I returned from a trip to Northern Germany Saturday night. It was a fun three days of travel of exploration. I could write everything we did, but I will highlight the best moments. Thursday night in Hamburg, we had a "blind" dinner. We were split into groups of 8-10 and led into a dark room after walking through scenarios like a park. So, while walking I could hear birds chirping and feel like I'm walking on grass, etc. It took about five minutes to walk into the dining room and sit at the table. There, we enjoyed our three course dinner in the dark; all told, it was about three hours! Imagine trying to use silverware, pour water, find my food in the dark. It's crazy. It wasn't bad for the first half or so, but after awhile, my hours hurt. Imagine the strain looking all around and seeing nothing but darkness. The point of this was to feel what it is like to be blind. I should mention that our waiters were blind. But overall, it was a good learning experience, but way too long.
Friday in Hamburg, we met with a member of that parliament, an assistant to an MP, and we toured the parliament itself. The building is incredible; the art, architecture, etc. is magnificent. We had a tour of the city itself but it was not very good. Our leader was a little strange and I didn't see too much worthwhile. Hamburg was not that impressive, but I hope it's because I didn't see enough (I was only there for less than a day). I wish I could have seen more old Hamburg and learn my history. The meetings with the parliament people were informative, however. We discussed immigration and integration, issues concerning Denmark too.
Saturday we toured some castles in Denmark which were okay. A lot of the day was on the bus traveling home. It was a nice trip outside of Copenhagen and I'm glad I got to Germany! There were about 30 students and I had fun with the group.
This week is class and studying. Thursday is volunteer work with KIK. Friday night I am leaving for Bornholm, a small Danish island south of Sweden, for a weekend bike trip. Should be fun!
Mass at Sakramentskirken was wonderful again. The priest's homilies are very good and they really hit the core of the readings.
Here's to a good week!
- TAD
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
It's all politics
I had a fantastic one-hour coffee meeting with the vice-chair of the club with which I volunteer (KIK). The club is on the third floor of a building near Norrebro where I live. It is a place for Somali children to go and study and receive tutoring help.
Anyways, Artan and I enjoyed a great conversation. I believe it was my first real conversation with a practicing Muslim. We talked about everything: Islam, the war, Palestine, Israel, politics, Danish politics, welfare, politics of religion, and everything else. My view of Islam has always been an outsider's view, but now that I have been exposed to Muslims and I can interact with them, my outlook is better. He potrayed a peaceful, cooperate, civic-minded Muslim, contrary to most of what I see on television. Granted, one meeting with a moderate Muslim does not mean I am an expert on the religion, but I left Artan feeling good about myself and the hundred of Muslims I live amongst in Copenhagen.
Artan's view of religion is straightforward. He believes Islam is the truth and the way for world peace. The way to spread Islam is through peaceful teaching and preaching, and convincing others to follow. For Artan, it's all politics. It's about who gets to lead in society, or who's idea of religion wins out. For him, he wants Islam to win. It's a fascinating look at the role of religion in society. He rejects all violence to spread the faith, but instead wants thoughtful preaching and reflecting, and whoever chooses to follow can follow. He believes Muslims can live side by side with Jews and Christians because although they have different faiths, they are all humans. His outlook is positive. While he wants worldwide sharia (Islamic law) he is not willing to kill to achieve it. Religion is about politics and who is more convincing.
Anyways, Artan and I enjoyed a great conversation. I believe it was my first real conversation with a practicing Muslim. We talked about everything: Islam, the war, Palestine, Israel, politics, Danish politics, welfare, politics of religion, and everything else. My view of Islam has always been an outsider's view, but now that I have been exposed to Muslims and I can interact with them, my outlook is better. He potrayed a peaceful, cooperate, civic-minded Muslim, contrary to most of what I see on television. Granted, one meeting with a moderate Muslim does not mean I am an expert on the religion, but I left Artan feeling good about myself and the hundred of Muslims I live amongst in Copenhagen.
