartment I am living in is only a 15-20 minute walk to class and literally the heart of the city(city center). The Welcome Party was a great time on Friday night and below you can see Emily (my awesome new roomate from Brown!!) and I.
The next morning we got up and went on a trip through our school to Fredericksborg Castle. It was enormous and so beautiful! Half of it was ruined by fire, but the parts we saw were unbelievable. The weather was freezing and rainy, so it could be worth it to go back in the spring to explore the gardens and surrounding quaint town.
you can see the moat is frozen solid!
They weren't lying about how cold it is in Scandinavia!
Even making the twenty minute walk to school can feel like a lifetime with twenty mile an hour winds in twenty-something degree weather. I have learned that simply wearing a big, warm coat is not enough. You need a sweater, a jacket/fleece, AND your big, heavy coat accompanied with gloves, warm socks, and a large scarf wrapped strategically so it covers your neck, ears, and half your face haha. and power walk!
Since I only have class on Mondays and Thursdays I have lots of time to explore Copenhagen during the day. One day I went to Nyhavn (pronounced Nu-hound....I had been pronouncing it Nee-How, and finally asked for the correct pronunciation after two different Danes told me they hadn't heard of that Asian Restaurant...) which is where all of the pictures come from if you Google Copenhagen. Picturesque, colorful row buildings, cafes, and restaurants all lining canals with old sailboats that lead to the harbour. This is by far my favorite place in the city so far!
Little cafe's like this one above line the street and come fully equipped with warm blankets and outdoor heaters so the Danes can still enjoy sitting outside. And they definitely do eat outside! The Danes have an unbelievable tolerance for the cold. I have learned that it is because they are trained early to endure the low temperatures because they make the babies nap outside! They believe it is very healthy for the children to sleep in the fresh air (even if the air is below freezing!) It is also common for Danish mothers to simply leave their babies in strollers outside of stores when they go in to shop or have coffee with a friend. I guess this shows how trusting Danes are and how safe of a city Copenhagen really is.
Anyways, this first post is to simply say hi and give a little introduction to Copenhagen and my semester here! There is so much that has already happened that I will share over the next few posts, like a tour of the city with my "Danish Family" that I signed up for through DIS!
Also, be on the lookout for a post from Mary about her trip here to visit me this weekend!! Lots of good food and fun!!
Hej Hej (pronounced Hi Hi, meaning goodbye) & Godnat! xoxo
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