Settling

I would to start this off by dedicating this following entry to my brother, Sam, who successfully pressured me to finally update the general public on the life and times of yours truly.

PROCRASTINATION

My well known enemy has seeped into my system and plagued me to read 2 books (Haunted by Chuck Palahnuik and Another Roadside Attraction by Tom Robbins) as well as watching all 5 series of Breaking Bad before I even thought of writing my next blog post. It's a horrible disease, but I'm trying to fight it. I've also been a little busy traveling, exploring and experiencing the wonders of Denmark.

After almost 2 and a half months here, I can finally say I've adjusted to my new lifestyle. I've tackled the public bus system as well as my 5 mile bike ride to school every day. The once foreign, guttural noises of Danish conversation is now finally resembling a language as I learn a few new words every day. As with learning any foreign language, I'm a long way off from comfortably speaking but if you ask me dead simple questions in a painfully slow drawl, I will be able to answer proudly and in horrible pronunciation.

I've been blessed with a wonderful host family with a wonderful refrigerator as well as close proximity to my small, cozy, seaside town and the bustling action of Copenhagen which is only a bus ride away. I've adjusted my clothing to the traditional Danish ensemble of all black clothing, tights, layers, and a stone cold facial expression to top it all off. It's a mix between a constant mugshot and almost crying, but not quite. Here's a picture of me pulling it off flawlessly:

But its moments where I'm waiting in line at the local Netto to buy my first celebratory jar of exchange student Nutella or when I'm walking down the street and trip over a cobblestone older than the United State that I am hit with the sudden realization I'm in a foreign country. I actually have the opportunity to live in Europe for a year where the evidence of World War II is just down my street and the health care is free! That cliche "pinch me" feeling is very real and hits me when I least expect it. 

Last week, our school had the first of its many vacations and us students were awarded a week long, fall break. It was a wonderful escape from the daily Danish grind. I was fortunate enough to explore some of Copenhagen's happiest places (both for different reasons): Tivoli and Christiana.

Tivoli is situated in the center of Copenhagen and is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Its colorful rollercoasters swoop over the city skyline and the smell of joy, caramel apples, and baked, greasy goods can be smelled from miles away. I had been waiting patiently for my golden ticket past its sweeping gates so I could finally experience the wonders within. 

So I was overjoyed when my Host mother offered to take me and my host sisters there for the day. Once inside, you could say all of my wildest dreams came true. The place was decked out for Halloween with vibrant fairy tale elements combined with the fantastic Danish Design element. Aside from the rides itself, I was drawn to every detail and the wonderfully unique graphic design that adorned every building and ride. I even managed the unthinkable and rode a rollercoaster for the first time. Judging all my limbs are still intact, I would call it a success. Disney has nothing on this place. 

Me and my host sisters at Tivoli

The next day we embarked to a different sort of paradise. A self-proclaimed autonomous community called Christiania situated on a deserted military base in Copenhagen. The place is like the island of misfit toys only for the actual hippie misfits of Danish society. Christiania was founded in the early 1970s after a few inhabitants of the surrounding areas broke down through the fence to utilize the unused space as a playground for their children and later a free spirited home away from the constraints of society. Nowadays the place is a popular tourist attraction for its free flowing marijuana and hippie ideals. There are no cars or even taxes for its residents but community members abide by self established laws that keep the place civil. Sadly, there is a strict no-camera policy so you must suffice by my crude descriptions. The whole place was like nothing I had ever seen before. It seemed like an ongoing art installation as sculpture and graffiti were meshed into the former military bullocks and landscape. Off of the mainstreet, there were a variety of twisting paths that brought you down to a beautiful lake where makeshift houses dotted the shoreline. From my understanding it was only recently that running water and electricity were made accessible to these houses. It was surprisingly serene as dread-locked citizens rode past on bicycles. For a 40 year old social experiment, I would say its working out pretty nicely. 

Anyway, if you've made it this far down the page, I congratulate you. Also putting it out there I am currently accepting care packages of peanut butter and American cereal. Cinnamon Toast Crunch preferred, but I'm not picky. Until next time.