It begins to seem as if I was in Turkey a long time ago, not a week ago. So here I go blogging about it! It was amazing to visit Turkey because of all of the history (old e.g. the Hagia Sophia and somewhat new e.g. the pictures of Ataturk everywhere and very new all of the colorful billboards spread around like in New York City), the obviously patriarchical nature of the place (e.g. men were more visible on the streets than women. It was common to have male shopkeepers put your coat on for you or flirt with you to get you to come into his store; there were also many more male shopkeepers than female shopkeepers it seemed), and the hospitality culture. It was cool to see Mosques mixed in with skyscrapers, which created the feeling that the place was a blend of East and West, in keeping with the fact that Turkey straddles the Bosphorus. While the culture and landscape of Turkey was breathtaking in that it was so obviously different and wonderful from what I was familiar with, some of the politics made me sad.
In Turkey the poverty gap, the inequity between genders, and the education gap is strikingly apparent. It was refreshing to see that inequality was not hidden the way it is in the US; there is no "Turkish dream" like the American dream, or claim that women have equal rights to men when they in fact don't (eg. lawyers in the states who are women often have to work harder to have their points believed. Women also continue to have a lower income than men even in Denmark which is the most socially equitable place I know). By having the issues out front it is perhaps less questioned why women might do such a thing as march for their rights on National Women's Day, a celebration which I have never seen happen on that day in the US, perhaps because of this illusion of full equity. Sadly, however, transparency does not make the issues go away or be addressed, perhaps in part because the Turkish government is unwilling to hear any complaints about it? So women continue to have much lower levels of employment than men, and individuals unable to afford private school can guarantee that they will not get well paying jobs later in life.And most individuals can't afford a cup of coffee: a luxury only rich Turks and foreigners from wealthier countries can afford.
So, that's all for philosophizing on Turkey (for now). And on another date I will try to describe some of the attractions in detail. For now, here's a list of my experiences as well as some places of interest:
CULTURAL experiences:
1) Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (inspirations for the Taj Mahal. Contains pillars from one of hte old temples that was one of thte seven wonders of the world). Both places (especially the Hagia Sophia) were so diverse and intricate in color and pattern that your eyes never knew where to look. The Hagia Sophia took 100s of years to rebuilt when it was remade the second (or third?) time, but it only took five years the first because it used about 11,000 people including slaves (10,000) and free workers---this gives you some sense of its size.
2) A serpent statue made from melted weapons from the battle of Sparta
3) The Grand Bazaar (several central gates and 50 + sidestreets of shops). It dates back to the 1500s?
4) The Topaki Palace where the Ottoman Empire's ruler lived and his concubines (I visited the Harem)
5) The Chemberlitas Baths (public baths where you can pay to get washed, massaged by another, and also enjoy a sauna type atmosphere followed by a luke warm jacuzzi)
6) A boat ride on the Bosphorus (a long channel of water separating the Asian and the European sides of Tureky) with seagulls flying overhead while eating Baklava
7) Istikal street (a main shopping street in Istanbul that extends for what seems like "forever." Blue lights hung above us and could be see periodoically all along the walking street
8) The Tunnel (a 140ish year old tram that carries you 200 meters up a hill/down. It was once used to carry animals and when it was first made it was constructed of wood? And had oil lamps swinging off its sides)
9)An amazing mall that had 4-6 stories and a small amusement park/arcade inside. Maja (my instructor) paid for us to go on the roller coaster! (it was a small one so luckily I got to enjoy the thrill minus any stomach trouble)
10)Buying 50 cent giant pretzels (that had less salt and butter but was delicious) and eating them while walking along the street
11) Watching pomegranate juice be made fresh. You could find fresh juice everywhere!
12) A morning buffet that always included tomatoes and cucumbers (every meal seemed to have some sort of vegetable or fruit in contrast to in Denmark)
13) Live Turkish music on the streets and in restaurants--hard to define but I noticed it tended to involve a mix of the drums, wind, and string instruments (haha like many other genres but it DID have a distinct sound)
14) Pictures of Ataturk everywhere, especially in every building with ties to the government (including private schools---I am not sure why?)
15) Turkish coffee brewed so that you are drinking essentially undiluted ground coffee beans (it's very rich and has a grainy texture. It was delicious and kept me going for hours!)
EDUCATIONAL experiences:
1) The Marmara University Department of Preschool Education. We learned about its requirements for teacher education and preparation (training teachers take 8 courses per semester and the requirements and workload per course is apparently much greater than at most American universities)
2) Isik Foundation Schools (teach English starting in early elementary school); a private school which includes lower and upper grades. Its focus included lessons on democracy and lessons based on living real life
e.g. using a hop scotch square to learn how to count
using fake ballots to practice learning about the vote.
Creating and collecting key chains to learn about what you can collect.
