a weekend in Norway

September 17, 2018October 18, 2018Leave a comment

Over the weekend, I traveled to a city in Norway called Bergen. Prior to this trip, I had never heard of Bergen, and I hadn’t really considered visiting that region of Scandinavia. However, my friend Sarah’s mom offered to take us with her after her visit to Copenhagen, and I was more than happy to take her up on the generous offer.

As it turns out, Bergen is a gorgeous little city on the southwestern coast–the perfect place to spend a peaceful weekend! Bergen is surrounded by the mountains and fjords of Norway, and it features a colorful historical wharf, a mountainside funicular, and great opportunities for hiking.

Though we only had two days in Bergen, we made the most of our time there despite the chilly weather. We used the funicular, Fløibanen, to reach the top of the neighboring mountain. After exploring the lake at the top of the mountain, we hiked back down and enjoyed some beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking views of the city down below.

Though we experienced some light rain during our stay, this didn’t put much of a damper on the trip. In fact, we got to see a rainbow!

We also got to sample some traditional Norwegian cuisine during our stay. Since Bergen is on the coast, it has AMAZING seafood. Our favorite was the Norwegian fish soup–a creamy soup that contained salmon, mussels, shrimp, and cod. We also indulged in some less traditionally Norwegian seafood, going out for some delicious sushi.

Before this weekend trip, I assumed that Norway would be very similar to Copenhagen; however, Bergen had a vastly different feel to it. In fact, going to Bergen felt like stepping into the world of Disney’s Frozen. It was so easy to take an overnight trip there from Copenhagen, and I would highly recommend it.

core course week

September 15, 2018September 15, 2018Leave a comment

This week at DIS is known as “Core Course Week.” Instead of meeting in my regularly scheduled classes, the entire week was dedicated to intensive studies with my core course (in my case, Prostitution and the Sex Trade). This week also included the first of two study tours with my core class. In accordance with DIS’s academic model “Copenhagen as your home, Europe as your classroom,” my class had the opportunity to travel together to Sweden for two days and attend a series of lectures.

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Sweden was an optimal location for our study tour because their policy regarding prostitution is quite different from the Danish legislative model. While prostitution is legalized in Denmark, Sweden takes a unique approach. Though the selling of sex is legal, the purchase of sex is criminalized. This approach, more commonly known as the Nordic model, is designed to protect sex workers while minimizing the rates of prostitution and sex trafficking in Sweden.

Prior to our trip, the class had been assigned a selection of readings that analyzed the effectiveness of the legal policy. Thus, we were eager to hear from some of the people who had experienced this model in action, hoping to learn more about its pros and cons.

During our time in Sweden, we attended five different lectures regarding the Nordic model. Three of these lectures were from representatives of non-profit organizations working in Sweden. In addition, we heard from a member of the Swedish police and an academic who researched the “Multiplicities of Prostitution Experience” in Sweden.

It was so interesting to hear from this wide variety of perspectives within our organized lectures. However, we also gained insight by speaking to Swedish citizens during our study tour. While in Sweden, we were assigned an interview project. In small groups, we asked some of the people we encountered about their views on prostitution and the Nordic Model. By doing so, we learned a great deal about public perception and the Swedish mentality in regards to sex work.

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On our way back into Denmark, we visited the famous Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. As a class group, we were able to attend a private tour of the “Men and Masculinity” exhibit. Though the exhibit wasn’t directly related to our course material, our tour at Louisiana was spefically curated to spark discussion about the link between gender roles and sexuality.

Though our trip had ended, we continued our discussion and debate throughout the week. For instance, on Thursday, we heard from a representative from the Rose Alliance, a Swedish organization for sex workers. Even though we were back in Copenhagen, this lecture was one of the highlights of core course week for me. If you’re interested in what we’re discussing as a class, I’d recomment the Rose Alliance’s website!

http://www.rosealliance.se/en/about-ra/

This has been such an amazing week. After traveling to Sweden together, my class has definitely become much closer as a group, and I can’t wait to travel again (to Amsterdam!!) with my new group of friends at the end of October.

wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen

September 7, 2018Leave a comment

This week in my Danish Language and Culture class, we were assigned a reading entitled “Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen” from the book How to Be Danish by Patrick Kingsley. Within the chapter, Kingsley discusses the structure and recent history of the city. In particular, the chapter focuses on the famous Danish architect Jan Gehl Hon and his influence on the Copenhagen’s urban design.

Throughout his life, Jan Gehl Hon has strived to reorient the city of Copenhagen to be an optimal space for both the pedestrian and the cyclist. As a result of incremental efforts over the years, Copenhagen has thus become one of the most livable cities in the world (in fact, it ranked in the top 10 according to this recent evaluation).

Kingsley’s chapter, in celebration of the city, has been reflective of my amazing week here in Copenhagen. After being here for almost three weeks (!!), I have become more comfortable navigating the city, and it is beginning to feel like my happy home.

