Goodbye Greenland: Leaving Nuuk after five wonderful months

As I sat by the window in the plane, looking down at the fjord and the mountains, I couldn’t help but cry. I had been preparing myself for this day for so long, but nothing could’ve prevented the sadness I felt as I left Nuuk behind.

For five months, I lived in the capital of Greenland. I breathed the fresh air, I had the mountains in my backyard and I met the most wonderful people. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was part of a community. I had the other exchange students, the other uni students, my work colleagues, the climbing club and the Bahá’í community, which I came to know and love during my time there. And I felt so much love towards and from all of them. I had so much and leaving it all behind left a big hole in my heart.

Before moving to Greenland, I had imagined that I would love the country. But I never thought I would love it this much. And Nuuk, a city I had absolutely no expectations to, completely blew my mind. So much that I didn’t mind staying put for over 3,5 months! I’m the type of person that gets itchy feet after a few weeks in the same spot, so staying in Nuuk for that long and loving it at the same time was very new to me.

Maybe it means that I’m growing up and getting ready to leave the jetsetter lifestyle behind. Who knows? I certainly don’t as I still have a huge desire to travel. If it were up to me, I would split myself in four pieces. One piece in Greenland, one piece in the Faroe Islands, one piece at home with my family and one piece constantly on the road exploring new destinations. But maybe that will change once I start that restless lifestyle again. Maybe I will finally long to settle down, something I never even thought possible before coming to Nuuk.

Life in Nuuk changed me in so many ways. I became more aware of who I am and how great life can be. I declared my belief in the Bahá’í Faith. I settled into the vegan lifestyle. I became less restless and more comfortable in being in one spot. And I made incredible connections that I hope will last a lifetime.

So many people touched my heart in Nuuk. And one thing that comforts me in my sadness, is the fact that I know I will see each individual again. I will make sure of it. My life in Greenland also isn’t over. I left my heart there, and thus have no other choice than to come back. I hope and pray for a return this upcoming summer.

Even though sadness is present in me right now, I am more grateful than ever. Grateful for the wonderful experience, for all the people that enriched my life in Nuuk and for my family and friends whom I long to see. The good part of endings is the beginning of something new. And for me, that beginning starts with a few days in Reykjavík, before I finally go home to be with my family in Eastern Jutland.

Goodbye for now Greenland, and thank you for everything you gave me.