The Arrival

After six hours of waiting - take off. There was something electrifying about knowing that that was the last time I would be on American soil for a while, and waiting for me upon landing was six months of adventure, and the constant pushing of my comfort zone.

The plane was one of the more luxuriuous ones I've been on - I'm sure that had something to do with it being a Rolls Royce plane. I didn't even think that was a thing - but here is proof.

The plane seats were 3 x 3 x 3 and Marnie and I were lucky enough to not have anyone seated next to us, so we were able to spread out for the 7 hour flight. We were fed twice, the first of which was served with our very first legal drink. Upon landing, we retrieved our carry ons and got off the plane. After getting my passport stamped, (stamp number one!), we grabbed our two suitcases EACH from baggage and went to purchase a train ticket. Unsure if we had purchased the correct ones, we made our way to the train. 

Let me just say, two suitcases seemed like a wonderful idea when I was packing, especially two suitcases that have wheels that roll in any direction. No. No. No. Going down moving ramps and escalators with one suitcase is a challenge, let alone two. The constant battle with our suitcases, and our looks of confusion were apparent to any bystanders. Luckily one women recognized our bewildered expressions and directed us on what train to get on, and even walked us to our connecting train to get to our hotel. When we got off the train we attempted to take the elevator to the bridge we needed to cross. When we pushed the button to lower the elevator it was made clear that it was out of order. The daunting task of getting four 50 lb suitcases up two flights of stairs presented itself. Just as we were about to drag our belongings up the treacherous stairs, the elevator miraculously started working again. We then made our way to the Copenhagen Island Hotel to finally get rid of our bags. Following the removal of our bags in our incredibly spacious hotel room (sarcasm) we grabbed a map and made our way into Copenhagen. 

Since we obviously had no idea where we were going, one can presume a map was vital. However, as soon as we pulled it out the first time, we were immediately bombarded by numerous whistling Danish men, saying things we didn't understand or care to understand. It made us quite uncomfortable so we quickly scampered away. 

The architecture in Copenhagen is amazing. It is an alluring combination of historic and modern. The buildings are a variety of colors that give it a certain charm. We first journeyed to the pedestrian streets, streets with various shops and restaurants that don't allow travel by vehicles. It was interesting to see stores that were foreign to me. It made me smile when I saw a store called "NewYorker" - even thousands of miles away, I am easily reminded of my home.

It is incredibly strange trying to shop in a country where you do not understand an ounce of the language. Besides the language barrier, there is also the different currency system which makes determining prices of things challenging. I tend to divide all DKK (Danish Krone) prices by 7 to get an adequate estimate of the price in dollars. Marnie and I both decided that it would be a good idea to try to get a phone plan for the duration of our stay, and to our shock we found a $15 plan that allows us to have 15 GB of data, 10 hours of calling and unlimited texting. I don't think you could even get that amount of data in the US for under $50. After purchasing the plan we stopped at what we thought was a restaurant, but turned out to be only a bar. Marnie, being the observant one, noticed that no one had food and questioned the waiter "You guys don't serve food here do you?". He laughed and sent us next door to get food. Our common phrase was quickly becoming "we clearly have no idea what we are doing".  After asking many questions in an attempt to decipher the menu, we both decided on the "Shipmasters Stew" which turned out to be a mix of potatoes, meat, and unground peppercorns. This meal was accompanied by some pickled beets and bread that tasted equivalent to catfood, according to Marnie. Welcome to Scandinavia. Following dinner, we planned on returning to the hotel, and naturally walked the complete oppostite direction. This allowed for a pitstop at Copenhagen's famous Nyhavn Canal. 

After our impromptu detour, we returned to our hotel after an exhausting, yet exhilarating day. We then went down to the bar and ordered chocolate cake, which was actually a glorified brownie, and much deserved cocktails. As we payed the bill, we were informed that tipping isn't necessary in Denmark because the wages are so high, hence why it is the happiest country in the world I suppose. The bartender also gave us a shot of this mysterious brown liquid on the house, to celebrate our first time in Denmark, which tasted like black licorice, so... horrible. After rinsing our mouths out excessively we finally got in bed and fell fast asleep. 

Because Denmark is so far north, the sun rises at about 8:30am and sets at around 4:00pm. We were surprised to find this out when we woke the next day. After checking out of the hotel we took a train to Lyngby followed by a bus to the Technical University of Denmark, or DTU. The bus ended up being free because we didn't know where to buy tickets, and the bus driver gave us his sympathy. We quickly found the accommodation office on campus to retrieve our keys, and recieved another giant bag, this one full of linens and towels. We also found out we have a roommate that moved in from Iceland, but after being here for over 48 hours, we have yet to see him.. so i guess he doesn't want to be our friend... ouch. After the stop at the accommodation office, a taxi was then called to take us to our apartment. While waiting we met our first friend from Montreal, so that's cool, although she didn't know where Potsdam was. Once we got to our apartment on a road called Thorsvej, we moved all of our bags into the... wrong side of the house and had to move them to the opposite side.

