One week in the books

Here we are, one week down in the capital city (Copenhagen that is). Classes seem alright, although four in one day proves to be a loong day. By the third class at noon, I was getting tired. It's a good thing I'm interested in the topics. My professors all seem quite knowledgable and I know I will learn a lot this semester. My European and Danish politics classes are taught by a former member of the Danish parliament; and my Economic theories class is taught by an adviser to the Danish national bank. Not bad. They are funny too, with certain mannerisms that can only be seen in person.

The first weekend here was pretty good. Friday night was a DIS party at this club Luux by school. It was packed and a lot of fun. Before we went, Chad and I met some Danes living in my kollegium in the common room. I could hear noise from my room so we ventured up to see what was going on. Everyone up there was entering their second year in a politics program at Copenhagen U. I met a few Danes like Jacob, who was a riot, Jasper who was looking for work, and some others. They all seemed to enjoy themselves as evidenced by the loud American music, wine, and beer which were aplenty.

I strolled through the city yesterday, visiting the Danish Resistance Museum. A lot to see there. Imagine accepting occupation from a foreign power while trying to go about your everyday lives like everything is okay. That is what Denmark did for about five years in the 1940s. The museum shows some artifacts and tells stories of some of the people involved on the German (forcing the occupation) and Danish (resisting the oppression) sides. A lot of sadness during that time.

I also ate my first hotdog in Copenhagen from the street vendors. It was quite tasty, let me tell you. Especially with it smothered with all the goodies. I found a few Catholic churches in the city too which is nice. The one near me wasn't open when I visited it, so I guess it's only open during Mass time. I found the Cathedral which is small but beautiful on the inside. You can find pictures of that and others from Copenhagen here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560463133XqyJKx. I also met some Iranian protesters near school. There were about 9-10 of them, with signs and banners against the country's president. They were protesting the execution of citizens. I talked to one man, Hussein, who was the only one who spoke English. He was a nice man and I offered to buy him a drink and talk about what's going on in Iran, but he didn't have time. I wish I could have talked with him though. His picture is among those in the above link.

Today I went to DIS to study and wandered the city for a while. I ate my first Shawarma at a restaurant called Istanbul Kebab. Shawarma is a Middle-Eastern food of varying meats (lamb, beef, chicken) that comes in a wrap or pita. Mine was either lamb or beef in a wrap with fries and a coke for 41DKK, or less than $8, which is cheap for here.

Tomorrow I am free all day. I think I will probably head to DIS to see some people and study. I like being in the city. The first full week of classes means real work is coming. I am ready.

-TAD