Artan's view of religion is straightforward. He believes Islam is the truth and the way for world peace. The way to spread Islam is through peaceful teaching and preaching, and convincing others to follow. For Artan, it's all politics. It's about who gets to lead in society, or who's idea of religion wins out. For him, he wants Islam to win. It's a fascinating look at the role of religion in society. He rejects all violence to spread the faith, but instead wants thoughtful preaching and reflecting, and whoever chooses to follow can follow. He believes Muslims can live side by side with Jews and Christians because although they have different faiths, they are all humans. His outlook is positive. While he wants worldwide sharia (Islamic law) he is not willing to kill to achieve it. Religion is about politics and who is more convincing.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Miles away
It's been a while since I have posted, so I think one is due. I had a good week with my first full week of classes. They are reading intensive, which isn't bad, but sometimes the reading can be so long and dense. I especially like my Danish Politics and International Economics course. For DP, my professor is a former Member of Parliament (MP). He is smart, funny, and is a decent lecturer; although Powerpoints every class can be tedious. My Econ professor is an adviser to the Danish National Bank. He is bright and his description of the work he does for the bank is mind boggling. So things are looking good academically.
On Thursday, I started my volunteer work with Kobenhavn International Klub (KIK). It did not start out well. My partner Emily and I arrived at 5, and waited around until 5:30 when the chairman of the group told us we had to leave. Ok what's going on I thought. We had to leave for the library nearby where students would come for help. Okay....Apparently Said (the chair) had a meeting scheduled, although it had nothing to do with KIK, it was "for something else we are working on" (paraphrase). I don't know about this group. I like the mission--assisting Somali children by tutoring, playing games, English-language, etc.--but the leaders of this club are questionable. The organization seems dysfunctional and unorganized. It's still early for me though, so I should reserve further judgment. I did get 10 minutes with a 12-year old boy named Supeer (pronounced Super). He read a story by Roald Dahl out loud while I helped with any problems. Then we talked for a few minutes about his life: he has three sisters, he was born in Denmark, his parents are from Somali, he enjoys football. His English was fair/poor but he did okay with the story. I am going back to KIK on Tuesday, and I have been assured by Said that more students will come. Let's hope.
On Thursday, I started my volunteer work with Kobenhavn International Klub (KIK). It did not start out well. My partner Emily and I arrived at 5, and waited around until 5:30 when the chairman of the group told us we had to leave. Ok what's going on I thought. We had to leave for the library nearby where students would come for help. Okay....Apparently Said (the chair) had a meeting scheduled, although it had nothing to do with KIK, it was "for something else we are working on" (paraphrase). I don't know about this group. I like the mission--assisting Somali children by tutoring, playing games, English-language, etc.--but the leaders of this club are questionable. The organization seems dysfunctional and unorganized. It's still early for me though, so I should reserve further judgment. I did get 10 minutes with a 12-year old boy named Supeer (pronounced Super). He read a story by Roald Dahl out loud while I helped with any problems. Then we talked for a few minutes about his life: he has three sisters, he was born in Denmark, his parents are from Somali, he enjoys football. His English was fair/poor but he did okay with the story. I am going back to KIK on Tuesday, and I have been assured by Said that more students will come. Let's hope.
On Saturday, I traveled with my friend Alex and his friend Diane to Helsingor. It's in Northeast Denmark and just 2.5 miles from the coast of Sweden!! What a view! We ate lunch at a nice cafe. I ate Danish food finally! I had three small smorrebroad (open-faced sandwiches): fish, roast beef, and ham. They were on dark bread with tomatoes, a sauce, and some spices. They were terrific. We toured Kronborg Slot, an old castle used for regulating trading to and from Denmark. It is huge! I decided that I support monarchy as long as I could be king. Imagine sitting in a castle all day, eating and drinking, my servants waiting on me, watching ships pass. I could do it. It was nice to get out of Copenhagen for once.
I explored my neighborhood, Norrebro, on Sunday. It has a lot of character although much of it seems the same. There are countless kebab/shawarma restaurants, kiosks, and fruit stands along the main road, Norrebrogade. The neighborhood is an ethnic enclave, and I found few stores run by native Danes. I found a store with some kitchen/house goods. I bought a cezve, a Turkish pot used to make coffee. The Iraqi owner, Fadhil, was very nice and I spoke with him for a few minutes. He even charged me less than the marked price. I bought some turkish coffee across the street. So far, I have made three cups and it certainly is a different taste! I like it though as I missed drinking coffee, even if this is different than normal.
