"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." Well, as Shakespeare so eloquently put many years ago, great scandal has engulfed the country. If you haven't been following world news in the past week, I will catch you up. Several months ago, a Danish newspaper printed several caricatures of Muslims, and the prophet Mohammed in a very disrespectful way, including a picture of a Muslim wearing a turban with a bomb in the center. At the time of their printing, in September, little fuss was made. However, for some ridiculous reason, several other EU countries thought that it would be a good idea to reprint the pictures. Understandably so, the Muslim community in Europe and worldwide is up in arms, as the Qu'ran specifically states that you cannot draw the image of the prophet or Allah. There have been several demonstrations in Copenhagen, as well as several embassy bombings in Syria and Beirut. I have seen many images on tv of Muslims burning the Danish flag. Ahhh, feels like home.

I do not condone the drawings, I think that they are in poor taste, and it was an antagonistic move to reprint them several times over. However, the Danish government has a very firm freedom of press policy, which I do stand by. Regardless though, the newspaper editors should have shown better judgment. While they have apologized, threats by Al Queda continue. Its a little scary to be here right now. I went out to a club on Friday night and saw this sign:















The next day, on the street where I had been walking, there was a mini-riot/clash with the police. I believe that there is a disconnect between religious beliefs and freedom of press, and the two cultures cannot understand each other. I am safe though, and will continue to keep myself aware of any potentially hazardous situations.

In more positive and exciting news, I've done some wonderful things in the past week. I've joined the DIS Harmonies a capella group, which should be really fun. I couldn't go so many months without music in my life! I also discovered a wonderful forest near my Kollegium (about at 15 minute walk away) where I can go walking. The Brøndby Forest is several kilometers of walking trails through wooded areas near farm landscape. It will be my place of solitude when I need an escape. I heard an owl hooting during the middle of the day (odd, I think it has Seasonal Affectivenesss Disorder), and saw several birds, including magpies (again, feels like home). Below is a picture of the walking path. Music and a forest nearby means good things for my mental health!



















Also, I was able to see Fredricksborg Castle today as part of a tour group with my school. The castle was built in 1601 by Christian IV and now contains the Museum of National History. Among my favorite items was the first Bible printed in Danish following the Reformation. I was a bit tired for the tour, but I did take some nice pictures. I feel as though the grounds around it will be excellent for walking once the snow clears. Here is a picture of me in front of the castle:















I have an exciting week ahead. On Wednesday I will go to a Danish minimum security prison (No! I haven't committed a crime...yet). I will go with my Criminal Justice in Scandinavia class, which should be very interesting for a social policy nerd such as myself. Also, this Saturday, I will be going to a concert of one of my favorite bands, who just happens to be in Copenhagen; Death Cab for Cutie. I'm very excited to see how live music venues work in Denmark. Should be another exciting week.