Here comes the sun...

Today was a fabulous day, and I give the sunshine major credit. I got up this morning, [calmly] rode my bike to the station, and took the train into the city. I was heading directly to my volunteer placement instead of going to DIS first, so I decided to be adventurous and get off at a different station that would enable me to walk to the cafe where I volunteer rather than having to take the bus.

A miniature Copenhagen set up in front of a museum!

I exited the station and headed off in what I thought was the right direction. I checked with two passersby who confirmed that I was going the right way, but 15 minutes later when I still hadn't hit the second street I was supposed to cross, I decided to turn around. Two more Danes gave me contradictory information, but I felt no rush or panic; I knew I'd make it eventually. In the end, it took me 33 minutes to get to Muhabet from the station (instead of 12 as mapquest had predicted), but I was totally and completely happy to have gotten lost. Along the way I stumbled upon all sorts of cool places and picturesque scenes, and I was even more appreciative of lunch!

After helping to clean up the kitchen and saying goodbye to guests who I'd spent the afternoon with, I left Muhabet at 3pm and made the bold choice to walk back to DIS (instead of taking the bus or train). I was meeting up with my friend, Becca, at 3:30, but I simply couldn't get enough of the sunshine; the idea of waiting in the shade for a bus and then sitting on it for 15 minutes was not appealing. So instead, I walked!

Buildings along the way back to DIS

Even MORE bikers than usual (though this photo doesn't do it justice)

Door to door my adventure took me only 35 minutes, and I loved every minute. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, it's like Copenhagen has been transformed! The Danes are out in HUGE numbers, smiling and laughing and sipping beer with their friends near the fountains and public squares. There are tons of babies parked outside cafes in strollers and the bike lanes are getting packed. When I met Becca, the two of us agreed we wanted to maximize our time outside and went off to continue our stroll.

Usually the streets aren't this crowded on weekday afternoons

Restaurants had their outdoor seating open and filling up (most places even provided small blankets for customers to keep them extra warm)

Becca and I then decided to find somewhere to sit and continue our conversations. We ended up finding a sunny spot that also shielded us from the wind (which was starting to pick up).

Statues make great resting places (that's Becca at the base)

Eventually she had to head to a field trip with some people from her Kollegium and I had a bit of time to kill before I needed to head home. I happened to bump into Evan and Rosie who pointed me in the direction of the Copenhagen Library (which is different from the Royal Library and the DIS library). It is another awesome study space that I plan to use frequently over the remainder of the semester. This afternoon I caught up on some emails and did a bit of reflective journaling, but eventually knew I needed to head home. 

Inside the Copenhagen Library (I sat on the second floor)

 The train ride was peaceful, as was my bike ride home. When I arrived at my front door, I went to turn the knob, but it was locked. I checked my pocket for my key and realized that I had left it in my other coat's pocket. No matter! I knew that my family would be home sooner or later and decided to head out behind the house to the little playground and field. I decided to finish my journaling, and then ended the afternoon with a few minutes of simply sitting, basking in the sunlight.

My resting spot while waiting for my host family to return

This evening I watched old home movies with the Hellesens, and let me say that Kasper and Mira were ADORABLE children. I also have made note of three principles I want to apply when raising my own children: 

1. There is no such thing as too many spontaneous dance parties

2. Pants are not necessary when you are 1-2 years old (diapers and t-shirts are more than adequate, no matter the weather outside)

3. Never let another family member give your 3 year old a drum set for Christmas!