Every time I wait for the metro, I notice a permanent fixture with what appears to be pictures and descriptions of what sights can be found at the stop. However, I have never do anything but scan the pictures because I’m usually stressing about how the train isn’t there yet. Transportation in Copenhagen is so seamless that even when the train is only one minute late, people start to freak out. Due to this mindset, it took me about three weeks to really understand where I live.

Fun fact: I can see the bridge to Sweden from my window!

Okay, I live in Vestamager; it’s considered an island. You do not pronounce the “ger,” which is a whole other story. Basically, Vestamager was nothing 10 years ago. Although I live in Vestamager, I believe my neighborhood is considered Ørestad because of the Ørestad Boulevard that runs through the buildings.

When I first moved here I thought to myself, “wow, I’m only 15 minutes away from the city, but I feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere …” My kollegium is at the end of the metro line, and my room faces a parking garage in a large undeveloped area. It wasn’t until a bout of procrastination that I realized what the large undeveloped area really is.

I was looking up classes for the Spring when I stumbled across a class called Who’s Watching: Surveillance, Art, and Culture. The description talked about my neighborhood being known for it’s voyeuristic architecture. Among the buildings discussed was one of the most famous apartment complexes in Copenhagen: 8 Tallet. The building is called 8 Tallet because it takes the shape of a figure 8. Of course, you can only see the form of a figure 8 from high above the structure; maybe this is why I was so oblivious to what is behind my kollegium. The building overlooks Kalvebod Fælled, a nature reserve stretching over a fourth of the island.

The name of the reserve actually confuses me. Some sites suggest Kalvebod Fælled is Vestamager’s original name. I assume there was no need to change the name when referencing the reserve? Anyway, it is absolutely beautiful. If you go for a stroll or bike ride at the reserve, you can find cows, sheep, horses, etc. I also had a hard time finding a map in English of the area, so every time I go for a run/stroll/bike ride, it’s a new adventure.