Let’s play a game of Geography 101.

Subject: Copenhagen.

Denmark’s biggest city is partially situated on two islands: Zealand and Amager. Zealand is the largest island in Denmark, whereas Amager is comparatively tiny. Amager is home to the CPH Airport and the University of Copenhagen Faculty of Humanities campus (where I’m studying), but apart from that it’s mostly fields, nature, and wind farms. Roughly 1/4 of the island is taken up by a massive park called Kalvebod Fælled, and then, of course, there’s the Strandpark.

The Strandpark is a long strip of public beach, located off the Øresund (the channel that separates Denmark and the southernmost peninsula of Sweden). It’s a great place to go for picnics, plane spotting, water sports, or just a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. And only a “short” 45 minute bike ride from my apartment!

That’s the Øresund Bridge off in the distance, which connects Denmark to Malmö, Sweden. It’s an easy (and cheap) 30 minute train ride to cross over, so I’m hoping to make it a day trip in the coming months.

I can’t imagine it ever being warm enough to actually SWIM here. Maybe with a wetsuit? I was bundled up in layer upon layer and still cold. But, then again, SoCal girl.

Fun fact: apparently “Kirsten” is a classical Danish name. (Who knew?) And so, eeeeveryone here says it THE RIGHT WAY — “Keer-stin,” not the butchering known as “Ker-stin” or even (gasp!) “Kri-stin.” These Danes are my people.

My trusty ride.

xoxo