New Technology

Technology can be a blessing and a curse. In this case, I would say it is a blessing. It will be interesting to see how this feature becomes popular in the upcoming years.

http://8bitfuture.net/post/36452933811/self-filling-water-bottle-draws-water-from-the

Thoughts, opinions? I would love to hear what you all think about this option.

The Reason Why Many Americans Aren't Sustainable

I was thinking about sustainability the other day, and a thought swept over me for why so many Americans aren't sustainable. Maybe it isn't a novel idea at all, but for me it was.

I think Americans have really good intentions. Honestly. They want to do the best they can to preserve the environment.

But so much of our culture is tied into individualism, and the fact that our personal satisfaction comes first.

Bottom line, the reason we don't see more efforts in this area is because we do things that are easiest and quickest. What is going to save me the most amount of time? What is the simplest way to get this done?

And when you think about it, living a sustainable lifestyle sometimes means going out of your way to do stuff you don't necessarily enjoy doing. Sometimes it means being looked at strangely by others. Sometimes it means taking an extra 5-10 minutes out of your day (maybe longer) to make a difference. It isn't easy. It's tough, it's hard work. And it definitely doesn't always produce quick results. It is a long-term process that many do not want to take the time to see develop.

Well, that's just my thoughts. I hope I can make a difference with my actions and continue to promote a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

Drive Less, Bike More

I couldn't help but share this! :) I really liked the photo:

http://bikecommutegal.tumblr.com/post/15484943291/try-driving-less-go-walking-biking

Organic

I was at the grocery store today getting some snacks and breakfast items. Lately I have been really trying to purchase healthier foods and be cognizant of the companies I invest in. As I went over to the refrigerated section grabbing some organic milk, I heard a girl say, "Look, Dad! There's the milk!" I heard him reply, "But it's organic. We don't want that." They proceeded to walk down the aisle and grab a "regular" gallon.

That made me think. I know organic is expensive, and maybe it tastes different to people (honestly, better in my opinion). But what is the aversion people have to organic products? I think that if individuals were more educated on why it is so beneficial to go for these goods, they might change their mind. It is not only healthier and sustainable, it is making a statement in our consumer-based society to support companies that have more of their priorities straight and aren't in completely just for profit or power.

Maybe I'm overreacting; I don't know. But I do know that family's conversation made me feel really sad.

Lessons

Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness”. Recently participating in a study abroad trip, I can appreciate how true this statement is. Leaving my own country behind and embracing another culture in Scandinavia for two weeks required a lot of heart-work, preparation, and open-mindedness. Nevertheless, because of my willingness to learn and discover, I know I returned with life-impacting knowledge from my experiences there.

            Interacting with the host culture in Scandinavia opened my eyes to many issues and concerns, particularly sustainability. It made me step back and reflect on my own life and realize how much I take for granted sometimes. If I want to be a global citizen and make a positive impression on the world, it is significant to consider whether or not I am responsible with my possessions and resources. Visiting these Nordic countries encouraged me to be more considerate of the needs of others.

By being more attentive and thoughtful, I was reminded, as human beings, people all over have similarities. No matter where we live, we all are confronted with emotions of love, frustration, sadness, joy, and pain. During my 15 days abroad, I came in contact with numerous transparent individuals. They willingly shared their passions, concerns, dreams, and heartaches with me. People need someone in their lives that will listen to them, hear their heart, give encouragement, and impart empathy.

While compassion and connection are important, conflict and differences in communication can be positive. I had some interesting conversations with those of dissimilar views. Rather than being biased, I tried to make sense of what they had to say. Just like a kaleidoscope, looking at things from a new perspective allowed me to grasp information in a way I had not been able to before.

Often, in order to be mindful of concepts and obstacles from a certain viewpoint, it requires slowing down, being silent, and reflecting. On this trip I was afforded the opportunity to soak in my surroundings and value life itself. I noticed details in nature I would normally not think twice about. I believe it has fueled an inner sensitivity and energy to be myself and benefit others with my talents and gifts.

Exercising discernment and looking introspectively, I develop insight and an appetite to make a difference. I encountered this personally by helping a man from Columbia with his English. In return, he taught me words and phrases in Norwegian and Spanish. This occasion revitalized and excited my passion to teach and help others learn a foreign language.