Learning morality through being presented with quotes by Hitler turned upside down to emphasize that they were in hte wrong
3) The Education Reform Initiative which focused on advocacy, research, and teacher training to support improvements in education (at the moment they were contesting the 4+ 4 = 8 law which asked kids to start first grade at the age of five without any early education preparation)
4) ACEV, an organization foucsed on promoting literacy and awareness and practices involved in optimizing early childhood development
Hope you don't mind the long-winded tangential nature of the above. I hope even moreso that it made sense. That was Turkey in a long nutshell except there is one more thing. One of my favorite parts of the adventure was the Turkish traditional dance performance we went to. The marriage dances were beautiful but what was stunning was the scarf dance which as the black lights came on turned the dancer into a flowing chamelion. There were also two separate acts by a male then female belly dancer; while the female was slightly more skilled the male dancer was incredible himself and many of the girls in the audience (including myself) were quite taken with him (it was bizarre while the dance seemed feminine he was so clearly masculine and confident that it was hard not to admire him and be attracted to him on some level)
Monday, March 19, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Loving my Practicum
Today was an amazing day at my practicum. All of the days are wonderful partly because I imagine how I might have fun each day and then I pursue it. For instance, I imagined it would be fun to play psuedo-soccer with one of the toddlers and found that it was in fact enjoyable despite my experience as a young child playing ball and finding myself wanting because I had poor aim. Now I can't do tricks like some of the more coordinated staff, but I did manage to bounce the ball off the side of my legs and my calf (each time missing the knee), and side to side between my feet, before kicking it successfully over to my young friend (the toddler); he giggled at my antics and it seemed we were both enjoying just horsing around, seeing what would happen next. In fact, he was having so much fun being goofy that he would double over as he laughed.
There were many other fun highlights to my day.
A group of girls in the after school progam learned that I shared the same first name as one of them; I was told in both English and Danish that my first name must be `"butt" because there was no way we could both share the same last name. Now while what they said wasn´t kind there was no sincerity behind what they said. In fact, soon they were pulling me to the after school room to play cards with them. Through an adult sitting there I managed to translate that I had to continue my work in the early child program. Later when I wasn't being kept busy I joined them in creating and decorating their own restaurant; they asked me to help them with their ideas ,and I even added in a few of my own (e.g. covering the unused stairs of the loft in a red blanket and placing a pillow to create an ambiance).
Before the restaurant I enjoyed snack time with some of the younger children (three year olds on their way to turning four). We had a couple of mini conversations and I was proud of myself. We talked about what we liked to draw, our birthdays, our ages, and because they knew I don´t speak Danish they also tried to teach me some words (it´s amazing originally only the older kids could remember and accommodate my baby Danish. now the younger kids have caught on either because they are maturing quickly or because they are used to me). The conversations were rudimentary and reminded me of show and tell---i asked a question and eacjh of the girls would respond using the same grammar structure as myself (but providing a different answer) one after another.
I was invited to my coworkers house to go out and to meet up at her house for some drinks beforehand. Although I am not the biggest drinker I consider it a cultural expereince to go out with Danes, and I am realyl looking forward to it. I was also touched because my coworker had mentioned in the past that we might go out together at some point, but she didn´t say anything further which made me think that it was a possibility, not an offer. Later I learned that it probably was an offer, because altbhough Danes are blunt they are very organzed always having their planners out (it may be a stereotype Danes have about Danes). Anyway, I though I had missed and opportunity, and am glad to learn that I hadn´t.
Something sad today. I have been getting to know the names of four and five year olds who i spend the most time with, yet now they are graduating into regular school at the end of next week. I was invited to their graduation program and got to help them make badges today as part of their Friday graduation ceremony. I have classes which conflict with the time of the program, but hopefully my teachers will be okay with me going and catch up with work later as I think it would be a very enriching experience to see how the children begin to handle their transition (while most of the kids seem very excited about their badges I don´t know if they truly realize that graudation will mean separation into different schools).
Other lessons today;
1) children each have their own ways about them and soem behaviors may be unusal for some children, while perfectly normal for others. (they are multifaceted like adults and if they expereince all of these emotions it is because they have had good nurturing opportunities). e.g. One girl is quiet and will nod, never talk. She also puts on her snowsut by herself. She rarely plays with other children, although she will allow them to share the swing with her. She rarely smiles, and I had to search for her smile while I was pushing her on the swing to find it---Although I already knew that children differ and aren´t all overspoken or shy and self-conscious (this girl just doesn´t feel the need to be particularly expressive or social), certain lessons need to be relearned (at least in my case) because my internal definition of childhood tends to consist of happy, loud children.
Lessons unrelated to my practicum:
1)It is not uncommon to shower every other day (instead of every day) to save money in Denmark
2) Danes love Rome as much as the next
3) Romkugler ( a dessert I had tried here) is made of rum, some sort of grains, sugar (and I forget the rest of hte ingredietns but I swear someone taught me the recipe today)!
NOw I´m off to do some homework before I get dinner then go to my field study at a youth club today (kind of like an afterschool program held at night)
Vi ses! (see you)
There were many other fun highlights to my day.
A group of girls in the after school progam learned that I shared the same first name as one of them; I was told in both English and Danish that my first name must be `"butt" because there was no way we could both share the same last name. Now while what they said wasn´t kind there was no sincerity behind what they said. In fact, soon they were pulling me to the after school room to play cards with them. Through an adult sitting there I managed to translate that I had to continue my work in the early child program. Later when I wasn't being kept busy I joined them in creating and decorating their own restaurant; they asked me to help them with their ideas ,and I even added in a few of my own (e.g. covering the unused stairs of the loft in a red blanket and placing a pillow to create an ambiance).