I also went to Mass at Sakramentskirken, the church in Norrebro close to me. It was a wonderful experience. The church was packed, almost predominantly Filipino. Participation seemed universal, with all praying and singing. The priest, Father Carroll Parker delivered a great sermon. I met a young woman from CBS (Copenhagen Business School) who is here for the semester. She is from El Salvador. I imagine I will see her often. Overall, I am glad I found a church with an English mass. The community is wonderful there.
This weekend, I am traveling to Hamburg and Kiel, Germany on my short study tour. Wohoo! I can't wait! I have today and Wednesday off; only classes on Tuesday. I need to get going with studying.
Thought for the week:
"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another."
- John 13:34, my favorite verse.
- TAD
I explored my neighborhood, Norrebro, on Sunday. It has a lot of character although much of it seems the same. There are countless kebab/shawarma restaurants, kiosks, and fruit stands along the main road, Norrebrogade. The neighborhood is an ethnic enclave, and I found few stores run by native Danes. I found a store with some kitchen/house goods. I bought a cezve, a Turkish pot used to make coffee. The Iraqi owner, Fadhil, was very nice and I spoke with him for a few minutes. He even charged me less than the marked price. I bought some turkish coffee across the street. So far, I have made three cups and it certainly is a different taste! I like it though as I missed drinking coffee, even if this is different than normal.
I also went to Mass at Sakramentskirken, the church in Norrebro close to me. It was a wonderful experience. The church was packed, almost predominantly Filipino. Participation seemed universal, with all praying and singing. The priest, Father Carroll Parker delivered a great sermon. I met a young woman from CBS (Copenhagen Business School) who is here for the semester. She is from El Salvador. I imagine I will see her often. Overall, I am glad I found a church with an English mass. The community is wonderful there.
This weekend, I am traveling to Hamburg and Kiel, Germany on my short study tour. Wohoo! I can't wait! I have today and Wednesday off; only classes on Tuesday. I need to get going with studying.
Thought for the week:
"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another."
- John 13:34, my favorite verse.
- TAD
Sunday, September 2, 2007
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
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
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Here we go!
Orientation and integration are complete. Classes began today (tomorrow for me). I'm ready to start because this is why I'm here. My classes--political and economic in nature--are going to be great I am sure. Tuesdays and Fridays will be long, with class from 8:30-1, then 2:50-4:10.
This past Tuesday's city tour was fun and I saw some good parts of the city I want to explore later, like Nyhavn along the harbor. We visited the Folketinget (Danish Parliament) which I am visiting later this semester. Danish politics is fascinating, coming from the US. They have 7-8 political parties and the current Prime Minister is from one of them. It's still early in the year and I don't know much of anything about the makeup of Parliament. I guess it's the European model itself that is much different. The US directly elects its President, whereas in Denmark and Europe the ruling majority party chooses the Prime Minister. Members of Parliament can vote "no confidence" in the PM and he must resign or call election (elections can be called whenever). I will learn a lot looking at this model, and it will interesting to compare the two (US v. Danish model).
On Wednesday, I was walking along myself, getting lost in Copenhagen and I met a peace protester in front of the Folketinget. His name is Thorlief and he is with Peace Watch. He comes everyday from 10-6PM and hands out flyers to interested passerbys like me. Protesting the Afghanistan and Iraq War, he has come for more than 2100 days since October 2001! That's a lot of protesting for sure. He was nice and I took some pictures of his display. I will put them up soon. At night, Chad's host family invited me to a football match with FC Kobenhavn v. a team from Portugal. It was awesome and the stadium was nearly packed. The devoted fans in one section were loud the entire game. It was a great time, but unfortunately we lost 1-0. But it was a great experience, nonetheless.
I learned some more about the city today, where some roads, buses, trains go, etc. I'm getting pretty good at this navigation thing. Haha. I did some reading for tomorrow when the fun begins! Tomorrow night is a party for DIS students at this club Luux. Hope it's good.
- TAD
This past Tuesday's city tour was fun and I saw some good parts of the city I want to explore later, like Nyhavn along the harbor. We visited the Folketinget (Danish Parliament) which I am visiting later this semester. Danish politics is fascinating, coming from the US. They have 7-8 political parties and the current Prime Minister is from one of them. It's still early in the year and I don't know much of anything about the makeup of Parliament. I guess it's the European model itself that is much different. The US directly elects its President, whereas in Denmark and Europe the ruling majority party chooses the Prime Minister. Members of Parliament can vote "no confidence" in the PM and he must resign or call election (elections can be called whenever). I will learn a lot looking at this model, and it will interesting to compare the two (US v. Danish model).
