Dessert Crawl

Happy day after birthday to Kat. She's now officially a mature adult, as she is no longer a teenager. LOL. But anyways, thanks to the Burstall's inspirational Boston cupcake crawl, Kat and I decided to have our own dessert crawl through Copenhagen in honor of her 20th year of life. And if anyone is confused, a dessert crawl is exactly what you would think...we ate dessert all day. Probably the greatest idea known to man. Usually this refers to a pub crawl, in which you drink all night, buuuuut why do that when you can just eat dessert?

The day started off at a bakery in the city center for breakfast, and honestly I'm not sure of the name, since ya know, I'm in Denmark, but the selection of baked goods was pretty solid. We both chose some sort of strawberry pastry type thing. Basically it was chocolate covered cake, a cool whippy type substance and strawberry goo. Such a good start to the day. It was also required that no dessert could be left behind. This was easily accomplished, actually. Oh yeah, I also took a lurker shot of a dog. But go look at the picture, HOW COULD I NOT!? Do you see the bow in it's fur?? DO YOU SEE IT? 

Before

After

I was obsessed with this dog. 

After sitting and recovering for a bit our celebratory day had to be interrupted by a visit to the Danish Resistance Museum for our Holocaust and Genocide class. It was actually pretty interesting since I really didn't know anything about Denmark's role in WWII. Turns out, about 6,000 troops volunteered to support the Nazis, yet there is only a monument honoring the 50ish soldiers who supported the Allied forces....they also don't mention it was only about 50. I guess we create the history we want, right? Not so different from the United States, though, so I'm not surprised. 

After that brief detour we continued our walk throughout the city, making our way to the Little Mermaid, which is probably the lamest famous landmark ever, but we had to go find it anyways. We also think we saw Sweden. There aren't any signs, like HEY that's Sweden, but we just assumed. 

on our way to the Little Mermaid

Sweden?

cool? 

We walked for what felt like a million miles, but it was a nice day and we got to see more of Copenhagen, so it's all good. Then it was crepe time. We both got nutella and banana crepes from a guy with a cart, anddd got way too excited that the family in line in front of us was from Mexico. We have a slight Spanish obsession. The crepe guy was kinda obnox, mostly because I didn't feel like having awkward, trying to be funny, chit chat. I JUST WANTED MY CREPE. But all was forgiven when I ate it. Dear god, yum.

Next up was real dinner since we'd both just been eating dessert all day, and we knew we had to seriously plan and book our week off. Basically yesterday was the biggest success ever. Of Monsters and Men tickets were purchased. Look them up if you don't know them, porque I love them. Here, I did it for you. Plus our week off is pretty much set including Geneva, Switzerland, and Krakow, Poland. I'm pretty excited. We are both kind of bummed that Norway hiking didn't work out since it was a million dollars, but I guess the rest of Europe is pretty decent as well. 

Continuing with the last leg of the dessert crawl, the long awaited Belgian Waffle with ice cream. Sorry I don't have a picture, I forgot to stick the memory card back in my camera. Woops. But it was a beautiful sight. Warm powdered sugar waffle topped with soft serve. SO. GOOD. Two more dessert crawls have been scheduled for the semester, since it's actually the best idea in the world. Also, family if you show your lovely faces in Copenhagen, we'll just have to do this. Good way to see the city and eat dessert. Well that's my life currently, don't be too jealous of all the calories I consumed. 

Weekend Festivities

I seriously feel like I'm living in 1999, you know, when we used to have to dial into the internet and then after a solid hour you could finally ask jeeves your burning questions. Or question, because another one would cost you another hour. Okayyyy, maybe I'm being dramatic, but seriously, the internet was better in Guatemala. That makes COMPLETE sense, right? This is only one of the richest countries in the world. Other than spotty, and sometimes painfully slow internet, my first weekend was quiet and relatively uneventful. I'm one step closer to being legal here though. yay. I also made some cool shoes. check it. 

So much craftiness in my life! LOL. Those gems were actually way more time consuming than anticipated, but a Saturday well spent. I also picked up my bike yesterday so now I can jet around with the Danes like a pro. Well kinda. I feel more than slightly pathetic that I get tired from biking around this flat city. Gotta work on the leg muscles. But it's a great way to get around in a short amount of time. Plus there is a basket on it, so on top of the efficiency, I'll look super presh. Just kidding, it's for practical purposes only. Like carrying around my puppy. And kittens. And occasionally my bunny. Now I just need the right key for my bike lock soooo hopefully no one steals my bike between now and tomorrow. That would make for one sad me. 