Before the restaurant I enjoyed snack time with some of the younger children (three year olds on their way to turning four). We had a couple of mini conversations and I was proud of myself. We talked about what we liked to draw, our birthdays, our ages, and because they knew I don´t speak Danish they also tried to teach me some words (it´s amazing originally only the older kids could remember and accommodate my baby Danish. now the younger kids have caught on either because they are maturing quickly or because they are used to me). The conversations were rudimentary and reminded me of show and tell---i asked a question and eacjh of the girls would respond using the same grammar structure as myself (but providing a different answer) one after another.
I was invited to my coworkers house to go out and to meet up at her house for some drinks beforehand. Although I am not the biggest drinker I consider it a cultural expereince to go out with Danes, and I am realyl looking forward to it. I was also touched because my coworker had mentioned in the past that we might go out together at some point, but she didn´t say anything further which made me think that it was a possibility, not an offer. Later I learned that it probably was an offer, because altbhough Danes are blunt they are very organzed always having their planners out (it may be a stereotype Danes have about Danes). Anyway, I though I had missed and opportunity, and am glad to learn that I hadn´t.
Something sad today. I have been getting to know the names of four and five year olds who i spend the most time with, yet now they are graduating into regular school at the end of next week. I was invited to their graduation program and got to help them make badges today as part of their Friday graduation ceremony. I have classes which conflict with the time of the program, but hopefully my teachers will be okay with me going and catch up with work later as I think it would be a very enriching experience to see how the children begin to handle their transition (while most of the kids seem very excited about their badges I don´t know if they truly realize that graudation will mean separation into different schools).
Other lessons today;
1) children each have their own ways about them and soem behaviors may be unusal for some children, while perfectly normal for others. (they are multifaceted like adults and if they expereince all of these emotions it is because they have had good nurturing opportunities). e.g. One girl is quiet and will nod, never talk. She also puts on her snowsut by herself. She rarely plays with other children, although she will allow them to share the swing with her. She rarely smiles, and I had to search for her smile while I was pushing her on the swing to find it---Although I already knew that children differ and aren´t all overspoken or shy and self-conscious (this girl just doesn´t feel the need to be particularly expressive or social), certain lessons need to be relearned (at least in my case) because my internal definition of childhood tends to consist of happy, loud children.
Lessons unrelated to my practicum:
1)It is not uncommon to shower every other day (instead of every day) to save money in Denmark
2) Danes love Rome as much as the next
3) Romkugler ( a dessert I had tried here) is made of rum, some sort of grains, sugar (and I forget the rest of hte ingredietns but I swear someone taught me the recipe today)!
NOw I´m off to do some homework before I get dinner then go to my field study at a youth club today (kind of like an afterschool program held at night)
Vi ses! (see you)
Saturday, February 18, 2012
A Thematic Analysis of My time in DK
So, because I continue to have so much I want to say, I avoid blogging. I recognize that I will be dissatisfied with the brevity of whatever I write: either I will write too much about one topic and too little about others, or I will write a little about multiple topics and feel there is little of substance in what I wrote. At this point it is just plain frustrating to not have written more because I really want to keep everyone up to date with what is going on with me. So, I've come up with a compromise. I will "list" my life-story here so far as a set of themes and elaborate a bit on each theme to give you an idea about what my thoughts are surrounding whatever theme/life-experience to which I refer. Feel free to "comment" that you want me to talk more about a given topic (although depending on my mood I can't guarantee that I can elaborate on whatever topic you choose at a particular time).
A) The Persistent Debate: A Night Out or a Day Out?
I was right I'd much rather have a day out then a night out...Today I went to three museums, had lunch on Stroget (pronounced Stroll; it's a long shopping street in Copenhagen) and then had a coffee "date" with my friend Samira that continued into a dinner. I got to try a new food (Chili Con Carne; surprisingly I like it), learn about the "wonders" that America has brought to Denmark via the museums I went to (mainly a lot of gimmicky things), and make a new friend. I also enjoyed people watching and the company of oldish friends. I can go to a club anytime in the states and I dislike being exhausted all day after staying out til 3. I made a good decision that honored my goals here last night; I chose to allow myself to learn about Danish culture and about the sites Denmark has to offer (although night life is a major part of the social life here since I've already gone out a few times and expect to again I'm in no hurry...Also I'm happy to meet Danes through other venues such as my club, the Buddy network, the Gimlie Cafe on Thursdsays, The Trekoner Association, etc).
B) What Are My Goals?
After today I am convinced that I should spend a day doing homework in a cafe. While cafes may not be the best place to write an essay, simpler work and readings are definitely doable at such a venue. In talking to Samira today about my "new life" in Denmark, and in learning about her experiences abroad, I was reminded of how much I enjoy people watching. Cafes provide a closed environment where you can learn about social norms while getting homework done, especially if you are hanging out on your own. My day wasn't cheap today, so I won't do the cafe thing tomorrow, but it's definitely on the agenda! (I already notice the differences in table manners but there are other things like posture and manners surrounding ordering food that I have yet to figure out)
C) Finding Friends/Taking Advantage of the Many Wonderful People Here (title says it all; I am struggling to find a way to take advantage of all of the opportunities to meet and hang with people here...I've met so many people and I really want to meet more and gosh the opportunities go on and on, especially since I know people all over Copenhagen and many in Trekoner and Roskile....there has to be a happy medium between meeting people and relaxing on my own and doing homework, but sadly I haven't found it!)
