Back to Copenhagen

I can't believe it's Friday already. I was excited to have a classic European breakfast at the Windsor Hotel this morning. I could taste the hard crust bread with freshly cut cheese topped with tomatoes and cucumber, and a side of fluffy scrambled eggs, yum!

After breakfast, we visited a local mosque in Odense. As we entered into the mosque, the imam (a pastor-like figure) and Muslim community leader greeted us. We removed our shoes and entered into a large room with elaborate decorations. The community leader explained that this is the room, where only men would perform their daily prayers five times a day, facing the holy city of Mecca. Women and children performed their prayers in a separate room upstairs. We all sat on the floor, as the community leader translated the Arabic spoken by the imam. He explained the core beliefs and practices of Islam. He emphasized the importance of unity within the Islamic community. I thought it was interesting how despite ethnic and cultural differences, Muslims find unity in their Islamic faith.

The most exciting part of our visit was the “call to prayer” performed by the imam. As he faced Mecca, his melodious voice filled the room with a reverent song to Allah. After the call to prayer, we went to an upstairs fellowship hall for questions and refreshments. I really enjoyed our visit to the mosque, and I learned a lot about Islamic practice.

Next we were off to the train station back to Copenhagen, Denmark. Even though we ran into a few complications, I am happy we got to experience the welcoming people and beautiful city of Odense.