January was the month when I finally submitted my dissertation and finished my Master’s studies – after months and months of non-stop writing and GIS analysis!
Destinations visited in January 2024
Denmark
- East Jutland (Hov)
Netherlands
- Amsterdam
England
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Scotland
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire (Gardenstown, Crovie, Pennan, Fraserburgh)
Top 3 favourite new destinations
- Crovie, Scotland
- Gardenstown, Scotland
- Pennan, Scotland
Daily life
The last few days at home in East Jutland
2024 began at home in East Jutland, surrounded by those I love the most. I had planned and booked a trip to visit my friends on Lolland with Minnie on the 3rd, but had to cancel because of a snowstorm that stopped busses and trains from running nation-wide for two days. But at least that meant we had a gorgeous winter landscape to walk in at home!
I spent my days doing GIS analysis and writing on my dissertation, painting a little (something I’ve reeeeally missed doing!), making friendship bracelets for the Eras Tour and going for walks with Minnie and the fam in the snow.
Life in Aberdeen
We left my hometown in the early hours of the 13th and arrived back in Aberdeen on the evening of the 14th. I was excited to be back, but also sad that I wouldn’t have time to enjoy it much in the first week as the deadline for my dissertation was just around the corner. That week was literal hell. I hardly slept, hardly ate and spent most of my hours just staring into my laptop, writing away. I finished it with five minutes to spare, and I can’t explain how amazing it felt to finally hand it in. I was finally free!!
The following week, I didn’t do much except catch up on sleep, relax to get over my burnout, see a few friends and go for the daily morning dog walks with Minnie’s friends. As much as I wanted to get caught up with the blog, I just couldn’t face opening my laptop, so I took the much needed time off. I need to learn not to feel guilty for relaxing!
Travels and local adventures
Overland journey back to Aberdeen
Minnie and I were supposed to leave Denmark for our long overland journey back to Aberdeen on the 11th, but Deutsche Bahn (the national German train company) decided to go on strike, leaving us stranded until the 13th – not that I minded a few extra days with my family!
We had to scratch our plan of visiting my friends in Kiel for two nights and instead head straight to Amsterdam at 2.30 AM on the 13th to catch our ferry at 5.30 PM the same day! Thankfully, everything went smoothly, although there were a few train connections that cut it close!
Arriving in Newcastle the following morning, we explored a few parks near the harbour and then headed into the city centre for a few hours of exploring before catching our train to Aberdeen. I didn’t know what to expect of Newcastle, but I was blown away by its beauty, especially down by the river Tyne. I loved all the different bridges and felt very lucky to be there on a Sunday as the Quayside Market is only open on Sundays. I found myself a folklore cd and some beautiful jewellery, and got Minnie some snacks that she loves!
A hike along Aberdeenshire’s north coast
A few days after I’d submitted my dissertation, the forecast had promised sun, so although I was exhausted, I decided to go on a hike. I invited a friend along and Minnie too of course, and we had a wonderful time exploring the rugged north coast of Aberdeenshire. We hiked from the beautiful town of Gardenstown through Crovie and ending in Pennan, both small villages with colourful houses dotted along the coast.
The only issue was that I’d sprained my toe that same morning by accidentally kicking my hoover… I thought the pain would go away during the two-hour bus ride north, but it didn’t. So for the entire 16-kilometre hike, I limped and complained. I still don’t know why I put myself in situations like these, but it certainly wasn’t the first time, and I’m sure it won’t be the last…
New on the blog
Most popular post
- My December 2023: Christmas time at home with Minnie – January was veeery busy with uni work so the recap of December was the only post I got around to writing!
The other posts
- That’s it for January…!
Most popular Instagram picture
Instagram also only got one post in January, but it was a big one with lots of love from my followers!
Coming up in February 2024
Rather spontaneously, I decided to apply for a job in Thy in the north of Denmark back in December, and I got it! So Minnie and I will be moving back to Denmark on the 14th. I’m not looking forward to saying goodbye to my friends in Aberdeen, nor am I excited to lug all my belongings on countless trains and a long ferry ride. BUT I’m very excited to spend a weekend with my family before moving up north, and to begin our new life in Thy! I’m looking forward to excavating again, having a stable income and exploring a new region of Denmark!
But before we make the big move, I have lots of spots marked on the map of Aberdeen that I still want to explore. I also plan to spend lots of time with my friends and really take in every moment of our last Aberdeen days before having to say goodbye.
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