            The greatest realization learned from traveling abroad was the fact that I can make a difference in my community, my country, and my world. I may only be one person, but I am unique and have something to offer others. I want to take advantage of what I was exposed to and learned on this trip. I desire to impart these manifestations at TCU and to individuals in the future. If more people are willing to share their problems and dilemmas, as well as their resources, I am confident the world could be a much better place. As my friend Michael put it best, “I am happy to know that there is at least one other person…destined to care about things outside of the U.S. Realizing we are not alone is a wonderful thing”.

Recycling Service

     My family and I have a lot of plastic in our home that we end up throwing away. Although we would like to use less plastic, sometimes there does not seem to be another option when purchasing things. Being impacted by my sustainability class, my mother and I wanted to find a way to recycle these items in our neighborhood. We looked online and found a website that discussed the options in our city. By visiting city hall, we can pick up another bin to use for recycling our waste! I was surprised living in such a small town they would have this availability. I do not know of any neighbors that use this service, so I am glad we were able to find out about it. I hope we will not only be able to use it in the future but encourage others in our area to do the same.

Headed Home to Texas

 Saturday, July 28:

Today was our last day of the trip. Since we had to leave extremely early in the morning, the group and I decided to stay up and watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Packed up and ready to go, we left the hotel around 1:30 am and said goodbye to a few of the students who were staying behind. Michael was going to be in Norway another two weeks to visit his friends, and Ryker would be taking a separate flight later in the day. It was hard to leave such a pretty city, especially all lit up at night.

 After taking a bus to the airport we took a quick nap and then had breakfast as we waited for the check in counters to open. Getting our tickets and going through security was uneventful. As I walked around the airport I noticed that there were many efforts evidenced to be sustainable; for example, there were different trash bins that allowed for recycling. One could put old magazines and books in one of the bins, as well as bottles and cans in another bin.

Before we knew it we were ready to board our first plane from Oslo to Amsterdam. The flights back home went smoothly; I was exhausted from staying up all night so I was fortunate enough to be able to sleep on both flights. To encourage sustainability, I ordered the vegetarian dish for my meal rather than the dinner with meat. It was very tasty and I felt good for making a difference.

Although the final flight was about nine hours, we got home safely and I was able to see my family for the first time in two weeks. It was so nice to talk with them and tell them all about my experiences! The trip was so wonderful. I was positively affected culturally, intellectually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I know this trip has made me consider more than ever how I can make an impression in my community.

Last Day in Scandinavia

Friday, July 27:

        Today was a great final day in Scandinavia. Because I had the time to go around the city with Megan the day before, I already covered a lot of places on my itinerary. As a result, my plan for Friday was to relax and just enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

        I slept in, went to breakfast, and had some time in the morning to reflect and write in my journal. A little later Michael came by to chat with me, and we decided to go out in the city for some second-hand shopping. The day was sunny and the weather was nice. I was thrilled getting some exercise walking everywhere and seeing some parts of the community that I would not normally be capable of viewing by myself. I was able to visit a few Salvation Army stores and got some great discounts on some clothes! It is really fun for me to go shopping at places like that; although you have to hunt and peck some for things, when you find a great buy it is very exciting. I was able to purchase a jacket that is normally about $131 for less than $30! I also bought a dress for about forty dollars.

Michael took us to a part of the city with some vintage stores and neat finds. It was a lot of fun supporting local stores like these that have made an effort to be sustainable. By the end of the morning Michael had bought a dress and some jewelry for his girlfriend, and we had had fun talking about different things. During the day we even made a stop at a local grocery store and an organic foods store to purchase some snacks/gifts. Michael really helped me learn what products to look for that are healthy and nourishing to the body.

On the way back to the hotel we stopped by a small district in Oslo that reminded me of Christiania. The walls were decorated with drawings and color. I decided to stop and take a picture of the murals. It was interesting to go from one part of the community to another and observe the diversity.

After a fun afternoon, I went back to the hotel to shower and change. Since we would be having a formal dinner with our professors in the evening, I decided to wear the dress I had purchased. Meeting up with the rest of the group at 6pm, we went to Hard Rock Café for a nice evening of music, reflection, and time to share our memories. I ended up ordering grilled salmon and split a brownie with Ms. Berta. (Dr. Whitworth provoked me positively to go the vegetarian route). It was absolutely delicious!

During the dinner, Dr. Kinkade presented certificates to each of us for participating in the trip. Each one was given a specific award that referred to an inside joke from the week. Mine in particular was the “She went where with Michael?” award. I laughed so hard! It reminded me of my adventures in Christiania when Michael and I almost got stranded out on the raft. I had a lot of fun talking about experiences like these with Dr. Whitworth and Ms. Berta. It was sad to realize that this would be our last evening in Scandinavia. 

