Week 12

Week 12 | 21/03/16 - 27/03/16

Personal & Cultural

By the time week 12 had come, we were all ready for a week off to do whatever week wanted. I decided at the beginning of Erasmus that I would return home at some point for a short period and I chose to go home the week before Easter (week 12). I had made some plans before returning home about how I would make the most of my 5 days back in Ireland. Anna and I planned to home together and we made our way to get the bus to Copenhagen, trying pack as little as possible (which isn't something I find particularly easy). As we made our way around the airport, it became clear that we had come a long way from when we first walked through the airport on our first day in Copenhagen. We knew exactly where to go and what we had to do, in comparison to feeling lost and confused as to where our next location was. I feel that the challenge of travelling with a friend instead of a parent is a good example of independence.

“True success is achieved by stretching oneself, learning to feel comfortable being uncomfortable.” ― Ken Poirot

As we waited to board the plane, I felt nervous, an emotion I don’t usually associate with when seeing my close family and friends. I assumed it was because it had been so long since I had last seen them. As we landed in Dublin airport, I was fortunate to be picked up by my brother who drove three and a half hours to collect me. We talked the whole way home about Denmark, similarities and differences, the people I had met, the university and everything I could think of that I experienced in the last two months.

The next day I saw my parents, who wanted to do everything they could for me. For example, make my lunch or my favourite dinner. They were just as interested in everything I had to say and it was a beautiful feeling to be in my own town, which I appreciated so much more during those few days that I was home. As a student in Aarhus, I was independent and free, and during my time home I was making my own comparisons with Denmark about smaller things I didn't notice before moving to another country. For example, I felt so grateful for my mother cooking dinner. Also, in relation to the Irish culture, I had forgotten how socially active people where in different situations. During my bus journeys in my time at home, most people I sat beside started a conversation about where I was going or where I came from. However, this would be very unlikely to happen in Denmark as Danes take their personal space seriously and are more reserved.

During the rest of the week, I travelled with friends to the beach and explored different places in Ireland as much as I could. Each day I was constantly answering questions about Denmark and their culture. My family were intrigued by some of the stories I told them. When explaining my placement, we discussed how that type of school would not be very likely to happen in Ireland, which we agreed is unfortunate.

On my final day, we all had an 'Early Easter' as I wouldn’t be there for the actual Easter Sunday, something we celebrate each year as a family. We all ate a home-made meal together, cooked by my sister and mother, and played games after. By the end of the week, I was so excited to get back to Aarhus, and see what my upcoming placement would bring.

Reference - http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/