Jeg elske norge
I am in Norway right now and wow... it is absolutely gorgeous. It reminds me of all the most beautiful places in Canada but concentrated in one place. I could see me living here (now I just need a norwegian boy..), it is beautiful but you don't feel isolated. Some of the plants are similar to Iceland, but there are so many trees. Sverre told me that I think the forest has been increasing about 10% per year (a lot of people are getting annoyed with the trees blocking the view now). It is also very mountainous and many lakes. Sadly my digital camera called it quits at Roskilde, but I have been collecting postcards and bought a disposable camera, so hopefully those photos turn out alright.
I started in Oslo which is a very beautiful city which is situated on the water surrounded by many huge hills, and of course trees. I was visiting Frode, he was in Iceland for the first semester, and he drove me to the top of one of the hills, pass the big ski jump, and the richest houses in Oslo, with an amazing view of all of Oslo and the surrounding area. On thursday, when I had the day to myself, I wandered around the city, walked by the royal palace, though didn't see any of the royalty (funny thing in Sweden was they had postcards of the royal family... the son was kind of cute). Then I took the ferry to one of the islands where a lot of the museums are and went to the Kon Tiki museum. This is the museum of Tho Heyerdahl who first conducted the expediton to sail across the Pacific from South America to Polynesia on a a reedboat raft (an made it) to simulate the possibility that Polynesia was populated from the east. Then in 69 and 70 there were the expeditions to sail from Africa to South America, the first attempt the boat fell apart after 2662 miles, and the second time they reached the reefs of Barbados... so it was possible.
Then on friday I took the train north to Åndalsnes, where Sverre would pick me up. the ride up was to beautiful and I met a really friendly norwegian woman named Sigrun. We chatted about Norway, and her time in the US and names (about how when people move around their last name or first name can change, but some norwegians were proud to have american sounding names). Then we parted ways and it was my long journey through the mountains. We passed by a stone bridge (actualy 3 times, the track zig-zagging down the mountain and one of the times over the bridge) then we passed the highest stone face in Europe. When I was united with Sverre he drove us to Trollstigen, this impressive widing road that climbs one of the mountains. they are continuously trying to improve it because tour buses get stuck on the turns sometimes. A really amazing view as well with waterfalls scattered among the rockface and a large one in the center.
Then we were off to Molde, which is known for jazz and roses (the city of roses). I miss the big jazz festival, it is on the weekend of the 17th, when I am in Bulgaria, but maybe I can come back for it next year. (So many places to come back to). On Saturday Sverre and I drove around the area, driving around the mountains towards the sea. We went by sandy beaches along the ocean. Then we crossed the famous bridge, which is a road which is connected to a series of islands. A lot of older men fishing on the edge. Then it was back to Molde to watch the bronze world cup game (Germany won, and they are very happy with being 3rd). Then sunday, Sverre, his friend Aurora and I hiked up the hills near Molde. Was a bit wet but was a lot of fun (again a stunning view from the top).
In between some of this Sverre and I were watching this DVD of a tv show of the norwegian Lars Monsen who travelled across Canada. Though, unlike most people who cross Canada, he was going along the north. He dog sled and canoed most of the way with some walking as well and it took him almost 3 years (he took rests in the peak summer months). Even though it was mostly in Norwegian it was really cool to watch. I hope they have it in Canada with english subtitles. I think Tom would really like the show. Sverre and I then checked out the map of Canada and I was so surprised that Toronto is actually equal with south Italy, and though Norway is equal with Baffin Island, it is much more temperate than northern Canada. While I have been here it was actually in the 30s (though I was told that was rare) and the winters never get insanely cold, and is more like Iceland, where is can be windy and rainy. This is due to the warm Gulf Stream, while central/northern Canada is just ridiculously cold.
Another thing i love about Norway is their brown cheese. Might sound weird, but it is actually really good. I don't know if it would be in Canada. Sverre told me his friend Emily who is from Canada saw some in the scandinavian restuarant she works at in Kingston, but it might be just for the restaurant, but if I can find it, that'd be awesome. Also, Molde has their own soft drink. My favourite is the pear flavour but they also have lime and pineapple (haven't tried those though).
I am really going to be sad to leave Norway, and Europe in general actually. It has just been amazing everywhere I have been. Everyone I have visited and their families have been so generous and kind to me. I will definitely bring back some of this with me to Canada. I have learned so much. (and it is not over yet, 16 days more, though I don't want to countdown).