When dinner was over, I went back to my room to pack and get ready to leave. I could not believe how quickly the past 14 days had flown by! I was so grateful for everything about this study abroad journey. Nothing really could compare to this opportunity.

A Beautiful Free Day in Norway

Thursday, July 26:

Thursday was a busy day. While most of the group went to visit an open prison during the morning and early afternoon, Megan and I asked permission to spend the day doing other activities. We started off visiting the Akershus Castle; it has a lot of history and splendor. It was built around the 1300s but is not used as a museum; rather, it serves as a location for concerts, meetings, and other activities. Each room was gorgeous with countless murals on the walls, fancy plates and tables, and even some dungeons were noted! Of the castles I have seen in Scandinavia, I think I liked this one the best. It was very quaint.

 

    After the castle we revisited the Nobel Peace Prize Center to look at some unique gifts and treasures for my friends. I purchased a friendship bracelet, made in Guatemala, for my best friend and two pins for myself to put on my backpack. The pins are quotes by famous peace leaders and are truly inspiring. I absolutely enjoyed the museum when we visited the other day, so I was glad to be able to return, at least to the gift shop.
    On our way back from the Nobel Peace Prize Center we stopped by some souvenir stores just to have a look and see if there was something interesting. With no luck, we continued on down the street and went to Oslo University to take a look. Because it is holiday and the whole campus is under construction, the trip wasn’t as exciting as we hoped it would be; nevertheless, the interior was exquisite with artwork, stunning chandeliers, and other decorations. I asked for information about a gift shop and looked around, but unfortunately I could not find anything.
    Since we had been walking for some time, I decided to stop by a café with Megan and get a bottle of lemonade and some frozen yogurt topped with mangos. It was very savory to my tastebuds! It may not have been the healthiest lunch, but it certainly satisfied my cravings. I enjoyed sitting at the booth looking out the window and admiring the view as I chatted with Megan.
    A few days ago I had the opportunity of visiting a second hand store with Michael and Jordan. Feeling that I was a little rushed the first time, I decided to stop there again to take a look at the downstairs floor as well. There were so many options and lovely outfits! Unfortunately, some of the articles of clothing I liked were not in my size, so I did not buy anything. Nevertheless, it was nice to window shop and relax a little bit.
    Megan and I went to the post office where she sent a postcard back home, and then we set off to do some more shopping on Karl Johansen street. There were a lot of stores here. I ended up purchasing a white sweater at one store and then three pairs of shoes for under 35 dollars! I could not pass up the chance since I do not normally find my size. I was very excited. Because I try to be frugal, Megan had to convince me a little bit to get them. I ended up caving in, but I am happy I did. They were unique finds that I would not see in America.
    We went back to the hotel, and I decided to pack up all of my items so I could make sure I would be ready to go without problems on Saturday. Fortunately Tori showed me ways to pack strategically, and we got everything placed in my suitcase and backpack. They are even underweight and have two pounds to spare in both packs! I am thrilled that everything worked out.
    Because it was a beautiful evening, Tori and I decided to go visit Huk beach, recommended to us by the Hertzberg family. We took a bus there and walked to the water’s edge. It is not a sandy beach and there are many cliffs and sharp shells Regardless, the view was indescribable. As I took pictures, I knew that none of them would do justice to adequately represent the location. We decided to leave our bags on the cliffs and swim close to the water’s edge so we could still keep an eye on them. Our time swimming was really fun; we got a little chilly at first since the water was cold, but it ended up being nice after a while. There was a little floating deck out in the water that you could climb up to sit on. We met a man named Alvardo from Columbia there. He is an electrical engineer looking for work in Norway. Although he has been submitting his application to many places lately, he does not speak enough Norwegian to where they will hire him. He was explaining to us that he must keep practicing to improve his fluency. During this time we also got to help him work on his English. It was very fun hearing him compare his life in Columbia to the United States and to Norway. There are a lot of cultural differences I did not consider before; one for example is how to spend money. Alvardo explained that in Columbia he was always frugal with his money, but here it is more difficult to save it. During our discussion two college-aged guys from Kentucky joined us on the deck. One is studying at the University of Oslo for the summer and the other was visiting his friend. It is amazing how on my travels I have been able to meet new people from all over the world! 

