Copenhagen- Saturday May 8

Today we all did individual activities.  Some of us went to see castles, many of us went to the lovely shops, all of us rested at least a litle bit, and we did a lot of walking.  Warren also watched a special parade.

Megan, Jenny, Krystal, and I went to the Prince's castle and watched the "changing of the guards" at noon.  Warren actually waited in line for 2 hours and went inside the Prince's castle that they're renovating.

Then we walked to the Marble Church and its huge dome and looked around inside- boy was it beautiful!

We also saw some really fancy gelati while we were walking on the pedestrian street

and some really cool fountains.

Megan and I also went to Rosenborg Castle and the castle gardens.  This castle houses the Royal Danish collections.

In the evening, while everyone else rested, Megan and I took the train into Copenhagen and went to Tivoli, their amusement park. 

We went at a good time because we were able to see the park both during the day and the gorgeous lights at night.  There were some really cool rides (but it was pay per ride), beautiful gardens (which are found just about everywhere in Denmark) ,shops, and tons of restaurants. 

We also saw a small statue of the Little Mermaid on the pond even though the real one is currently in ShangHi.

-Heather

Thursday May 6th

This is our last full day in Odense.  We started with a tour of TV2, one of 2 Danish TV stations.  The other is called DR (Danish Radio). TV2 is located in an old cattle building in Odense.  It has been refurbished and is  now very big and nice looking.  We saw the TV studio, the news room, the library and several research, programming and business offices.  We also saw a video presentation about the station and watched some of the shows they aired.

Danish TV is funded in part by the Government, and the government sets some priorities related to what % of air time can go for different types of programming, what must be aired like Royal ceremonies and some sports events, etc.  Compared to the US, Danish tv news is unbiased and the government does not dictate content.  Some shows are produced locally and some is purchased from other european countries and the US.  Also, Danish TV is not censored so you can see some things that would be considered risque in the US.

We then went our separate ways in town.  Some mailing packages home, some shopping and all getting something to eat and drink. 

We were invited to meet at a Rotary members home nearby for refreshments before we went to dinner.  He and his wife were most hospitable and showed us wonderful pictures of their wedding last August.

Then we walked to the restaurant Marco Polo for a very nice meal provided by the Rotary Club.

Then it was off to the Koncert (Concert) Hall where we were guests of the Rotary Club for a performance by the Odense Symfoniorkester (Symphony Orchestrra).  They were very good and featured a flojte (flute) player by the name of Lucia Klonner.

Home to pack and get ready to leave for Copenhagen in the moring by train.

Submitted by Warren

Vocational Day in Odense

It's mid week in Odense and we've been lucky to have good weather this week. Today was our vocational day in the city. I had the opportunity to visit the Danish Railway Museum. The curator, Jørgen Larsen, gave me a tour of the various engines and passenger cars they have on display at the Museum. The Danish Railway Museum is one of the largest of its kind in the area and sees about 90,000 visitors each year. They just had a Thomas the Tank Engine event which was a big success, which reminded me of the Strasburg Railroad! 

After a morning of specific vocational time, we went on a walking tour of the city. Our guide, Anna Sophia, pointed out some of the city's sculptures which were inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tales. 

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Today we started off our day by listening to a presentation about the Danish higher education system at Syddansk University.  We learned more about the secondary school system as well as the Bachelor and Masters programs that are offered and the recent changes that the school system has undergone.

From the University we took taxis to the local Sydbank branch were we watched a video about the growth of the bank, it's mission and vision.  Sydbank is the 4th largest bank in Denmark with 110 branches in Denmark as well as 3 in Germany and a subsidiary bank in Switzerland. 

After the bank presentation we walked to the museum of Hans Christian Anderson where we were able to tour the writers birthplace and learn more about his childhood and adult life.

To complete our day before heading home to our host families we had time to walk around the 'old town' of Odense.

Megan Balmer

Sunday in Odense

We arrived in Odense on Saturday night.  Today we took a ferry ride to the zoo! We had a alot of time on our own in the zoo, then watched the seal show and had a more guided tour.  In the guided tour, we were able to go behind the scences of the lion cages.  It was really neat, and we learned that they use perfume to attract lions back into the cages. After the zoo, we made a short walk home to eat "cripsy pork" with our host family.  It was delicious! Below are some pictures from the zoo and the ferry to the zoo.

megan and heather on the ferry

spider moneys- We were able to get very close to them!

My favorite the zebra!!!

-Melissa

Saturday May 1, 2010

Saturday - moving day once again!  We spent time with our host families today doing a variety of things.

Ulrich took me to Egeskov castle.  This a castle that has been in his family for generations.  His cousin lives there now with his family.  It is HUGE! and built on oak pilings in the middle of a lake. As long as the water level is kept at a certain level, the oak will never weaken. Much care is taken to monitor the water levels.  I believe it dates back to the 1500's or earlier.  The castle has been opened to the public as well as the grounds, beautiful gardens, and outbuildings.  The past several owners have begun collecting a number of antique items which are on display in the outbuildings - automobiles, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, horse drawn carriages, an old time grocery store, etc.  There is also a play yard for children. Many rooms in the castle are open for viewing and period furnishings are on display.  This is still a working farm too.

We then drove up north on Langeland to vistle Tronakaer Castle where Ulrich and his older brother lived from the age of 10 years old in traditionally royal style.  Ulrich's nephew now lives in the Castle with his family. It sit imposingly on top of a hill.

Then down to Rudboking to meet our new hosts.  The team gathered to say farewell to our host families and friends from Rudboking RC and meet the folks from Odense International Club.  We learned that there are many members of this club who are not Danish but who hail from other countries. Thus the term international in their club title.  We went to a mamber's home where we were treated to a most welcome dinner of soup, nacho's and cheese, hamburger, baked potatoes, and three scrumptous desserts from which to choose.  We like Danish food, but it was also nice to get a "taste of home" as well.  Lena, the youngest daughter in their family just returned from a trip through the States.  We were anxious to hear where she went and what her reactions were.  A great time was had by all and we then went to Odense to temporary host homes due to confirmations and this holiday weekend.  We'll be with our new families tomorrow.

Submitted by Warren

Goodbye Rudkøebing - Saturday

It was yet another emotional day preparing to leave our lovely host families in Rudkøebing.  We started the day with breakfast at our houses as well as doing individual activities with our host families such as relaxing, shopping, hanging out at the beach, and packing.
With my family, I went shopping in Svendburg, went on a horse drawn carriage ride (it totally felt like home) and had a delicious lunch.  Then I went home and packed my belongings and prepared to meet the group at 4PM to head to Odense.
We all said farewell to the wonderful people we met on the islands and loaded up to head to Odense (with one car totally full of luggage). 
After a short 45 minute drive through dreary weather we went to Birthe's house and met her family.  We were able to relax and rest before dinner.  She made an incredible dinner for us that included ham, baked potatoes, salad, soup, bread, chili nachos (with homemade guacamole that her daughter made), desserts (several of them which were all yummy), and much more.  It was delightful!  We sat around and shared stories with them and got to know a little bit about the town.
Afterwards we departed and dropped Megan and Jenni off at a Hostel for the evening.  Melissa, Amanda, Krystal, Warren and I all came to Ida's house for the night.  


Heather