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