    It started getting late so we did a few cannonballs off the diving board and then swam back to the shore. (Tori was extremely terrified because she saw a jellyfish in the water!) We returned to the hotel on the bus. I decided to take a shower. Wanting to be sustainable, I tried to take one as quickly as possible to preserve water. When I finished, Tori and I decided to join the Whitworth family for dinner at Peppe’s Pizza. Although the food was expensive, it was very good. Tori and I split a pizza with barbecued chicken, pepperoni, bacon, tomatoes, and cheese. I had a great time just conversing with the Whitworths about our favorite activities in Scandinavia, highlights of the trip, and hear a little about their experiences.

    I went back to the hotel and basically called it a night. I was exhausted from a long day of walking, climbing, and swimming. It was so nice to relax and unwind as I listened to music out my hotel window below. It is disheartening that there is only one more day left in Scandinavia; I have learned so much!

The Halden Prison and a Ballet Performance

Wednesday, July 25:

           

              

               We started the morning with an early breakfast and then set out by train on an hour-and-a-half ride to the Halden prison. This prison was an awesome occasion because we were able to compare characteristics of an American prison versus a Norwegian prison. For example, some of the differences noted in the Norwegian prison were the jail time is much shorter, 99% of inmates are released from prison within five years, and most of the sentencing takes place within six months of the crime. While they are more lax in their governing, they are more correctional when crimes are committed. Studies actually prove that their methods really work! Sixty-five percent of convicts do not return to jail after serving their sentence, and the maximum number of prisoners they have held at one time is 3500. They take classes for school or practice varying skills such as cooking, carpentry, crafts, music, etc., so they can gain knowledge and skills in order to be more productive citizens when they reenter society. They also do chores around the prison to get “points” to spend on food at the store, although three square meals are provided. The grounds offer many different great activities for the criminals and make available a gymnasium, library, and a park area. It was all so interesting to me, especially since I have never been to a prison before. I really appreciated the chance to participate in this. I was told by Dr. Whitworth that this prison is highly acclaimed all over the world, and only 25% of all the requests to tour are granted permission to visit. Because of Dr. Kinkade’s credentials, we now have had an experience that hardly any people around the world will ever encounter! Even at the prison there were sustainable features. For example, visitors, guards, and inmates are asked to recycle their plastic bottles.

            After our tour of the prison, we traveled back to the hotel by train (I took a nap while in route.) and then our group dispersed for dinner. Michael, Jordanne, Chris, and I made a quick stop first at a second hand store. The prices were great, and I bought a really pretty top for just 12 US dollars! It felt good to save money and also help to preserve the environment. When I finished shopping, I ate waffles at the hotel with my roommate Jordanne and Tori. They were really delicious and it was nice to save money once again. We finished eating and then had the pleasure of going with the group to see a ballet performance at the National Norwegian Opera and Ballet House. The ballet was a contemporary ballet called “A Tribute to Ping Pong”. It was amazing how graceful the performers were. I cannot even imagine how long it must take to practice! They were creative, clever, and ever so skillful. It was definitely an adventure I will not forget.

            After the ballet, I headed back to the hotel and decided to unwind. What an exciting and eventful day! It is hard to believe there are only two more days left on the trip.

A Cherished Day

Tuesday, July 24:

            Tuesday morning we got up around 8, ate a hearty breakfast, and set out for many entertaining activities. We began our excursion at the city hall. This was a wonderful building with murals everywhere and paintings of the royal family inside. It is also the location where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. As I stood there I considered my own personal dream; I would love to be nominated or receive the honor of that very prize someday. 

Roses in memory of those who died in the Oslo shooting last year.

      

           We finished viewing city hall and went across the street to the Nobel Peace Prize center. This was one of my personal highly regarded sites. The exhibit presented and communicated facts about several men and women in history who have made an impact on their country and the world. There was also information about three women who were recently recipients of this esteemed decoration. Their stories of courage and strength motivated and inspired me. The pictures were very influential. It is true that a picture is worth a thousand words. 

             Next it was time for the Opera House. This structure is not only beautiful but sustainable as well! The architecture is surrounded by glass to save energy and much of the way the construction was designed is to adhere to nature. I was thrilled to see the backstage costumes and rehearsal rooms. It was also great to walk on the top of the building after the tour was over. It was a nice, sunny day that we all took pleasure in very much. 