This week has also been full of exploration in and around Copenhagen! Hoping to take advantage of the beautiful sunny weather, I’ve spent all my free time this week checking items off my tourist to-do list.

view from our go-boat

On Saturday, I went with a group of friends to cruise the canals of Copenhagen on a go-boat. We packed our own picnic and spent two wonderful hours taking in the sights of the city from the water.

cruising with my friend Sarah

On Wednesday, I had some free time before my field study, so I visited the Church of our Savior, famous for its winding spiral staircase up to a gorgeous bird’s-eye-view of the city. After trudging up the 400 stairs, I was exhausted, but it was worth the climb.

field studies & FOMO

August 30, 2018September 3, 20181 Comment

my first field study

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to go on a “field study” with my Danish Language and Culture course. Along with my professor, my class visited the Nationalmuseet (National Museum of Denmark). At the museum, we were divided into groups and asked to create a brief presentation about a period of Danish history. I was assigned the Middle Ages, so my group mostly observed the elaborate Catholic iconography of the era. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many crucifixes in one place!

Working in a small group to create a presentation, I got to know some of my fellow classmates a bit better. Unlike my other elective classes, most of which are focused on some variation of gender and sexuality studies, the peers in my Danish elective course are studying a wide variety of disciplines. For instance, the students in my group were studying Global Economics and Medical Biotechnology. I enjoyed getting to know my classmates better, and I think that feeling comfortable with each other will make our time in Danish class more productive (since it can feel embarrassing to try to pronounce all the difficult Danish vowels)!

After visiting the museum, our professor took us to a nearby coffee shop and taught us how to order in Danish. He made a deal with the barista that we would only receive a drink if we ordered correctly in Danish–a little intimidating–but I’m very glad that I know how to order my tea in the local language now! At the coffee shop, the various groups also had time to present about our respective historical eras, so we all gained a broader understanding of Danish history.

Following this break, our professor took us to have a personalized tour of the Danish Supreme Court. We had a lively discussion about differences in the American and Danish legal systems, learning from one of the justices of the Danish Supreme Court himself.

The Danish Supreme Court

The opportunity to go on field studies such as this one with my Danish class is one of the main reasons I chose to study abroad with DIS. Instead of meeting in my regularly scheduled classes on Wednesdays, I will get to spend the day exploring the city and participating in cultural experiences with my professors and classmates. For instance, I will be visiting the Counseling Center for Foreign Women with my Human Trafficking class and attending a play of Virginia Wolf’s Orlando with my literature class. I am really looking forward to these opportunities for hands-on learning–something that I rarely get to experience at home.

…and FOMO

Even though this week of classes has been dynamic and exciting, it has been difficult to watch on social media as my friends back at Kenyon move in, start their classes, and take on the beginning of junior year together. Though I feel so lucky to be taking on this adventure in Copenhagen, a part of me deeply misses the college community that has become my home over the past two years. I have experienced a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out) despite my enthusiasm about this semester abroad.

In order to combat this FOMO, I have done my best to disengage from social media as much as I can (and hey, it’s probably better to save my cellular data anyway). Though it sounds cliché, I am doing my best to “live in the moment.” I simply have to accept that I’ll be missing out on some fun beginning-of-the-year traditions with my friends in Gambier and embrace all the new possibilities for fun here in Denmark!

classes begin!

August 27, 2018September 3, 2018Leave a comment

It has been a busy week in Copenhagen. In addition to familiarizing myself with the public transportation system and local area, I began my classes at DIS last Thursday. Though the first few days are always overwhelming, my classes are off to a good start, I am very excited about the course material I will be studying throughout the semester.

DIS is located in the Inner City (or, as I learned today in Danish class, Indre By) area of Copenhagen. The campus is composed of a handful of academic and administrative buildings throughout a few city blocks. Unlike my campus at home, DIS is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and bars. Though the area is heavily trafficked by DIS students, it is also occupied by other international tourists and Danes alike. This has been an adjustment for me, as I’ve grown accustomed to a more rural campus, but being in the city center has also been so much fun! I’ve loved eating my packed lunches in the Gammeltorv square, right in the heart of Copenhagen.

I’m taking five courses here at DIS. So far, I think I am most excited about my core course: “Prostitution and the Sex Trade.” Next month, I will have the opportunity to travel with this group to Sweden, and at the end of October, we will spend a week together in Amsterdam. My professor has done a great job facilitating lively discussions in this class thus far, and I’m happy to be taking “Human Trafficking in a Global Context” with her as well.

After an intense first two days of class, it was nice to relax a bit this weekend and explore the city more. On Friday night, my host mom had her two children–Per and Maja–over for a family dinner. They’re both in their twenties and live elsewhere in the city. It was so fun getting to spend time with the bigger family group, and they had great recommendations about places to visit in Copenhagen.