On this exciting Sunday I ventured to Kat's place of residence for some Ben and Jerry's. AMERICA. Double scoop of raspberry brownie and baked alaska. Solid choices on my part. Also, Kat didn't want to be photographed. Sorry I'm not sorry. 

Please note our bikes and baskets in the background

We also spent a lot of today struggling to get our week off travel plans down, becauseeee apparently life costs a lot of money that we don't have, soo our options are limited. So does anyone know anything about Switzerland? We'll see. The research continues. BUT Norway hiking is pretty much set so I'm super pumped since we've been talking about that trip forever. Can't wait to complain the whole way up. But I'm sure no matter what we actually do it'll be exciting and great so no stress. Although I am stressed that I've had so much free time in the last few days. Thanks, Wheaton. Now I'm actually stressed that I don't have so much work that I can barely stop to eat. THANKS FOR PUTTING THE FEAR OF SCHOOL IN ME. Alright, this is getting dramatic. First real week of school tomorrow. Wish me luck since I have to participate and whatnot. This is awful. No it's not, I'm in Copenhagen

Speaking of Copenhagen, here are some extra pics

these people love to bike

First days and M&Ms

 I successfully survived the first day of classes! Go me. I went to my Holocaust and Genocide and Human Sexuality classes today, and they will definitely both be interesting in their own ways. We get to write a paper in my genocide class on any topic about any genocide we want, so as weird as it is to say, I'm actually kind of excited to find out more about Guatemala's genocide, since it's basically my favorite place in the world. I figure I might as well be informed about it and get credit all at the same time.   The workloads don't seem too crazy heavy, but I do know around midterms and finals time there will be a million things to do....but I guess this is still school, right? I'm just really scarred from last semester so I'm a little worried about diving right back into the books. But hey, my classes seem decent, soooo here goooeeessss. I think I'll save the fear for January.

I didn't have class until 1:15 today, and I got bored around 11, so I decided to wander over to the DIS area to try and find some of the random stuff I still needed to pick up. I made some pretty good finds at these home goods type of stores and was able to get myself some silverware and CRISPY M&Ms. I don't know if any you remember the crispy m&m from a million years ago but those things were MY FAVORITE, ANDDD they don't sell them anymore in the U.S. What's up with that America? I don't understand, but am really pleased that Denmark was smart enough to keep those bad boys around. I also bought some mini waffles from Holland, but have yet to try them. They are mini waffles, how can that possibly be bad? Answer: it can't.

Add caption

look at this handy sticker for sealing it shut. YOU SO SMART EUROPE

lunch from yesterday. Culinary GENIUS, right!?

In case anybody was worried I was going to starve, I can semi kind of maybe promise you I won't. I successfully cooked, or well it was a group effort...that group being Kat and Me, not that anyone was probably questioning that...anyways, we made ourselves a tofu, veggie, sweet and sour, spinach mix on a cheesy pita. I was too hungry to take a picture. Lo siento. Luckily enough we made enough for tonight, so that will be reconsumed over rice. yuum.

This is literally two steps outside my dorm

some of those white dots are swans. no big deal.

square/plaza right near DIS

Parliament 

Famous streettttt

Yesterday I was able to explore the city a little more, which was super awesome. I'm starting to really like it here, and am getting slightly more confident in being able to maneuver myself around various places. Although, I didn't navigate myself to the harbor yesterday, sooo just kidding. But I did get to see the most iconic little street thing of Copenhagen. Basically if you have ever goog imaged Copenhagen, that street and canal pops up. It's super cute in person so I'll definitely be returning for ice cream and nice scenery. Well I'm off to reheat dinner! Enjoy America.

Oops, I'm in Copenhagen

Oh hey, I'm in Denmark. Muy weird. Sorry, I just can't shake the Spanish. So it's been a few days now and I can't possibly recap everything, so here's just a general overview about the city so far. I live really close to the city center, actually. It's about a 10-15 minute walk for me to get to the main shopping streets, and maybe five more to get to my classes. From what I've seen, the city is beautiful! It kinda has a Parisy type look to it I suppose. Kinda, not really. It's hard to describe. Very European though. I love being right in the city and can't wait to explore more of it. Turns out there is a castle really close to where I live. Um, cool. And even though I can't see it from my room, there is a riverish thing right outside my building with a beautiful walkway. Prime location aqui.

The backside of my building, yo.