D) Lessons from Ripley's Believe it or not Museum Today
I wanted to have a gimmicky experience where I went to a museum that wasn't classy (I am in no way trying to sound snobby. It's just that my museum experiences mainly consist of art museums and science exhibitions that locals not just tourists enjoy e.g. The New England Aquarium). The Ripley's Believe it or not Museum, the Guinness Book of World Records Museum, and the Mystic Exploratorium Museum were fun, but I wouldn't do it again. I had my fill! I learned some interesting facts, but honestly I could have read them online, and the wax and plastic figures representing a lot of the "unbelievable" things were often just plain creepy! ....Anyway, now I know okay to have an experience for the sake of it, but sometimes it's unnecessary because you know at the start (as I anticipated) that you could have done without it.
On a separate note about the museum(s), let's talk about social responsibility. For people unable to travel, museums can be a great way to learn about the world beyond home; museum curators therefore have a responsibility in my opinion to think about how they present their exhibits to their audience...Curators shouldn't display exhibits so that what is foreign is further "otherized" as I saw today. On display were the plastic, life-size figurines of two men: the tallest man and the fattest man to date as of the time the museum opened. Neither figure was discussed in terms of his life interests, struggles, and success; they were each essentialized and described only in terms of their physical characteristics. Both men's health was mentioned in the exhibit, as was their reception by the public; the exhibit was morally questionable because it okayed seeing human beings as simply curiosities, rather than as complex beings with problems and characteristics similar but different from our own. It was especially disturbing that the overweight man was depicted next to plastic replicas of sweets, implying that he was a glutton, which may not have accurately represented him given that his weight problems initially stemmed from a burst gland that altered his hormone secretion levels.
E)Fun fact/observation about birds. Pigeons WILL take over the world; they are everywhere, including in Denmark. But, you should know that in Denmark there are serious contenders with pigeons. Raven-sized black birds with white spotted wings can be seen throughout the city and country.
F) Hippies can be found everywhere. The staff and I at the Saxogarden Preschool/Kingergarden visited a hut that was partially indoors and partially outdoors. There we made bird feeders, watched a guide cook bird food over a froe, and listened to (incomprehensible on my part) a talk on recycling and bird watching and bird types. Then, the guides gave each of us recyclable binoculars (made from toilet paper roll tubes) and fake beaks to wear. The guides wore hats decorated with stuffed animal birds on their heads, but they added the beak masks to what they were wearing, and lead the kids in bird watching and feeding. They demonstrated to the kids that they should flap their arms to get the full "birdy" experience and they crouched low, possibly to imitate the gait of the birds...While I don't know whether I would call the guides hippies, that was how my coworker referred to them.
G) What does it mean to be "character" in Denmark? My friends thought that some people we had met were strange when I just thought they were people...So, I wonder whether they picked up on cultural differences or personality differences...
H)Passion verses pasttimes. Again, I don't want to just spend time here, I want to make all of it "count" and be meaningful somehow
I) True Communication.
I have had some incredibly insightful, fascinating conversations during my time in Denmark. As always, I am drawn to conversations where I have to think hard about how I see the world or on how they see the world/their life. These conversations have been in English obviously, but I am also learning that nonverbal communication and baby-talk in Danish can get you far. At my practicum this week I teased the kids "Jeg spise dig" meaning I eat you and they ran and I chased them around and around the hallway (which is entirely fine indoors in some places in DK). Some of the kids asked me my name during the break, indicating that they liked me and liked playing with me, and they also hovered around asking something (which they stopped) as soon as I began chasing them agian (I think they were asking to play)...I have also managed to talk to an older girl (she is 5ish) to check on how well I know and understand simple Danish nouns...Each moment of communication is meaningful, especially when we are smiling together...It's cool to realize how enjoyable and meaningful simple commuication can be (granted when you don't know a langauge well any communication is a win)
J)I have been thinking What does it mean to really integrate somewhere? I have met people who immigrated to Denmark. I only sometimes pass as a Dane (when I don't want people to speak English to me I sometimes get away with just speaking in Danish); I wonder if it gets any easier as you know the language? I know a woman who has been here five years and she says that she still doesn't quite 'pass'
K) Maturity verses knowledge. I wonder whether I am growing during my time here because I am learning about people, or if I am maturing because of the greater responsibilities I have on my own...I hope that both are coming my way
L) Counting the number of times I have been flustered. They have been surprisingly few, but memorable. I hope the number will continue to stay low! (the most recent was an incident when I had trouble remembering my bank account pin; talk about anxiety provoking!)
M)Am I taking away a Life Lesson or Context Lesson? Meaning, what understandings and ways of being from my time in Denmark will I take with me when I am home?
N) The Five Hugs I've Had Since I've Been Here (I didn't mean to count it's just that I'm used to being more affectionate because obviously I'm usually somewhere where I know more people!)
