I have so many adventures to tell you fine followers about! Where to begin?
Last Wednesday, I spent the day exploring the National Museum in Copenhagen. We have no Wednesday classes, here. Because I have to wake up ungodly early, "hump day" frequently is synonymous with "nap day". However, I was feeling particularly cultured and decided to go venture out like a real person. The museum was pretty standard old-shit-that-I-find-nerdy-cool-because-I'm-an-anthro-major type stuff. There were signs all over promising me a TREASURE ROOM... but after about an hour of looking for a room full of shiny things, I concluded that no such room exists. Womp Womp. Here are some pictures of things I DID see there:
Very large rocks.
Charming knights.
Probably the exit at the Ministry of Magic.
Unfortunately, a few hours into my Wednesday adventure, the plague struck. I hypothesize that the grumpy museum guard ladies who yelled at us for standing in the fireplace PROBABLY were gypsy witches, and cast a horrible death spell on me. I have never gotten sicker faster. I went home, ate an egg, and fell asleep at 5:30pm. It's a wild life.
Thursday morning, I left for my short study tour around Western Denmark. I was still feeling like a plate of garbage (Note for Rochestarians: not a garbage plate), but I was excited to get out of the city for a few days. The trip was a combination of academic, cultural, and just-for-funs visits. The first cultural visit was advertised as a "castle". Now... I am no castle expert, but this thing was more creepy-old-house-owned-by-really-rich-lady-who-looks-like-cruella-de-ville than it was castle-y. The tour guide spoke pretty much no English, and told us "NO FLASH", when I guess she meant to say "No cameras". So, I managed to snag some rather unimpressive (and probably illegal photos) of said boring old house:
The "Great Hall". It was probably 10 degrees in here. Danes hate happiness.. and heat.
Velvet walls. Oh la la!
Next, we headed to a town called Middelfart (that's pronounced mid-fart), to go to a bank whose name I cannot spell for the life of me (and also because I don't have any of the fancy Danish characters on my computer). Regrettably, the banks name is pronounced "Mid-Fart Butt Segs". I'll let you take a moment to appreciate that one for yourself. I mean come on... I know I am not your most mature friend, here, but WHO could resist laughing at that. (PS. Sorry Mom, I never claimed that this would be a PG blog!) The bank was really incredible. They have a super sustainable business model, and they use a lot of positive psychology and wellness theory to guide their company. Meditation rooms, open floor plans, and a really incredible installation art! Pictures, you say? Comin' right up!
For a place with such an unfortunate name, it sure is pretty!
Artwork built right into the floor!
We spent our first night in a hostel. I was still plagued by the plague (tehe), so I went to bed at around 8:30. I am obviously the biggest party animal you know. Friday morning we sat through a few cool presentations about NGO's by women who had anti-butts. You know.. not just flat butts or little butts. But butts that actually actively caved inward. The NGO's themselves were actually totally awesome, so I probably shouldn't be butt-judging anyone. Next, we traveled to Aarhus, Denmark to visit a really incredible alternative school called "Kaos Pilots". We played a lot of awesome games. I, for the second time, taught a group how to play some good ol' High Five Buddy. Camp is everywhere, folks. As if this did not make me miss camp enough, we spent our second night at a camp site in woods. The cabins were warm and cosy, and we spent the night out by the camp fire, roasting s'mores. Continuing the "Danes don't really understand American food" theme, the marshmallows were obviously super weird. But the stars were out, and I made lots of new friends. Hooray!
cute little camp :)
By Saturday, I was almost feeling like a functional human being. We spent the day at this INCREDIBLE art museum in Aarhus. The museum in mostly installation art. What is this, you ask? Yeah, I had no idea either. It is something you almost need to experience. The artist transforms a space, rather than a canvas or sculpture. It is pretty incredible stuff. Sometimes it is just incredible to get a chance to see how absurdly talented people can be. I can put my socks on correctly most mornings. So, that's exciting! My two favorite pieces in the museum were "Your Rainbow Panorama", and "Boy". The former is this breathtaking installation at the very top of the museum. Each part of it gives you an new perspective on the incredible city view below. Inside the museum, there is a piece called " Your atmospheric color atlas". It is just a room filled with thick fog and intense rainbow lighting. As you walk through in a circle, the colors blend and transform. According to one kid in my class, it is "just like an acid trip." Excellent. Obviously, in true Lizzy form, I had to be rushed to an exit as I nearly passed out. There is a sign on the front that said "This rainbow may be too disorienting for some." I suppose I can never live inside a rainbow. Pout.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day:
"Boy"
I am convinced he is more real than I am. But, then again, I *might* be a cyborg.
143's in Denmark <3
<3 Warhol
Overall, the trip was absolutely incredible. It was a great bonding experience. In addition, with DIS picking up the tab, we went to some AWESOME restaurants. Real food?! What is this. I had the single most incredible brunch I have ever had in my life on Saturday morning (and I am somewhat of a brunch connoisseur, so this is quite the accomplishment!) I never considered myself a picky eater, before, but Denmark has seriously pushed me outside of my comfort zone. As the wonderful Kate Mahar once said, we kind of order things here that SOUND like something we might like.. and then end up getting something weird and confusing. But, I am adjusting well. Through an intense process of trail and error, I have found a lot of really great things in the scary grocery stores near me. Instead of JUST eggs and peanut butter (not together. ewwy!) I am now living off of: peanut butter, nutella, apples, bananas, dried appricots, rye bread, danish pancakes, cherry tomatoes, spinach, Nutella, Cherios, rice, and ground chicken. A steady improvement, right?
Many more adventures to come. I can't believe I have been here three weeks, already. :) Longest days, shortest weeks.
Love & Miss you all!
Lizard
Lingonberry is your friend.
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