I have returned!

First Week: Ups and Downs

You might have noticed but I haven't blogged since we came back from Rome. It is not because I was lazy or because I didn't have time. It is because our housing didn't have internet for the WHOLE first week of class! OMG right? That honestly had alot of us upset. We couldn't talk to our families, check our e-mails, or go on facebook! You could imagine the horror. Not only did our internet not work, but upon arrival our housing was not clean. Since I had my aunties with me and my mom was still here, we were the ones mopping and dusting and sweeping my room. The bathrooms however were horrendous. The kitchen was just as horrible. As you can see, all of these things put together resulted in a pretty rough first week.

Bright side? of course! haha. The classes I'm taking (as well as Michelle, yup we didn't register for the same ones but they put us in the same ones...lol) are pretty interesting. We're taking Managing Across Cultures where we look at different cultures, see how they work together, analyze the conflicts and see how they resolve it pretty much. Our other class is Business in the European Union where we look at the EU, what it consists of, their rules and regulations, etc. Another bright note is that though our housing is not the greatest, the people are very nice. Michelle and I were planning to move out because we pretty much got fed up with everything but we decided to just stick it through. I'm glad we did. Another positive is the fact that my aunties live 2 bus stops away from our house so we were able to eat dinner there couple times (hurray for rice!).

Pros and Cons of Arriving Early

One of the benefits of arriving early is the fact that we were familiar with the bus routes and how to get around. My aunties also briefed us on alot of useful information about the stores and malls and some customs of the danish. Being here early helped us get into business pretty quick in regards to school since we traveled a bit before classes started.

On the other hand, it took away the excitement of being and studying in a new place. While the others took picture of anything and everything around them, I felt it a bit old because I saw everything already. That is why during the first week I didn't take very many pictures. Hard to believe I know, but ok continuing on.

International Dinner

As part of our social program at school we had an international dinner on Thursday. We were to cook and bring our favorite dish from our country. As awesome as michelle and I are, we do not know how to cook, BUT because we are from Hawaii, we were able to pull off bringing pineapple! I told this to my best friend and she goes "You know how to cut a pineapple?" YES, well kinda. I watch my uncles and dad do it all the time. I am a weakling though and the knifes in the kitchen aren't very sharp so it was still quite a challenge but we did it! I forgot to take a picture of it =( but here's a picture of my plate during the dinner.

McD's Cheeseburger and McNugget, sushi, fried rice, dessert!

My tummy was controlling my choice of food, not my desire to try different food.

Lessons Continued

Lesson 5: Denmark loves loves LOVES icecream!

On Friday, Michelle and I went to the city to just walk around. Literally every 1 out of 5 shops were icecream shops. They absolutely love it here! I can't complain because I share the same love for icecream. We're always eating icecream now.

this is me by the harbor eating icecream :D

I said icecream alot...

Sweden: Round Two

On Saturday some of us took the 30 minute train ride to Malmo. If you read my previous blogs, the first time I went to Malmo we got lost, so not the fondest of memories. This time around it was good though. Our friend Matt had a book with a little map and the different sites we could go to.

Little Prague!

I might not be able to make it to Prague during this trip but at least I got a taste of it :D

Malmo Castle

Ok so we kinda got lost trying to find this place, but check out the sign that we saw before we entered.

OMG right? Our two other companions were haole (white) so they had nothing to worry about but 3 of us were asians. You could imagine our confusion and even a bit of frustration when we saw this. We then found out that it was part of a Nelson Mandela exhibition and this was a real sign in South Africa.

inside the museum

of course I take pictures of the instruments. lol

St. Peter's Church

Oldest building in Malmo

We then walked around more, found a restaurant where we could eat and watch the World Cup game then went home when the game was finished. All in all, it was a very fun day.

NOTE: more Malmo photos on facebook.

Independence Day!

Sunday was of course the 4th of July. A bunch of us Americans were pretty sad because we weren't home to spend it with our families but we made the most of it. The school set up a picnic type deal at a deer park. It was quite beautiful. Acres and acres of land, deer running around and horse drawn carriages made it unique from all the other parks I suppose.

can you kind of see the deer? haha.

After, we went to Bakken which is the oldest amusement park in the world. We all headed home quite early and still felt incomplete because there was no barbecue or fireworks for our 4th of July. We then went on a pursuit to find some burgers and fries! I suggested McDonalds because that is seriously the most American thing we could have eaten in Denmark. Of course they were not up for that so we found a small restaurant that sold American Burgers :D

Our 4th of July Dinner!

Second Week: Promising

As we go into our 2nd week of school, it looks promising. Everyone's making an effort to clean our house. Our internet finally works. It's getting cooler (because it was scorching last week). I had to make a valid effort to get out of this state of discontentment and look at the brighter side EVEN MORE than I usually do. I only have 5 more weeks here and I seriously want to make the most of it. I'm enjoying my time here and although I miss home, I know I may never have this opportunity again so I'm going to embrace it.

Until next time folks, Aloha.

