Week 2 in Copenhagen!

This week in Copenhagen has been very fun because I have really gotten to know the city on a deeper level. From world-famous amusement parks to hidden wooden trolls and thought-provoking class excursions, there’s always something new to discover.

One of the highlights of my week was visiting Tivoli Gardens, the third-oldest amusement park in the world. I learned that Tivoli served as a major inspiration for Walt Disney when he was designing Disneyland, which made the experience even more special. One of the roller coasters, operated by a person manually braking the ride, was actually the inspiration for Disneyland’s Matterhorn. Midway through one of the rides, the weather took a wild turn and it started pouring rain. We ended up soaked but laughing by the end, and it made the memory even more unforgettable.

Another fun discovery this week was the city’s collection of giant wooden trolls. These sculptures are hidden in different corners of Copenhagen and its outskirts, and they feel like a real-life scavenger hunt. We found one named Green George in Christiania, a famously alternative and artsy neighborhood. I'm now determined to track down more of these trolls during my time here because they add such a playful and creative touch to the city.

We also paid a visit to the Lego Store, which felt like a must-do since Lego was invented in Denmark. Inside, we got to design our own custom Lego figurines. I created one wearing a shirt with the classic "I ❤️ Copenhagen" logo. It was a simple but fun way to connect with a piece of Danish culture that’s known around the world.

Beyond the sightseeing, this week’s class excursion to Danish Broadcasting (DR) added a new layer to my understanding of how communication and culture intersect in Denmark. We toured the massive broadcasting facility and got a behind-the-scenes look at where music performances, television shows, and theatrical productions are created. One of the most fascinating parts was watching a jazz band rehearsal and learning how music is used to convey values, messages, and even urgent global issues. This visit resonated with me especially, as I’m currently taking Synthesis 100, a class centered on developing a creative project to help address the climate crisis. Seeing how artists and media professionals incorporate sustainability themes into their work reminded me that storytelling and the arts can be powerful tools for social and environmental change. I am looking forward for what the next three weeks have in store for me.