My First Week: Settling In

Today marks the end of my first week in Copenhagen, and what a long, long week it has been. There is something about moving to a completely new city and shifting forward many time zones that makes everything just feel so sluggish. Oh wait, that’s jetlag!

In honor of moving to Copenhagen and dealing with transition, homesickness, and a new community, I thought that I would document everything that I’ve accomplished this week.

1. Jumped into the harbour at Islands Brygge!

The very first event that our LLC did together was taking a GoBoat tour of the harbour, so I was familiar with Islands Brygge, a popular swimming spot in Copenhagen.

Everyone has been encouraging us to take advantage of the warm and sunny weather before it disappears in a few weeks. After a hot and sweaty afternoon, Liana and I took that advice and, after a lot of faltering, jumped in the harbour. My heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest. I really thought for a second in the water I would black out, the cold was so intense. But the adrenaline rush was strong and not too long afterward, we took on the 3 meter jump off the wooden deck. It was scary and freezing cold, but we did it!

2. Explored my neighborhood (mostly) without Google Maps!

It is really wonderful to be in the center of the city. Along with being just a seven minute walk from all the DIS buildings, I’m surrounded by shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. The streets are loud and rowdy some nights, but the busyness of the city can be energizing.

I have always been someone who has relied a bit too much on Google Maps, so I decided to challenge myself this week by navigating with just my sense of direction and familiar landmarks. I had a lot of fun just wandering the streets near my LLC, knowing that any point I could open up Google Maps if I was really lost.

3. Visited Copenhagen’s most iconic tourist spot: Nyhavn Harbour

This tourist spot has been my phone background for more than a month now, and so knowing that it was only a ten minute walk away from my LLC made my heart soar. Standing in front of the boats and canal-side restaurants solidified that I was really in Copenhagen.

4. Ate onsdagssnegle at the famous Sankt Peder’s Bageri!

I had read enough blogs by DIS students to know about Saint Peter’s Bakery and it’s Wednesday onsdagssnegle (Wednesday snails/cinnamon rolls), so when Wednesday morning came around, I dragged our LLC over to the bakery and WOW. It was absolutely worth the 20dkk and I will absolutely be making it a Wednesday morning tradition.

5. Took public transportation (for the first time!) to Amager Strandpark

One thing I really appreciate about my location in Copenhagen is how easy it is to walk everywhere that I need to go. And if where I need to go is too long of a walk, I can always take public transportation. A couple members of my LLC suggested that we head to Amager Beach, which is just a couple stops away from Nørreport Station, our nearest metro station. Today was the warmest it has been since I got here, so it was lovely to spend time swimming and hanging out on the beach.

Although parts of this week were confusing and challenging, I am slowly finding my place in this city. I feel optimistic for the future and what’s to come! And I’m excited to update you all after week two.