Rome: The Eternal City

I'm back! wooooot :D

I couldn't blog while I was in Rome because it was 5 euros an hour to use the internet -_- it's funny, Michelle and I were joking with each other saying once we get home, everything is going to seem cheap because EVERYTHING here is way more expensive than Hawaii, oh my...

Rome. Beauty in every corner together with it's rich history made Rome an ideal place to go to before we start classes at the Copenhagen Business School next week. Special thanks to my mommy for treating (lol) and for letting me choose the place and Michelle for coming with, it was all in all incredible :D

Downer. We were constantly being warned by friends, family and other American tourists of the pick pocketers and how they are soo good you can't even feel it. 3 women, rather tiny compared to the rest of the world, in this foreign land that has seen their share of tourists, you could imagine my anxiety. Rome quickly turned from a city of wonders and amazement to a place where I didn't even want to explore with the fear of getting jacked. Nevertheless, we all found ways to "pick-pocket proof" our bags (while making it Jericah proof too..haha). After surviving the first day without anything getting stolen, I was able to relax just a bit.

Arrival. We arrived at around 10am on the 19th, took a taxi to our hotel but our room wasn't ready yet so we asked if there were any restaurants close by and they gave us a card to a restaurant down the street. First adventure in Italy! Walking the dirty streets with cars speeding past was not the greatest I must say, but I felt real girl-scouty..haha. Down the street ended up to be a 20 minute walk but we finally found the place.

yup, we were on table 1. Why?

we were the only ones in the restaurant. lol

oh wells, I had the fettuccine and it was amazing!

Scams. After we ate we asked for our check. We saw things we ordered on the check, but then there was something for 6 euros that we didn't order. We asked the waitress what it was and uncertainly she goes "the bread?" (the ones they give while you wait for your food) and we said "oh we thought it was free..." then she goes "did you not eat the bread?" but we said we didn't order it so she was like "oh ok, 6 euros less." We thought that in italy we have to pay for the bread, but then we read in the Rome book that they will try and charge you for things you didn't order. Good thing my mom thought twice because if it were just me, I would've just paid it. So yes, bread in Italy is free....The rest of the day we just stayed in the hotel and started our exploring the next day.

Vatican City. The next morning we took the bus to the Vatican City because this was the closest stop we could catch the "Hop on hop off" Tour Bus, which served as our tour guide and transportation to all the different tourist spots around Rome. What totally slipped my mind was that it was a SUNDAY! Oh my walking from the bus stop to the Vatican was literally breath taking! Singers in the background while the Pope speaking, it was the perfect introduction.

He was in the screen of course, lol.

St. Peter's Basilica

can you tell i was extremely excited?!

Favorite Restroom. I just have to talk about our "favorite restroom." So since we took the bus to the Vatican every morning, we found a clean restroom in one of the cafes. The thing is, the reason it's so clean is because there's a lady that's always cleaning it. In return for the use of this restroom, people give tips. We went to the cafe at least 3 times a day to use the restroom, so we invested plenty of money to the cleanliness of that bathroom :D

me waiting in the cafe...lol (yes I just had to)

Castle San Angelo

Right across the street from the Vatican

The Vatican from across the street

Gelato. Of course we had to eat gelato. "Italian Ice Cream contains twice as much sugar as American Ice Cream" says Mrs. Ungermeyer from The Lizzie Mcguire Movie (tehe).

Trevi Fountain. This is one place I just HAD to go to. When the tour bus said Trevi Fountain we "hopped off" and followed the sign and the crowd. There's just something about the walk to the place where you've only dreamed of going and being just seconds away from seeing something you've only saw in movies that just thrills me. Like walking to the Vatican, seeing the Trevi Fountain first from its side was just majestic! I believe the crowd of people plays a role in adding to the excitement because they are just as excited as you to see it!

from the side

from the center

Michelle and I before we made our wishes!

Coliseum. The next day we planned to spend most of our time by the Coliseum. You could imagine my excitement! (I get excited alot). Just thinking about how majestic it must have been at it's prime! "Top notch" facility at that time, loads and loads of people and of course, the gladiators and animals. Our tour guide said that the gladiators consisted of slaves. If they won, they would win not only money, fame and women but also their freedom. Sad thing is only 2% of gladiators survived. Blood shed at its max. I could not imagine having to fight that hard just for my freedom. To think this served as entertainment during their time. If only they knew the value of life....

we weren't sure if we were suppose to smile or be sad...

inside the coliseum

No shoulders, no shorts... So our 3rd day we decided to concentrate on the Vatican City. We read in Michelle's Rome book that if we went to the Vatican, we can't show our shoulders or wear shorts. We thought it fine because the previous days were cold, but no, that day the sun came out and it was scorching. It was worth it though, kinda...

haha the sign before you enter

inside st. peter's basilica

Spanish Steps. We took a break from the Vatican, hopped on the tour bus, and went to see the Spanish Steps. Once again, same feeling while walking towards the steps...

