Day 4 (Wednesday)

Wednesday, our 4th day in Denmark, was the best day yet! We started off the day meeting the group at Ordrup and then taking the train to a town called Helsigner.  The train ride took about 40 minutes. After we arrived, we headed to Helsinger's main attraction; Kronburg Castle. We got to explore this vast and beautiful landmark in groups with Ordrup students as our guides, and then we went on a tour with a guide who was dressed as a character from William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Hamlet took place at Kronberg Castle. On the tour, we not only got to see all of the different parts of the castle, but we also got to hear the story of prince Hamlet as we walked about the castle. After our tour, we were given some free time to explore the town and shops in Helsigner. We slip up into two groups and got delicious food at local Danish restaurants. After a day spent in the quaint and beautiful Helsinger, we boarded the train and returned to Ordrup to meet our host students. At night, all of the Haverford and Baldwin students met up with our hosts at a local amusement park called Bakken. We spent the night there ridding rides, eating pizza, and having so much fun. Day 4 was a blast, and I can't wait to see what's in store for us the rest of our trip!

-McKenna

Kronborg Castle

Democracy and Canal Tour

The students spent their second school day at Ordrup Gynasium comparing and contrasting American democracy with Danish democracy. The students were asked a question and then had to vote on the question by choosing a side. They then broke into small groups to discuss the issue with Danish students. The students then voted again and a few were persuaded each time by their discussions. Great activity to get the students moving and discussing Danish vs. American systems.

In the afternoon we went on a beautiful canal tour!

First day at Ordrup Gynasium

Ice breaker activities and presentations by our students in Danish classes on Day 1 at Ordrup. Our students did a tremendous job explaining the US political system and fielded some tough questions by Danish students and teachers. Well done!

Day 3 (Tuesday)

Today was our second day at Ordrup Gymnasium. After finally catching up on all of our sleep, we were all ready for a long day. We started the day by debating controversial topics with our danish hosts. Once we all had figured out our final opinions, we were put into small groups and given a topic so we could compare Denmark and America. After our classes, most of the girls and our hosts went out to eat at a little cafe down the street. At about 12:30, we all had returned from lunch. All of the american students sat in the cafeteria so we could play cards and wait for our hosts to finish up classes. When our hosts got back, we all headed out for a canal tour of Copenhagen. We got to see all of the landmarks and beautiful architecture. About an hour later, we all found ourselves in front of hundreds of stores. Most of us broke up into small groups and went shopping for the rest of the evening. After returning from our little shopping spree, we all went back to our homes to relax and finish out the day. Hopefully every day will be as fun as this one!

Day 2 (Monday)

Today is Monday and we attended our first day of school at Ordrup Gymnasium. After a short bus ride to school, we were greeted in the "Blue Room" by Birgit and by the head of the school. The head of school said a couple of words to us before we were taken around the school by some of the hosts students. After our tour we did a workshop with everyone to get to know each other. We played different games and had to complete different tasks to get to know one another. Next we split up into small groups to present to different classes about politics and immigration in America. I presented to a Spanish class then was able to listen in on what they were learning. Even though they were learning Spanish they were learning it in Danish. We had previously prepared power points to present to the class. After this class we all met up again and went to the cafeteria for lunch. Once we were done lunch we went all went to another class with Birgit where all of the Haverford/ Baldwin students presented to the whole OG class, and some of their students prepared presentations to share with us about Danish life. This was the last class we had at school today but it was very interesting to learn about Danish politics, sports, humor, and some fun facts about Denmark. After this class we were able to go hang out with our host students for the rest of the evening. Our first day of school was a great success!


-Jane McAleese

Be Hoogali

Day 1 (Sunday) - Alexa Diecidue

Bright and early this morning at 6:50am, we landed in Copenhagen in the middle of a thunderstorm.  After the long, sleepless flight, we got off the plane and proceeded through customs and went to baggage claim.  From what I heard, the majority of us were up the whole flight, but a few were lucky to get an hour or two of sleep. Customs was as quick as ever, and we got our bags in a matter of minutes.  Birgit, one of the coordinators of the exchange, welcomed us as soon as we got all of our belongings and were ready to leave the airport.  From the airport, we all took the train to Hellerup Station where we would meet our matches.  After a half hour train ride, we stepped onto the platform and were greeted by all of our host families.  After saying our goodbyes to our friends, we went our separate ways back to our homes for the next week.  I passed out into a needed deep sleep as soon as I saw my bed, as I'm sure everyone else did when they got home as well.  We all met up later and went to see a movie together at the movie theater which was a lot of fun.  Everyone spent the evening with their host families and prepared for our first day of school tomorrow.  Since riding bikes are so common in Copenhagen, my host family gave me a bike to test ride so I would be fine on my ride to school the next morning.  With my luck, the bike was way too tall for me even when we adjusted the seat to its lowest.  I didn't know I was that short until I spent a day in Denmark!  We did our best to shorten the bike and I'm glad to say that we got it so that I could put my feet on the peddles for the most part. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!  Wish me luck riding my bike.  I'll try to grow an inch or two in my sleep tonight.

And they're off!