The Danes themselves are pretty much what I expected. Quiet, blonde, BEAUTIFUL. Seriously, these people aren't normal. I think this entire country was created by super models. They also dress amazingly well. Women both young and old are riding around on their bikes in dresses and nice shoes, all while looking beautiful. Come Saturday I'll be doing the same thing, except sweaty and tired looking. It seems like everyone rides bikes here, which seems like such a great way to get around...and to stay healthy. I'm not surprised all the Danes are skinny too. So no diabetes here, just cirrhosis and lung cancer. No big. Anyways, even though I've heard the Danish people were a little cold, most people seem really friendly and willing to help. I've asked at least a million people for directions and even asked a woman today if I was holding milk (turns out yogurt containers look strangely like milk). Thankfully, everyone I've asked and come across speaks fluent English, so no real challenges there. I can't read most signs or food labels, but hey, that's what pictures are for right? Let's just make the milk a little more clear next time, Denmark. Despite everyone seeming relatively friendly, no one makes small talk, which is kind of hard to get used to. It's especially strange that the Danes don't smile at each other. You know, you walk into a train/subway/just randomly make eye contact with someone, you smile. Apparently that's not how it works here. I didn't realize just how much I do that until I came here and catch myself just smiling at people. Sorry if I scared you with my American ways, people.

I really like the city so far, and DIS seems really on top of things here and really encourage us to jump head first into getting to know our way around the city. Seriously, the made us find our own ways from day one. But anyways, classes start Thursday, and it will be interesting to see how those work, and if I can find my way around.

Big news of the day: I went grocery shopping. It was horrible. Ok, maybe not, but maybe yes. I went to the cheaper store first because my food stipend works there, buuuuuut that place is like Ocean State Job Lot, The Dollar Tree, and Market Basket all jumbled together to make one mess of an awful store. But it's cheap so I guess I'll suck it up. After a while I got sick of the crowds and the mess and went next door to super nice Irma, which is more expensive but like walking into a luxurious palace after Netto. I'm still trying to maneuver this whole cooking for myself business, but I'll manage somehow. I'd be more adventurous if I had my own kitchen to work with, but sharing a kitchen and having limited space to put stuff makes the cooking simple. But I have faith, kind of.

University of Copenhagen...I pretty much live on campus. 

Pedestrian walkway near school

California dreamin'

HOW IS THIS SUMMER ALMOST OVER???? It's been an action packed and amazing one that's for sure. I just returned from a short stay in lovely Southern California. Should I mention that I plan on living in Malibu some day? Alright, maybe that dream is a bit of  a stretch, but I would love to make my way to SoCal at some point. I'm sure the fact that it's so different from where I grew up makes it seem more awesome, but really, it's warm all year, there are palm trees, beaches, and civilization. I'M THERE.

Anyways, the Ullrich family was nice enough to let me invade their lives for a week in Simi Valley, about 30 minutes north of LA. Of course, I use 30 minutes loosely since traffic all around Los Angeles is insane, but you get the point. I finally got to meet Brock, which has been a two year long struggle. It's difficult to look at pictures of him all the time but be too far away to pet him. Dream fulfilled. Stop looking at me like that. MY LIFE IS NOT PATHETIC. Even though Kat and I claim to be really boring people....and let's face it, we are, we still had a nonstop week. It's been years since I've been in that area, and honestly I don't remember it too clearly, so I loved getting to go back. I returned to mah roots at Angels Stadium yeahhh. Sure my home team was chillin back in the east, but I pretended to be a temp Angels fan for the day. That doesn't extend past a day. Don't get any ideas. But games are lame if you aren't rooting for someone. We also hiked all over the SV and even made our way to Malibu (my future home). We are the most active people alive. Don't be too intimidated. One day we even woke up at 5:45 to hike 6-8 miles. We aren't actually sure how many miles it was, but I'm gonna guesstimate somewhere around 105. Olympic athletes? But seriously,  I had a great time eating delicious food and chilling by the Pacific. The Ullrichs were crazy generous to me and made meh feel supes welcome. Thanks, y'all. Kat was a decent host I guess. Jokes, I didn't really have to make any decisions until the last day, and that one decision was enough to make me collapse on the kitchen counter.  My favorite part may or may not have been all the food I consumed. It lived up to the hype. The Pacif Ocean was decent as well. JOKES IT WAS GREAT. Caught myself a wave. Sat on the beach. Got sunburnt. I'm basically a Californian. ha.  Maybe someday. Peace out East Coast. I'm only slightly obsessed with California. I get why people from California freak out about it all the time. I would too. Ok, this is becoming a mess.