...no photos. Ok Vatican continued. We then made the 1 kilometer journey from st. peter's square to the Vatican Museum where the Sistine Chapel is!

sign was deceiving! because there were literally 20 of these signs until we actually reached the Sistine Chapel. We had to walk around the whole museum first before we reached it.

some of the art that we passed on our way to the Sistine Chapel

last sign! FINALLY....

The walk in seemed like slow motion, dark and cold, people standing in awe of the ceiling. I take out my camera about to take a picture, then comes a loud voice "No Photos! No photos..." The one place we walked endlessly to see is the one place we couldn't take pictures! I think Micheal Angelo wouldn't have mind if I took a picture of his fantastic work of art to show my daddy! ;) oh wells, was still amazing.

ha! the last stretch before we got out of the museum

Last Thoughts. I always seem to be thinking.

Flavian Palace Ruins

Together with our Coliseum Tour was a tour of Palatine Hill, where Rome is said to have its origin. This is the hill where Emperor Domitian built his palace and the emperors to follow altered it as they pleased. While on the tour, our guide did a wonderful job of painting a picture of what it looked like at the time. Marble everywhere, his very own stadium for chariot racing, a huge fountain right infront of the bedrooms for his family to look at, can you see it? And yet, today they are as the picture above displays it...just ruins. It must have taken years to build. Plenty of time and energy and strength. After all these years, all that remains can't justify the beauty that once was. It makes me think of all the things I'm living for. If it's just to obtain money and even fame, I just think that it will all fade. If I live for something much higher than what this world could physically display, then I believe it is much worth my time. Impacting lives, enjoying the time I have with people I love and loving Jesus, those will last :D

Long blog. but it's Rome. haha, back to Denmark! If you're still reading, thanks! Hope you enjoyed it.

Until next time

Endless Walking......

I have never walked this much in the span of two days in my life...I wish I was being sarcastic but I really don't think I am, lol.

Adventure 1 (yesterday): SWEDEN!

By far, my favorite flag of all!

See! I think because of the colors :D

From the Central Station in Copenhagen, we took a 30 minute train ride to Malmo, Sweden. Walking out of the train, it reminded me of Copenhagen. I still couldn't understand the announcements and the signs. The buildings also looked like those in Copenhagen, so these things are not what I am going to remember about Sweden. What I will remember is the endless amount of walking we did. Here's the story :D

Sweden has a Walking Street similar to what Copenhagen has, with plenty of shops and restaurants. After we reached the end, we decided to take the side street instead of the main street to go back to the train station. At first, the walk seemed pleasant, nice cool weather and beautiful buildings. Then after about 30 minutes of walking and the train station not in sight in front of us, we realized we were lost. Below is a picture of a cemetery we passed by. Yes at this point I knew we were not longer near the walking street.

We thought if we kept on walking forward, we'd somehow find our way to the train station. After another 30 minutes of walking, we finally asked for directions. Come to find out, the train station was 5 (LONG) blocks away! We had walked so far from the train station that it took us another 30 minutes to get to the station. Did I mention that it was pouring and I was the only one who brought an umbrella?

Oh Sweden, what fond memories I will have of you... :)

Adventure 2 (today): Fisketorvet

Today was pretty much declared shopping day. We walked to a nearby shopping center where there was a sale on blankets! While the ladies walked around, we took pictures :D

YAY michelle's here! I finally have someone I can speak English too! haha and have someone young rolling with us, woot!

We went back to the apartment to drop off all the stuff. Then they said "Are you fine with walking far?" thinking the mall Fisketorvet would be a mile away, but it seriously took us more than an hour to get there. We really did not think that it would be that far but we realized how far it was when we took the train home and it was 2 stops away...by train....thats far, lol. It's fine though, it makes for a good nights sleep...

So, goodnight folks :D

dag to (day two)

Here's just a quick blog about day 2 in Denmark, with pictures shall we?

Tivoli

This is their amusement park that was founded in 1843. It is said that this place served as an inspiration for Walt Disney when he visited in 1950.

Walking Street

Walking street is a street with many stores and restaurants in Downtown Copenhagen (I think). I took a picture of their Pedestrian Light...as you can see, you will be able to cross the street in 33 seconds :D

City Center

umm..center of the city? I just thought the building was nice, then I heard them call it the City Center, so that it shall be :D

Inside Street

So while we were walking through the Walking Street, there are many inside streets that were just beautiful, so I had to take picture of one, trying to make use of my camera features...tehe.

Canal Tour!

We went on an hour canal tour while it was 50 degrees -_-

oh em my lips were seriously numb.

...

Is it bad that I don't remember what this building is? I shall find out and get back to you folks. It's still beautiful though :D

Danish Parliament Building

Opera House!

This is the place where the Royal Family go to board the Royal Yacht.

The Royal Yacht

The Royal Palace

One of the largest private yachts in the world. Owned by the creator of Oracle (I learned about this software in ACC 409! woot)

I wanna say this is the statue of the founder of Denmark, but I forgot what the tour guide said, lol sorry I was fascinated that she was speaking English, German and Danish. geez

Central Station

This is where all the trains pass through. This is where you can board a train to the other European countries!