On Wednesday, I was walking along myself, getting lost in Copenhagen and I met a peace protester in front of the Folketinget. His name is Thorlief and he is with Peace Watch. He comes everyday from 10-6PM and hands out flyers to interested passerbys like me. Protesting the Afghanistan and Iraq War, he has come for more than 2100 days since October 2001! That's a lot of protesting for sure. He was nice and I took some pictures of his display. I will put them up soon. At night, Chad's host family invited me to a football match with FC Kobenhavn v. a team from Portugal. It was awesome and the stadium was nearly packed. The devoted fans in one section were loud the entire game. It was a great time, but unfortunately we lost 1-0. But it was a great experience, nonetheless.
I learned some more about the city today, where some roads, buses, trains go, etc. I'm getting pretty good at this navigation thing. Haha. I did some reading for tomorrow when the fun begins! Tomorrow night is a party for DIS students at this club Luux. Hope it's good.
- TAD
Monday, August 27, 2007
A little of this, a little of Danish
Monday, Monday, so good to me...Yes it was fun here. It rained for a little bit, but it was a soft, steady rain with no significant downpour. Weather here looks to be in the 60s for the time being; it's manageable.
The Danish language is tough. What you see on paper or on a sign is nowhere near the pronunciation. It can be quite absurd at times. I learned that my name is also Danish and the "g" is silent, so it's pronounced "Tae" while dragging out the "e" for a bit. Think: Tay. It's weird to get used to that. My Danish language teacher refused to call me by my name, saying "I can't do that." The Danish way sounds good to me. Haha.
She took us on a tour of the area which was nice. Downtown Copenhagen is neat. There are lots of restaurants, shops (on the main pedestrian street Stroget, there are a ton), pubs, and fruit stands which is awesome. Everyone whom I asked for directions was friendly. My limited experience with Danes is pleasant. I also bought some clothes today, finally!, so now I am good for a few days. I am still optimistic about my luggage showing up; in fact, tomorrow would be wonderful. If not, I guess it's back to the stores for more shirts. Ah!
I finally saw Chad today at the opening ceremony. It is great to see a familiar face. His homestay sounds nice, with great parents and a little boy with which to become acquainted. My dinner may become a staple for me. Since I spent a lot of money today, I thought I should go cheap and I did. Calzone and a coke from 7-11. Dkk30.75, which is about $6. Unorthodox, yes? But will it work? Of course. It's still strange to see soo many 7-11's in Copenhagen. I have seen at least six already. It works for me!
Tuesday is a bus tour around the city and some sessions on "coping with Copenhagen." They should be alright. Each day is blessed and I'm happy to be here.
-TAD
The Danish language is tough. What you see on paper or on a sign is nowhere near the pronunciation. It can be quite absurd at times. I learned that my name is also Danish and the "g" is silent, so it's pronounced "Tae" while dragging out the "e" for a bit. Think: Tay. It's weird to get used to that. My Danish language teacher refused to call me by my name, saying "I can't do that." The Danish way sounds good to me. Haha.
She took us on a tour of the area which was nice. Downtown Copenhagen is neat. There are lots of restaurants, shops (on the main pedestrian street Stroget, there are a ton), pubs, and fruit stands which is awesome. Everyone whom I asked for directions was friendly. My limited experience with Danes is pleasant. I also bought some clothes today, finally!, so now I am good for a few days. I am still optimistic about my luggage showing up; in fact, tomorrow would be wonderful. If not, I guess it's back to the stores for more shirts. Ah!
I finally saw Chad today at the opening ceremony. It is great to see a familiar face. His homestay sounds nice, with great parents and a little boy with which to become acquainted. My dinner may become a staple for me. Since I spent a lot of money today, I thought I should go cheap and I did. Calzone and a coke from 7-11. Dkk30.75, which is about $6. Unorthodox, yes? But will it work? Of course. It's still strange to see soo many 7-11's in Copenhagen. I have seen at least six already. It works for me!
Tuesday is a bus tour around the city and some sessions on "coping with Copenhagen." They should be alright. Each day is blessed and I'm happy to be here.
-TAD
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