Yesterday I went on my first field study with my Danish Language and Culture class. We met up at 6 o'clock at a small kaffe across the water for middag (the traditional "big" meal of the day, like dinner) . Of course while walking there it poured very heavily, but that's to be expected in København (it's one of the rainiest and most unpredictable places in the world). Once we reached the kaffe we sat down and ordered an array of drinks (either coffee, beer, wine, tea, or soda). Many students took advantage of the beer and wine option. I tried the red wine, but wasn't very fond of it. It was interesting drinking wine with my professor, but Danish professors differ greatly from American professors as I have come to find out. For one thing, in Denmark we address every professor by their first name (I don't even know the last names of my professors). In America it's really hit or miss with this topic. Sometimes we address professors by their first name, others prefer a more formal approach. Over all in Københvn everything is a bit less formal. There is more a feeling of equality amongst the professors and students.
While at the kaffe I enjoyed good conversation as well as amazing food! We had a choice of different sandwiches (chicken, salmon, or tuna). I ordered the salmon and when it came out, it was gigantic! The sandwiches are different here as well. They are a type of open-faced sandwiches called rugbrød, with lots of sauce, veggies, and meat. You also eat them with a fork. Very rarely do you ever bite into a meal. The rubrød was delicious and I practically devoured the entire meal. In the Danish culture it is usual to sit for a while after a meal and continue drinking and talking. It was enjoyable to sit at the kaffe afterwords and relax. Everything has been happening very quickly here and it was pleasant to take a little while to unwind.
While walking back to the Nørreport train station, a few other students and I got some ice-cream, which is quite a treat because desserts here are pretty expensive. But it was well worth it. On the walk there was the most beautiful rainbow over the water, it was perfect and a great way to end the day.
