Since I arrived in Denmark, I have been waiting to move in to the apartment that I found to rent. Initially, there was some confusion but the place is mine starting in February. Which is wonderful. I love it. HOWEVER, What I failed to realize until attempting to DO ANYTHING was how important having an address is here.

Having finally gotten all of my paperwork in order (which I checked and double checked), I went to the international citizen services office on Friday. Initially, people seemed hopeful that I would be able to register my CPR number (which is like a Danish Social Security number in that it is a single number assigned to each person. it is in no other way like a SSN). I sat through a couple of presentations, waited patiently for my chance to speak to the authorities, then finally I was called back.

There was some loud discussion in front of me, but in Danish, discussing (I assume from what happened next) how they could not register me somewhere until I live there- even if it is only one week out and it takes 2 weeks to get my health insurance card etc etc.. The good news is, I don’t have to return. They said they would enter me in the system on the 1st. The bad news is, I still don’t have a valid CPR number. So no bank account, internet service etc etc etc. I knew this was a real possibility but I was optimistic.

At this point, I felt a bit defeated and it wasn’t even noon. I knew I had a lot to do in the lab but decided to walk up town a bit first. I wandered a bit and eventually ended up at the art museum cafe where I ate a very lovely lunch (pictured here) and re-adjusted my expectations. The food was lovely but I also really enjoyed the atmosphere.

Even though my personal adjustment is taking more time than I thought, we are about to get things rolling in the lab! The next few weeks should hold exciting Adventures in both Life and Science.