            The Munch Museum was fourth on our list of tours. This museum held the very famous “Scream” painting and several other famous works by Edward Munch. I wish I would have researched or understood some of the motives behind his paintings better, because I was a little confused. His artwork consisted mostly of nude women and depressing portraits. I feel like this man was very sad and emotionally unstable during his lifetime. Nevertheless, some of his oil pieces were very attractive. My personal preference was “Into the Forest” where a man and a woman are holding each other very close as they walk into a dark forest. To me it seemed to symbolize a deep love for each other that would never depart even through hard times. 

            

 

            Vigiland Park was my most favorite place we visited during the day; it was an absolutely engrossing park that stretched for miles on end. Although my friend Chris and I walked around it for about an hour, we still did not even cover the whole place. There were 250+ statues of men and women in different positions throughout the walkway. Some were embracing; others were fighting. Some displayed emotions of happiness; others possessed ones of anger. They also demonstrated what it means to be human. I really enjoyed my time there observing the greenery, the flowers, the fountains, and the incredible art masterpieces. 

            The Ski Museum was last on our tour for the day. We rode a bus there and then got our exercise by hiking up the hill to the location. The walk there however was clearly worth it. We were able to go to the top of a ski lift and overlook the entire city of Oslo. I can only think of one other place in the world I have been to that is more exquisite than what we saw. It was absolutely breathtaking seeing the mountains and water and homes neatly aligned. I wish I could have stayed there for hours. When I finished admiring the view, I migrated down to the main part of the museum and delighted in learning about the ski industry and many of the famous Olympic skiers. 

            It was soon time to go, but another memorable occasion was in the making. Our group ventured to a Norwegian family’s home where we would be having dinner. Their daughter went to TCU and played tennis for our school a few years ago. They were so kind to invite us into their home, and they prepared the most extraordinary dinner for us; reindeer, potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots, green beans, and peas! I am not normally a meat-eater, but I was amazed at the tenderness and how delicious this meat was! I do not know if I have ever eaten a meat so tasty. The dessert, a fruit tart and a Norwegian cinnamon roll, were terrific as well. We had such a fun time talking to the family and getting to know them better. It was so relaxing being at their house and having a home-cooked meal. We were truly appreciative.

            After dinner we headed back to the hotel on the tram and called it a night. It was a super busy day, but a gratifying one as well! I can definitely say this was one of my cherished days of the trip so far.

Oslo and a Case of Sea-Sickness

Monday, July 23:

            The next morning I did not exactly have the best start to my day. After eating breakfast, I started feeling very nauseated and ultimately vomited my breakfast. Even after getting off the ship, I threw up three more times. It was determined I probably had a bad case of sea-sickness. I really wanted to have fun with the rest of the group and enjoy the museums and sights, but Dr. Whitworth thought it would be best I stay back at the hotel and rest. After lying down for a little while, I decided I would join the group and visit the Fraum Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum. I was still a little queasy, but I was very influenced by the sights and things to see. The Fraum Museum told the story of several explorers who made their way to Antartica and how they lived there for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, these men died in a storm on the way back, but their legacy and the evidence left will never be forgotten. The Kon-Ticki Museum explained how one man decided to disprove a theory about Native Indians migrating to the Polynesian Islands. By just using some simple resources, he was able to corroborate that it was indeed possible for these people to travel from South America to their new location.

            After touring these two museums, it was clear I did not feel very well again, so I returned to the hotel with some of the other group members and called it a day. I did recognize some sustainable practices nevertheless. For example, our hotel room requires you to insert your card in order to keep the lights on. As well, the hotel hosts a location for you to donate your old, used batteries so they are not placed in the trash and become hazard material. 

Electricity-Powered Cars in Oslo

Goodbye Copenhagen, Hello Cruise Ship!

Sunday, July 22:

            

          Today we got to sleep in until nine and then had a free morning to do what we pleased. The majority of our group and I headed out to the National Museum to visit a wide range of varying exhibits. It was so interesting because we were able to start with the beginning of Danish history in the Stone Age and progress all the way to present day! We also got to view some unquestionably terrific exhibits from other countries. There were articles from India, China, Egypt, and other places all over the world. We saw crowns, swords, jewelry, and even mummified bodies! The museum was so big that I almost got lost. In spite of that, our group was able to stay together for the most part, and we had a great time.