Time to wrap it up. Who knows how much more I will update this before Denmark, but I'll be sure to blog on the regz when my life gets a little more exciting than the GC and facebook. Although are sunset castle picnics really more interesting? oh wait, yes they are. On a sad note I had to bid farewell to Brys today, which is always not fun, BUT she should be collecting her pennies to spend Thanksgiving at Legoland con mi. RIGHT!? seriously, there's probably a penny on the sidewalk right now. GO GET IT. Miss ya already.

excuse the awkwardness, but I need to prove I went on Jurassic Park

90834598203495043295 mile hike. casually standing 100 feet from each other.

Malibu

Point Dume

WHY WAS I BORN ON THE EAST COAST??

beach wedding! Obsessed.

BROCK

so pleased to be in my presence

mi favorito

Alright, I'm going to walk amongst the nature with mi madre since it's actually not oppressively humid today. Enjoy your summers! 

The real grand finale.

Como, it's really over now. I'm sitting in the Miami airport, so I'm offish sad. Guatemala is the best. America is not. Just kidding, but not really. It is so strange being back, even though technically I'm not all the way home. I think my biggest culture shock so far actually came when I was able to order food in English. Como, what? But seriously, it's weird having most people actually speak English. I miss Spanish. I'm basically just sulking. In reality, I'm so crazy thankful that I got to stay in Guate for a month, but it's hard not to be sad it's over. I'm now just annoyingly bursting to talk about it. I'm so pathetic. Someone asked me my favorite part of it all when I was on the plane, and I just burst out, EVERYTHING!!! It's true though. Best four weeks of mi vida.

Ok, so starting at the beginning, I woke up bright and early at 3:55 AM for my 4:30 departure con Ann. We were weirdly on the same flight, so I didn't have to say goodbye just yet. Como, yay! I'm gonna miss that girl so much. Kat was a nice esposa and woke up to say goodbye, which was sad, it was a super fun five weeks, yo. But we'll be reunited in three weeks, so está bien. Although apparently I missed out on a really romantic weekend. Shame.

Anyways, Ann and I were rolling through a ghost town at 4:30 AM, but the aeropuerto was surprisingly busy. It was really nice having her there to make general traveling and customs less stressful. Plus, Ann is just the best. We chilled at our gate and just chatted until miss fancy pants first class left me with the other lowly coach dwellers. Just kidding, there's a serious story behind her first class ticket. The actual flight was super smooth. I ate cookies. Exciting, right?

Customs took about a year and a half since the USA is probably the most paranoid, strict country ever. I suppose we defz have reasons to be, but it's just funny since I strolled right into Guatemala, no probs. I could have had a bag full of guns and I would have gotten in. I was quickly reminded that Americans aren't nearly as welcoming and nice as Guatemalans. No hugs here. Ann and I spent our time waiting in line to be readmitted into the country hating on our own culture. Welcome home.

We had to part ways at our gates, which was super not happy, but I for reals plan on CCS reunions, so it's not forever. Está bien.

I spent my layover eating. Surprise. Since I've lived off of beans, rice, tortillas, and hot sauce for a month, I was nervous about going hardcore with American food and then getting on a plane again. I stuck with fries and a frappaccino. God I'm so healthy. DIABETES. Now here I am, somewhere over the East Coast en route to the homeland. muy weird.

Crazy kinda story. Some woman on my flight is named Maria Del Carmen AKA MY FAV MUJER ANCIANA! I wanted to cry. P.S. I did cry on my last day at placement. I had to hold in my sobs. Probably one of the hardest things I've ever done was leaving those lovely ladies, especially when some of them started crying. Leaving friends, both young and old was so very difficult. But I'm thankful, beyond thankful, that I got to be a part of their lives and they got to be a part of mine. I'll be thinking of them all Monday at 8:30 AM. If only I had faith in the newbs.

Oh hey, reading the Spanish magazine on the plane. Infinitely easier than trying to read it on June 2nd. Look who's a Spanish GENIUS. Jokes, being back in the homeland already makes me feel dumber. So basically I'm going to buy libros en español and miro soap operas on the regz. Hold me to that, por favor.

The best cook and most awesome person I know

I love this group of people

Our last day! muy triste

Julieta! She folds blankets like a boss. But really. 

Juan Carlos y yo. so much swag.

Kiki! ella es muy linda!