Identity.

Perhaps the most rewarding experience of studying abroad, of being abroad, or even simply being out of one’s comfort zone, is finding oneself. This however doesn’t come easy, and it doesn’t come quick.

Yesterday I went to three classes – Russia Today, Epidemic Disease, and Health & Human Disease. During the Health & Human Disease we engaged in a conversation mostly regarding the Danish medical system. Perhaps the biggest question that arises is where do you draw the line with health care? If you are a Danish citizen skiing in Austria and break your leg, you are still covered by the Danish health system. Right now there are no limits. And even equality prevails. In fact this July the government lifted the ban not allowing doctors to artificially inseminating lesbian couples. Very progressive. However, even though this may seem like a good system, there are flaws. One such concern is the emergence of private hospitals which some fear will undermine the public health system.

In any regard, after class I went to the International Club meeting. I will admit I mainly went on the pretense of free food (& wine!); however, the discussion topics were intriguing. In me, it has prompted the process of identity questioning. Of even questioning very fundamental aspects of my life. More on this later.

After a bit of wine and cheese (cheddar!), I went to the Student House. Tuesday night is GayDay so I thought I’d give it a try. I ended up meeting two women from Scotland, not gay, but spoke English. We chatted for a quite awhile, exchanged e-mails, and then they went on their way. A fellow DIS student meet me a little while later. The crowd wasn’t too lively at the Student House so we decided to check out another gay bar. We went to Masken (http://www.maskenbar.dk/) and proceeded to drink a little too much. Masken is a cute little place with a bit of a mixed crowd, but a little bit on the sleazy side as well. We (being Krystal and I) started chatting with the two guys next to us at the bar – and I didn’t pay for a single drink the rest of the night. It was great fun. Especially being around gay people again. Around midnight, I thought we should probably head to the train station to catch the last train…

Turns out that the train schedule has been changed and the last train leaves just before midnight. To our rescue was another DIS student, Stephanie, who recognized us and our need for help. Since her train was still running she offered her place to spend the night. After making a pit stop at the gas station for a bathroom break and to buy a frozen pizza we headed to her place, where I proceeded to pass out on her floor. A note about the pizza: everything on the box was in English, except the instructions. Why? Urg…

I left to go back home around 9am and to finally shower, etc. I headed to my local Kommune to get my CPR # (aka social security number). During this process I was assigned a doctor – a bizarre experience, but I guess this is a completely social welfare state. Then I headed to the city to run some errands. I found a great café/bar (http://www.oscarbarcafe.dk/) and enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate. It reminded me a lot of MoJoe in Columbus – except with smoking.

My commute home took about 2 hours. The H train kept on getting cancelled, then delayed. Of course I don’t understand a word they say over the speakers. Finally I got on my train. But I apparently missed the message that it wasn’t stopping at my stop. And the train went zooming by my stop. I got off at the next stop, then had to wait for the train going the other way. It was all a big mess. I tried to ask a few people, but both shook their heads no when I asked if they spoke English. It was a very frustrating experience.

But, yeah, my life is like that sometimes…