            After our excursion at the museum we packed up our things at the hotel, checked out, and left to board a cruise ship! That evening we enjoyed exploring the ship, eating at a large buffet with endless varieties, and watching the waves from the top deck. It was a fun evening, and I had a lovely time. I had never been on a cruise until this evening.

            Today to be sustainable I have been reusing my towel I was given in order to save energy. I feel good striving to make a difference. 

River-Rafting and a Newfound Friend

Saturday, July 21:

           
            I am honestly not even sure where to start explaining the day. There were so many events that occurred which I am so grateful for. I guess I will start with the morning.

            In the morning our study abroad group had a guest speaker named Ana who came to speak to us about the criminal justice system in Scandinavia. It was very interesting. Being a professor for students who study abroad in Copenhagen, she understands a lot of where American students come from and the customs they are accustomed to. We talked about the differences between our country and theirs. The death penalty is illegal in Denmark, and instead, criminals face up to 21 years in prison. Another example is the fact that juries do not determine verdicts on court cases; rather, a group of judges do. Comparing the differences, asking questions, and discussing with our fellow peers was invigorating and extraordinary. I am glad she took the time to speak with us. I learned a lot more about these Nordic countries than I ever knew before.

            When Ms. Ana finished speaking to us, we were given the rest of the day to do our own activities in Copenhagen. Not really having a set agenda for any places I wanted to go, I decided go with Michael and Berta to seek out flea market shopping. We perused the different stands for some time, and I loved looking around even though I did not purchase anything. We also wanted to go second-hand shopping for clothes, but the location where we assumed they would be did not pan out. Michael then elected that he would rather go to Christiania’s to look around. He felt they might have a better selection of gifts and clothes because of their uniqueness and peculiarity. Having to make a choice between staying with Berta or going with Michael, I opted to tag along with Michael back to the neighborhood we had visited with the group yesterday.

Tim's bike

            Going with Michael was the best decision I made. I got to experience one of the best moments on the trip so far with him. After perusing their clothing and various items for some time, Michael and I decided to sit down in a grassy area because we were tired from walking. We took advantage of the fabulous weather and conversed amongst ourselves about life and our goals in the future. A gentleman who was listening to us ventured over and greeted us. He introduced himself as Tim and told us he was a "freegan". He explained this means that he is permitted to take food from restaurants and local food establishments when they are going to dispose of it. The food is still good, yet they cannot serve or sell it any more as it is no longer “fresh”. He does this for a couple reasons.  It helps to eliminate waste, and it is a financial benefit for him since he does not have to buy food. His friendliness, generosity, and unique behavior led us to conversing more with him and finding out about his life in Christiania.
           Tim said he moved from Poland to Copenhagen in May in pursuit of a more promising future.  He shared with us that he lives in Christiania because he liked his freedom and the atmosphere. The rent was inexpensive, and the culture was much more relaxed. Tim was very intellectual and talked with us for quite awhile about the government and the economic system here. He invited us back to his home and we accepted. He proceeded to tell us about his dreams and aspirations. The little dilapidated house seemed an unlikely place for a person to live, but nevertheless, it suited Tim and he was satisfied with having so little. His theory was that he should not "live to work" but "work to live", and by residing in Christiania, he was confident he could. Material possessions seemed insignificant to him. That is probably impressed me the most about him.

             Because it was such a gorgeous day, Tim requested that we go out on the water on his small wooden raft he owned. Using a small oar, Michael helped guide the raft and we drifted out onto the lake. The sun warmed us and the wind was peaceful. Being able to sit and talk to an absolute stranger, who readily opened up to us about so many things, was very memorable. Religious and political persuasions were shared amongst us, and I appreciated a contrasting point of view from a person of another country and culture.

Michael relaxing and reflecting on the raft

            Soon it was time for Tim to go to work at the restaurant in town, so we docked the raft near the closest bank we could find.  We walked back with Tim to his house to pick up our stuff, and then he asked if we would we objected to taking his raft back to the water area where we started. We politely consented; he thanked us again and verbalized his pleasure in the time together and visiting. Michael and I made a beeline for the raft and hopped on. Now we were trying to go the opposite direction of where we floated at the outset. With the wind blowing, it was hard to fight against the current. After some time and much effort at using the oar, we had only progressed a few yards. I was a little concerned if we would ever make it back as we were now in the middle of the river. Michael determined it might be easier for him to get into the water and pull the raft with a rope secured around him. This ended up being the best solution. As he swam forward, I tried to push with the oar. I soon realized I was only making things worse as I was pushing the wrong way! Nevertheless, Michael was patient and taught me how to "sweep" the oar the right way. Twenty minutes later we eventually returned the raft back to its original spot. By the time we got to shore, we were both soaked and muddy. Regardless, we were not bothered by it since we had been involved in such a great adventure.

