I really should be studying but...

Instead of studying for my Human Health and Disease final tomorrow, I’m writing a blog about the things I will miss in Denmark.

1. Host family- this goes without saying. My host family has been the bulk of my experience here. Without them, I wouldn’t have such a great insight to daily Danish life. They have been so wonderful and accommodating, and I can’t believe they were nice enough to let a stranger like my live with them for the past 4 months. Real cool, Denmark.

2. DAIM!! OH MY GOODNESS. I love daim, I just… love daim. It’s my favorite candy in the world, ranking above both Butterfingers and Snickers in my book. Its crunchy butter almond covered in milk chocolate! It’s like eating a piece of sunshine and happiness in every bite. I eat these babies like there is not tomorrow… which reminds me that I need to stock up before I leave.

3. Hyldeblosmt or Elderflower! They have elderflower flavored goodies here, and I really REALLY wish I could have some of this in the US. It tastes like flowers, and before you go thinking that that is really gross… think again. Flower taste is delicious. It’s like drinking all that is good in the world! I will really miss the “soft water” hyldeblomst drink that I have here!

4. (Some) Danish food- although we had that pork fiasco a few posts ago, I will miss some of the things Denmark has shown me in the cooking department. For instance, my host mom makes a banging lasagna, which now that I think of it isn’t Danish, but its freaking delicious. I will also really miss frikadeller, and the other dishes that I really like. I just don’t know how to spell them so I avoid details. Sorryyyy.

5. Danish as a language- Even though I am not even close to fluent in this language, I like it. Listening to and reading it is actually fun for me, but speaking it is the hardest. Danish is such a cool little language… its secret. Only 5 million people speak it. I am sincerely going to miss learning Danish through the immersion technique.

6. Making my own fires in the wood burning fireplace! I struggle sometimes to create a fire, but there is nothing better to me than sitting in front of a warm fire. I almost hate the idea of going back and using a switch to turn on a fire. I just like the whole wood burning thing. It seems more hyggligt to me.

7. Castles- Denmark has some pretty nice castles, the prettiest one, in my opinion, is the one that I live next too. Frederkisborg Slot. Look it up. It’s magical. It was even magical enough to become a stop for the Amazing Race this season. The only thing I regret is not going to see it more often, but I usually am able to stare at it in awe as I pass by it on the bus every day. It makes me sad to think I will not be going near anything like this castle when I get back to the US.

8. The public transport- Denmark has their public transport DOWN! The S-tog, regional, metro, and bus are all able to get you where you need to go. Although my bus schedule is not that great, it still enables me to travel every day to wherever I want to go. It’s pretty amazing to see how many people use this type of transport with me, and I’ll miss the announcements I don’t understand when there is a problem with the train.

9. Bike culture. You think you are safe on the sidewalk, think again. The bikes are an integral part of Denmark’s infrastructure, and sometimes rush hour for bikes is scarier and worse than rush hour for cars here. Denmark has separate bike lanes, and you can bet they are almost always crowded, or at least being used. You always look both ways here to see if both bikes and cars are coming. Perhaps when it is nice out in Denver I’ll bike to school…. If I’m not lazy.

10. The sights- walking 10 minutes around Copenhagen can actually lead you to more old historical places than you even want. I can’t believe I walk by some of the most amazing landmarks on my way to school. It is something that I can’t get over. Thanks for the cool places Denmark!

Of course there are a LOT of other things I am going to miss here , but I really should get back to the studyinggggg. BLEH!

BUDAAAA PEST!!

OK so, this is probably a mediocre bloggity. However, you shall read.

Budapest, and beyond!

Budapest is an incredible place to visit. It was a nice financial break also. When Meghan and I finally arrived (after missing our first bus) we were desperate to find some food because we literally had not eaten or 12 hours. Despite being in a kind of sketchy part of town, we were in a really nice hotel, complete with almost see-through glass shower that was open to the rest of the room. Weird much?

We ended up eating at a Chinese place, I got an entire meal and drink for a grand total of 4 dollars. 1 usd =216 Forint! The next few days were a whirl of fun; we did all of the touristy things, like going to fisherman’s bastion, the church, a chairlift ride. All of these things were completely magical. I never thought I could see something so beautiful.

Budapest is also known for its medicinal waters, and Meghan and I couldn’t say no to the spas! First we went to one of the oldest and largest spas in Budapest, the Szechenyi baths. Meghan and I were not quite prepared for the baths, as we did not have towels, or sandals to wear around. The baths were pretty fun, despite the plethora of hairy people around us. Each bath had a different type of medicinal value, and all of them typically smelled different. I remember one bath in particular that smelled like mint. After we were done with the baths Meghan and I proceeded to dry ourselves off with the complimentary wall hair dryers, and then we passed out!

Our luxurious stay in Budapest was continued the next day on Nov. 6. (day before my birthday!) where Meghan and I went to a beautiful spa that was incredibly far from Budapest! We had quite the fiasco getting there! Frist, we got massages. In Hungary, massage therapists expect you to get naked in front of them. My masseuse was a 20-something boy. There was NO way that was happening so we hand signaled until he got out!! Soooo awkward. But the massage was good. After the massage fiasco, Meghan and I both received baths with special chocolate stuff in it, and then we got our facials. After the facial both Meghan and I got a haircut! How much for all of this you ask? 100 dollars. Insane!! The staff was absolutely wonderful and accommodating and if you ever go to Budapest go to the Oriental spa at the Ramada!

After being pampered for the day Meghan and I went to Fraust Wine Cellar for a wine tasting. It was excellent. All of the wines were from Hungary and our sommelier lead us through all of the wines. I tasted the best red wine I had ever had there. Needless to say, I didn’t want to leave!! Meghan and I left slightly loaded. Can you say perfect day? How lucky can I possibly be?