Curiosities from Aarhus

The semester has been over for a good week already. That means: the exam period, or for me more like writing term papers, has started. I sit at my desk every day and write as much as I can. I've noticed that it's a bit more difficult in English.

Since I don't have much else to report, I wanted to share some interesting facts about Aarhus. Things that you only know if you've lived here. Enjoy!

*Danish door locks usually lock automatically when the door closes. So it's better to check three times if you really have your key with you.

*When you unlock the door, you also don't turn the key in the opposite direction of the lock like we do, but towards the lock. It took me quite a while to get used to that.

*If you're walking on the street and two Danes say 'Hej Hej' to each other but then go in different directions, don't be confused. 'Hej Hej' actually means 'Goodbye' here.

*In shops, museums, and other public buildings, there are often 'loan umbrellas'. A stand with umbrellas where you can simply take one and return it at the next shop or wherever you're going.

*In supermarkets, 'self-service' checkouts are often used. Just like at IKEA. I find it really practical!

*Some supermarkets also have small conveyor belts or escalators for shopping carts. Very funny.

*Often, you have to switch on power outlets with a switch located above or below the outlet. For example, at the airport in Copenhagen, I wondered why my phone wasn't charging. Until I flipped the switch.

*In Denmark, or at least in Aarhus - that I know for sure - the mail is only emptied twice a week - on Wednesdays and Fridays. So don't be surprised if sent letters arrive after a week.

*There is no such thing as lunchtime or Sunday rest here. So don't be startled if drilling starts in the dormitory on Sunday evening at 9 o'clock.

*The Danes often organize a Putin bar as part of the Friday Bars at the university. But I suspect it's mostly an excuse to drink White Russians. :D

*Danish students or international students who complete their entire studies here receive over 700 euros per month - simply for studying.

*On the bike path near my dormitory, I found something funny:

*Also - and this makes me especially sad - there is no real Christmas market in Aarhus! Along the shopping street, there are a handful of stalls where you can buy gløgg and roasted almonds, but there's unfortunately no beautiful, big Christmas market like in Augsburg. But otherwise, the Danes are also in the Christmas spirit!

That's it already. Unbelievable - I'm going home in two weeks! :)