These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

It is hard to fathom that in ten days I will be on a plane from Copenhagen to D.C., en route to the beautiful land of Syracuse (which was just rated the #1 snowiest city, I'll have you know). When I ask my friends about their feelings towards returning home, the answer is short and simple: bittersweet. In my mind, that is the ideal word to describe my feelings. Last week was much more stressful than the others with numerous papers and random assignments and after having a nice weekend to breathe, I'm enjoying all of the time I have left in this beautiful and vibrant city.

As you all know, I have a younger brother, Nate, who is a freshman in college at Wake Forest. Of all of the people I've missed, he is definitely at the top of the list. He is such a caring, intelligent, funny, and genuine person and someone I'm proud to call a brother and best friend. Unfortunately Nate recently and suddenly lost one of his friends at Wake Forest and it was yet another wake-up call to how precious life truly is and how important it is to be thankful and appreciative of all individuals and moments in life. This entry doesn't have to do with details about an exciting trip across Europe or a visit from someone I care about. But as the holidays draw near, it is hard not to think about all of the things that have become "favorites" on my journey in Denmark and throughout Europe. Additionally, I've grown to think about how appreciative I am of every individual who has gotten me through the hard times and cheered me on during the good ones. Rather, as I sit in my hyyge-esque room, candles lit and Christmas music playing, I've come to realize how much more grateful and humble this experience has made me and how much it has made me appreciate so many things and people I once took for granted, both in the States and in Denmark.

I wouldn't be sitting here without the support and encouragement of my parents, two individuals who have emphasized acceptance of others and being grateful as key facets of life. They have been with me through every smile, tear drop, exam, paper, trip, and event. While saying good-bye to Copenhagen will be difficult, the end factor of jumping into my parents' arms is pretty extraordinary. Additionally, I realize how important my three awesome and hilarious brothers are to me. While abroad I did not get to talk to them as much as when I'm in the States. From this I realize how much I adore and miss Matt's never-ending humor, Michael and Lauren's words of encouragement, and just being able to text and call Nate whenever something funny has happened (on top of being pretty inseparable). Not only would I not be where I am today without all of them but I would not be the person I am. In addition to my family are the individuals at home who have supported me and encouraged me through this process and adventure (especially you, Danny). Any rough patch or not-so-great-day was made better by them and by knowing that I still have such a solid and amazing group of people to go home to at Tufts. I can't wait to share stories with them and see how their year has played out thus far. I've been so fortunate to stay in touch with all of my best friends who are also studying in Europe and learning more about the world around them as well as themselves. Although I wish I could have seen Hannah, Shauna, Jacob, and Stephanie this semester, I'm proud to call them my good friends and learn from them based on what they have experienced abroad. I'm beyond grateful that I was able to experience both Copenhagen and Madrid with Shelby, someone I truly admire and love and someone I know I'll be friends with for life. On top of those individuals, I've met the most amazing people here in my studies abroad, both DIS students and Danes. They've taught me so much about taking in every moment abroad and loving all that Copenhagen has to offer. There are simply too many names to list off but I'm thankful for every individual I've met in the past four months, whether we've met in Turkey, Sweden, Spain, or Denmark. Last but not least, this entire experience would not have been the same had I not been graced with such a kind, funny, and loving roommate. Natasha has been such a blessing and of all the "shocks" that I will be encountering upon returning to the U.S., I'm pretty sure not living with her will be the biggest. She has has my back here the entire time and was so patient when I was adjusting to life in Copenhagen. I truly hope every person who studies abroad and lives with a roommate of a different culture is as lucky as I have been.

But of course, this entry is also a fun one to reflect on things that have grown to become "favorites" of mine. Of course I could name 100 things already. However, just to name a few:

1. Getting hygge with it. Hygge translates into "cozy" in Danish. It is a concept/somewhat of an activity here in Denmark in which you light candles with friends, whether at home or in a bar/restaurant/cafe, and eat, drink, and talk. Denmark is actually the number one manufacturer of candles and now I can see why. Almost every restaurant or cafe is lit by candles and the atmosphere is quaint and joyful, especially during the holiday seasons. Whenever I had friends or family visit, they always commented on how nice and cozy places were. It is something I have grown so accustomed to and while I can already think of cozy restaurants in Syracuse and Boston, they don't quite compare to the ones in Copenhagen. What I've grown to love about this place is how easy going and relaxed everyone is. We get to be so busy and preoccupied with things in the US that we forget how fun and relaxing it is to just sit with friends and have a drink or a meal.

2. Bakeries. Ah, that smell. So sweet and delectable. I never walked more than two minutes without passing a bakery or coffee shop and taking in the unforgettable smell of pastries that have just emerged from the oven. It has become such a familiar smell and I still find it impossible to believe that I won't be able to go to my favorite, hole-in-the-wall bakery for a pastry and spicy chai latte.

3. Kulor Tuesdays. Everyone hears me talking about this place and for good reason. When I think about next semester, I don't think about the impending mounds of pages I'll have to read or how I'll be spending five or six nights studying in the library until midnight. No, I think to myself, "What am I going to do without Kulor on Tuesday night?" Given that we did not have classes on Wednesdays, "Kulor Tuesdays" became such a norm. Regardless of the fact that all of the DIS students were there every Tuesday, it was such a nice break during the week to let loose and experience Copenhagen nightlife...on a Tuesday. The atmosphere is grade, the price is reasonable and you get unlimited beer. What's not to love?

4. The apartment. I can't emphasize how much I've grown to love this apartment. It might be small, but it's the perfect size for two people. It's cozy and has everything I need. After a long day of classes or whenever I needed some "me" time, I knew I could simply relax and feel good in this apartment. Whenever I hosted friends, they always commented on what a great location it is and how adorable it is. Upon returning from trips around Europe, I always looked forward to walking in the door and feeling like I was home.

5. Danes. Maybe I'm bias because I've lived here for four months, but I've grown to really love Danes and how friendly and intelligent they are. Whether I was at a bar, DIS, club, or just strolling along Stroget, I always met a friendly Dane who was curious about my culture and was always willing to help. I've been so fortunate to meet many Danes here and think they are truly terrific people.

As I said, the list goes on and on. However, these are just a few highlights and I know that in the coming weeks as I sit at home thinking about Copenhagen, I'll write more about the things I miss and grew to love over my four months here. This weekend (my last full one in CPH) will be spent going out with friends, walking around the city, and taking in every last piece of Copenhagen I possibly can. No, this is not my final entry. In fact, I've grown to love blogging regardless of who does or does not read my blog. It has turned into such a peaceful outlet for letting others catch a glimpse at my life abroad and even if I'm at Tufts next semester, I know I'll have more adventures with new and unique people so why not continue blogging?

Here's to my last week in Copenhagen! This girl is going to live it up.