O) Teaching Verses Psychology? I thought at my practicum the other day that I was sold to teaching kids because it was so cute and pleasant. Then, at a lecture in my Adolescents in Northern Europe class this past Thursday I got completely absorbed by a lecture on schizophrenia in adolescents. We only began to talk about the psychosocial approaches to interventions, but I was so fascinated by what I was learning in a way I hadn't been during my classes here, that I was reminded that maybe it is psychological work that I want to stick with...Sigh! Decisions Decisions!
That's all for now folks, but I hope you enjoyed this long post! XOXO
A) The Persistent Debate: A Night Out or a Day Out?
I was right I'd much rather have a day out then a night out...Today I went to three museums, had lunch on Stroget (pronounced Stroll; it's a long shopping street in Copenhagen) and then had a coffee "date" with my friend Samira that continued into a dinner. I got to try a new food (Chili Con Carne; surprisingly I like it), learn about the "wonders" that America has brought to Denmark via the museums I went to (mainly a lot of gimmicky things), and make a new friend. I also enjoyed people watching and the company of oldish friends. I can go to a club anytime in the states and I dislike being exhausted all day after staying out til 3. I made a good decision that honored my goals here last night; I chose to allow myself to learn about Danish culture and about the sites Denmark has to offer (although night life is a major part of the social life here since I've already gone out a few times and expect to again I'm in no hurry...Also I'm happy to meet Danes through other venues such as my club, the Buddy network, the Gimlie Cafe on Thursdsays, The Trekoner Association, etc).
B) What Are My Goals?
After today I am convinced that I should spend a day doing homework in a cafe. While cafes may not be the best place to write an essay, simpler work and readings are definitely doable at such a venue. In talking to Samira today about my "new life" in Denmark, and in learning about her experiences abroad, I was reminded of how much I enjoy people watching. Cafes provide a closed environment where you can learn about social norms while getting homework done, especially if you are hanging out on your own. My day wasn't cheap today, so I won't do the cafe thing tomorrow, but it's definitely on the agenda! (I already notice the differences in table manners but there are other things like posture and manners surrounding ordering food that I have yet to figure out)
C) Finding Friends/Taking Advantage of the Many Wonderful People Here (title says it all; I am struggling to find a way to take advantage of all of the opportunities to meet and hang with people here...I've met so many people and I really want to meet more and gosh the opportunities go on and on, especially since I know people all over Copenhagen and many in Trekoner and Roskile....there has to be a happy medium between meeting people and relaxing on my own and doing homework, but sadly I haven't found it!)
D) Lessons from Ripley's Believe it or not Museum Today
I wanted to have a gimmicky experience where I went to a museum that wasn't classy (I am in no way trying to sound snobby. It's just that my museum experiences mainly consist of art museums and science exhibitions that locals not just tourists enjoy e.g. The New England Aquarium). The Ripley's Believe it or not Museum, the Guinness Book of World Records Museum, and the Mystic Exploratorium Museum were fun, but I wouldn't do it again. I had my fill! I learned some interesting facts, but honestly I could have read them online, and the wax and plastic figures representing a lot of the "unbelievable" things were often just plain creepy! ....Anyway, now I know okay to have an experience for the sake of it, but sometimes it's unnecessary because you know at the start (as I anticipated) that you could have done without it.
On a separate note about the museum(s), let's talk about social responsibility. For people unable to travel, museums can be a great way to learn about the world beyond home; museum curators therefore have a responsibility in my opinion to think about how they present their exhibits to their audience...Curators shouldn't display exhibits so that what is foreign is further "otherized" as I saw today. On display were the plastic, life-size figurines of two men: the tallest man and the fattest man to date as of the time the museum opened. Neither figure was discussed in terms of his life interests, struggles, and success; they were each essentialized and described only in terms of their physical characteristics. Both men's health was mentioned in the exhibit, as was their reception by the public; the exhibit was morally questionable because it okayed seeing human beings as simply curiosities, rather than as complex beings with problems and characteristics similar but different from our own. It was especially disturbing that the overweight man was depicted next to plastic replicas of sweets, implying that he was a glutton, which may not have accurately represented him given that his weight problems initially stemmed from a burst gland that altered his hormone secretion levels.
E)Fun fact/observation about birds. Pigeons WILL take over the world; they are everywhere, including in Denmark. But, you should know that in Denmark there are serious contenders with pigeons. Raven-sized black birds with white spotted wings can be seen throughout the city and country.
F) Hippies can be found everywhere. The staff and I at the Saxogarden Preschool/Kingergarden visited a hut that was partially indoors and partially outdoors. There we made bird feeders, watched a guide cook bird food over a froe, and listened to (incomprehensible on my part) a talk on recycling and bird watching and bird types. Then, the guides gave each of us recyclable binoculars (made from toilet paper roll tubes) and fake beaks to wear. The guides wore hats decorated with stuffed animal birds on their heads, but they added the beak masks to what they were wearing, and lead the kids in bird watching and feeding. They demonstrated to the kids that they should flap their arms to get the full "birdy" experience and they crouched low, possibly to imitate the gait of the birds...While I don't know whether I would call the guides hippies, that was how my coworker referred to them.
G) What does it mean to be "character" in Denmark? My friends thought that some people we had met were strange when I just thought they were people...So, I wonder whether they picked up on cultural differences or personality differences...
