Thursday, I picked James up from the airport and took him back to my place for him to drop off his belongings. While at the airport, there were so many reunions of what looked like Danish kids coming home from abroad and it was so cute. Also, the DIS Summer program is starting up and I think I saw some very confused Americans walking around arrivals- funny to think that was me but totally understood what they were going through. James pretty much wanted to start his day. He met Beril in my room and it was so cute because Beril had baklava waiting for us. So fresh and the pistachio was ridiculous. I borrowed a bike from a guy in KK so we were able to bike everywhere in Cope. I took him to the teepee place in Norrebro and got some moroccan chicken and a beer (also I beat him in chess, sooo). Then we got some coffee and went to a record store where we proceeded to spend the next hour and a half. We also checked out superkilen park before this. After James dropped some kroner at the store, I biked him to dronning louise bridge because it was so gorgeous out. We then went back to my place, grabbed his belongings, dropped him off at the airbnb where he slept for a little bit. For dinner, we went to Kebabistan (best country on the world- the falafel was amazing) and then went to Jolene, a really fun european bar that was celebrating its 9th bday that weekend. We spent the night there and it was so incredible to watch James know every song even though it was some ubiquitous disco song from the 70s.
Friday, Katie and I met up with James and went to Wuulf and Konstali, a brunch place in Amagerbro. Although I thought nothing could beat Mad and Kaffe, this place did. Another platter place, it was amazing and in a really cute area (also the weather was amazing). We then went back, grabbed our bikes, and did the typical touristy things like see Nyhaven, Amelianborg, etc. Afterwards, we chilled in Rosenberg park and he took out his synthesizer (of course). We then walked to Round Tower for a great view of hte city and biked to Christiania and biked around the lake which was so jungle-y and buggy but really pretty. We then went to paper island for dinner where I got the bimbimbap, James got the moroccan chicken and a creme brulee donut. It was so beautiful with the sun setting over the canal, definitely one of my fav. spots in Copenhagen. We then biked to Jolene afterwards and spent another evening there. It's so funny watching the Danes dance because they absolutely do not care what they look like and just take on the dancefloor. I hope to be like that one day. I also got stuck in a dance circle of like 50 yr old moms who were killing it. so that was fun.
On Saturday, James and I planned his trip to Hamburg and Amsterdam and then took the train to Lousianna Art Museum which had some really cool exhibits. I think Lousianna has become one of my fav museums because the artists use art to express themselves and their thoughts in really innovative and unique ways. My favorite exhibit was William Kentridge- the dude did so much and his art was actually pretty humorous. We then continued to take the train to Helsingor for the Click Festival. This is also where Hamlet's Castle is and we strolled around it for a little bit. We ended up getting amazing fish n chips. The festival was really interesting and in this cool venue called the culture yard. There was this weird demonstration/show about vaginas and I'm not really sure what the message was but it was pretty creepy with weird toys and chairs and music. The music festival itself was alright, very industrial and rave like, it was kind of hard for me to enjoy it because I just don't know how to dance to this music. There was also one show with these dancers wearing weird, animal like masks. It was cool, my first rave, can't say I want to do it again. We then proceeded to head home with a quick pit stop where James got food at Falafel Factory.
On Sunday, We went to the street market festival in meatpacking. We hung out there for a while nad watched this outdoor street soccer game which was impressive because it was a small arena and the guys were pretty good at keeping the ball inbouds and not hitting the audience. I had this interesting spanish sandwich with a ton of different meats. We then biked to Nyhaven and went on a canal tour. This was such a fun bike ride because we went from meat packing, up the canal, past the black diamond library, and up along the standard and the canal. It was just so beautiful out and made me love Copenhagen even more. After the canal tour, we got some orange wine at Den Vandrette, where my mom and I went when she was in town. The wine was different than what we tried but interesting because it was pretty acidic for a wine. I'm really interested by orange wine. We then biked to Mikkeller and got beer (lol- we were kinda tipsy at this point). We enjoyed the beer and some amazing cheese while chilling next to the canal and watching the sunset over Copenhagen. We then went back to paper island for dinner (my first repeat of the semester1 got the happy burger with plantain chips). We also split a chocolate crepe which was just madness. We then went to Bastard Cafe where I lost to him in chess (So sad) and ended our night there.
