Having been busy with assignments and exams the week before leaving for Denmark, I had not much time to dwell on the fear of leaving home for more than a week for the first time, or to pack. After a day of packing and re-packing the day before the off, including home comforts such as Nambarrie teabags and Cadbury’s Chocolate, the reality of what lay ahead of me began to set in as family called round to say goodbye. I realised it was going to be hard to say goodbye to my parents and boyfriend; however I was excited and curious about what Denmark would bring.
I had no idea what to expect when I embarked on my journey. My apprehension grew as I reflected in the car while being driven to Dublin airport by my parents. There, I met Trisha and Kerri and my excitement grew. Saying goodbye to my parents was difficult but as soon as they left I was more worried about whether my luggage would be within the weight limit, thankfully it was! Once we had checked-in and were through security, we knew our journey had begun. Trisha, Kerri and I shared our expectations, fears and excitement over a cup of tea in the airport before our plane was called to board.
The plane journey was very short (2h 10m). We were so exhausted from the buzz and excitement of preparing for our trip that we slept most of the flight and woke up as we began descending in Copenhagen. It was then that I had my first glance of Denmark. My first impression of Denmark from the plane was that the landscape looked very similar to ours in Ireland.
As soon as I stepped off the plane, I could feel the cold, freshness of the Danish air hit my face. The air is so refreshing here, compared to in Ireland.
After collecting our luggage, we struggled with our suitcases through to ‘arrivals’ in Copenhagen airport where we were greeted by many people waving Danish flags. We thought someone important was arriving, when in the crowd we saw a familiar face, Soren, who was waving 3 Danish flags for us. He later informed us that it is tradition in Denmark for relatives and friends to go to the airport to greet people with the Danish flag.
Soren so kindly offered to drive us to Vordingborg and helped us with our luggage.
Kerri, Soren and I.
By the time we arrived in Vordingborg, it was dark, which made it hard to form my first impressions of the town. Everything was quiet and eery which made me apprehensive about my decision to come to Vordingborg. However, I remained positive by reminding myself that it would be easier to familiarise myself with my surroundings in the morning when it was light. When we arrived at the university our tutor Trine showed us to our accommodation. Kerri and I share a a small ‘apartment’ with our own kitchenette and bathroom. It’s strange cooking, eating, sleeping and socialising all the the one room, but we are getting used to it.
This is me outside my accomodation.
On Saturday morning, Trine and Martin, our tutors, gave us a tour of Vordingborg, which didn’t take long as it’s a very small town. They showed us the best view Vordingborg has to offer over the Marina from The Goose Tower.
Vordingborg's best view.
Trine and Martin helped us with our first grocery shop in Denmark. This was helpful as it was a challenge knowing what some of the foods were and also using the Danish kroner for the first time. It will take some time to get used to the currency here, as at first glance everything seems so expensive!
A surprise in our first week of arriving in Vordingborg was that we have no class until next week, so our first week was spent exploring the town and getting to know the other students.
Hej Hej,
Fionnuala