H)Passion verses pasttimes. Again, I don't want to just spend time here, I want to make all of it "count" and be meaningful somehow
I) True Communication.
I have had some incredibly insightful, fascinating conversations during my time in Denmark. As always, I am drawn to conversations where I have to think hard about how I see the world or on how they see the world/their life. These conversations have been in English obviously, but I am also learning that nonverbal communication and baby-talk in Danish can get you far. At my practicum this week I teased the kids "Jeg spise dig" meaning I eat you and they ran and I chased them around and around the hallway (which is entirely fine indoors in some places in DK). Some of the kids asked me my name during the break, indicating that they liked me and liked playing with me, and they also hovered around asking something (which they stopped) as soon as I began chasing them agian (I think they were asking to play)...I have also managed to talk to an older girl (she is 5ish) to check on how well I know and understand simple Danish nouns...Each moment of communication is meaningful, especially when we are smiling together...It's cool to realize how enjoyable and meaningful simple commuication can be (granted when you don't know a langauge well any communication is a win)
J)I have been thinking What does it mean to really integrate somewhere? I have met people who immigrated to Denmark. I only sometimes pass as a Dane (when I don't want people to speak English to me I sometimes get away with just speaking in Danish); I wonder if it gets any easier as you know the language? I know a woman who has been here five years and she says that she still doesn't quite 'pass'
K) Maturity verses knowledge. I wonder whether I am growing during my time here because I am learning about people, or if I am maturing because of the greater responsibilities I have on my own...I hope that both are coming my way
L) Counting the number of times I have been flustered. They have been surprisingly few, but memorable. I hope the number will continue to stay low! (the most recent was an incident when I had trouble remembering my bank account pin; talk about anxiety provoking!)
M)Am I taking away a Life Lesson or Context Lesson? Meaning, what understandings and ways of being from my time in Denmark will I take with me when I am home?
N) The Five Hugs I've Had Since I've Been Here (I didn't mean to count it's just that I'm used to being more affectionate because obviously I'm usually somewhere where I know more people!)
O) Teaching Verses Psychology? I thought at my practicum the other day that I was sold to teaching kids because it was so cute and pleasant. Then, at a lecture in my Adolescents in Northern Europe class this past Thursday I got completely absorbed by a lecture on schizophrenia in adolescents. We only began to talk about the psychosocial approaches to interventions, but I was so fascinated by what I was learning in a way I hadn't been during my classes here, that I was reminded that maybe it is psychological work that I want to stick with...Sigh! Decisions Decisions!
That's all for now folks, but I hope you enjoyed this long post! XOXO
Friday, February 3, 2012
Language Learning and Food Testing
So, you may ask why I haven't been blogging for the last number of days and the answer my friends is culture shock, overwhelm, sleep deprivation, and my constant wonderment about what I could possibly write about. So, here I am today writing about my quandary itself!
As I just said, the quadary begins with culture shock...Today I skyped with a friend and tried to explain culture shock through a metaphor; the metaphor involved a loose egg rolling around my brain and, yes, I imagine you are already lost as my friend was...The point I was trying to make and will assert now is that culture shock (for me at least) is the feeling of seeing something, and not really believing or absorbing it as best you try, because you illogically believe (even if you tell yourself it's not the case) that if you blink your eyes hard enough everything will go back to how it was at home. For instance, every time I stare at the American money I have left, or skype home I suddenly feel as if I have been transported back to a world where everything makes sense. Then, seconds later I am disappointed remembering that dimes and nickels are meaningless here, because I am in Denmark where they use the Kroner and the ore (the small coins). The point is that it is strange, dream-like to be somewhere where the little things you are used to no longer are present or natural. And, when you are able to reflect on this dream you are overwhelmed (in a good way): unsure about how to process and store what you see, learn....
This inability to find concrete meaning in my experience leads me to repeatedly reflect, why am I studying abroad? I know all the reasons I came, but as I reflect on home (which is now how I refer to the States) I think why leave it? Why not travel to Minnesota, North Dakota and leave Massachusetts? Why go continents away? If I hope to expand my independence and world knowledge, was going abroad truly necessary to do so? I think I may be honestly looking for a sense of completion, meaning that can only come when you know a place well and have the tools to make sense of it: a feeling I am told will only come to me as I am on my way home from Denmark, and have "mastered" the culture somewhat.
In the meantime I am soaking up as much adventure as I can between classes.
1) I lived with a broken door for days (the lock, the latch, and the door-handle had broken) soon after moving in, and kept the wind out of my room with lots string, an ethernet cable, and plastic bags
2) I tried a Danish delicacy today: a sandwich with pesto, butter (don't worry Dad I stopped eating it when I realized my mistake), laks, lettuce, and tomato. It tasted to me like pizza although the texture was obviously different!
3) They have candied nuts stands on Stroget (a major street with lots of shops)
4)Their red cross has better clothes and organization than most Macys back in the greater Boston area
5) Fast food places have tons of seating, encouraging you to stay a while to sit and eat! A shawarma place even had an upstairs area. Also, you are expected to leave your plates out so that the staff can clean the table for you (it's like elements of American fine dining are a part of the Danish fast food experience)
6) I joined a Danish chorus and was bluntly told the first day that I need to try harder with my Danish! Danes are blunt; I had heard this before, but experienced it for the first time! (granted the comment was directed to me by my SRA who had known me for a week prior, but still it was a bit early by American standards for constructive criticism I think!)
