Thanksgiving

Wait a second. I'm a real student?

Apparently.

Here's a miniature update...encouraged by the fact that it is almost midnight but I just finished a bag of Swedish candy (remember those little car shaped marshmallows we indulged in while watching a movie and gagging from eating salt licorice, Kate and Jen..well they are no more).

1. I have a ton of work to do. But that makes me...here it comes...happy. I miss the Davidson work hard mentality. Wow. I am a NERD. This week:
-Globalization Economics: Report on Economy of Poland
-Corporate Finance: Case study on Bear Sterns
-Literary Landscapes of the Mind: Sylvia Plath (she was cray-cray)
-Art History: Test on Munch, Evocative Landscape, and the Skagen School
-Danish: Test Tuesday. Det er ikke so god.
-London: Prepare for trip! Write a paper on Mulberry (beautiful leather brand--tough job, I know)

2. In my head I'm already shifting back at Davidson. I've gotten my classes (okay, 4 Econs is NOT what I wanted, but may the fates of Add/Drop smile upon me (and/or my potential professor pity me and raise the ceiling). I've also applied for a DO position on E-Board (crosses fingers and toes) and been in touch with someone about a campus job. I CAN'T WAIT for 1. Summit coffee 2. Union quesadillas 3. Union piano players and the fireplace 4. Sentelle 315 --- the rev and I's humble abode .. for which I have already been interior design planning mentally

3. CAROLYN IS VISITING ME IN 3 WEEKS

4. I GO TO LONDON IN 2 DAYS

5. I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my host family tomorrow. Nicolaj (host dad) says he will dream about it tonight. Hope it doesn't turn out to be a nigggghtmare.

6. Watched a film for Corporate Finance tonight---Barbarians at the Gate and got delicious free sandwiches from 'Eat Me' -- highly recommended. mmm. Maybe I will go in to private equity? Thoughts. potential for an internship. mayhaps.

pretty sure none of this is actually real.

Also, discovered the beauty of pre-loading shows on laptop. Goodbye sucky 30 minute commute. Why am I discovering such magnificent things so late???

Kys kys, and many dreams of turkey, stuffing, and green bean casserole --Elise

McD's. Happy.

I sit here at this swanky airport McDonalds, Happy Meal in my tummy and Sprite at hand...and I feel good.

I'm in Vienna, Austria, right now. Things somehow always work out. Sometimes stuff sucks. But it pulls together. I don't know about you, dear reader/friend/random person who clicked next on blogspot, but I've gotta say the credit for that one's God's.

For example.

Arrive in Paris by TGV, which was pretty awesome. Had a great nap, sweet tunes, and scenery that looks a bit like the East Coast. Although I did spot a few windmills (a lil bit o' Danmarkkk!) which you wouldn't see. I was at one point prodded with a small electronic device/waker to check my train ticket, but fear not--this meant hapiness in the form of one pan o chocolat (sp?!) that my dear friend KaSachse sent me off with. Nom nom nom! Yes, the couple across from me on the train my have judged me as I indulged...seperating each layer of buttery delicious flakiness until my mouth met that irresistably bitter dark chocolate...but no, it could not stop me. Manage to make it for the AirFrance bus, which should've left already...(maybs this part was more French lack of punctuality than divine intervention..although I was praying for it to wait for me as I hastily approached. I actually ran over a few toes..but luck for my fellow travelers' appendages...I know for a fact that my carry on is under 13 kg...so probs little to no harm done. Here, get helped by super friendly French drivers that are convinced that I speak their language, or just very stubborn. I will assume the former. Get spoken to in French and smile. (A la Boulongere (I'm sorry for spelling errors, but I am in Vienna, so googling other than in German is NOT an option/I'm too lazY? to check it) the counter woman thought I was just a terribly stupid French institute student.)--I will let this go because her quiche lorraine was one of the most delightful things I have ever let enter my mouth)

[ {: sorry I'm getting so liberal with my use and lack thereof of (()) 's }]

Anyway, in the AirFrance bus I arrived JUST in the knick of time to catch the shuttle to Terminal 3 and then catch my shuttle to my NIKKI air plane (not a bad flight---other than the WAILING baby in front of me...made up for by the fact that they gave us not one...but TWO drinks and a choice of what they termed meatloaf (actually, my Viennese friend-that is a piece of bread and a few slices of roast beef, and 'ricotta'--more dense bread and a generous spread of flavorless cheese. It sounds like I'm complaining but I was expecting nurfin, so I was all too pleased).

