The Beginning of 2013

Hi everyone. I thought I'd give you an update on the past month and a half. Life's been pretty normal; school, gym/friends, home, sleep. I guess this is what happens when you've been in your host country for over six months. However I've also been on a couple of small outings and attended some special events.

My friend Mady, another exchange student from the US, and I got invited to visit Trapholt Museum and Koldinghus with some rotarians one Sunday. Trapholt is a local art museum and Koldinghus is a nearby castle.

It was a special time to visit Trapholt Museum, as they had a Royal family showcase.

 Mady observing the art.

 Mady and I in front of a painting of Dronning Margrethe II.

 Our next stop was Koldinghus, a danish castle built in 1268. Of course it's been restored since then, but it was still a fascinating visit.

The view walking up to the castle. Denmark looks like a picture out of a H. C. Andersen fairytale when there's snow and everything is frozen.

The castle's courtyard. 

 Mady and I with the rotarians who took us to Koldinghus and Trapholt.

The next exciting event was Galla, the danish equivalent of a North American prom. It's usually exclusively for the 3g and their dates, but all of the exchange students were invited. Mady (USA), Rachael (Bahamas) and Martha (Brazil) came to my house earlier in the day to get ready, then in the early afternoon we headed down to the gymnasium. It was a great evening.

Mady, myself, Rachael & Martha.

 The 3gs dancing a traditional dance called the Lancier.

Dinner time.

Exchange students!

My room the morning after galla. Sorry host mom!

 Other than these two outings, life has been pretty regular. Here are some pictures from the woods and the beach where I take my host dog for walks.

Oscar, my walking buddy.

Blue sky, kind of.

Yesterday our normal 30 minute walk turned into a 3 hour adventure trek. Oscar and I just couldn't not take advantage of the lovely mild weather.

Vejle fjord.

Who said there are no hills in Denmark?

What's on the schedule for the next couple of weeks? Well, I'm heading to Sweden on Friday for the week and then to France a week after I get back from Sweden. It's going to be a busy, but spectacular month. I'll keep you updated.

Cathryn