Exchange Testimonials -> Iceland

From the moment I was informed I had the option of going to Iceland on my Erasmus year, I was determined to seize this truly once in a lifetime opportunity. Fortunately I was accepted and from that day on I never looked back on my decision with even a hint of regret. However my excitement diminished slightly on my departure at Dublin Airport when a certain budget airline charged me over €250 for excess weight in my baggage. Once I reached Standsted my airline to Reykjavik luckily charged me one fifth of what I paid reluctantly in Dublin hours earlier.

When I finally reached Iceland I realised that the adventure I had waited what seemed like a lifetime for had finally commenced. During the nine months that followed I would experience numerous unforgettable events-snorkelling in a freezing cold river, white water rafting down a powerful and majestic waterfall, witnessing the awe inspiring Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), and relaxing in the Blue Lagoon - a world renowned spa.

I nervously attempted Icelandic cuisine during my time there from rotten shark to whale and even stuffed puffin which was customarily washed down with the native brew called Brenevin- appropriately nicknamed Black Death. Eager to compete with other Erasmus students who travelled around the continent during their free time I signed up for week long trip to live with an Inuit community on the east coast of Greenland. We decided during our week long expedition to sleep in an igloo we created and it was surprisingly warm.

Alas all good things must come to an end and when I boarded that plane in Keflavik International Airport for the final time last May I shed a tear or two but that emotion will resonate when I return to my adoptive nation in the not too distant future.