Since moving in we have biked A LOT. Biking is a lifestyle here. Although you very rarely see anyone wearing helmets, which I find quite strange. We have gone grocery shopping three times now. Each time we have our phones readily accessible with google translate. It's difficult purchasing things when you don't know what they are. So far I know:

applesinjuice - orange juice

ananas - pineapple juice

skyr -yogurt

minimælk - milk

tilbud - sale

My vocabulary is quite expansive I know. Carrying groceries has proved to be quite challenging. It requires a great deal of balance and coordination, both of which I seem to be lacking at the moment. On a more positive note today was the first day we didn't get lost, so that's progress. We made a trip to IKEA and bought mattress pads and even managed to get them all the way back to the house! Bungee cords were used, as were both of our brilliant engineering minds - as shown below, featuring Marnie's beautiful face.

This Danish lifestyle is something new and exciting. Biking everywhere is gratifying, so far. I may have a different opinion of that if you ask me again in a couple weeks, or after I bike in the pouring rain. 

I've learned a significant amount already:

1) Biking isn't a hobby, it's a lifestyle.

2) People don't move over on sidewalks.

3) Danes are trusting. They don't lock their bikes, even in the city. I suppose everyone has a bike so why steal one?

4) Food doesn't come in bulk.

5) Stores close early - like 4 pm on a Thursday early.

6) Bungee cords are a necessity for transporting larger things on your bike

7) Snow bike tires should be a thing. Biking in snow is terrifying.
8) Microwaves aren't common.
9) I'm not good with directions
10) Danish danishes are heaven on earth

Here's to learning new things, keeping safe on bicycles, and hopefully meeting our Icelandic roomie.
R- 

Let The Games Begin

It's as if New York knew I was leaving today. As I'm sitting here in the airport, patiently waiting for boarding to begin and taking advantage of the free 30 minutes of WiFi, I have a cornucopia of emotions. I'm excited/scared/anxious/thrilled. So much planning and time has gone into coordinating this adventure and it's surreal that it's finally here. I will be in another country in less than 12 hours. Woah. So thankful for everyone that has helped me get to this point and given me the opportunity of a lifetime.

Farewell USA or should i say Farvel USA (practicing my Danish)
-R

Packing My Bags

I've been avoiding packing for a couple weeks now. Putting, what seems like your entire life, into two suitcases is a daunting task. But, I am proud to announce that I have finally, I repeat FINALLY packed my suitcases for Denmark. Now I just have to find room for shoes. One benefit from packing is that it makes you recognize what the essentials are - like 8 pairs of black leggings and 12 pairs of cabin socks. Absolute necessities.

Praying that I didn't forget anything!

-R

The Best Things In Life Are Unexpected, Because There Are No Expectations.

After completing two years of college, going back to Clarkson for Fall 2015 was something that I wasn't entirely looking forward to. At this time in my schooling I was seriously questioning if I was on the right path. I didn't think I picked the right school, let alone the right major. I had been facing many internal conflicts on whether or not I wanted to continue playing lacrosse. To top it all off I was going to be living with three strangers, one female and two males, instead of the roommate I had grown so comfortable with the previous two years.

Being the planner that I am, one can imagine that I was incredibly uneasy walking into this past semester. I am a bit of a control freak and having little to no jurisdiction in a scenario is an intimidating feeling. However, I tried walking into it with an open mind and clean slate. I will be forever grateful that I did. On move in day, I was immediately made aware that I was in for a legendary semester. The first night back, we had a cookout with mountains of delicious food, endless brews, and a homemade pool in the back of one of my new roommate's truck. At that moment in time I didn't realize just how close I would become with my new "squad".

Throughout the entire semester, we had family meals - which never lacked an agglomerate of racy jokes and an unhealthy amount of butter and cheese. The laughing was contagious and seemed interminable. The adventures were constant, whether it was stumbling in absolutely hammered at 3am and having heart to hearts 'til the sun came up, or climbing to the top of a high peak. Instead of complaining about how little there is to do in Potsdam, we got off our asses and explored and hiked, even when the hangover was begging us to stop. There was never a dull moment. We truly became a family.

This semester taught me more than I've ever learned in my entire life. The lack of planning and control made me let go of the rigid structure I had become so accustomed to. This created a more spontaneous and adventurous Rachel. I opened myself up so easily to these people that I barely knew, and created friendships in four short months that are stronger than ones that have been in the making for decades. I have always wondered how you know you are actually in the "good ol' days" before you leave them. That query of mine was finally answered a couple of months ago. As cliche as it sounds, I had this grand realization that for the first time in my life I wouldn't change one aspect of it. I was surrounded by genuinely good people, no matter the direction I turned.

I can honestly say that these past few months have been the best in my life. That's why it's unfortunate that this semester has come to a close. However, in its wake it has paved the way for my next chapter to begin. This journey is something I have been preparing for since I was a little girl. Studying abroad has been my dream, and now that I fly out in a matter of days, it seems so surreal. The closer the departure becomes, the faster my nerves seem to surpass my excitement. I have always been a firm believer in pushing your limits and going outside your own boundaries. After all, if it scares you.. it might be a good thing to try. The thing I've had the most difficulty with is the separation anxiety. Leaving all these wonderful people behind is no easy feat. However, if there's one thing that this semester has taught me, it is that change can be incredibly refreshing. I'm looking forward to immersing myself in another culture, so different from anything I've ever experienced. While I will miss the memories of the past and cherish the memories to come, I will be forever indebted to all the people that have helped mold me into a person that is ready to take on this next adventure with a giant smile and open arms.

Denmark, I'm coming for you.
-R