Exploring Copenhagen & Europe
This will be where I upload blogs for when I am not doing academics!
Blog #1
8/26-9/1
My first week in Denmark! Although I haven't explored the more well-known spots in Copenhagen, I have been exploring the area surrounding CBS (Copenhagen Business School). CBS is in Frederiksburg, which is quieter than central Copenhagen but still very close to the city. I have been mostly grocery shopping and buying the things I need to live independently. In the coming weeks, I will be exploring different spots in Copenhagen, so stay tuned!
Blog #2
9/2-9/8
My second week in Denmark! Since it was my birthday on Saturday (9/7), I went to Malmo, Sweden and Nyhavn Harbor. From Copenhagen Central Station, Malmo is around a 30-45 min train ride. We stayed for a couple of hours and then headed to Nyhavn. Nyhavn is one of the most well known spots in Copenhagen and is a hub for tourists. The boat harbor is beautiful and definitely worth the hype. Although a little pricey, we also went on a canal tour to see all the monuments in Copenhagen, such as the Black Diamond.
Blog #4
9/29-10/5
This week I went to Prague, Czech Republic for the weekend, with a bunch of family friends! One of the benefits of doing a study abroad/international exchange in Europe is exploring all the countries close by. Prague is only one hour away by plane and is relatively inexpensive. I enjoyed exploring the architecture of the city. Czech Republic is known for the famous composer Antonin Dvorak. I love classical music, so I even went to a concert in Lobokowicz Palace, which is part of the Prague Castle grounds.
Blog #7
11/10-11/16
After finishing my finals, I went back to London, UK! One of my closest friends was doing the Study Abroad Center's London program for the semester. This was also the program I was in during the Spring 2024 semester! It was so nice to stay at my old university but bittersweet with the memories I've made last semester. As it was beginning of the holiday season, London started to get in the spirit by putting up the lights across many famous landmarks including Regent Street and Fortnum & Mason. During the day, we also went to many of the landmarks I did not visit during my time. Overall, I love London and it will always have a special palace in my heart.
Blog #8
11/24-11/30
After coming back from London, I had a week to recuperate. Next stop was Finland! As I have never seen snow before, going to Finland for the winter season was a dream come true. I went with the same friend that I was with in England. Since it was the end of November and not December, I was worried it wouldn't snow. However, flying to Helsinki I was greeted with a snowstorm! To think we were staying more North in Rovaniemi where Santa's Village is and a smaller town called Ivalo. We were able to plan days for husky sledding, exploring Lapland's wilderness, and on our last night, we caught the Auroras/Northern Lights!
Blog #9
12/1-12/7
After returning from Finland, now I am counting down until my very last final. In October I had three finals and in December, only one. As I am preparing for the final, I'm also exploring different parts of Copenhagen as it is my last month here. During this week I visited many spots including the Glyptoteket (museum), Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Palace, revisiting Nyhavn, and the Christmas lights at Kongens Nytorv. Although it is quite touristy, one of my favorite spots I cannot get sick of is Nyhavn. The harbor is a reminder of how far I've come in my study abroad journey.
Blog #10
12/15-12/21
Last week, I took my very last final. As I am returning to Hawaii in couple weeks, I'm trying to make the most out of my time in Denmark and have gone to explore despite the dreadful weather. I first stopped at Amalienborg Palace which is the home to the Danish Royal Family. Right across is a beautiful church called Frederiks Kirke. Second, I explored different holiday markets to buy gifts for my family and friends. One market I stumbled upon was the Hand Christian Andersen Market where I bought some souvenir cookies and bracelets. I also travelled an hour by train up north to Kronborg Castle which also inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet. Lastly, I went to Tivoli Gardens one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Although I did not go on any rides, there was still many sights to see on the grounds. A satisfying conclusion as I now need to pack and head back home!
