The 10-Day Mark

Hej all!

Well I've officially hit the 10-day mark in Copenhagen even though I feel like I've been here for much longer. As each day goes on, I feel more and more comfortable in the city and less like I'm a tourist. So far the weather has been absolutely incredible and breezy (just the way I like it) and walking down the colorful streets every day has been unreal. I've started ordering coffee and saying hello, thank you, and good bye in Danish and have met some incredible people, both American and Danish.

I came to Copenhagen telling myself that I wanted to grow as a person, meet at least one person who will change my life, and gain new perspective on the world outside of America. Already I've made friends who have promised to be bridesmaids at my wedding, and have realized my passion for studying religion and wanting to major in it. When I initially told people I was majoring in religion, I got some crazy looks and even some "What the hell are you going to do with that?" Even many of my friends didn't understand it. Over the past week I've learned about how amazing religion and its history is and how it truly in my mind is one of the most important aspects of how our world functions and how we as humans interact. I feel confident knowing that I can continue to study something I love, even if it does not become a part of who I am in the future in the working world. Despite the fact that Denmark is not exactly known for being a religious state, already I can see how immigration conflict and religious conflict affects the country. I'm beyond thrilled to be able to go to Istanbul and see firsthand how they're dealing with religion and change. Most of the conversations I've had with Natasha late at night deal with our views on immigration and religion. It has helped so much having her around. Since we're both in school and doing different things we don't get to see each other during the day but it's great when we both get home and can talk about how our days were and laugh about the silly questions I have about Copenhagen (don't worry, BRE, you still hold your title).  All in all, if I leave at the end of the semester knowing that I'm 100% percent sure I'm confident about my major and still passionate about it, I'll be one happy girl.

My two favorite classes so far are Cultural Conflict (my "core" class) and Religion and Politics in Europe. Both of my professors are interesting, funny, and intelligent and it seems like they really have a passion for teaching and interacting with students. Though it's a month away, I'm beyond excited to go to Istanbul as part of my Cultural Conflict class and learn about the religious conflict going on in the country after having studied it so much sophomore year. I have yet to start my fifth class at the University of Copenhagen but I'm looking forward to it. I got elected class representative for my Cultural History of Travel class, which I'm also excited for. The professor is so knowledgeable and seems to know everything (he is also my professor for History of Jewish Life in Europe).

For my first weekend in Copenhagen, I did a lot of sightseeing and experienced the Copenhagen nightlife (which, by the way, is unreal). Since I don't have classes Friday I took the opportunity to just walk around the city by myself (I didn't get lost...A+) and breathe in the richness of Copenhagen. Friday night I went out with some great people to a bar/club in the center of the city and stayed out until 4 AM just dancing, at which point Syd and Meg decided to stay over. Saturday Syd and I shopped in Norreport (the main and great shopping area) and had a great meal at this small Thai restaurant. Saturday was more low-key since I was still exhausted and Sunday was spent doing work at a small cafe in the city.

I can't believe how much is already going on in the month of September. This weekend I'm going to Tivoli with a few people and then going out with Syd on Saturday. Next weekend I'm off to Sweden for a short study tour and kayaking. At the end of September Shelby is hopefully visiting (*finger crossed*) and then I'm off to Turkey! October holds a lot of great opportunities as well and I can't wait to start adventuring through Europe (though Copenhagen is pretty amazing already).

Alright, it's off to class for this girl. Hej Hej!