Here we go again, another week in Denmark has flown by. The days roll through so quickly, but that is both a blessing and a curse. I know that when I return home to the States, three months from today, I'm going to miss this splendid little town more than anything. Every time I go to my window, I see a magnificent horizon and jovial people playing soccer in the park. I get lost in the beauty of everything I see, and you know, the world isn't half as bad as we make it out to be. I love spending my Saturday afternoons in the park and taking it all in. That's actually what I spend a good majority of my time doing... observing.
Other than people watching, I've been entirely unproductive. It's been a good vacation from the chaotic, minute-to-minute life I had in Athens. Next week, however, I'm resolved to get out and explore the outer edges of this town, now that Leah and I both have reliable bikes. I want to see more of the Danish countryside and the sea. This requires a 24-mile bike ride, but I think I can persevere. I also want to take a trip to the Odense Zoo. I miss my angel puppies, so the petting zoo is just what I need to get me through.
I said that I was going to take up cooking while I was here, but honestly, I haven't. I made the first few steps by going to the grocery store and picking out recipes, but when it comes down to it, I'm too intimidated by the process. I need someone to help me along with it. Also, the few times that I have built up the resolve to cook, there are people using the kitchen. The Spaniards eat lunch around 15, cook dinner around 20:30 and sit around for hours enjoying their meals. Dining is a very important part of their day, it's a social activity. Fast food just doesn't cut it for them, it's admirable. And another hindrance.... the oven doesn't have NUMBERS! I can turn the knob but at that point it's really just a guessing game for a novice cook like myself. So, my diet has consisted of tasty ham sandwiches, pretzels, apples, and more cookies than I should even mention. Thank goodness the university cafeteria has the most delicious, hot, cheap food I have ever tasted in my life. I can't read the Danish signs, so I usually have no idea what I'm eating, but it's all very good.
As for classes, well, the prospect of a hot meal at the cafeteria is one of the only motivating factors for me to make the trek to the university. I hate to admit something as shallow as that. Here's the thing though, the professors put together their own course materials and articles in lieu of an actual textbook. They follow directly from these books, practically word for word. The professor's repeatedly emphasize the fact that attendance is not required and if we have some other matter to attend to, by all means attend to that other matter. I've taken advantage of this a few times, but my morals kick in the majority of the time and I make the cold, early morning bike ride.
One of the things that I dislike about studying abroad is the fact that you make such good friends. You celebrate every weekend together, live together, go to class together. And then in four months time, you may never see these people again. It's slightly heartbreaking. I'm hoping that if the day ever comes that I want to make a random trip to Europe, I'll have a few couches to crash on. Luckily, my closest friend here is Leah and we go to same university, hail from the same city. PS, I already have to give my lease termination notice tomorrow.
In two days time, Leah and I will be roaming around the streets of London. In four days time, we will be roaming around the streets of Copenhagen. Several people have recommended going to visit Christiania, just outside of Copenhagen. It's a self-proclaimed autonomous society that's recognized by the state of Denmark. The founding of Christiania is described as such:
"Christiania is the land of the settlers. It is the so far biggest opportunity to build up a society from scratch - while nevertheless still incorporating the remaining constructions. Own electricity plant, a bath-house, a giant athletics building, where all the seekers of peace could have their grand meditation - and yoga center. Halls where theater groups can feel at home. Buildings for the stoners who are too paranoid and weak to participate in the race...Yes for those who feel the beating of the pioneer heart there can be no doubt as to the purpose of Christiania. It ıs the part of the city which has been kept secret to us - but no more."
A pleasing blog to read. We appear to have similar mindsets. Now what about that other one?