The first few days here were similar to the first few days of freshman year. Lots of “what’s your name?” and “where are you from?” and “what do you study?” while standing around. It’s strange being the only Iowa State person here because everyone else, no matter how small of a school they go to, knows at least 2-3 other people here.

On Monday, all of the roughly 1,200 students packed into the Royal Danish Academy of Music for the opening ceremony. The ceremony included presentations from the program director, faculty, and opera performances from both Turandot and Carmen. A crowded book pick-up and a transportation session followed, where I learned that everything illegal to do while driving in the U.S. is illegal to do here on a bike, and you will get fined for doing so. 

 

Offenses include:

• Riding without lights while the street lights are on

• Riding without hands

• Riding while on the phone

• Riding against traffic

• Riding on the sidewalks, or outside of the designated bike lane

• Riding too slow on the left side of the bike lane

• And one that is different than driving rules in the United States: making a direct left turn

 

Also, bike rush hour in a thing here and it’s pretty intense. 

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