On Monday, we woke up and went to glass market so James could experience it all. I unfortunately had some nasty tacos with chips but James had the ultimate Danish experience with smorrebrod and a cream snegl and coffee collective and black licorice. We then grabbed his stuff and dropped him off at his bus to Hamburg.
I had a flight to catch later that night and a couple of friends to say bye to who were heading back to the states. I got my life in order and said bye to Noa and Meg before leaving for the airport with Shane and Kim to go to Porto!
Monday, May 29, 2017
Post-Tunga: 5/15-5/17
We arrived back in town late Sunday night after the hike. I immediately went home and crashed- like a pro at this point.
Monday morning, we got up and the same group of us went to Mad & Kaffe as we committed ourselves to this brunch spot during the hike to treat ourselves. I went back home and did some work to prepare for upcoming exams, then worked out. Afterwards, we biked to trivia night, definitely took advantage of some beer deals (2 bottles for 40 kr, what?!) and then went to Zoo for free drinks (chasing beer with g&ts and lime) and then went to Burger King (? they were out of fries?) with Shane.
Tuesday, I grabbed an ahhhh-mazing pastry from Srt. Peders Bagery- so amazing, like a cloud, so soft in my mouth, tasted like a dream. Got some more work done at Buzz then went back home and worked out and hung out that night in Rachel's room with Noa!! (who I hadn't seen in forever).
Wednesday, I went to union kitchen annex (trying to save money but doing so poorly at it) and got the most amazing granola with the freshest fruit. Later that night, we went to Miami Cafe and Bar for a CBS end of semester party, tons of free drinks and ended up getting some shots and danced the night away with the homies. Then I headed home to get some sleep before I needed to pick James up from the airport early in the morning.
Monday morning, we got up and the same group of us went to Mad & Kaffe as we committed ourselves to this brunch spot during the hike to treat ourselves. I went back home and did some work to prepare for upcoming exams, then worked out. Afterwards, we biked to trivia night, definitely took advantage of some beer deals (2 bottles for 40 kr, what?!) and then went to Zoo for free drinks (chasing beer with g&ts and lime) and then went to Burger King (? they were out of fries?) with Shane.
Tuesday, I grabbed an ahhhh-mazing pastry from Srt. Peders Bagery- so amazing, like a cloud, so soft in my mouth, tasted like a dream. Got some more work done at Buzz then went back home and worked out and hung out that night in Rachel's room with Noa!! (who I hadn't seen in forever).
Wednesday, I went to union kitchen annex (trying to save money but doing so poorly at it) and got the most amazing granola with the freshest fruit. Later that night, we went to Miami Cafe and Bar for a CBS end of semester party, tons of free drinks and ended up getting some shots and danced the night away with the homies. Then I headed home to get some sleep before I needed to pick James up from the airport early in the morning.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
BERGEN, ODDA, TROLLTUNGA
We left late Thursday night for a quick trip to Norway. Our goal was to summit Trolltunga and we were successfully did it!! although it took us 12 hours. We had a really fun group; Teresa, Rachel, Josh, Shane, Katie, and me. I really loved Norway. It's a beautiful country that's pretty much made for adventuring outdoors. The people there were very nice (and hip in Bergen) although it was incredibly expensive. The entire trip I was also just fixated on how much my parents would love this country (my mom- the sheep, my dad- the outdoors). Maybe I'll try to convince them that Norway would make a great family trip.
Thursday, May 11th
We arrived pretty late Thursday night and made our way to the airbnb. We walked through downtown Bergen at night and there were actually a few bars that looked pretty fun. We got lost while finding the airbnb but it was fun wandering up the winding streets and small, steep alleys. Once we arrived, we made some frozen pizza and then passed out.