Made it to the Vienna airport, where the double arches, for the first time not only in Europe, but in about the past 2 years, were too much for me to handle. I stopped in for a Happy Meal...they gave me the boy's Tin Tin toy (which I am vur excited to see, mind you--sorry Kate's host mom Annie---I know you hardly gave raving reviews but the Danes love this cartoon and I love me some Danes so---) and the counter man made the hamburger maker man (technical terms here) come out to see me...an American. He posed the question, "You are United" which I asked him to repeat...and then took to understand as You are from the United States? "Yes, sheepish smile, sorry for fulfilling EVERY stereotype you had in mind...but at least I knew my Euro denominations well enough at this point not to fumble through paying.

So here I sit...in one verrrry luxurious lime green chair, stalling for the 20 minutes until I meet my DIS friends at a bust stop in downtown Vienna. Another random fact ... Nikki lets you check a bag for free! Just trying to offer you valuable advice on otherwise unknown airlines. I'm a fan. The stewardesses also wear these ridiculous hot pink hats somewhere between a beret and a Fedora. I literally had to stifle my laughter as they welcomed me. Pretty sure they know they look kinda stupid, because as soon as the captain was out of sight they ditched those little caps.

Other highlights? You still want more? Okay, only because I charged my laptop battery (reformed lady) and still have 20 minutes to kill. This is what I typed up on my iPod while in transit...something I'm getting pretty into here lately (three notes created JUST today...one of them entitled CHRISTMAS!!!---so let me know if you're looking for something special to appear in your stocking this year---apparently the Danish zeal for 'Jule' has bitten me.)

-The French say 'voila' ALOT
-I got to ride in the 'bulkhead' on the airfrance bus. Love me some leg room.
-I can recognize the Danes outside of Denmark. Successfully identified one by appearance, then accent, which was confirmed by his request to fly to CPH. Typical Danish response to man speaking French, in the typical straightforward/ironic/sarcastic tone of a Dane--'I don't understand what you're saying' (unacommpanied by smile/giggle)..combine that with what I'm pretty sure was a coat from SAND (danish brand my host mom rockz...and it was a dead giveaway)
-I think my bus driver was listening to Sean Paul in French. I have to look that up cause it was awesome. Although there was also a loop of classical/jazz/and something like cowboy christmas music playing. Surprisingly, this did not make for a bad combination.
-I've left France. here is my list of remarks. take it..or leave it.
+Men: they cat call & tell you you are beautiful. I'm no feminist. This is amusing and fun. Thank you for being more reasonable and reminding me to be intelligent, Kate.
+The white buildings, iron gates, balconies, and cool topiaries and flowers.
+The laid back atmosphere of Tours. Its Friday morning. I'm French. I own a creperie. Should I open it...? Probably not.
+Quiche. Baguette (they really do carry it all the time. Thank you Annie for giving me two pieces every night. Sorry for experiencing this inexplicable growth spurt under your roof!)
+Diary and milk...so rich here!
+Alot more diversity than Denmark.
+/- last but not least...Fritz...the taxodermied elephant that once stomped through the streets of Tours.. And, while it was for some reason, really captivating, that's also pretty freakin weird. Sorry Barnum and Baileys, opinions still out on this one.

-Ich liebe es (inspired by my McDonalds cup...but also how I'm feeling)--
I'm lovin' it,
Elise

Vive la France!

This one's coming at you from Tours, France, my lovely readers. Here's the life lessons I have to offer (that's right...I'm trying to make this blog meaningful. But also, sorry the title is misleading ((Hej! from Denmark)--nope, I'm not in Denmark). This is working list...things I'm learning and tryinnng to do.

