So one week has past since I left the shores of home for Denmark. The very first day we arrived, it snowed like I had never seen (well I am a tropical dweller). What started out as delicate flakes wafting down turned into heavy, unceasing snowfall. And before we knew it, a thick layer of snow had blanketed the grass so you could hardly imagine it was green to begin with. It was quite a sight to behold, and being the Azns that we are, we were snap-happy for a good 20 minutes. "Snow!! Snow!!! I have to snapchat this. " (Maybe that was just me).
The next few days were spent traipsing around town, exploring the city we would call home for the next 5 months. The second day, the sun shone so bright - it was pretty much begging us to make a day of it. We later found out that even the slightest hint of Sun was a true rarity in these gloomy winter months. I knew I always took the warmth for granted, but who knew how important the Sun was in affecting your mood!
Amalienborg Palace
Of course, we had to start off by visiting the most touristy spots in Copenhagen. For example, Nyhavn, is probably the most photographed area in the city! It's the first thing that pops up when you Google Image "Copenhagen". I still remember the excitement that bubbled in my heart as Nyhavn peeked out from behind the corner of a building.
There was also Christiansborg Palace, the parliament building of Copenhagen (I think?). And Amalienborg Palace, where the actual Royals live. What surprised me is that the grounds are completely open to the public to walk through. It was huge and magisterial.. Ahh, to be royal..
Also, I had one of the best hotdogs I've ever had (pictured below). I do wish there was more of it, though. The winter cold has turned me into a food-consuming blackhole. I've always been a clean hotdog girl, but now I can't get enough of the toppings!
Bless this hotdog.
Eating out in Copenhagen is also crazy expensive, so finding this brunch place was a miracle. My meal cost 69DKK (about 14SGD), which is considered really cheap.
The view from the top of Christiansborg Tower.
The Little Mermaid was, literally, quite little. We braved the cold and took a really long walk along the dock, just to see this little lady. I don't know what I was expecting - maybe just envisioned her to be larger. Perhaps there's a reason why this monument holds a position on a list of underwhelming tourist sights in the world (or so I've heard).
I always knew Disney tales were sparkly, squeaky clean, rounded-edged, child-safe versions of the originals, but nothing prepared me for the real story of The Little Mermaid. According to my Danish buddy, she trades her tail for legs and when she walks, it feels like she's stepping on needles. Yikes. She also doesn't get the Prince, and she turns into seafoam. How's that for a pretty storybook ending?
The Law Campus at the University of Copenhagen.
When I first got to Copenhagen, I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know anything about the city, or the culture, or its people. At this moment, I still don't quite know what to make of the place. My impression of Copenhagen is still relatively unformed, maybe because I haven't experienced enough of it. Yeah, it's pretty, but I think there's so much more to it than the shopping streets I've been to and I can't wait to find out more about the culture and its people.
Slowly, but surely, I'm getting used to the cold nipping at my fingers and it has now become bearable to go gloveless for lengths of time, as well as to wear leggings instead of jeans! This has been an exciting first week, but I'm sure there's plenty more in store for me in the next 5 months. We'll see how it goes! x