First Assignment

Today we began our first of five long-term story assignments. I'm paired with Hana, from the Czech Republic, and we are assigned to do a 2:30-3:00 minute long portrait of a person. Today we hit the streets of Aarhus for inspiration. The kebab stand owners were our first choice, but they didn't speak English. So we walked around a bit more, and thought of our tour guide from the City Hall tour. She was hysterical, so we thought she'd be an interesting person to film, because at least she'd be animated. She wasn't at the building today, so we walked down a street to an English pub called The Golden Lion. It turns out, all the bartenders there are foreigners, and they all speak English. Saturdays they watch a lot of football, and draw a crowd, so I suppose we'll be there Saturday too.

It's surprising the difficulties you'll find in attempting to do a story in a city where you know no one, nothing about current affairs, and don't speak the native language. Granted, most people do speak English, and quite well, but giving an interview in another language is sometimes difficult. Also, this cold will not let up. It's no fun walking around Aarhus while freezing despite heavy coats and the rest. Hana and I decided that we'll have the best knowledge of the city by Spring time, just in time for us to really enjoy.

My parents sent me an amazing care package yesterday that was awesome to see. They got me a watch with two faces, one for St. Louis time and one for Aarhus time. I got a lot of compliments on it already. But getting a package from home also reminded me of things I miss. Yesterday I stopped by a 7-11 to get change for bus faire, and I realized I miss fountain sodas. They just don't really exist here. And what soda is around is outrageously expensive. I drink a lot more coffee now.

But anyway, I'm excited to stop sitting in class all day and get out to do interviews and make packages again. It'll be nice to be back in my element in that respect, because Jørgen is a great teacher, but lectures are driving me crazy.