Day 1 & 2

So Day 1 in brief:
I arrived in Copenhagen yesterday morning after a successful (and luxurious- thanks Carol!) overnight flight. I landed with 2 contact numbers and an address in hand and with the help of friendly locals at the airport, a sweet older lady in my new neighborhood and finally, a new neighbor named Claus, I found my new home for the next 4 months.

While my roommate is out of town for the weekend, his mother, in town for a school presentation, and Ariane, his previous roommate up from Germany for a visit, welcomed me in. Both were incredibly nice and my room setup is cozy and inviting. My other new friend is Perro, a snuggler of a dog, who joined me for a quick nap. Ariane soon became my teacher and tour guide, helping to set me up with a 10 ride Metro card, a home cooked dinner, directions to the University campuses, and my first night out - a few drinks with her friends at a place called the Moose.

Day 2:
Woke up at noon (not too shabby given that's 6a in the states) and said goodbyes to Ariane who left today before setting out to explore the city. My neighborhood is one of several considered within the city of Copenhagen, and an artsy one I do believe. Not too far down the road is an "alternative" community, Christiania, that appears to function like an independent hippie commune with it's own currency, restaurants, artwork and to some extent, laws. The whole community appears to be surrounded by a wooden fence and is marked with a large overhanging wooden sign that reminds me of a summer camp entrance. I've yet to venture inside although I hear everyone is quite friendly.

The central part of the city is a fairly easy walk from the apartment and if it weren't for the cold, I think I could get most anywhere in the city on foot (or much faster by bicycle). But alas, it is cold. Bone chilling cold that makes my toes ache. But the city is so beautiful it's been worth it to explore. Today I found the international office (possibly my new place of work for 5 hrs a week) and the City Campus of the University where I'll have orientation on Monday.

Tomorrow I plan to set out again and explore some of the other areas. I still need to find the campus where I'll have my classes.

More news at some point!

Of the day:
Word (and the only one I know so far) - tak
- means thank you in Danish and goes with a host of other phrases to mean "thanks very much" "thank you for this evening" and others I've yet to learn.

Interesting sight - crying toddler being pulled through the city on a sled and a dog in a camo sweater and booties

Tomorrow's to do - buy warm socks and contemplate my bicycling ability in the snow!