>Home is where the heart is. God bless the USA because I'm still an American. And it's about time I became and acted proud of that. People you come across are going to judge/dislike/etc. you. They'll get over it. This is actually suppper hard for me. Because who doesn't want to be liked?

>Don't try to learn the entire city. And the night life. And the school. And the language. Learn a little bit, and be proud of yourself for the little things you accomplish. The FIAP taught me that one (that's a SWANKY (not) hotel in Paris, France, situated conveniently between a prison and an asylum. Yes, mom, I stayed there. No, you don't need to worry, it was safe.

>Don't expect your host family to be your real family. Draw on the people you rely on. Don't expect to create a new identity. Stay true to yourself. Gawsh, I should be an inspirational speaker.  Delight in the little things and the differences((holla at ya girl who does that so well---KATE))

>Profitez beacoup de votre temps = In French: Profit much from your time. For me that means...enjoying a latte in a little cafe. Having meaningful converstaion. Stopping to take a picture of the leaves changing colors. Travel as I may...it's still the little things. Food for thought, friends. How to benefit from your time...and make you the best you. Soooo sappyyy.

Enough depth. Here's the ((shallow)) update of what my life has been recently.

Friday night Kate and Jen and Martha Macon arrived at the Copenhagen airport. I was late (typical. Sorrry, I'm not a Dane) But I do feel that I made up for that by having small Danish flags with me for each of them. If Danes love one thing...it is their FLAG. (That and silent trains. HA!) It is the oldest flag in the world still in use. Which is cool. But also...another fun fact: All the countries in Scandinavia have the same flag layout, just with different colors. Interesting, fun fact #2 (maybe that's overly zealous, calling this bite of info both fun and interesting, but HECK, I'm in France, and from Diva Kate is teaching me, the French know how to exxxxagggerate) the traffic signs that mark the road with a sort of sideways V are colored the same color as the flag ... DK is red and white, Sweden was blue and yellow. Kewl.

Anyways, gosh I am lonnnngwinded (sorry I'm not sorry...I'm an ocean away, just trying to help you remember meee!) from there we went to Norreport St. and did a Marfa hand off to her friend. We took a little walkin tour of downtown Copenhagen, and then headed home to Nicolaj and Mette at my humble abode. That night we went to Halloween Party, dressed as butterflies. Accosted by about 20 14 year old boys on the train, who offered us beer from a plastic bag and compared Kate to J-Lo. Apparently my likening her rear end to that celebrity was 'not gentle.' Interesting adjective, young Dane pretending to be Finish/French/Swedish.

The next day, we went to the Louisiana Art Museum. A swanky lunch including pumkin soup with chili kernels (delishhh) and then on to Fredericksborg Slot and Krongborg (the Hamlet castle). The weather sucked, but the company was good (so awerrrrsome to have my best friends in Copenhagen!) Then we had another typical Danish dinner (Nicolaj enjoys acting oober Danish/Viking for the guests. One night was steak wrapped in bacon, with Danish beer ((they love it. me, not so much. as said by Kate, its not that terrible. a little better than urine. another non-Danish facet of Elise)) another was basically fried crunchy pork. Watched a part of 'My Best Friend's Wedding.' A solid day.

Sunday and Monday: condensed: We attempted to get city bikes (FAIL. after paying 20 kroner after a long behind walk for crappy bikes...they were nabbed from outside the Glyptotech (art museum) then I attempted to give a walking tour. The girlz saw Amelieborg Slot (current monarchy abode) Rosenborg Slog (old country house of the King) Rundetarn (Round Tower) and the new 'Toaster' Opera house, as well as Christiania. Kate and Jen were extremely brave, trying salted licorice (repulsive), pickled herring, and the 'full house' -- a red boiled hot dog with fried onions, ketchup, and mustard with 1/2 L of chocolate milk (oopsss---7/11 didn't have anything smaller to offer) that'll get to your digestive quickly. Monday night was the flight to Paris--I failed to get the girls to Stroget for serious shopping (major foul. oops! turns out I've yet to realize how much time it takes to commute/get around the city...but we got some quality ((rushed)) shopping in the airport...which is BOSS in CPH..probs the best I've ever been in. Kate got sweet Scandinavian gloves..and I got flodeboller for Kate's host mom Annie (which confused her...'are these little cakes?' ) So anyways, that was Copenhagen!

