Farvel København

What a week. My last few days in Copenhagen have been really great because I got to spend them with some of my favorite people in the world!

On Monday, we celebrated a birthday at a cool board game bar, The Bastard Cafe. On Thursday, I finished my Copenhagen bucket list. We ate brunch at our favorite local buffet, walked around Nyhavn again, climbed the Rundetårn to see the city, and went out "on the town" as a group one last time. We had our farewell reception and dinner with the CIEE Copenhagen staff. And this weekend, as packing and prep-ing commenced, I said goodbye to all the amazing friends I have made this block. I can genuinely say that these ladies have made my time in Copenhagen better than I ever imagined it would be. So needless to say, it has been a week full of emotion, for me and for everyone.

Honestly, this week has been kinda difficult. I haven’t been getting as much sleep as I normally do (which I am attributing to my impending transition), had two final papers to submit, and of course packing up everything again. My program has been more difficult that I anticipated. When I signed up, I was excited to be moving around so much; now that I’m in full swing of it, I am more exhausted by traveling than I thought I would be.

This week I was reflecting on my classes and everything I have learned so far, which made me think about Gustavus and how much I really miss it. While I am taking classes that I never would have at home, this trip has made me appreciate Gustavus more than ever. I appreciate the rigor of its classes, I appreciate my professors and my Communication Studies department, I appreciate the ability to work in a job that I am passionate about, I appreciate learning something new everyday.

Now with all that being said, I wouldn’t want to change my experience. I really believe that everything in life happens for a reason. I chose this program and these cities for a reason, and I am glad I did. This trip has opened my eyes to the world, taught me so much about myself, and has brought so many amazing people into my life… which in my opinion is totally worth it.

Now, looking forward. I am sad I have to leave Copenhagen but I am excited to be living in Rome! I am excited for my classes, the warm weather, the culture, the food, to celebrate Easter at the Vatican. And of course (spoiler alert!) my family is coming to visit and I am so excited to see them in two weeks time.

My flight to Rome is early tomorrow morning with my good friend and travel buddy. We have a long day ahead of us... but now that the time is here, I finally feel excited about it!

Farvel København, tak for minderne!

(Farewell Copenhagen, thanks for the memories!)

Olivia

Pictures: one last group picture, board games at Bastard Cafe, one last skål (cheers) to the city, an afternoon at Nyhavn, me and my roomie getting pooped on by a seagull, and the cityscape from the top of the Rundetårn.