Copenhagen- a first glance.

Whilst it's no Facebook, due to popular demand I’ve compromised and will be engaging in blogging as often as possible to recapture the highs and lows of my exchange journey… occasionally I may also segue to topics that better capture my idiosyncratic thoughts and better engage you in the life of the city.

My journey began in transit with what could have been an agonizing six-hour stop over in China. However, visa in hand, in just four hours I was spellbound by Guangzhou. It was tantalising and all I did was have dinner with friends, thank you Gemma and Chen, and a quick drive by tour.

I definitely hope to someday explore everything that the city and China has to offer. I’m even contemplating taking Chinese beginners next semester!

(For those who've just sighed at the length of my first post, here are my Danish music suggestions to help you get through: If you're in the mood for something mellow try, 'Mads Langer' and for those who prefer something more upbeat, experimental/pop, tune into 'Rangleklods'.)

Copenhagen 2012- Hej fra København

First impression--Copenhagen is an absolutely stunning city.

The metro train will
arrive in just ½ a minute-
unbelievable!! Sydney take note!

The city seems exceptional in almost every way; from their odd democracy, politics, welfare and currency to buildings, design and public transport systems (more on each incrementally later). The only fault I’ve found to date is that it's perhaps not as clean as I’d expected but about everything else has been perfect... with the obvious exception of the administrative hiccups that come with moving to a new city.
For those of you who may be thinking of exchange, factor in a few days for administration- you will undoubtedly underestimate the number of things, little, but extremely important, that need to be done- UGH!

With only one administrative task remaining I feel successfully settled.

For the first week or so I stayed with friends of friends, Marianne and Lars, who continue to be very helpful and, including their daughter Stine, are wonderful company. Their names will no doubt continue to pop up but because they live in the countryside, Havdrup, and Romi, one of my oldest friends was coming to stay, I moved to Hellerup.

Carlsberg is Denmark's largest brewing
 company- also brewing the very
 popular local beer Tuborg.

This was really a convenience move because although Havdrup is in the countryside it is not that far away, at most 30 minute drive. Copenhagen-ites and Danes living on Zealand think the countryside is anything 20 mins or more out of the city and anything that isn’t reachable within 15 min by bike is “a long way away” or simply too far. So although I’ve moved closer it is still considered to be a ways a way from the city, 30 minutes (too far) by bike.

For those who may be unaware, Zealand is the Island on which Copenhagen is located and Denmark, not including its two overseas constituent countries, is made up of many islands.

Bike 'seats' on the train. The entire
city has bike smart infrastructure.

And because I loved living in Hellerup so much and my place was available I didn’t move again. I live with a beautiful Dane, also called Stine, who has been extremely accommodating and whom I feel very fortunate to have met. I had imagined that I may speak Danish with Stine but despite my course it seems unlikely I will use my newly acquired skills as everyone’s English is exceptional and almost always people revert to English when they hear you struggling.

My Danish language course was, however, a lot of fun and a good distraction. It thrust routine upon me from the get go and by my third day I was lost in endless impromptu social excursions with my friends. Everyday after class we’d explore the city; loose ourselves, have an adventure or just sit with a few beers in one of the many beautiful parks. (A discussion point for later is definitely to be had on public drinking!)

Romi on our first
night out with Stine.

Before I knew it, and not because of the alcohol, Romi was due to arrive. Having Romi stay was amazing. It felt like time stopped as we chatted endlessly and revelled in touristy outings. Whilst in Copenhagen Romi and I laughed endlessly, and continually pointed out the differences to home. Of particularly merit is bike riding in a dress or mini skirt or after a few drinks.

The cycling life here is crazy! Cyclists rule the road and come in masses. Shape, size and speed aside- all seemingly pose a threat or hazard of some description- definitely never a force be reckoned with! Despite my description, although often terrifying, it is surprisingly safe and mostly exhilarating. And thanks to Romi’s stay, in buying an extra bike we found a great antique Cannondale, a racy red road bike with white upholstery, at a yard sale for a steal J

Driving back from Tylstrup
over Great Belt Bridge.

The novelty of spotting a Freya
truck never died.

As time continued to sweep by- I successfully finished my Danish language course and headed to Tylstrup in Jutland, Denmarks largest Island, with Romi, Marianne and Stine to visit Marianne’s parents. It was a wonderful weekend, thank you to Bodil and Poul, and because we drove all the way there it was interesting to see what was, or rather wasn’t in between. We crossed the third largest suspension bridge in the world and drove over the highest point in Denmark, at a mere 170m. Similar to Australia, however, for most of the drive there was nothing but bare land in between.

Host and tour guide Joan,
with Romi on an
outing in Mallorca.

With only a week to spare between returning to Copenhagen and class starting I headed to Mallorca, Spain, to visit a friend, Joan. Romi having no concrete plans decided last minute to join me and we stayed with Joan in his families coastal place near the water in Cala Rajada. Mallorca was fascinating, with its rich cultural history, beautiful landscape and current inhabitants (aside from locals: the east full of German tourists and the west full of British tourists). Where we were staying could have been a place in Germany, not only for the sheer numbers of Germans, but also because menus were in German and almost all staff at local businesses spoke German. Despite having a similar reputation to Ibiza, it has something to offer every tourist and if you ever find yourself in this part of the world be sure to visit the mountain town of Deia in the West as the scenery is stunning.

Writing from my living room

Back in Copenhagen classes started the very next day... but I think that’s more than enough from me for now. I will try to write more regularly. Next up will include a trip to Louisiana Museum and Skagen, the most northern town in Denmark.

Feel free to comment, leave feedback or drop me an email.