I am back to Oslo tomorrow and then fly to Munich on Wednesday. Hopefully then will meet with Florian in Vienna on the 13th, then Budapest on the 15th and then flying to Sofia, Bulgaria on the 16th. 9 days in Bulgaria with Tisho, Anna Vala, Becca and friends of Tisho. Relaxing on the beaches and staying in Nesebar, one of the oldest towns in Europe.
I don't know if when I'll have time to write again, but bye for now.
I started in Oslo which is a very beautiful city which is situated on the water surrounded by many huge hills, and of course trees. I was visiting Frode, he was in Iceland for the first semester, and he drove me to the top of one of the hills, pass the big ski jump, and the richest houses in Oslo, with an amazing view of all of Oslo and the surrounding area. On thursday, when I had the day to myself, I wandered around the city, walked by the royal palace, though didn't see any of the royalty (funny thing in Sweden was they had postcards of the royal family... the son was kind of cute). Then I took the ferry to one of the islands where a lot of the museums are and went to the Kon Tiki museum. This is the museum of Tho Heyerdahl who first conducted the expediton to sail across the Pacific from South America to Polynesia on a a reedboat raft (an made it) to simulate the possibility that Polynesia was populated from the east. Then in 69 and 70 there were the expeditions to sail from Africa to South America, the first attempt the boat fell apart after 2662 miles, and the second time they reached the reefs of Barbados... so it was possible.
Then on friday I took the train north to Åndalsnes, where Sverre would pick me up. the ride up was to beautiful and I met a really friendly norwegian woman named Sigrun. We chatted about Norway, and her time in the US and names (about how when people move around their last name or first name can change, but some norwegians were proud to have american sounding names). Then we parted ways and it was my long journey through the mountains. We passed by a stone bridge (actualy 3 times, the track zig-zagging down the mountain and one of the times over the bridge) then we passed the highest stone face in Europe. When I was united with Sverre he drove us to Trollstigen, this impressive widing road that climbs one of the mountains. they are continuously trying to improve it because tour buses get stuck on the turns sometimes. A really amazing view as well with waterfalls scattered among the rockface and a large one in the center.
Then we were off to Molde, which is known for jazz and roses (the city of roses). I miss the big jazz festival, it is on the weekend of the 17th, when I am in Bulgaria, but maybe I can come back for it next year. (So many places to come back to). On Saturday Sverre and I drove around the area, driving around the mountains towards the sea. We went by sandy beaches along the ocean. Then we crossed the famous bridge, which is a road which is connected to a series of islands. A lot of older men fishing on the edge. Then it was back to Molde to watch the bronze world cup game (Germany won, and they are very happy with being 3rd). Then sunday, Sverre, his friend Aurora and I hiked up the hills near Molde. Was a bit wet but was a lot of fun (again a stunning view from the top).
In between some of this Sverre and I were watching this DVD of a tv show of the norwegian Lars Monsen who travelled across Canada. Though, unlike most people who cross Canada, he was going along the north. He dog sled and canoed most of the way with some walking as well and it took him almost 3 years (he took rests in the peak summer months). Even though it was mostly in Norwegian it was really cool to watch. I hope they have it in Canada with english subtitles. I think Tom would really like the show. Sverre and I then checked out the map of Canada and I was so surprised that Toronto is actually equal with south Italy, and though Norway is equal with Baffin Island, it is much more temperate than northern Canada. While I have been here it was actually in the 30s (though I was told that was rare) and the winters never get insanely cold, and is more like Iceland, where is can be windy and rainy. This is due to the warm Gulf Stream, while central/northern Canada is just ridiculously cold.
Another thing i love about Norway is their brown cheese. Might sound weird, but it is actually really good. I don't know if it would be in Canada. Sverre told me his friend Emily who is from Canada saw some in the scandinavian restuarant she works at in Kingston, but it might be just for the restaurant, but if I can find it, that'd be awesome. Also, Molde has their own soft drink. My favourite is the pear flavour but they also have lime and pineapple (haven't tried those though).
I am really going to be sad to leave Norway, and Europe in general actually. It has just been amazing everywhere I have been. Everyone I have visited and their families have been so generous and kind to me. I will definitely bring back some of this with me to Canada. I have learned so much. (and it is not over yet, 16 days more, though I don't want to countdown).
I am back to Oslo tomorrow and then fly to Munich on Wednesday. Hopefully then will meet with Florian in Vienna on the 13th, then Budapest on the 15th and then flying to Sofia, Bulgaria on the 16th. 9 days in Bulgaria with Tisho, Anna Vala, Becca and friends of Tisho. Relaxing on the beaches and staying in Nesebar, one of the oldest towns in Europe.
I don't know if when I'll have time to write again, but bye for now.
posted by Kelly @ 9:34 AM
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