I made it!

You can stop pressing the refresh button because, boys and girls, I've made it to Denmark. I am writing now from one of the computer labs in the DIS building in downtown Copenhagen. This morning we had a lovely introduction ceremony in the Hall of Ceremonies in the main building of the University of Copenhagen, which was built 840 years ago. (300 years before America was ''discovered,'' DIS president, Anders Urkhov made sure to note.) I'll be on a bus and walking tour of the city this afternoon. Tonight I think I'll explore the neighborhood near our housing complex with some of the girls who live on my floor. Traveling by bus and train seems pretty straightfoward. I've even mastered the six minute walk to the station, I think. Maybe my sense of direction will get some sense knocked into it this semester. I'll mostly be using public transportation because its so reliable here, and also because everyone else travels by bike. Unless riding around the city was a lot like making slow circles in the parking lot of the office park on Wells Avenue and its socially acceptable to use training wheels for the first few weeks, I think the S Train and Converse will have to take me where I need to go.

61 other DIS students live on the same floor of my building, Tasingade, which inexplicably seems to be pronounced with a sort of ''L'' sound at the end. Everyone has been extremely friendly, albeit a little sleepy, so far. We have three Danish RAs who took us for falafel last night. I hope I'll get to meet some more people when we go out tonight. My room is remarkably sleek and clean, by the way. Scandinavian design seems to characterize even the smallest indoor spaces. Before I left, my mom recommended that I keep my own furnishings simple. ''Just draw some stuff and stick it on the walls. Then you won't feel so bad about throwing it away.'' And then, after a quiet moment of consideration, ''You could do them on brown grocery bags. You might as well be avant garde about it.''

I'm off now to get some lunch and try to find a place where I can get a photo taken for a bus pass. It seems that about three quarters of people speak serviceable English here. Danish still sounds to me a little like what I imagine someone with a Austrian accent might mumble into their pillow in the middle of the night. Which is a casual way of saying that I have a new Austrian boyfriend. Just kidding.

I think I'll go to Denmark tomorrow

As we hugged for the last time until February in the doorway of my parents' house, one friend purred reassuringly, "You're gonna be great in Denmark. Don't be nervous." We uncoiled our arms. Nervous? I realized that I had been so preoccupied counting out pairs of socks and scheduling goodbye coffee dates this week that I had entirely forgotten to worry about heading solo to Copenhagen. Is that bad, that I haven't been concerned about living alone in a foreign country? Or having to buy all of my own food for the first time? Or flying? Or making my layover? Or looking especially short and un-Scandinavian? Just as I began to importune myself for missing an opportunity to be anxious, a whole slew of irrational concerns rushed reassuringly forth.

My anxiety, however, was shortlived. After my moment of worrying about worrying, I feel, well, pretty at ease. Everything I imagine I may need has been crammed into my suitcase. I've seen nearly every old friend in Newton and caught up with the people I'll miss most at Colby. I had a peaceful and even exciting summer with my parents and siblings. I leave behind little unfinished business here. A lot of new things await me across the Atlantic, but that's the fun of all this, isn't it?

I need to rediscover a spark for everyday learning that has diminished this past year. I studied statistics, organic chemistry, and physics because I have to in order to do what I really want to do one day: become a doctor. But now I get a chance to enjoy the moment, both academically and personally. I'm taking classes in human health and biomedical ethics, among other things, in a hospital setting. I will actually be studying what I think I want to study, right now. Meanwhile, I'll get a glimpse into the workings of universal healthcare. I intend to put to my rest any, "Will I sound stupid if I ask this?" attitude and talk to as many people as possible. I get to explore Copenhagen and travel Europe a little. I can check out concerts, museums, and pubs. I get to order a Carlsberg without even having to wonder if I'll get kicked out of the pub.

So, eighteen hours before I'm scheduled to leave, I feel ready. Excited. Equipped. Nostalgic. Thoughtful. And maybe—if only because all that sounds much too cool to actually be true—a tiny bit nervous.

I leave Saturday

I promise soon I'll write something exciting! If I feel like it.

A weekend in New York

This weekend my sister and her boyfriend, Josh, arbiters of European fashion and practical luggage respectively, made sure that I'm equipped with everything I'll need to make it to Copenhagen. Now I guess I should begin packing. Good thing my mom has a few of those vacuum-seal bags lying around. That's right, I'm living a QVC infomercial dream.

I found this interview today, which coincidentally seems to tie together the March of the Living trip I took in June, my summer physics course, and my impending semester in Copenhagen. Cool.

Contemplating Copenhagen

Yesterday I completed physics, the last of the basic science courses required for application to most medical schools. Now I'm closing the textbooks, leaving the lab, and preparing to spend the next semester in Copenhagen. I'll be in a Medical Practice and Policy program through the Denmark Institute of Study Abroad (DIS). This fall, I'll get the opportunity to focus on subjects larger and more tangible than carbon molecules and spring constants. I'll be studying human health, biomedical ethics, and even learning a few clinical skills at Frederiksberg Hospital. I can't wait.

Right now, most of what I know about Copenhagen comes from the Lonely Planet travel guide to Denmark. The book, which calls Denmark "the epitome of civilised society," focuses on the country's modern design, delicious pastries, and jazz scene. All that, and a statue of the Little Mermaid, too! What more could a girl ask for?



As if I needed another reason to idealize Copenhagen: Take a look at number five, right after macaroni and cheese.