Aug 10 2008
The Adventure Begins
I arrived in Norway on the 7th of August 2008 with more jumbled thoughts than I can think to write, of course that won’t stop me from trying.
It wasn’t easy leaving my family and friends. In fact, I still tear up when I think about them. I left a life in Canada that had people in it I love. Evening bonfires with my family and friends, I even went golfing for the first time in my life with my boss which was incredibly fun, I tried Indian roti (a type of bread) and there are many things which I miss already. However, I will be back for Christmas and then probably the summer after that.
I got to Norway and was picked up by my lady friend, Anne Marit, at the airport. The flights had been quite pleasant and not overly long either. I suppose after working 12 hour shifts one learns well how to sit and bear a slow passage of time, a seven and a half hour flight was easy by comparison.
From the airport it was straight to the student housing administration to get the keys for my student room. We found the place easily. I live in the “Sogn studentby” (Sogn student residence). I was expecting a dirty closet with a bed in it for a room but what I got was a nice clean, large room with a high ceiling and a big window. There’s a desk and bed that are both small for my liking but beggars can’t be choosers I suppose (pic). The common area (pic), that contains the kitchen, is clean and cozily furnished. The living arrangements seem nice enough. My only complaint, which I mention to everyone who asks, is the toilet. You see someone stumbled upon a great idea to separate the toilet from the shower room, essentially splitting the bathroom in two. This way the morning line up (which doesn’t actually exist because everyone wakes up at different times) is divided and everyone can do their bathroom business sooner. Well, the toilet was walled off and a small sink was put in. The problem is that the sink is almost on top of the toilet and it’s very difficult to do anything in there (pic). Just look at the photo and you’ll see what I mean.
The food in most places is fantastic but the weather kind of sucks. Seems I just missed a heatwave in this nation and caught on in time for a coolwave. It’s about 12-15°C with occasional rain. It’s also more expensive than I’d imagined. I thought I had a handle on some of the prices when I believed everything was roughly twice the price of what it is in Canada. I was wrong with some things, like bus fare, which for a single ride, if paid in cash, is about $7CAD.
I will write more, at the moment I’m going to focus on my breakfast.
I hope everyone is well. I miss you all.
dude, definitely bookmarked this. i’m happy to see that you’re doing ok. wishing you all the best! and say hi to Anne for me.
Geez, you’re just a stones throw away from Poland eh? You could probably row there! It looks like a nice place, and your bathroom reminds me of mine in Japan. I was happy to use the facilities in a nice roomy bathroom when I got back. I’m glad you like the food. It’s one of the most important things.
Oh little brother, I do miss you. Keep writing. I will hopefully be dropping by in October. The flight to and from Vegas (both with layovers) kinda got me used to flying without the need for alcohol.
I liked reading this. You should write more about the pictures. I’m assuming they are Norwegian landscapes. They’re great.
My question is: what exactly are you trying to do with that toilet that you have trouble accomplishing??? Do you need to play guitar while you do your business??
Anyways, good bloggin’ Tom, I’ll be a regular reader for sure.
Hey Tompa, glad to see your settling in well. I was excited to see the website on Monika’s facebook, so definitely keep writing and I will be an avid reader…
Hey all,
Thanks for posting. That connection to home makes me feel all cozy
.
Simonella: my good man, glad to see you found the way here.
Adam: you’re absolutely right about the food. Even here I’m getting used to some of the foods, thankfully I like them. I can only imagine what it must be like for those that move to a place where the food is difficult to get accustomed to. As for moving around Europe, you’re quite right. Seems that Ryanair has a deal to get from Oslo to Dublin for instance, for 80NOK (5NOK = 1CAD).
Sister: please do come on over, bring Jamie
. There’s tons to see and great places to visit. It may not be world famous but Oslo has a lot to do if you’re into the historical/cultural side of society.
Hardik: I assume you’re referring to the header pictures. They rotate every minute and I don’t really know how to describe them without it being a an arduous task. There are currently about 10 of them and I’m going to be adding more all of the time. If you’ve got some ideas on how to codify the entire thing I’d be glad to hear it. I also don’t want to mark the photos themselves.
Jamie: there’s always gotta be a funny guy. Well buddy, FYI when you close the door to the john, there isn’t even enough space to stand in front of the toilet. That’s right, you have to stand with your back pressed to the door. Figure that out
.
Ania: I will certainly do my best to keep posting. There’s quite a lot to write about here and I’ve always got an opinion and idea about something so with those two things should provide me without enough material for a long time.
Cheers all.
WOW! All I can say for now, but WOW! You are far more talented than you let on:) Sounds like a great adventure, especially the toilet one….well…better than floor dents ;P
cheers,
Kim