“The First Time I Rode a Roller Coaster Was In…”

Simran_KhadkaName: Simran Khadka
Home University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Summer Session 1 Course: Health Delivery and Prioritization in Northern Europe
Summer Session 2 Course: Children in a Multicultural Context 

The only remaining task left on my bucket list is to climb the Church of Our Savior, also known as the Spiral Church, to get a view of the city that has changed me.  Thanks to Copenhagen, I crossed off a lot of ‘firsts.’ One of these ‘firsts’ included going to an amusement park for the first time.

simran-khadka-church
Although this church is very close to my housing, I have been saving the climb until the last day to recognize the monuments and buildings from the top.

Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world, and it was very compatible due to short waiting times for the rides and a colorful atmosphere that accommodated everyone’s needs.  In addition, being with my group of friends made this experience even better because they created those priceless moments that have been captured in my memories.  Although many people are with their parents when they visit an amusement park for the first time, my friends were just as comforting throughout this experience.  For example, after I got sick from one of the rides, they gave me tips on getting better since they had more experiences with amusement parks.  Nevertheless, we conquered our fear of heights and speed together as we got on ride that gifted us with the view of Copenhagen only to drop us eight seconds later.

After going on the 'drop ride' twice within the hour, I am convinced that my fear of heights has been reduced.
After going on the ‘drop ride’ twice within the hour, I am convinced that my fear of heights has been reduced.

At first, I used to feel awkward that I had never ridden a roller coaster, rode on bumper cars, or watched majority of the Disney classics since I was raised with a different culture.  Now, I am proud to embrace the activities I have not done because it will keep my busy and always renew that sense of adventure I felt when I went to Tivoli.  This sense of adventure will accompany me as I visit Istanbul for the first time during my study tour.  Although the majority of the classroom has not visited Istanbul, it would be my first time attending a mosque, bargaining at the local markets, and many activities that would be my ‘firsts.’

Although this roller coaster was childish compared to the Demon at Tivoli, I am sure that I was the one who screamed the loudest out of fear once it went downhill.
Although this roller coaster was childish compared to the Demon at Tivoli, I am sure that I was the one who screamed the loudest out of fear once it went downhill.

Again, thank you Copenhagen for crossing off the ‘firsts’ and adding more ‘firsts’ I need to experience.

Leave a Reply