Where have you been?

That is question I need to answer. The truth is, I've been here all along, I just haven't got around to writing anything. But I suppose now is as good a time as ever to write something.

I leave on Dec. 20, just 13 days away. Yikes! Where did this time go? What have I done these past few weeks that I can share in this open space. For starters, I have had plenty of great meals with friends. A few with the usual gang (including the huge and delicious Thanksgiving feast), and a few with my friend's host parents (including, oddly enough, another Thanksgiving feast prepared for us hungry American types). In addition, the Danes do eat quite well. The three times I've been to the Johansen's, other than turkey, we've eaten different kinds of herring and burritos. It's nice to get some real food once in a while as my meals cooked at home are hardly up to that quality. It's just great to spend time with a Danish family and try to understand them better. Plus, they have two cool dogs of which I am fond. So, food and Danes, what else? I've also enjoyed some wonderful conversations with new friends. I had coffee at new places with different people since I came here. Phoebe and I discussed China, international politics and the like, Caitlin and I talked about our lives and our travels, and I had a deep discussion on what it means to believe in things, reality, God (and the failure to prove or disprove), etc. with another friend. One of the highlights here has been meeting all of these people; they have all touched my life in some way, big or small.

I got to see some friends from AU too. Three of my Sig brothers were here the weekend after Thanksgiving and the following one. It was nice seeing them and hearing about their adventures in Berlin, Prague, and London. We are all so lucky to be in Europe. It's now second nature that students will study abroad in college. It is so worthwhile, and a great experience to get out there and explore!!

I have four items left on my academic list: two papers and two exams. Then I'm out of here!! To recap some events of past. This past Wednesday, my program, European Politics and Society, conducted a simulation game of the European Council. I was on a team representing Slovenia, and together we were to negotiate a deal on how to divide responsibility for achieving the new energy goals of the EU Commission (if you don't know what I'm talking about, go look it up!). We negotiated for about four hours and ended up with a semi-solution but I think there is more we could have done. It was a fun game, though, and it was a good experience at politicking and advancing your country's interests.

Tonight I am heading up to Chad's house to hang out with him and his pseudo family. Should be fun!

I don't know how many more times I will post, but I hope to include at least a farewell post reflecting on the semester.

- TAD