Coming in for a landing, my plane drifted through a dense fog as the runway materialized out of nowhere. I’m in Copenhagen. Once I moved into my ‘village’ on campus the intro festivities began. Split into small groups, we got to know each other by the hackneyed, oft-repeated game: give a bunch of engineers a pile of bull shit and tell them to build a tower with ability to hold the most beer cans.
 |
| Our group and tower |
With this freshly built camaraderie, we took to touring Copenhagen. Under a fresh powdering of snow and the day’s sunshine, it proved to be one of those idyllic, picturesque cities. Sites included the Opera House, Amalienborg Palace (Residence of the Royalty), The National Museum (Danish History), and the Little Mermaid on the harbor shore.
 |
| The Little Mermaid. And wind power. |
 |
| Amalienborg Palace, complete with royal guards |
 |
| I have been reminded of my love for Legos |
That night we visited the StudenterHuset where students from various local universities frequent. Despite the relative expense, we proceeded to libate. Although many things are different here in Denmark, the music is exactly the same – Gaga, Barbra Streisand.. I wish my Madison-ites were there to dance it up.
The following day we took a trip to a castle from the 16th century in the nearby town of Hillød. Never having experienced such a grandiose building with a long history, it was a very cool to go on a tour of it. I am already planning to return in the summer.
 |
| Frederiksborg Palace |
We finished the night with a finale dinner for the international students at the campus canteen followed by a night at the student bar in the same building. Like the union with a dance floor.
Further exploring Copenhagen, we came onto a rebel neighborhood named Christianshavn. Owing its inspiration to the 70s era anti-establishment, it is complete with colorful murals, colorful people, and a market for commodities which you normally can’t find in your local supermarket. Sadly, there is a strict no-photo rule, so I can only tell you to see it for yourself.
And so begins my time here in Denmark, with classes starting on Monday. Here we go.