Friday, May 12th
We were able to spend a day in Bergen on Friday and saw the UNESCO heritage site called Bryggen, took the Floibanen funicular for a great view of the city and Sognefjord, got breakfast at a coffee shop known for winning barista competitions called Kaffemisjonen, walked around the downtown area, got amazing seafood paella (other people got fish n chips) at Torget i Bergen, hung out and drank a cider in Byparken, and just took in the beautiful sunny Norwegian day. We caught the Hardangerfjord express from Bergen to Rosendal then a bus from Rosendal to Odda. We were really able to take in the beautiful countryside and fjords. There were so many sheep hanging out on the mountainside and the mountains were massive with snow capped tops. The water was so blue and clear and the air was so clean. It was also pretty cool seeing the fishing nets in the fjords. We arrived in Odda, stopped at grocery store to stock up for the rest of the trip and for our 12 hr hiking expedition, and then made our way to the Trolltunga Hotel. This was such a nice hotel (we definitely paid a premium price) and we hung out that night, we had for some reason bought 2 handles duty free at the airport so we drank a little, played cards, packed our bags for the hike, and went to bed for an early wake up call.
Saturday, May 13th
We got up and ate breakfast at the hotel (a lot of bread this trip). We then caught a shuttle to Trolltunga Active from the hotel. There was a huge credit card issue so Shane and Teresa ended up covering for us (huge fiasco, looked like fools). We were outfitted with snowshoes, walking poles, and pants (all of which we didn't realize at the time would be necessary). Around 9:30am we started our hike with a few other groups in our tour. I don't think we really realized what this hike would be like but that was one of the best parts. We went in with full spirits looking to take on this mountain. About an hour into the hike, we had to put on our snowshoes and start using our poles. We eventually made it off the gravel road and onto the mountain. We knew the first 6km of the hike was the toughest part and it definitely proved to be. There were some parts where we were literally scaling the mountain. The angle of the hike was ridiculous. It took us around 8 hours to summit to the tongue (giving a few rest breaks and lunch). The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. We were surrounded by miles of the whitest untouched snow and the mountains went on forever into the horizon. It was amazing how the rock juts out of the mountain and hangs there. Great reminder that you can be standing anywhere at anytime and there's so much beauty around you. It's just a matter of not being distracted and being able to appreciate it. After a few pictures, another sandwich and snickers bar, we began are descent. This was the best part because we were able to slide down the mountain sides because what we hiked was literally so steep. We were on our butts just gliding down the mountain, eventually making it back around 9pm. I'm so proud of myself and everyone else for doing this hike. It was really difficult at some parts and you felt the burn, other times it was really windy with some rain, but it was so incredible and the view was something I'll see once in my lifetime. This was definitely one of the coolest things that I have done abroad and after this I really hope to continue outdoorsy adventures while traveling. We got back to the hotel, I had another sandwich, and we tried to kill the handles (did a very poor job at it), watched the Dark Night Returns and fell asleep.
Sunday, May 14th
We had the day to enjoy Odda. After having breakfast at the hotel, we left and just walked around Odda and tried to kill time before we had to leave for our flight. We hung out in several parks, got a weird lunch at a fast food place, and I got some frozen yogurt with Josh. Odda is a really cute small town squished between the Norwegian mountains and fjords; however, there is not a ton to do there. We left around 3pm to catch our ferry to get us to the airport. Our flight left later that night (ate another sandwich at the airport, so many sandwiches) and, once I was back in Copenhagen, called my mother to wish her a happy mothers day and passed out.
...............................................................................................................................
This was definitely one of my favorite trips. We planned this trip primarily to hike Trolltunga and we did it. Norway is also really beautiful and I would love to travel back here one day (Hopefully with the parents because I know they would really enjoy it). I also appreciated this trip because I think this 12 hr hike is one of the coolest things I did abroad and I'm really proud that we were all able to do it and had the greatest time (@mountainconversations). I'm also really happy I was able to do it with abroad friends because I haven't traveled with them in a long time.
Thursday, May 11th
We arrived pretty late Thursday night and made our way to the airbnb. We walked through downtown Bergen at night and there were actually a few bars that looked pretty fun. We got lost while finding the airbnb but it was fun wandering up the winding streets and small, steep alleys. Once we arrived, we made some frozen pizza and then passed out.