On to Paris where we saw Monmartre (beautiful, which church on a hill) on All Saint's Day--schweet, near a cool artsy square, Garnier's Opera, and the infffffamous FIAP that Kate and Jen stayed at. Highlights included a man roasting corn from a pot in a shopping cart and the much cheaper prices of France. Look out, Denmark, we might have a convert on our hands. 1. Lower prices. 2. Warmer weather. 3. All my best friendzzz from D-Son. 4. Loud people (how I've missed thee!) 5. Kate's mom told me she would adopt me! ... And I've already learned to say hello, please and thank you... although that's about it.

Today, my first full day in Tours, I attended "quote quote" the Institute with Kate. That meant about 5 hours chillin in the cafeteria watching international students file by, enjoying little cakes and a water, and reading a great book. Surprisingly, as lame as that sounded, it was awesome. Then I went to Kate and Jen's lit class..fabulous presentations ladies. Oh, and I understood one word---guillotine. In Tours there's a beauuutfiul park, a lovely church and fountain, and the architecture and all the iron gates on apartments are just wonderful. We're about to head out to Place Plumes (spelling questionable) with Hannah and maybs Jen (you better come out. If you're reading this get off your iPad ((I'm jealous. Also, judged you for your purple camo background...hope Maggie set that. not you. and come out.))

All in all...I love it here. Feels like home !

xoxo from Tours, France --- Elise

Things I'm Loving. Liking. Hating.

Well, it's 3 AM. But I'm on an academic high ... well, that, and the fact that I've consumed a pack of Maoma candies (Haribo's spin-off (okay, they probably made them first) of Starbursts. Imagine them chewier, more flavorful, and generally cool because they're SOO European). Anyways, I decided to post. Because I owe it to you, readers, and to me. Because I've forgotten that I have to keep up with the things that I love, which includes writing. So here's to giving you an update on where life has taken me (up, down, and all around) recently. And yes, as always, there will be plenty of pictures...to follow. Perhaps even tomorrow.

Where to begin? I believe that I've finally made it out of culture shock. That's ridiculous, you've been in the country for almost 3 months and have traveled before. Right you are, my quick, savvy, and critical reader. For some reason, this trip has been oober challenging for me. Here are my estimations why. I hope they can serve as suggestions for any fellow travelers...and as idealist, I will say, I hope they can help you all in life in general.

When I was reading about culture shock I read that one thing that exacerbates it is the desire to absorb all the culture too quickly. GUILTY. It was just so overwhelming. The Danes are 'the happiest people in the world.' Well, if that's not incentive to assimilate... I'm living with a host family. There are plenty of things I LOVE about this.
1. I have 3 sisters. I've never had a sister before. Well, that's not ENTIRELY true. I DO have sisterwives...
2. I have a black lab, FEE. She runs with me, plays, cuddles and sleeps beside my bed when I need company. And she is capable of the dog skill RUSTY has yet to master---fetching.
3. They make everything from scratch. I've learned how to make sushi. and homemade applesauce. and crackers (yes, from flower and seeds).
4. They have a trampoline. And a 7 year old with a trampoline makes for a happy 20 year old indeed.
5. I get to check out Danish design--my host families houses and all the other ones I get to creep about in (neighbors, playmates, birthday parties ((imagine--20 little elementary school children, at least 80% blonde and beautiful, running around with birthday cake and candy))
6. I learn funny things like how the Danish tv show for children has characters that sleep at night to encourage your little Danes to get some shut eye (what I should be doing. clearly Nick JR should've thought of this and trained me...)
7. They care for me so dag gone well. When I slept in my host mom woke me up for my flight to Belgium. yes, I can still sleep through ANYTHING. When I forgot breakfast my host dad sent me out the door with a buttered roll wrapped in tin foil. They bought me a bike. They took me to Tivoli. They offered to let me borrow underwear when I forgot to put mine in the wash (fear not. I declined. That's why God gave us stores)
8. I'm learning DANISH. Sure only 5 million people speak it. But it's wonderful while here. and they get to laugh at me ... often. Plus, science tells me it's enriching my mind.
9. We went to a summerhouse in SWEDEN this weekend. We've also had trips to Rosenborg Castle and Kronborg (yea yea, the one Hamlet is about).
10. They're adorable. Mor og far (mom and dad) still snuggle on the couch, the girls walk arm in arm, and on Saturday morning you can find my host sisters being hyggelit (cozy) wrapped up in a duvet on the couch. It's teaching me alot about how I want to be when I have a family.