7)At the practicum where I work four and five year old children are allowed on the playground by themselves while the adults stay outside with the older kids! Of course, I was expected to live by these same rules/beliefs about how to engage with children.
8)I personally saw tons of two and three year olds put on their snowsuits all by themselves! Kids are trained to be independent starting at an earlier age here! :)
As I just said, the quadary begins with culture shock...Today I skyped with a friend and tried to explain culture shock through a metaphor; the metaphor involved a loose egg rolling around my brain and, yes, I imagine you are already lost as my friend was...The point I was trying to make and will assert now is that culture shock (for me at least) is the feeling of seeing something, and not really believing or absorbing it as best you try, because you illogically believe (even if you tell yourself it's not the case) that if you blink your eyes hard enough everything will go back to how it was at home. For instance, every time I stare at the American money I have left, or skype home I suddenly feel as if I have been transported back to a world where everything makes sense. Then, seconds later I am disappointed remembering that dimes and nickels are meaningless here, because I am in Denmark where they use the Kroner and the ore (the small coins). The point is that it is strange, dream-like to be somewhere where the little things you are used to no longer are present or natural. And, when you are able to reflect on this dream you are overwhelmed (in a good way): unsure about how to process and store what you see, learn....
This inability to find concrete meaning in my experience leads me to repeatedly reflect, why am I studying abroad? I know all the reasons I came, but as I reflect on home (which is now how I refer to the States) I think why leave it? Why not travel to Minnesota, North Dakota and leave Massachusetts? Why go continents away? If I hope to expand my independence and world knowledge, was going abroad truly necessary to do so? I think I may be honestly looking for a sense of completion, meaning that can only come when you know a place well and have the tools to make sense of it: a feeling I am told will only come to me as I am on my way home from Denmark, and have "mastered" the culture somewhat.
In the meantime I am soaking up as much adventure as I can between classes.
1) I lived with a broken door for days (the lock, the latch, and the door-handle had broken) soon after moving in, and kept the wind out of my room with lots string, an ethernet cable, and plastic bags
2) I tried a Danish delicacy today: a sandwich with pesto, butter (don't worry Dad I stopped eating it when I realized my mistake), laks, lettuce, and tomato. It tasted to me like pizza although the texture was obviously different!
3) They have candied nuts stands on Stroget (a major street with lots of shops)
4)Their red cross has better clothes and organization than most Macys back in the greater Boston area
5) Fast food places have tons of seating, encouraging you to stay a while to sit and eat! A shawarma place even had an upstairs area. Also, you are expected to leave your plates out so that the staff can clean the table for you (it's like elements of American fine dining are a part of the Danish fast food experience)
6) I joined a Danish chorus and was bluntly told the first day that I need to try harder with my Danish! Danes are blunt; I had heard this before, but experienced it for the first time! (granted the comment was directed to me by my SRA who had known me for a week prior, but still it was a bit early by American standards for constructive criticism I think!)
7)At the practicum where I work four and five year old children are allowed on the playground by themselves while the adults stay outside with the older kids! Of course, I was expected to live by these same rules/beliefs about how to engage with children.
8)I personally saw tons of two and three year olds put on their snowsuits all by themselves! Kids are trained to be independent starting at an earlier age here! :)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Great and Exhausting
So, you may ask what is great about Denmark? Friends, I'll tell you there are a ton of things.
About SAFETY:
A) It is considered safe by most women to walk around alone at night, even when it's dark. I have asked, seen, and learned that woman often travel by bike, foot, and train alone when it's dark out (which starts in the afternoon), including late at night because crime rates are low. I have gotten to take advantage of traveling when it's dark out (7-9 p.mish) in this big, unknown city because of the reassurances I have received that it would be safe.
B) The Danes generally do not intrude on each others personal space throughout the day, and at night this same habit provides me with a sense of calm and safety---as long as no one walks in range of my personal bubble (which they tend not to) I am not in danger of being pickpocketed, etc. I remain on the lookout but I allow my paranoia to recede a bit because of this culture. :)
Commuting Culture:
If a man or woman talks with a stranger it is only to ask for or offer help (e.g. directions) or some sort of customer service. Trains are mostly filled with silence as are the streets often. Now this quiet may sound rude or discomforting to you, but I think it is kind of beautiful. The Danes have a respect for personal space; they use and allow others to use travel time (walking or commuting by train) to recharge one's batteries between activities and locations. It's like they culturally endorse aspects of meditation, yoga, or progressive relaxation through partaking in this silence, or in quieter conversation in public areas.
ABOUT THEIR ROYALTY:
1) King Christian the 4th built most of Denmark's historical buildings seen today in the 1600s (and others that no longer exist) and there are tons of them still standing today. He's like all of the US presidents wrapped in one in his historical stature here.
Queen Margarethe the 2 rules today but the Prime Minister has greater legal authority. The Queen is loved by her people and she began her life as a Queen in her thirties. Two weeks ago she had her 30th or 40th anniversary of being Queen and there was a large celebration in which even foreigners without status could have partaken.