Michael putting on his shoes outside of Tim's house

     It is experiences like these I am so grateful for when traveling abroad. I believe there is no better way to understand a person's culture and way of life than by slowing down, engaging in their favorite activities, and just listening to what they have to say. It was surprising that Tim trusted us to such a great extent in just a matter of a few hours.
      I learned a great deal from Tim and Michael, as well as discovering a lot about sustainability too. It brought to light that so often the simplest things are the best. Sometimes we need to slow down, be silent, and reflect. We must thankful for the things we do have and not take them for granted. As random as our river raft trip was, there was so much to take into consideration. I would not trade this incredible venture we had for anything.

            Before heading out, we decided to grab a bite to eat in Christiania before we left and then walked back to the hotel with the sun setting and the city in a beautiful aurora. We took one more stop to get a Nutella banana crepe on the way home and then met up with the rest of the group to share our experiences and our story. I went to the hotel, took a shower (because I really needed it) and went out one more time for ice cream with some friends.

            I am sad today is our last full day in Copenhagen. I had so much fun. I really wonder if any future day on the trip will top off the experience I had today.

Culture and History Day in Copenhagen

Friday, July 20:

             
               Friday was our history and culture day in Copenhagen. Shortly before visiting the Resistance Museum we had the occasion to go and see the Little Mermaid statue, made famous by Hans Christian Anderson. It was a great photo opportunity, and we had a lot of fun with it! Then the rest of the group went to visit the windmill, while a few of us enjoyed a walk back in the sunshine. 
 

            The Resistance Museum exhibited artifacts and objects from the WWII time period. For example, there were letters written to families, displayed uniforms, videos, and numerous photos. It was interesting to learn about how WWII affected a country that was neutral. All my life I have heard the stories from either the side of the Allies or the Germans. It was refreshing to get a new perspective. 

            After our visit, we went by train and bus to see the Viking Ship Museum-how incredible! We were afforded the chance to witness extremely old Viking ship boats that were found, get a guided tour of them, and discover how the remains are collected and restored. We even were able to ride in a replica of a Viking Ship ourselves! That was quite the experience. We learned how to row with oars, hoist a sail, and several other things while out on sea. It captivated me and I would love to do more sailing in the future!     
      

            Since our travels and our time at the Museum took most of the day, Dr. Whitworth allowed us some free time in the evening. I decided to go with Berta to do some laundry at the local laundry mat. It was confusing at first to figure out how to use it, as everything was in Dutch; nevertheless, we worked together and I got my clothes washed properly! I engaged in sustainability by using a communal laundry mat and also by air-drying my clothes, rather than using excess electricity with their dryer.

            It was a great day, and I learned so much from our tours and activities! I look forward to tomorrow, as we will have a guest speaker!

Christiania, a Cathedral, and Roller Coasters

Thursday, July 19:

                Thursday in Copenhagen was probably one of the busiest days we have had on the trip so far. After our initial plans for the morning unfortunately had to be cancelled, we decided to take a three-hour walking tour of the city. It felt good to walk around, knowing we were being sustainable and preventing excess carbon emissions from being produced. The tour guide was an Irish man that was very witty and funny. I learned so much about Denmark from him and reveled in the many sights. For example, according to reviews, Copenhagen hosts the “best restaurant in the world”. In order to eat there, a reservation must be made six months in advance. Once you get a reservation, the time and the choice of food cooked is not an option. Guests are served whatever the chef prepares and will be penciled into whatever time works for the restaurant’s schedule. All the food served is organic and derived from resources found only in Scandinavia. I am not sure if waiting that long and being uncertain is worth it, but it sure sounds interesting!
    After a good calorie burn and a pleasant walk, our group visited a secluded neighborhood in Denmark called Christiania. The district is governed by the people who reside there and specifically by their own rules and laws that they have established. These are no weapons, bulletproof vests, biker vests, violence, hard drugs, nor overall crime. It is a very remarkable setup that has been successful since the 1970s. I was inspired viewing the homes and learning more about this peculiar subculture. I am curious how this district thrives so well separately from the government. 

