mega update part 2

Because I am in the Communications Across Cultures program at DIS, we had a short study break to the border region between Germany and Denmark; this is also known as Schleswig. Basically, it is a small territory that has been both Danish and German possessions since 1864 or so. Wikipedia has more if you're so inclined to know more.

After driving on the "largest bridge" in Europe (is it me, or is every bridge either the longest or second largest? The bridge connecting PEI to New Brunswick; Lake Pontacharianian in New Orleans; Copenhagen to Malmo, Sweden; all those crazy ones in China) from Zealand to Funen, we took a ferry from Funen to Jutland. I used to hate ferries, but now I don't mind them as much. Does that mean I am growing up and will soon have a taste for brussel sprouts?

ANYWAY, so we drove across the NON-EXISTENT border between Germany and Denmark (it was seriously like merely entering Rhode Island, with a smaller sign welcoming you - gotta love the EU!) before arriving in Flensburg, Germany. There is nothing else worth noting on the first day, other than I had wienerschnitzel and a mammoth hefeweizen.

The next morning we visited the Duborg Skolen which is a Danish highschool in Germany. Because the region has had several changes of ownership per se, and referendums regarding said issue the school gets a plethora of money from the Danish Government, and other support from Germany. There is no application process to endure in order to attend, but one must learn/know Danish (which I cannot do and probably wont ever - this language is crazy!). Although that may seem like a detraction for students to attend, its not. Much like Wachusett, overcrowdedness is a problem and they have modular classrooms. Although the building was beautiful, just being back in that atmosphere made me so glad to be out of high school. Here is a photo of the building (at first glance, it looks like a prep school):


After our tour of the highschool, we went back into Denmark (no border check!) to visit Aabenraa (pronounced something like O-ben-row - I told you this language is nuts). The city was apparently very crappy until a few years ago, but is now very touristy. Personally, I thought it was a nicer New London. But we got to visit this German Newspaper called Der Nordshleswiger. Dont ask me what that translates to, but I can tell you that its layout is similar to a high school newspaper. I just wish I could read the articles.

Okay, you may think I had a really bad time on this trip because of my negative observations. But thats really not the case. In fact, I had a really fun time that began when I and two other people in my group went to a Casino. Thats right, a Casino. I didnt play any hands but one friend won 30 Euro's on a digital blackjack table. And somehow the dealer knew we were studying at Copenhagen. Perhaps they consulted Interpol? And wandering through the wilderness at 3am both nights to get to the hostel was really exciting. Dont worry mom, I am perfectly fine!

On Saturday we went to Odense, which is on the isle of Funen and where Hans Christian Andersen was born. It was a quaint town, and here is a photo:



so yea, I guess that wraps up my trip to Germany and back. more photos are here (they're not in any particular order.) everything there was ridiculously cheap which was a huge relief, not to mention having our professors buy us copious amounts of food and, uhm...beverages. the 15% unemployment rate in Flensburg was a really sad sight, but thats another topic for another time. before I go, I do have to ask: what the hell went on back home today?