On Saturday, I went to Studenterhuset (the Student Union) to get ahead on some reading for class. It’s the only place I’ve found with affordable coffee and tea in Denmark, and it has a lot of great study space.

Sunday was the highlight of the weekend, as DIS had arranged an event for my homestay network to visit the amusement park Tivoli. Though my host mom doesn’t enjoy roller coasters, I had a blast exploring the park and riding the rides with other students in my network!

Me and my friend Zuyi at Tivoli Gardens

first days in Copenhagen (or, København)

August 22, 2018September 3, 20181 Comment

Sitting on my flight to Copenhagen, I was flooded with last-minute anxieties about my homestay and the semester ahead. I worried that I might not feel comfortable in my homestay, might not be able to meet friends living isolated from other DIS students.

However, when I saw my host mom Gitte waiting for me outside of security–a huge smile on her face–I immediately felt at ease in my surroundings and more optimistic about the upcoming months.

After picking us up from the airport, Gitte’s son Per drove us to her beautiful apartment in the Sydhavnen neighborhood of Copenhagen. In my room, Gitte had laid out a colorful array of Danish flags. Not only that, she had a welcome gift for me–a mug for my morning tea and an “I ♡ Copenhagen” keychain for the keys to her apartment. Exhausted from my day of travel, I fell asleep in my new bed feeling so welcomed into Denmark.

Over the weekend, Gitte gave me a tour of her neighborhood area and a nearby park. We also went grocery shopping together so I could show her the type of food I wanted for breakfast and lunch. Generously, Gitte offered to show me how to use the public transportation in the area. I feel so lucky to be in a homestay so close to the city, and so far, I have loved living in Gitte’s residential neighborhood and sharing delicious home cooked meals with her.

In addition, I spent some time this weekend exploring downtown Copenhagen with my friend Sarah. We had a series of misadventures as we tried to explore. On Saturday, we hoped to visit the DIS facilities and stumbled upon the pride parade. Though we couldn’t make our way to DIS, it was fun to be a part of such a joyful and colorful celebration.

On Sunday, we hoped to visit the iconic (and somewhat underwhelming) little mermaid statue. However, we did not realize that there was a popular Iron Man race scheduled on Sunday, making it nearly impossible for us to cross over to the statue. But with some persistence (and a couple extra kilometers) we finally made it to the surprisingly small statue!

We mentioned our surprise at the scale of the statue to Gitte, and she laughed, saying that when she visited the United States, she had expected the Statue of Liberty to be the same size as Den lille Havfrue.

The rest of the week has been filled with DIS orientation activities. On Monday, we visited the Royal Danish Academy of Music for an opening ceremony and surprise musical performance. The next day, we teamed up with students in our “Homestay Network” (living in a similar geographical area) to go on a walking tour. It was great to get to know some of the other students living in homestays, and definitely made me feel a little less isolated.

Today, we’re looking forward to a tour of the DIS facilities and our academic orientation. I’m actually very excited to begin classes tomorrow, and I’m hoping it will be a good way to get to know more students with similar interests.

I’m also looking forward to beginning my Danish language and culture education. Though almost everyone I’ve encountered here has spoken English, Denmark still certainly feels like a foreign country. It has been difficult to understand street signs, directions, and labels at the grocery store. I’m hopeful that a greater knowledge of the language will definitely help me to adjust to life here in beautiful Denmark.

first stop: portugal

August 18, 2018Leave a comment

Prior to beginning my journey in Copenhagen, I planned some additional European travel with my friend Sarah.

(Side note: Sarah and I attended high school together in Nashville, and although we went to college separately, we both ended up choosing DIS as our study abroad program. A very happy coincidence!)

Since we were already booking flights to Europe, we decided to take advantage of this opportunity and find another interesting city to explore for a few days before our academic program. This way, we could have plenty of time to adjust to jet lag while also having some fun!

In order to choose our destination, I began researching up-and-coming tourist destinations in Europe. I knew I wanted to visit someplace warm before facing the chilly fall weather in Copenhagen, but we also wanted to find a city that would be relatively inexpensive. And eventually, we landed on Porto, Portugal.

After a long 17 hours of travel, we arrived in Portugal on Tuesday morning. Though we were exhausted from the flights, we immediately began to explore the town (mostly to keep from falling asleep)! We wandered along the shore of the Douro River, then spent a peaceful evening sitting at the gorgeous Gordarém beach.

On Wednesday, we decided to splurge a little bit (my summer job at Nordstrom finally paying off!), and we booked a tour of the region that included a boat ride and port tastings. This was, by far, my favorite part of the trip!

