A Three Hour Tour

The title is fitting because I think that's how long it takes to travel across the entire country (maybe a little longer). We got back last weekend from our short study tours, and I had such a great time. We traveled to Odense (birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen) and Aarhus (second largest city in Denmark). My core course is Migration and Identity Conflict, so we visited a multicultural center, a school with a majority minority student body (that makes sense), and a center called Youth 4 Youth. Immigration and integration are two major topics in my class, and it was interesting to see things on the other side of Denmark. We also ventured across one of the world's longest bridges (11 miles!) on our journey. Pretty cool! Experiential learning (cliche I know) is a huge part of my study abroad program, and I think it's such a great thing! Yesterday, I went on two very different field studies for two of my classes. I started the morning at the headquarters for the Social Democrats (currently heading the government). This visit was also extremely convenient for my group project. We were assigned to the eight different political parties, and my group had the Social Democrats. Huzzah! In the afternoon, I headed to Christiania with my Danish language and culture class. Definitely look up some info about this place! It was founded in 1971, and a group of people essentially took over abandoned military barracks and buildings and started a community. It has grown, and the people have claimed squatter's rights. It is definitely an open and alternative community, and it has distinct supporters and opponents. One of the defining and most noticeable features is the infamous Pusher Street and the open drug (marijuana) sale. One of our tour guides explained that Christiana became a place to sell marijuana as a way to halt the sale of harder drugs. Even though it is illegal in Denmark, these stands are in public view. However, no pictures are allowed on this street, and there are several signals for any police sightings. I can definitely say I have never been on a field trip to a place like this before! Many of us are attempting to plan our two week travel break in April, and I'm hoping to go to Austria, Italy, France, Spain, England, and Scotland. We shall see! Sorry for the lack of pictures, but I am lazy...also, I highly doubt I will ever shake this cold so long as the morning bike rides continue. Today's ride consisted of cold, rainy, miserable conditions. Jealous? Additionally, I need to try not to teeter on my back when cars go past (and aim for the curb rather than the road.) I have this tendency to veer towards the cars as opposed to away from them, and it is not the safest option. Whoops. Photos and more interesting things to come!