Little did I know, this was my last full week in Denmark. Yet, I had a feeling. Reports were coming in about the spread of the Coronavirus across Europe and the rest of the world. In the meantime, I went on with my regular life and tried to make the most of it.
I FINALLY got my CPR resident identification card in the mail – I was so excited. With this card, I had access to services in Denmark, including banking, libraries, and healthcare. Ironically, I received this a week before I had to “flee” the country, and it’s still in my wallet.
The corner of this building in the Queen’s palace is to be left unrenovated for as long as the palace stands. It serves as a memory of the Nazi assault on Copenhagen during the second world war. I saw it while on a class walk with my WWII professor as he told us about the events that happened in this spot. Underneath the paint and refurbishment, many of the building walls in this area still bear the evidence of bullets. The walls are scrapped for the annual repainting, and you can again see the wartime damage.
Nyhaven is the first street to pop up on google when you search Copenhagen. It’s also one of the most iconic photos taken of Copenhagen. Of course, I had to have one of my own.
The reflection of the colorful buildings of Nyhaven in the canal resembles a painting.
Me trying to be a tourist in Nyhaven without spending any money. Fortunately for my wallet, I was mostly successful.
I had to draw a simple comic for my Pop Culture class. This drawing is an ode to my frustration with the rain I experienced in Denmark. Grey skies and rain were the norms for 90% of my trip. I promise that I was never actually struck by lighting – it’s just how I felt when the first raindrop would hit my curls in the morning.
During my last weekend in Denmark (though we didn’t know it at the time), my host family took me out to their favorite beach spot.
Although a little chilly, we finally had a beautiful day under the seldom seen sun.
The kids ran on ahead as I enjoyed the beauty of the place.
My host dad’s grandparents brought him to this beach when he was a kid.
For me being at the ocean felt a little bit like home.
My favorite part about going to the beach has always been finding little treasures in the sand. I did not leave disappointed.
The Round Tower is located in the heart of Copenhagen. It used to serve as an observatory of the night sky. I walked by it all the time on my way to classes. Making it to the top was on my punch list before I left the city. I spent a Saturday making it happen.
Round and round, I hiked. I admit that I walked on the inside near the column so that it would take me fewer steps. I discovered by the fifth floor that I am, in fact, very out of shape and hate inclines.
Instead of steps, the majority of the tower is one large ramp. This construction allowed people to roll carts of supplies to the top. A bit better than carrying boxes on by one up and down the stairs, but still a daunting task.
The final set of stairs at the very top was very tight.
The view from the top was absolutely worth it. I kept thinking to myself – Wow! I go to school down there – it’s my city.
In Denmark, when the sun is shining, it tends to be windy. It was VERY windy on the day I did my climb. I’m happy I decided to make the journey – and that I wasn’t blown right off the tippy-top.