On the tour, we took an hour and a half long van ride into the Douro Valley area. Not only was the drive stunning, we also got the chance to know some of our fellow travelers–a few Australians, Canadians, and other Americans. It was such a lovely surprise to befriend these kind and well-traveled strangers, and they had so much wisdom to share with us about backpacking in Europe. By the end of the day, we were all hugging and exchanging contact information.

The Douro River Valley (the region of Port wine)

On Wednesday, we got a whole new view of the city from the Torre de Clerigos. This beautiful church is open to the public, and we climbed the two tall towers to get a bird’s eye view of the city. It was stunning, but we were out of breath by the time we got to the top! In fact, after walking to the top of the tower and all around the hilly city of Porto, Sarah’s fitbit reported that we had walked 75 flights of steps.

Our View from the Torre de Clerigos

On Wednesday afternoon, we went on a walking tour of the city. This was such an amazing opportunity to learn more about Porto from the perspective of a local. We also got to know much more about the history of the city during this tour. For instance, our tour guide Angela took us to a beautiful historic prison (now a photography museum) near the city center and told us a legendary love story about two of the inmates.

Another highlight of the tour was seeing (what is probably) the world’s fanciest McDonald’s! Certainly the fanciest McDonald’s we’ve ever seen.

The McDonald’s in Porto

On our last morning, we visited the beautiful Crystal Palace Gardens (the recommendation of one of our new Australian friends). It was the perfect end to our vacation, and we left Portugal so full of gratitude for this opportunity and excited for the next chapter!

The Crystal Palace Gardens

prepare for takeoff

August 7, 2018September 1, 20181 Comment

In a few short weeks, I will begin my semester-long adventure in Copenhagen, and I could not be more excited. I can hardly believe that my departure date is so rapidly approaching!

In the meantime, I’ve been busy at home in Nashville doing all the (not-so-exciting) prep-work and errands to get ready for my trip. However, waiting around at places like the DMV has given me plenty of time to reflect on some of my goals for this upcoming semester.

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top goals for my semester abroad

1. Make a home for myself in Copenhagen (and meet the locals!)

One of the things I am most looking forward to this semester is becoming comfortable navigating Copenhagen. I can’t wait to explore this gorgeous city. In fact, I’ve been researching restaurants and attractions that I want to experience during my time in Copenhagen almost nonstop ever since I got confirmation that I would be studying with DIS this fall.

Through this exploration, I hope to establish a comfortable routine in Copenhagen. I can’t wait to discover my favorite coffee shops and study locations–all the spaces that will begin to feel like a second home to me. I truly intend to appreciate the magic within the more ordinary moments of my study abroad experience, for instance, recognizing the beauty in my daily commute.

Likewise, I hope to make a home for myself in Copenhagen by connecting with the locals. In order to do so, I elected to live in a homestay during my time at DIS. I am so excited to get to know my host mom and her two children. I am incredibly grateful that they have opened their home to me for the next four months, and I hope to learn more about Danish language and culture from this insider perspective.

2. Travel.

Though I love going to Kenyon, our little campus in rural Ohio isn’t exactly the most exciting place to attend college. In contrast, Copenhagen and the surrounding areas have so much to offer!! I really hope to take advantage of Copenhagen’s proximity to other European countries this semester, and I want to use this amazing opportunity to learn from the wide world around me and see as much as I possibly can during this unique period of my life.

3. Expand my academic horizons.

One of the main reasons I chose DIS as my study-abroad provider was the opportunity for hands-on learning experiences. In my academic core-course (Prostitution and the Sex Trade), I will be able to learn from a wide variety of unique perspectives, for instance, the Danish police, non-profit organizations, and from sex workers themselves. This will be a valuable academic challenge for me, as I’ve become more comfortable approaching my gender studies coursework from a theoretical perspective. However, I’m hoping that my studies in Copenhagen will offer me a fresh and more open minded perspective on the topics of sex work, pornography, and the dynamics of power that affect the sex trade.

4. Learn some Danish.

Through my academic coursework at DIS, I also hope to develop my foreign language skills. I really enjoy the way that taking a foreign language challenges you to engage your brain and think about language structures in general. Taking Danish at DIS Copenhagen will be an excellent way for me to dabble in a foreign language once again without the pressure of needing to be fluent in the language in order to survive in the country.

5. See live music.

Even though I’ll be living abroad, I’m still a Nashville girl at heart, and I definitely want to see some live music while I am abroad! I was surprised to see how many familiar bands were scheduled to play in Copenhagen this fall, and I’m looking forward to seeing a few of my very favorites (Mitski, I’m coming for you!). However, I’m also hoping to discover some new Danish music and learn more about the local scene.

6. Keep track of my adventures on this blog!

So often when I have the opportunity to travel, all the amazing experiences seem to blur together, and I don’t remember the specifics of my trip. However, I’m hoping that this blog will be a good way to keep track of my semester and share my stories with all my friends and family (all over the world)!

Lillie Goes Abroad

a semester in Copenhagen