Things I HATE: Sorry mom, you told me never to use the word hate. Maybe it is too strong. Perhaps more appropriately, as the humble Danes would say, Jeg kan ikke lidt (I can not like):
1. I'm 45 minutes from the city/school. 7 min bike ride to the station 30 min on train (I'm not made for commuting. for me it is lonely and boring..although there is a nice view around Lyngby and Holte) and 8 min walk to class.
2. Sometimes, I JUST want to sleep in. Remember that lovely black lab I previously mentioned? She goes for a walk with Nicolaj every morning around 7 AM. At that point her loud toenails and the hardwood begin to join together righhhht outside my door. *Cue Beyonce's song 'Ring the Alarm'*
3. Cultural divides are real. for example: --Danes are practical. I am not. Carolyn, you would prosper here. --Danes are also punctual. To the point that a broken commitment could jeopardize a friendship. I am not. Most of the time I don't have time to pack my planner.  --Danes are blunt. I am not. I like to have it put gently and sweetly. F.ex from public bus transport: Excuse me, scoot over, the door is about to hit you. verus. "Move" + push as door hits me and I awkwardly fumble around. Man...in new places/alone...I'm prettty awkward.
4. Danes are not into God. Or religion. Its a supppper liberal country. And God means the world to me...it's how I see the world...and they have a completely different outlook and worldview. And that's really hard for me to grasp, because for me, that's what makes me happy.
5. Danes are NOT expressive. They are calm, cool and collected. They are humble and reserved. They're not the ones to scream and shout. If something is fabulously wonderful, it may elicit a 'that was nice' and a small smile. Hm..that doesn't mesh with my 1/2 Texan 1/2 NJ loud and boisterous self. I don't like having to hold in expression. I also SMILE alot. For me...that's a sign of 'I am happy' (shocking, yes?). Often, as an ENFP (Myers Briggs reference) I go around with a happy go lucky grin. And that's prettty strange in Denmark.
6. Because the world around me takes place in Danish, which I can not FULLY (okay, thats an understatement) understand ((yet..ha)) I have alot of introspective time. Too much maybe? Alot of pondering.

My favorite things so far in Denmark? Picking wild mushrooms this afternoon in Sweden and eating them for dinner with the pasta (they are DELICIOUS). Meeting my Global Econ friends. Traveling to Ghent, Belgium. The fact that CAROLYN is coming for a week at the end of December. Being able to order a latte in Danish. Learning how to use a French press. The small group and church that I found here. The way that Europeans dance for themselves, and like nobody is watching. Discovering that I have to do what makes me happy...and trying to figure out what that means. These cups that my host family has with Swedish cartoon animals on them. Learning about the stereotypes within the EU. Being here when the Euro ((potentially fails?))...what are you going to do Merkel? Long and meaningful conversations that the cultural exchange has spurred. A tiny cupcake place we found in Ghent. The new market at Israels Plads. The fact that I can bike with a suitcase/backback/purse now...it's kind of a big deal.

So that's that. I'm not sure where the next 2 months will take me (actually, I know that it will include Paris, Tours, Vienna, Barcelona, Madrid, and London) but I'm excited to learn more, see more, and do more. My goal as the sunlight starts to fade is to maintain a sense of awe and wonder for the opportunities, and most of all, to stay true to myself ... and discover exactly who that is.

No, I have not solved the world's problems. Or answered all the questions I've set out to..in this post, or in my travels in general. But it felt good to write. And I hope that...it felt good to read to.