Other fun odds and Ends:
a) It is more common to bike and or take public transportation than to own and use a car in both Copenhagen and many of the outlying towns, city, and even countryside!
b) The Danes have a Ripleys Believe It or Not Store. One restaurant has an American-style Hamburger called the "Ill be right back Burger" (referencing the Terminator).
Basically, there is a long list of wonderful things about the people in Copenhagen and Roskilde (where I live) that goes on and on which cannot be explained in words. Sorry guys, I'm sure you'll hear more about what I love about Copenhagen, but tonight I just gave you some of the fun things I have noticed.
Don't worry there is more to come-about my life here more specifically. For now I thought it would be good to give you some context for my life here :) IN a way I'm actually giving you a window into my mind--there is so much to process about this new environment that I am never sure which two thinks to think about in any moment. Information overload oh yes!
Miss you all,
Lara
About SAFETY:
A) It is considered safe by most women to walk around alone at night, even when it's dark. I have asked, seen, and learned that woman often travel by bike, foot, and train alone when it's dark out (which starts in the afternoon), including late at night because crime rates are low. I have gotten to take advantage of traveling when it's dark out (7-9 p.mish) in this big, unknown city because of the reassurances I have received that it would be safe.
B) The Danes generally do not intrude on each others personal space throughout the day, and at night this same habit provides me with a sense of calm and safety---as long as no one walks in range of my personal bubble (which they tend not to) I am not in danger of being pickpocketed, etc. I remain on the lookout but I allow my paranoia to recede a bit because of this culture. :)
Commuting Culture:
If a man or woman talks with a stranger it is only to ask for or offer help (e.g. directions) or some sort of customer service. Trains are mostly filled with silence as are the streets often. Now this quiet may sound rude or discomforting to you, but I think it is kind of beautiful. The Danes have a respect for personal space; they use and allow others to use travel time (walking or commuting by train) to recharge one's batteries between activities and locations. It's like they culturally endorse aspects of meditation, yoga, or progressive relaxation through partaking in this silence, or in quieter conversation in public areas.
ABOUT THEIR ROYALTY:
1) King Christian the 4th built most of Denmark's historical buildings seen today in the 1600s (and others that no longer exist) and there are tons of them still standing today. He's like all of the US presidents wrapped in one in his historical stature here.
Queen Margarethe the 2 rules today but the Prime Minister has greater legal authority. The Queen is loved by her people and she began her life as a Queen in her thirties. Two weeks ago she had her 30th or 40th anniversary of being Queen and there was a large celebration in which even foreigners without status could have partaken.
Other fun odds and Ends:
a) It is more common to bike and or take public transportation than to own and use a car in both Copenhagen and many of the outlying towns, city, and even countryside!
b) The Danes have a Ripleys Believe It or Not Store. One restaurant has an American-style Hamburger called the "Ill be right back Burger" (referencing the Terminator).
Basically, there is a long list of wonderful things about the people in Copenhagen and Roskilde (where I live) that goes on and on which cannot be explained in words. Sorry guys, I'm sure you'll hear more about what I love about Copenhagen, but tonight I just gave you some of the fun things I have noticed.
Don't worry there is more to come-about my life here more specifically. For now I thought it would be good to give you some context for my life here :) IN a way I'm actually giving you a window into my mind--there is so much to process about this new environment that I am never sure which two thinks to think about in any moment. Information overload oh yes!
Miss you all,
Lara
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
First Call with a Dane
I had my first conversation with a Dane today: a receptionist with accounting services at my Danish Doctor's office. She was a good teacher; her first words to me taught me that language barriers can a) be intimidating and b) be amusing to navigate. When she picked up the phone I was stunned because---big surprise?----conversational Danish was incomprehensible to me.
She probably said something like "I am Miss____ speaking from the _____Department. How can I help you?" Because I could not distinguish the individual vowel sounds of her speech, I became fixated in an "oh my G-d" moment. I worried, what if she'll be unable to understand me? Irrationally, my concern escalated to "what if all Danes will be unable to understand me?" The thought overcame my intention to clearly communicate and my first conversational Danish came out as gibberish. Oh well. I meant to say "Mit noun air Lara Cohen" followed by Danish for "Do you speak English." The receptionist responded with a word: Danish for 'whaaaaaaaaaaaaat.' I switched to English, but my confidence remained low. Although I am pretty good at networking and communicating to get things done, I paused and 'erhmmed' and 'ummed' my way through the rest of the conversation. I was processing the new thought that many English words may be unknown to Danes. For instance, when she asked me my Doctor's department name I wondered would she recognize the English word for the Department name? I certainly did not know the Danish name. She recognized most of the words I provided, but we did come to somewhat of an impasse when I attempted to spell out my email for her. Although the English and Danish alphabets are similar, because our words, sound combinations, and accents differ I had to provide a word that represented each of the letters in my email so that I made sure she heard me correctly. It seemed that she did not always know the words I provided, or maybe I didn't enunciate enough--in the end we went through the email a couple of times. " Luckily it worked out, but silly me, it wasn't until I went running later that I calmed down. Whether this is culture shock or silliness I think I deserve a gold star for effort and perseverance, even if I was the worlds greatest goof. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)