Last Sunday night after I updated, I sat for a few hours and watched TV and chatted with Lisbeth. We watched a British version of what I know as Lockup on MSNBC. Danish culture is both outrageously and subtly different from that of the U.S. and I'm constantly noticing how. For example, the "f word" and other curse words aren't censored on TV. Nor is nudity.
Tuesday night I had my first trip to the Support and Contact Centre (SKC), a municipal social-psychiatric service that targets withdrawn and socially isolated mentally ill people. Schizophrenia is a little more common in Denmark and I think many of their 'users' are affected by it. According to the SKC brochure, the goal is that users "can solve personal and social problems and receive specific help in order to move on in life." No appointment is necessary to stop in for a cup of tea, for counseling, to buy a cheap meal at the cafe, to paint or do ceramics in the studio, or just to sit alone. Their services are anonymous. They also provide activities outside of the center for their users including boat trips, museum trips, hiking, etc. I was so excited when I was accepted to volunteer there, but even my first night proved that it will be challenging to work face-to-face with people who may be dirty, difficult to work with, and perhaps delusional.
That night, 4 other girls and I met two Danish students at a trendy bar called Bang og Jensen on Istedgade. Any Copenhagener knows Istedgade = red light district. I don't have any pictures, so you'll have to use your imagination (don't worry- we weren't in any danger). As you may be aware, crime is less frequent in Denmark and my Psychology and Criminal Behavior class is teaching me why. Part of it is because of the huge welfare state, part of it is that knives and guns are illegal and harder to get, and another part is perhaps because of the difference in sentencing and rehabilitation. Only 35% of ex-inmates re-offend within two years of release. Maximum sentences are generally 16 years, even for homicide, which is treated less harshly in some respects due to the cultural belief that homicide is a "once in a lifetime" type of crime for most, and killers aren't likely to strike again the way a thieves or drug users are. A field trip with that class to Cafe Exit (off of Istedgade) gave us some insight into challenges Danish prisoners face because though prison is "easier" here, they are responsible for paying all of their legal fees and mandatory child support, and have a lot of trouble finding housing and jobs. Cafe Exit is designed to help prisoners get educated and find jobs and apartments before release.
That afternoon my Holocaust and Genocide class visited Kastellum (military fort) and the Museum of Danish Resistance. Denmark borders Germany so naturally the Nazis had to have it. They landed stealthily in Copenhagen in the middle of the night on April 9, 1940, and kidnapped the King, holding him ransom until they had Denmark's compliance. But while the official police force supported the Third Reich, vigilante justice arose against German soldiers, the police force, and other compliant Danes. Teenage boys were put to death by Nazi tribunals for their role in resistance. Over half of all Danish Jews were carried off to safety in Sweden or other European countries.
Thursday in Positive Psychology we were prepared for our short study tour next weekend (9/8-9/10) to Western Denmark. The trip is half-educational, half-cultural. I'll do a whole post on it then.
Last night, Chelsea, Alexis and I went to the Taste the World International Cooking Festival in Norrebro. It's mainly an immigrant neighborhood so while it's poorer it's also ethnically diverse and a great place to get food. Lex and I had ox meat and pita with spicy red sauce for only 30 DKK. Unbelievably delicious. Speaking of food, I have to post a picture of Wednesday night's meal, because my mom probably won't believe I ate it and loved it.
This morning was the first leisurely one I've had since arriving. I met Chelsea at Føtex (their version of Walmart) at the train station for a pastry. It might sound weird that we met at walmart for breakfast but trust me, it was worth it. Their "danishes" are a little different than ours, and cinnamon rolls are common. Oh and don't call it a Danish -- that's awkward.
Afterward I scoured over my receipts and tried to come up with some sort of budget (ah, the life of a student) to sustain me through the next four months. Kroner saved from fewer midnight hot dog or mcflurry runs will definitely help with paying for our weekend trip to Oslo or our two week travel break to Italy, Greece, and hopefully Spain. I was able to book a plane from CPH to Milan and then one from Rome to Athens for $114 incl. tax! I took an hour and a half bike ride and went over to the beach this afternoon. I felt like my soul was free. I only saw one nude person, and he was about 7 years old so it wasn't too awkward.
Although I'm still enchanted by my new home, Ulrich, a Danish student who had studied in L.A. and Hong Kong, was right -- there comes a time when little nuances become annoyances and it makes you miss home. But more than anything I think I miss the people at home because I wish they were here to see the sights and share the experiences with me, even if that sounds terribly cheesy.
Thanks again for reading and I also appreciate those comments, Bethany and Line! Have a nice labor day everyone!
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| Cara, Chelsea, Duyen, and Jaci |
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