A little of me, from Denmark to you.
xoxo Elise

Hej kaere venner,

So, as you may have noticed, my dedication to blogging lately has been...for lack of a better word...nonexistent. Let me take the time to clarify that this is not due to lack of material. No, no, quite the opposite. Everyday is full of adventure, culture, education (is that what I'm here for?) and often a sense of awe. Denmark is incredible. It defies nearly every economic model we study, the people are humble and modest, and the history and culture are rich and exciting. I'm so blessed to have a host family that welcomed me into their home, lives, and culture. 

For those of you who have no idea what I'm doing, where I am, or perhaps, where Denmark is ... I'm going to do a brief introduction / attempted summary with a ton of photos in case you have a short attention span.

Who: Elise + 950 other students studying with the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in downtown Copenhagen. 

What: A non-profit study abroad program for American students taught in English, predominately by Danish professors

When: Fall Semester. August to December (only the 19th, hang in there Mom and Dad, I'll be home for Christmas)

Where: Copenhagen, Denmark. Denmark is a small country composed of over 400 islands (only about 80 inhabited) that shares a border with Germany. It's part of Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, kind of Finland and Iceland)

Why: Studying Global Economics, cultural immersion, traveling in Europe, whhhhy not?!

Birthday cake (lagcake) my host sister made on my day of arrival!

Me with my 3 host sisters and host dad: Nicoaj, Emilie, Trine, yours truly.

Fredericksborg Slot: Stunning castle/garden/museum.

Nyhavn. The place that's on the Copenhagen postcards. Quaint, charming, and colorful.

Just a casual orchestra performance for our opening ceremony.

A shot of Elsinore ... Shakespeare staged 'Hamlet' here.

The fam bam's dinner table. Danish design is super simple. Eco/retro/Ikea-tacular. Also...that pizza is homemade..as is almost everything we eat here. Vi skal spise (we shall eat!) are now my favorite 3 words to hear.

My host dog, and running buddy, Fee.

The back yard. Trampoline and green house. I'm in heaven.

The kitchen. Obvi.

My room! 

Pickled herring on rye bread...a Danish staple.

Can du lige herring. Nej, jeg kan ikke lige herring. But I did try it!

Sushi made by my host mom. Watch out Ikebana, Mette's moving in! Mmm den er daelig!

At Kronborg!

Still Kronborg. You can see Sweden from here.

Still Kronborg.

Danish legend says that if Denmark is ever in battle/peril this guy 'Holger Danske' will wake up and defend the homeland. Denmark used to be a Nordic Viking country.

In the eerie tunnels below Kronborg, which used to serve as a prison.

Nicolaj, Matilde, and I. And a castle.

Swanky art exhibit in Aros Art Musuem, where we went for our short study tour. 

'The Boy'

Exhibit in Aros.

Oink oink. Danes eat ALOT of pork. The future is grim for these guys.

Lunch (frokost) at the cafe in the Glass Blowing Museum.

Preparing the 'Viking Stew' and the Legends of Lejre--a Viking/Stone Age/Iron Age open air re-enactment. New skills acquired: baking bread, churning butter, archery, silversmith, generally intimidating Viking character.

Farvel for nu!

S'mores...

The other night we discovered this hyggelige (cozy) fire pit behind our hotel.

Parker (also a DIS student) and I introduced our new friends to a bit of American culture...the S'more!

It's hard to believe that we only have 2 days left here in Grenaa.

Admittedly, I'm excited for the intensive Danish course to end, and to meet my host family. I've had a wonderful time with wonderful people and, with any luck, have picked up a bit of Danish. Almost time for a new adventure to begin!

Peanut Butter

If you know me, particularly if you have ever lived with me (holla 4th Sentelle!) you know that there are few things I love more than peanut butter. Sure, sure, oatmeal and steamed broccoli are close contenders, but nothing makes me happier than a (ha! one. as if.) a spoonful of crunchy JIFF peanut butter. Turner House was shorted many a jar of peanut butter by my doing.

So far, Denmark is really wonderful. The landscape is beautiful, the sea seems like it is never more than 10 kilometers away (no, it's not actually thattt small) and the people are easy-going. But...of course, there are quite a few things I miss. For all of my friends who are about to leave for a semester abroad...I hope that this of things I should have brought/considered/eatennnn can be of some help!

