I have decided to spend seven days as a tourist in the province of Skyrim. An outsider in the land of legends, roaring fires, frosty nights, sweetrolls and sweet trolls — as well as people who do not understand the concept of personal space. The following is a journal of my experiences here, and the people I meet along the way. DAY 1

6 PM

The rain and wind are relentless, and I can hear wolves roaming around the pine forest. I light my torch to get a better view of my surroundings. My map tells me that I am standing at the ruins of Helgen — the scene of a large battle that occurred when a dragon, Alduin the world-eater, unleashed his fire-breath upon the once prospering village — at least thats what my guide book tells me. This province is full of legends and myths. I am excited to find out the truth of it all during my time here. Tonight I am heading to the village of Riverwood.

7.30 PM

I have my first encounter with the wildlife, near a little river, as a wolf suddenly jumps out and starts growling at me. As I have never been much of an outdoorsman, I panic and let out a high pitch scream and weakly punch it in the nose. Lucky for me, this catches the beast off guard, and it clumsily falls into the river and gets carried away by the torrents below. I decide to pick up the pace and quickly head for the gates of Riverwood.

8 pm

I arrive in Riverwood, a little stirred by the dramatic canine encounter. I am absolutely soaked. I decide to rent a room at the local inn “The Sleeping Giant”. Inside the tavern I am greeted by a crackling fireplace and a woman named Camilla, who is the first local I speak to. She sends honeyed words in my direction informing me that “It is a fine day with you around.” With new-found confidence, I make my way towards the inn-keep Orgnar as I wish to rent a room.

I also order some spiced wine and some bread. It will go nicely the salmon I somehow accidentally plucked out of the river earlier, when I was fighting the wolf. Fishing seems to be rather easy in the waters of this province.. I mean, I do not even have fishing rod. Anyway, the salted fish is very tasty and the bread is freshly baked and still steaming when I break it apart. The wine is curiously served in a bottle with no glass lying on a wooden plate in this tavern. What an interesting custom.