Jun 15 2009
Update
Greetings one and all.
I apologize for not writing in so long. The summary of events is as follows:
I submitted my essay for British history on 19 May, I received a grade of B for it. Which was more than I expected honestly. The professor is such an intense personality I didn’t think my work would pass muster.
A few hours before I did that however I had a Norwegian oral exam. It consisted only of a 15 minute dialogue with the teacher and a censor. I got a D in that unfortunately. I’m not sure why, I expected a C. Though, as per usual, the teacher told a friend of mine that she believes I can do much better.
On 22 May I had my Norwegian written exam for which the grades still are not available. I’m waiting for those and I will let you all know how I did.
On the 27th of May I returned to Canada. I’m home now and I’m eager to get back to Oslo. Parting with friends, many of them in Oslo only for a semester, was not easy. I made some friends of a type that I can’t seem to find in Canada. Europe’s socialist leanings really do produce different people. On the flip side of that though is the fact that I can visit “the mainland” and have these friends show me around their respective countries/cities.
That’s what’s been keeping me away from writing. Hopefully there are still some readers of this blog that will keep up when I return to Oslo. Which will be at the end of July. I want to wander around Norway a bit before classes begin.
And speaking of classes… because there are only three classes available in English for the next semester, two of which I’ve taken, I’m stuck taking “Inside the medieval church: the church room and its decoration in medieval Scandinavia.” Not that I think the course will be boring, because most professors have the ability to make their subject matter exciting. I’m miffed at having to take a course that’s entirely unrelated to my thesis topic: Icelandic Viking age power and authority structures and how honour relates to them. But, that’s how it is.
I also want to mention the latest photos I’ve put up. There aren’t many but they’re from one of the most amazing events I’ve ever witnessed. May 17th is Norway’s constitution day. It was that day in 1814 Norway got it’s full independence from Sweden. It was a peaceful transition for the most part but it is celebrated with enthusiasm. Anyway, many Norwegians dress up in their “bunads” (not sure about the pluralization) and run around waving the flag. What’s really touching is the feeling of unity among the people. It’s something I’ve never experienced. If someone asked me when they should visit Norway, I would say 17 May. (See the Wiki of it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Constitution_Day )
I will write more as plans for my return to Norway crystallize and I once again take to writing about my doings there. Until then, have a great summer everyone.