Packing:

1. I should have brought more jeans. 4 or 5 pair would probably be about right. Skirts and dresses are nice, but here in Denmark people bike everywhere. While J-Crew tops and shorts are wonderful in Davidson, frat star is not so chic in Copenhagen. Also, since the temperature is between 60 and 70 during the day, jeans and a cardigan are far more fitting.

2. Bring sneakers ... or 'runners' as they call them. Converses are $100 USD or more, so buy them now and pack them. People wear Keds/Converses/Vans with everything. After walking 5 kilometers...you will want them too. I would bring 2 or 3 pair.

3. Bring a pair of fashionable boots and oxfords.

4. Bring a pair of plain rainboots (short Hunters). I brought print ones...which look ridiculous here. Danish people are known for homogeneity, so I think I'll leave my plaid rain boots at home. On that note, bring a lot of socks (wool liners, too!).

5. Bring 2 or 3 leisure books. There's a lot of time between layovers, trains, buses, etc. While it was a nice thought thinking I would read my Denmark guide book...it has served as little more than a paperweight as of yet. Books in English are expensive, so bring them with you.

6. Invest in NICE headphones. You never know if your hostel mates will be snorers or farters (I'm just trying to look out for you). Earbuds save space and still come in noise canceling varieties.

7. Leave your flip flops, shorts and tank tops at home. You just don't need them.

8. Pack a warm, practical winter jacket instead. Invest in a nice scarf/hat/glove set as well.

9. Here in Denmark, the weather is incredibly unpredictable. Dennis Ketterer would have a field day. Bring a rain jacket that you can fold up and fit in your purse, as well as a quality compact umbrella.

10. Bring a backpack. It's wonderful if you're planning a day trip, a picnic, a bike ride, or of course, going to class.

11. Bring a nice frame with a family photo. It immediately makes any room feel homey.

12. Also a few little things...perfume, band-aids, a stain remover stick (really) and a planner or agenda.

13. Given the chance, I would re-pack my jewelry. Bring a few simple pieces that go with everything.

Things I miss:

1. Instant oatmeal. Crunchy peanut butter. Nature valley bars. Greek yogurt with honey and almonds.

2. Pandora. It doesn't work outside of the US.

3. Knowing what it is that I'm eating.

4. Showers with vent fans and shower doors.

5. Blankets. (Here its a duvet and a fitted sheet.) Pillows (I am not a one pillow person at all).

6. My dad's salads. The dressings here are essentially mayonnaise or creme. I'm still looking for raspberry vinaigrette.

7. Diet Coke with Lime.

8. ALL OF YOU!

Kys Kys,

Elise

'Hiking' the Tre Moles

Hej min venner!

The first stop yesterday was to a manor house where one of our teachers Aunt's (John-above) was a governess.

Next, we stopped at a sort of wanna-be Stonehenge; a compilation of 23 rocks (it was 24, until a few Danes were lacking in pavement supplies. Yes, really.)

The historic/scientific significance of this organized geology is unknown. Nonetheless, it was fun to climb on. I was also forced to stand upon one of these rocks while being birthday serenaded in Danish.

A peak down one the roads headed toward the top of the 'mountain.' The 'Tre Mols' (or three hills) stand at an astounding 137 meters.

Notice the completely flat surroundings. This mountain range/dot on a topographical map is actually very near the coast and was formed during the Ice Age as ice eroded sand dunes. I'm pretty sure that the dunes in the Outer Banks where I've been hangliding are actually a more challenging hike.

Farvel for nu! -Elise

Worth 1000 words. Or at least a few captions.

City view from the rooftop.

Looking out on Aahus.

Approaching Aros (Aarhus Art Museum).

Aarhus Church. (i Dansk : kirke)

Aarhus Theatre in the City Center.

A peek down the streets of Aarhus (second largest city in Denmark).

'Boy' by Ron Mueck : 500 kg / 5 meter / creepy.

Angela (roomate) on the rooftop.

Olafur Eliasson's rooftop exhibit: Your Rainbow Panorama.

Interior of Aarhus art museum. Quite Guggenheim-esque, I think.