Welcome to Rødby: I’ve moved to Lolland to work on an excavation

With a bachelor’s degree behind me in January, I felt like a new person. I was free once again, to travel as far as I desired. But then Covid-19 came into the mix and took away that freedom. I was still able to travel more than most people because Denmark had low case numbers, but I was forced to rethink my gap year(s) before starting my master’s (which I absolutely will not start during a pandemic, no online classes for me please!). When I heard that there was a position open at an excavation for Museum Lolland-Falster, I knew that I had to go for it. I sent them an email and a few days later, I was offered the job!

Fast forward two months to November 16th, and I was on my way to Lolland, a large island in southern Denmark that I’d never been to before. A new life awaited, and I was naturally nervous. Via airbnb, I’d booked a room at a farm near Rødby, three kilometers from the excavation site. The son of the owners picked me up at the bus station, and his friendliness immediately put me at ease. I was welcomed with open arms to the Israeli/South African/Danish family and their cat, two dogs and four puppies! I’ve been here a week now and I love it here. The farm is gorgeous, the family is incredibly hospitable and the animals are soooo cute. Plus it couldn’t be a more convenient distance to work. It’s not too far to walk, but far enough for me to get in my 15,000 steps per day. I feel so lucky!

The day after my arrival, I walked the three kilometers to work, nervous and excited as anything. I was welcomed by a bunch of friendly faces, my new colleagues, some of whom I already knew. I had a tutor for the first day to reteach me everything I’d forgotten since the excavation in Russia last year. It felt great to finally be out digging in the dirt again!

The site I’m working on is an Iron Age settlement, but there’s also a bit of Neolithic (Funnel Beaker Culture) which is closer to my archaeological interests. I’ve been excavating a Neolithic pit most days, but I’ll be done with that on Monday. It has revealed quite a few exciting artifacts such as decorated pottery sherds, a flint scraper and a mandible. I hope my lucky streak will continue!

I’m working 37 hours a week at the excavation, and in my free time, I’m going to try to see as much of Lolland and the surrounding small islands as possible.

Today, I took one of the dogs for a walk into the centre of Rødby, my new hometown. Rødby is a sleepy town with just under 2,000 inhabitants, but it does have some lovely elements such as the cutest little Christmas shop (which even sells Greenlandic decorations!), a charity shop and a pretty forest.

So I love my job, the place I’m staying at and so far, I’m really enjoying exploring Lolland. Plus it will be great to receive a monthly paycheck again. I think I’ll really like it here!

My contract at the museum ends on February 28th, but there’s a possibility for an extension. I love the job so far, but I also know that I’ll be itching to travel again come February. I’ll just wait and see what happens, either way I’m sure it will be a wonderful adventure.