Friday, May 12th
We were able to spend a day in Bergen on Friday and saw the UNESCO heritage site called Bryggen, took the Floibanen funicular for a great view of the city and Sognefjord, got breakfast at a coffee shop known for winning barista competitions called Kaffemisjonen, walked around the downtown area, got amazing seafood paella (other people got fish n chips) at Torget i Bergen, hung out and drank a cider in Byparken, and just took in the beautiful sunny Norwegian day. We caught the Hardangerfjord express from Bergen to Rosendal then a bus from Rosendal to Odda. We were really able to take in the beautiful countryside and fjords. There were so many sheep hanging out on the mountainside and the mountains were massive with snow capped tops. The water was so blue and clear and the air was so clean. It was also pretty cool seeing the fishing nets in the fjords. We arrived in Odda, stopped at grocery store to stock up for the rest of the trip and for our 12 hr hiking expedition, and then made our way to the Trolltunga Hotel. This was such a nice hotel (we definitely paid a premium price) and we hung out that night, we had for some reason bought 2 handles duty free at the airport so we drank a little, played cards, packed our bags for the hike, and went to bed for an early wake up call.
Saturday, May 13th
We got up and ate breakfast at the hotel (a lot of bread this trip). We then caught a shuttle to Trolltunga Active from the hotel. There was a huge credit card issue so Shane and Teresa ended up covering for us (huge fiasco, looked like fools). We were outfitted with snowshoes, walking poles, and pants (all of which we didn't realize at the time would be necessary). Around 9:30am we started our hike with a few other groups in our tour. I don't think we really realized what this hike would be like but that was one of the best parts. We went in with full spirits looking to take on this mountain. About an hour into the hike, we had to put on our snowshoes and start using our poles. We eventually made it off the gravel road and onto the mountain. We knew the first 6km of the hike was the toughest part and it definitely proved to be. There were some parts where we were literally scaling the mountain. The angle of the hike was ridiculous. It took us around 8 hours to summit to the tongue (giving a few rest breaks and lunch). The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. We were surrounded by miles of the whitest untouched snow and the mountains went on forever into the horizon. It was amazing how the rock juts out of the mountain and hangs there. Great reminder that you can be standing anywhere at anytime and there's so much beauty around you. It's just a matter of not being distracted and being able to appreciate it. After a few pictures, another sandwich and snickers bar, we began are descent. This was the best part because we were able to slide down the mountain sides because what we hiked was literally so steep. We were on our butts just gliding down the mountain, eventually making it back around 9pm. I'm so proud of myself and everyone else for doing this hike. It was really difficult at some parts and you felt the burn, other times it was really windy with some rain, but it was so incredible and the view was something I'll see once in my lifetime. This was definitely one of the coolest things that I have done abroad and after this I really hope to continue outdoorsy adventures while traveling. We got back to the hotel, I had another sandwich, and we tried to kill the handles (did a very poor job at it), watched the Dark Night Returns and fell asleep.
Sunday, May 14th
We had the day to enjoy Odda. After having breakfast at the hotel, we left and just walked around Odda and tried to kill time before we had to leave for our flight. We hung out in several parks, got a weird lunch at a fast food place, and I got some frozen yogurt with Josh. Odda is a really cute small town squished between the Norwegian mountains and fjords; however, there is not a ton to do there. We left around 3pm to catch our ferry to get us to the airport. Our flight left later that night (ate another sandwich at the airport, so many sandwiches) and, once I was back in Copenhagen, called my mother to wish her a happy mothers day and passed out.
...............................................................................................................................
This was definitely one of my favorite trips. We planned this trip primarily to hike Trolltunga and we did it. Norway is also really beautiful and I would love to travel back here one day (Hopefully with the parents because I know they would really enjoy it). I also appreciated this trip because I think this 12 hr hike is one of the coolest things I did abroad and I'm really proud that we were all able to do it and had the greatest time (@mountainconversations). I'm also really happy I was able to do it with abroad friends because I haven't traveled with them in a long time.
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