Wanderings...

Well, I’m on the train home after a wonderful (albeit short) exploration in central Copenhagen this afternoon! This may have been one of my most special experiences thus far, although it was short and might seem insignificant to others. Let me explain:

Despite the fact that it is Saturday, I was at DIS to work on a group project. It took longer than expected so there was not time to meet up with my friends afterwards. Rather than heading straight for the train station, I decided to explore the city streets a bit by myself before I needed to head back for dinner (which I am doing now). After all, it was only about 3:30pm, so I had about an hour to spare.

I left our library building and went off in a new direction, not headed anywhere in particular. The streets were packed, but pleasantly so. It wasn’t like New York City (no offense, New York), but it just felt so alive and energized. Many families with young children (in snowsuits!) were out and about. I usually have my iPod on when I am walking places, but I wanted to be more present in the moment, and to fully appreciate my surroundings including the sights, smells, and sounds. And my decision was a good one because as I wandered there were tons of street musicians playing all kinds of music. I stopped to listen to one or two and continued to wander.

I found a department store that had all kinds of high quality, functional, very cool gadgets for reasonable prices. I got a journal for the equivalent of about $2.50, which I will use to record five positive things about each day while I am abroad. Writing a gratitude list is something that I have done in the past, but now that I am in Positive Psychology here, Mads (my professor) has challenged us to keep a running list of 3-5 positive things each day. We’ve talked about research documenting the effects of keeping such a list. Scholars have found that recording even just 3 positive things about your day leads to growth in overall optimism and wellbeing. I think it will also be nice to look back on when I am missing Copenhagen. 

I went back outside and continued my stroll. I got acclimated and turned to go in the direction of the train station. A moment later I stumbled upon a musical group performing at one of the squares. They had drawn a fairly large crowd and as I walked closer I realized how much I liked their music. It was very folky, but not too much so. I approached, put my backpack at my feet, and stopped for a good 15 minutes to just listen. The sound on the 22 second video below is terrible (so don't judge the caliber of their music--or my videography--by this clip at all), and I am hesitant to include it at all, but I think it gives you a general idea of the scene. 

As I stood there listening and tapping my foot to the rhythm, watching the couples and families mosey by and/or stop to listen, the specialness of the moment hit me: I was proud of myself for being able to wander to freely while still knowing how to get where I needed to be; I felt connected to the city around me, like I belonged amongst the people swarming about; I took in the architecture of the buildings around me and got carried away in the music. I glanced at my watch and realized that I had to get moving. I was going to my host grandfather’s house for dinner with Lars’ sister and (of course) my family. I picked up my backpack. I picked up my bike helmet. And I thought to myself, “This is what I was looking for in a study abroad experience!” It is not "perfect," and I know I will continue to face many ups and downs. But as long as I have moments like these, my experience will be everything I could have hoped for. 

As I got ready to go, I decided to drop some money in the case at the guitarist’s feet. I got out my wallet and noticed that the group was selling their CD for 100DKK, about $18. I considered the purchase: I have been trying not to buy much here, and I had just purchased that journal. Then again, I really liked their music, would feel good about supporting them, and realized that it would be a cool memento. I took out at 100DKK bill, waited for the song to end, dropped it in the case and collected my CD, smiling to myself.

I’m now on the train, writing, listening to their music on my computer and watching the sun finish its descent. I have to say, that CD may be one of the best purchases for 100DKK (18 bucks) that I may make during my time here :)

Alright, my stop is next. I probably won’t get to post this until later tonight because I am going to bike from the station to my host-grandfather’s house for family dinner. More soon (including an additional set of reasons I <3 DK!). Vi ses!