    The tour finished up and a few of us went to climb the Christ Our Savior cathedral nearby. It has 400 steps and has a great panoramic view of the city. While we were all huffing and puffing by the time we reached the top, it was definitely worth the view! You could see all the major industries, buildings, and even the canal area from the top.
    The last task on our list was to visit Tivoli Gardens. I personally was super excited about this. In fact, I had been voicing this enthusiasm to my friends before we even left the states! The Gardens are absolutely beautiful, particularly at night. It is like a small Six Flags, but better! There are different areas of the garden to choose from; Arabic-themed, Japanese themed, and so on. We were really grateful because there were hardly any lines! Megan, Tori, and I enjoyed a sit-down Italian meal and then immediately afterwards rode some of their best roller coasters. I made a mental note to myself to never have Italian food again before something like this, as I was very nauseated. Nevertheless, it was definitely a blast! We first got to ride the world’s oldest roller coaster built in 1907. It is still made of wood! Having different safety precautions in Denmark than Texas, I felt a little unsafe on the rides. However, I believe that was what made it even more thrilling! Once we got off, shortly thereafter it started to rain hard and we were completely soaked on the remaining rides. I do not think I will ever forget being on one of the highest rides overlooking the city being pelted by raindrops and freezing every second of it. It was quite the experience. Once we had enough fun, we exited the gardens and appreciated the splendid lights all around us on the way out.

    Although it is a theme park, I noticed sustainable acts inside. There were solar panels on the roofs of numerous rides, and the roofs were also green with plants everywhere. It is really neat how a place you would least expect to be eco-friendly could indeed possess these traits! If Six Flags could implement some things like that in America, we would be making steps in the right direction!

Welcome to Copenhagen!

Wednesday, July 18:

            Yesterday morning was our last time to be in Stockholm. We got up early in the morning to grab some breakfast and get on the train headed towards Copenhagen. While it was sad for us to leave such a beautiful city, we were excited about our adventures in the coming week.

            The five-hour train ride was fun and relaxing. I was able to get some good sleep, engage in meaningful conversation, and enjoyed seeing the magnificent ocean outside. The train was going 120 + miles per hour at one point! It was very fast.

            When we arrived in Copenhagen, we took a taxi from the train station and went to our hotel and unpacked. Finishing up, we all took a walk outside to get acclimated and look for a few good places to buy meals. Looking at the multi-colored homes was charming. I sat down a while by the dock and had an interesting dialogue with Chris, Michael, and Jordanne about life. It was nice to slow down, relax, and contemplate a little bit. While we were sitting and discussing things, we had the opportunity to witness a sustainable practice; the trash that is deposited in bins here is part of a shoot; it is transported from one end of the street to another location so that trucks do not have to drive by and pick it up!

            The whole group met up again and we took a boat tour arranged by Dr. Whitworth. The tour lasted about 40 minutes and was very impressive! We had the privilege of seeing the major sites of the city and the chance to take some incredible pictures. It is really intriguing and quaint how much of the old architecture of Copenhagen sits side-by-side with the new. They have some stunning bridges, boats, and cathedrals around here. I hope for the possibility of a church tour before I leave! As well on the trip, the tour guide pointed out an environmentally-friendly restaurant built with exquisite glass windows. We even saw rows of windmills on the ride! Copenhagen is well-known for its wind energy. 

            Getting off the boat we segregated into groups and spent the rest of the evening participating in free time. Megan and I found a little café and bought an inexpensive but delicious ham and cheese sandwich. We took pleasure in watching the citizens and tourists walk outside and admired how so many people commute by walking or biking. There are countless bikes and the city has created stoplights specifically for bikes! Finishing up our meal we decided to go window-shopping and take a stroll around some pretty buildings before calling it a day. 

            The thing that provoked me most this evening was when I was walking back to the hotel with the group and noticed a construction fence encompassing an exhibit. Rather than just a typical, unattractive fence, there were images and stories to see and read about the lives of untold people around the world. The narratives were heart-wrenching and definitely made you consider the importance of sustainability. There were young boys who lost their jobs because of the poor control over the fishing industries; there were people in Jordan impacted by war and chemicals; numerous workers are doing labor in Egypt causing deleterious effects to their lungs. It was a painful realization, but also a wake-up call and reminder of how blessed and cared for I am. I never want to take that for granted. Having all that I have right now I am compelled to make the most of my time here and learn ways to provide for others. I want to make a difference so less people in the future have to suffer like the ones in the images I witnessed.