Uge Et (Week One: 26.02.12 - 02.02.12) - Personal Development

On the 26th January I began the eagerly anticipated journey to Copenhagen.  I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Erasmus experience but knew that I wanted to make the most of the opportunity I had been given.  As my departure date loomed closer I began to feel a variety of emotions from apprehension and fear to excitement.  (I was beginning to wonder how it was possible for one person to feel so many things.)  I met Jemma at Dublin airport where we made our way through the departure gate after saying our goodbyes and boarded the smallest plane I have ever been on.  I arrived in Copenhagen with all three suitcases intact and was greeted by Soren (a Danish student who had completed Erasmus at Stranmillis the previous semester).  He drove us to our accommodation in Ballerup; just outside the city where we met Kirsten our landlady who is lovely.  She lives above us in the house and we live in the basement which is suprisingly spacious. After a 6am start and a lot of travelling we both decided that an early night was in order so after unpacking our belongings we headed to bed.

My new home..Bueparken 84.

The next day we awoke early and began to write a shopping list (A difficult task for someone who can’t cook.)  As I have lived in Stranmillis Halls all meals have been catered and through travelling to university before embarking on Erasmus I had become accustomed to home cooked meals (not prepared by myself.) Kirsten kindly offered to drive us to the supermarket where I met more challenges than expected.  The Danish Kroner is extremely confusing with 1 Kroner the equivalent of approximately £9 so working out the cost of items is difficult.  I also noticed that English brands were a lot more expensive so we decided to avoid these, instead opting for Danish brands.  I had a slight incident with what I assumed to be milk when I tucked into a bowl of cornflakes and realised that we had actually bought buttermilk (the joys of not knowing the language).  I am hoping with time I will become more familar and confident with the money, language and food.  I also hope to improve my non-existant cooking skills through this experience.

The shopping centre in Ballerup.

Since arriving here I have noticed that most people speak English and this has further encouraged me to improve on my Danish which is very basic. The people are extrememly kind and helpful and I’ve realised that at home we should do more to help Erasmus students.

This idea was heightened further in my mind when Soren invited us to spend two evenings at his parent’s house.  It was nice to be able to spend time with a Danish family and experience their culture.  His parents cooked us a traditional Danish meal which was delicious and they explained that their diet is very similar to ours at home consisting mostly of pork, potatoes and vegetables.  It was very interesting to spend time with a Danish family and we even picked up a few Danish phrases.

All in all it has been a very busy and interesing first week and I am excited about beginning classes, meeting the other Erasmus students and exploring Denmark.