Norwegian Saga

Today was to be my first lecture. However, it was canceled. No reason was given. It turns out that myself and two others didn’t bother to check the internet posting informing the students of the cancellation. The plus side: I met two people and learned that one of them is a Polish student from the University of Krakow in Poland spending six months here while doing his Ph.D. in Viking studies. See, I’m not the only one.

Aside from that, which wasn’t all bad because I had to buy a membership at the athletic club, more on that later, the introduction to Norwegian course I’m enrolled in has a schedule conflict with my required Old Norse course. I’ve emailed the department asking for direction on what to do about it. Well see what they say.

I’ve also decided that I’m going to do as I said I might; get rid of the “Current issues in medieval studies with focus on history 1 course” in favour of “Old Norse Palaeography, Codicology and Medieval Manuscript Culture.” Manuscript studies… c’mon can’t get cooler than that. Also, my desired thesis topic probably requires that I know manuscripts more than current scholarship. I’m planning to do work in Viking legal studies and a working knowledge of manuscripts would probably help. I’m also told that next year the University of Oslo is expecting to have a scholar (visiting or permanent, I’m not sure) who specializes in Old Norse legal manuscripts. When I heard that I didn’t want to pass up the chance.

I’ve also purchased a membership to the local gym/athletic club. 700NOK (137CAD) for six months. They’ve got tennis courts, a huge indoor gym, swimming pool, weight gym, etc etc. Apparently that 40% income tax and 25% sales tax on goods goes somewhere because students here get quite a deal. Since my classes all start around noon I’m planning on using the pool and weight gym before I start my day. The centre is almost exactly halfway between my place and the school (see map) so I don’t think it’ll be too difficult to convince myself to go. I’m also planning on playing lots of tennis before the snow comes.

That’s today’s update then, keep tuning in though, there’ll be lots to come, and as many photos as I can manage, I know I have none in this post but I do have a special treat. I was goofing off and shot a vid during a hike at Sognsvann. Have you ever heard a French-Polish-Canadian?. (vid)

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