Everything You Do Is A Balloon

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It has been nearly two weeks since I returned to the United States, and in that time it seems that everything has gone to hell. I'm thinking primarily of the indescribable catastrophe that is BP's oil "spill", but also of Israel's aggression against Gaza-bound aid convoys and Arizona's new legislation against immigrants and ethic studies. These things are all I can think about, and I'm wondering if I should have just stayed in Denmark, which of course is not a paradise either. In my time abroad I learned a lot about Denmark and Europe, but also about the United States and (trying not to sound too cliché) myself.

I have a greater appreciation for things that I previously took for granted in the U.S. - like citizenship. If you are born in the U.S. you are a citizen and have all the rights of any other citizen. If you are born in Denmark, maybe you're a citizen and maybe not, depending on your parents. This creates a generation that is alienated from both Denmark, which is their homeland and birthplace, and their parents' or grandparents' country of origin (to which they may never have been).

I think I have picked up a few very Danish traits or characteristics, though more experimental interaction with Americans is needed to prove or disprove this theory. I've met many amazing people and discovered so many more opportunities and avenues than I ever thought possible.

I'm obsessed with food. I think it is a defense mechanism to help me deal with readjustment. I don't eat it all the time, but I think about it all the time. I want to cook and try new foods and go to farmers' markets and make things from scratch.

I saw many amazing things during this adventure. Luckily I had my camera with me for most of it, so I'm going to let the pictures tell the story. If you want more sordid tales from my year in Denmark, experienced advice on studying abroad, or detailed thoughts on reverse culture shock, just ask. Thanks for reading!

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Photos

Reichstag
Parliament in Berlin

The Holocaust Memorial
...on a rainy day in Berlin

By train
The countryside: Germany-Czech Republic-Austria-Slovakia-Hungary

The Danube
"Duna" in Hungarian. Budapest.

Fisherman's Bastion
My favorite place in all of Budapest

Shoes on the Danube
Memorial to Murdered Jews in Budapest

St. Stephen's Basilica
...from the top of the Basilica in Budapest.

Parliament
Ian photographs the Hungarian Parliament from across the river.

Chain Bridge
Nighttime in Budapest

Leaving Budapest....
...finally.

Flower Market
Amsterdam

A view from the water
Canal-biking in Amsterdam

Dutch flag
...flying high over the houseboats of Amsterdam (including our hostel!)

Hals
walking on the Danish coast with my grandfather

Christiania
on a post-dinner stroll through the Free Town of Christiania

Sushi
homemade sashimi with the family

Christianshavn
a walk through Christianshavn in Copenhagen

Almost summer
the last day in Denmark - and what seemed like the first day of sunshine