Heading to Esbjerg

Holstebro was enjoyably cozy, but as a small town there wasn't a whole lot to experience while I was there, so I decided to move on to Esbjerg.  Located about two hour by train to the south, Esbjerg is a moderately sized city on the west coast of Jutland.  Ferries run to and from the UK every 48 hours.  Unfortunately, my initial impressions are not all that wonderful.  This post will catch up the blog, so we'll see if today's events change that opinion at all - but for now let's discuss yesterday.



I awoke and checked out from the hostel at 10 AM.  The staff wasn't there (they usually aren't - this contributes to the creepy-factor), so I left my key on the office door handle and headed to the train station.  I tried to find a bakery to get some fresh bread to enjoy on the train, but most shops are closed on Sundays, or at least have severely restricted hours.  Finally, I simply went back to the Fotex and purchased another kind of baguette (non-French) from them.  It was delicious.

The train arrived at 11:00, and two hours later I was in Esbjerg.  The hostel was 3 or 4 km from the train station, so I began the walk, noticing how nice of a day it was.  In fact, the day before had been pretty sunny and warm as well!  Good job, Denmark - it only took you a week and a half!

Not much happened today, as when I arrived at the hostel I discovered that they only opened at 4:00.  Whenever hostels do that it tends to throw off my day, because I'm leaving the previous hostel at 10:00 at the latest - so I had several hours to burn.  Making matters worse, they charge for internet access, so I took  a nap while waiting for 4:00 PM to roll around.  Visiting the city early wouldn't have worked out so well in the hot sun and my entire pack on my back, especially after already walking from the station, and with no sure idea of where to go.

When I checked in, I asked about the internet rates.  They wanted 20 kr for an hour, 60 for 4 hours, or 200 for a week straight.  I didn't want to have to worry about time limits, but 200 was a bit much, and I didn't need a full week anyway.  I decided to try bartering - 100kr for 2 full days - and he agreed.  I don't think he had the capabilities to set alternate time limits, however, because I received a 7-day pass.  I wonder if I can sell the remainder...

Finding food turned out to be somewhat difficult, as it was still Sunday.  To make matters worse, the walking area of town was all the way back by the train station.  I made the trek, however, and found a restaurant to eat at.  I ordered the penne, and as the hostel was a lot cheaper than in Holstebro or Ålborg, I also ordered a dessert - a chocolate melting cake.  The penne was excellent, and was served with a small salad light on the lettuce and heavy on the real vegetables, as well as some bread.  Well done.  The melting cake...well...it wasn't as good as mine.

It looked like rain might be coming along, so I dropped a 200kr bill half under the plate and headed off.  I had gotten about halfway across the square when the waiter caught up to me and said that I needed to pay.  I then somewhat irately walked back to the table, picked up the money, and handed it to her, before walking off again. 

Back at the hostel, I had a long conversation with my roommate (2-3 hours) about Danish and American politics, culture, and economics.  I often have conversations with my roommates, but usually they're not Danish, so I haven't mentioned them in the blog.  Little else happened during the night after a jog and shower, so hopefully the next entry will be more interesting for you all.