Spent the weekend in Haugesund with Margrethe. We had a very relaxing weekend. We ate some great meals and enjoyed a couple of bottles of wine that Margrethe had won in a raffle at work (She's won it two weeks in a row!). Margrethe also decided to knit me some nice warm socks, so she spent most of the weekend knitting while I read the last two Harry Potter books. And that was it! Very nice!
Very big couple of weeks coming up with three term papers due and an exam next Friday. I think that will have everything under control. :)
26/02/02
Made arrangements tonight to go skiing again with Jason (Glutton for punishment!). We met at about 5pm at Sognsvann (where we finished on Saturday) and went in the opposite direction to which we went on Saturday. It was getting quite dark by the time we started, but luckily many of the cross country trails are lit so there was no problem about seeing about where we were going. Jason's friend Matt also joined us and the two of them were much faster than me. I just plodded along at the back, falling over every now and then. The trail was a little bit icey and I also got to check out the hill that I almost killed my self on on Saturday. Looking up from the bottom of it I understood why I was going so fast by the time I reached the bottom - it was steep and long! It must have taken me about 15mins just to climb up it! This time however I ended up walking down it on the way back to the train. I wasn't going to take any more chances!
All in all it was nice to get back out there again. I think that I'm improving a little more, well atleast I'm not falling over as much.
24/02/02
Holy crap!!! I woke up this morning feeling like I was just hit by a truck! I was very sore - arms, legs, chest, back and hips (just to name a few). So it was a slow start to the day as I hobbled around like an old man.
We headed into Oslo and before meeting Margrethe's cousin we decided to do a bit of sightseeing. We went to the church in downtown Oslo where the Crown Prince married Mette-Marit late last year. It made news in Australia as it looked like a fairytale with the Crown Prince and his new bride dancing elegantly as the reception party looked on. It was also significant for Australia (and Wangaratta) as the new Crown Princess (Royal family website) spent half a year in Wangaratta studying at the High School. I think that she was either a year below or above me. Anyway, we had a look inside and it was amazing. It was huge with a large golden altar piece and pulpit. I took a number of photos so keep an eye out for my next photo update.
We met up with Margrethe's cousin Jens-Martin and his girlfriend Elisabeth at a trendy cafe near a small market square. Jens-Martin then informed us that we would be joined by two more of Margrethe's cousins. It turned out to be quite a family reunion! Everyone was very nice and interested to find out about what I was up to and how Margrethe's new job was going. It was a very nice lunch and great to meet other members of Margrethe's family.
For the remainder of the day, we wandered around the harbour and then had a look Akershus Castle (pictures). It is a huge fortress and is now the home of a military museum and another museum devoted to the Norwegian resistance movement that was active during WWII.
23/02/02
Margrethe arrived last night and we got up early this morning to prepare for a day of cross country skiing. The weather of the past few days has been quite wet so we were a little unsure what the snow conditions would be like. Generally if it is wet during the day then overnight the water freezes and becomes ice. Icy conditions aren't the best for walking in, let alone skiing.
We arranged to meet Jason and Nina at the National Theatre and from there we took the T-bane (subway) to Frognerseteren. The train was full of people with ski gear and even the little kids were fully kitted out. Frognerseteren is located up in the hills surrounding Oslo at about 600 meters above sea level. The scenery on the half hour trip was amazing - everything was covered in a thick blanket of snow. The views out over the Oslo fjord were spectacular and it was such a pity that we forgot to bring along the camera.
On the way to Frognersteren we passed a place called Holmenkollen. Located here is a huge ski jump, snow park and ski museum (website, photos). The ski jump is easily visible from Oslo and looks quite frightening even from a distance. I can't imagine what it would be like to actually ski down it.
We continued up the hill until we reached our destination. It was a clear blue ski without a breath of wind. This of course also meant that there were hundreds of people out skiing along the marked trails. It is a huge past time for many Norwegians and there were large family groups consisting of babies in covered toboggans, grandma and grandpa and the family dog.
Jason and Nina were familiar with the area so they chose a suitable trail that would allow a beginner like me to find my feet. We waxed the skis with an approriate wax for the temperature (different waxes for different temperatures and snow conditions - long story!) and headed off.
The first part wasn't so bad. I managed to get into the swing of things pretty quickly and didn't fall over too many times. I guess watching all the x-country and biathalon events at the Olympics helped some! We managed to go some distance and having passed my initiation we decided to tackle some more difficult sections. I quickly began to realise that it wasn't the uphill or flat areas that were giving me trouble but rather the downhill sections. I had always assumed that the hardest bit was always going up hill, but for me the hardest bit was going down hill. I think that I have an aversion for speed, particularly on snow! The professional skiers make the downhill sections look so easy - just glide down the hill, take a break, no problem. It's a lie and I have bruises, aches and pains and missing skin to prove it!
Unlike alpine skiing it is very difficult to stop with x-country skis. The skis are much thinner and it is more difficult to use the edges to stop while 'snow ploughing'. In the end I gave up on trying to stop and just tried to stay upright while gathering speed. This of course lead to a few problems. In fact a poor Norwegian couple out for a relaxed afternoon ski were most relieved to see that I was still alive after using my face to slow myself down. I picked myself up, retrieved my skis, stocks, sunglasses and remaining pride, and laughed as a wiped the blood and snow from my face. I continued on determinedly, but walked down some of the steeper descents.
After around 4 hours of skiing, including a couple of stops at some the huts (kiosks) along the way we made it to Sognsvann. We had covered a distance of about 15kms - not bad for a beginner! It was an amazing afternoon. Not only had the skiing been fun (except for some cursing and swearing at the bottom of steep descents), but the weather had been absolutely fantastic.
We said goodbye to Jason and Nina in Oslo and headed back to Sandvika were we looked forward to a beer and a shower (in that order). My whole body was aching, primarily from my newly discovered slowing down technique, but also from the skiing itself. It was a very good work out and well overdue!
We recovered back at Sandvika and enjoyed a refreshing shower and some nice cold beers. Last weekend we tried to see the film 'Ocean's Eleven' but it was booked out, so this time we booked ahead. It was a very enjoyable movie with a cast of huge names! I'd recommend seeing it.
17/02/02
An early start today as Margrethe was catching an early flight back to Haugesund. Once again Margrethe's mother prepared a huge breakfast and I had difficulty eating much due to the feast the night before. The two week winter break for primary and secondary schools commences tommorrow, so Margrethe's mother will stay with Margrethe in Haugesund for the week.
I returned to Sandvika around lunch time and have spent the remainder of the day working on assignments and term papers. What dedication!!
16/02/02
Today we were invited to have dinner with Margrethe's cousin, Kari-Mette, just outside Ski. Before heading to Margrethe's parents to pick up the car we decided to have a look around Oslo. First stop was the ice skating rink were we attempted to make improvements on our skating ability. I think that I have plateaued in my ability. The guys and gals at the Olympics make it look all so easy. At the rink that had cordoned off a section for curling. It was quite interesting to watch people try and slide and release the stone at the same time. Once again the professionals on tv make it look very easy.
Following the skating we wondered around a couple of the shopping centres. The city centre was packed with people. Almost like boxing day sale time in Melbourne. The only explanation that we had for it was the fact that it was a beautiful clear, sunny day. In fact, there have been quite a few clear days recently which is strange when the temperature is not much above zero. Nonetheless, I'm not complaining.
Dinner at Kari-Mette's was wonderful. I keep forgetting that you are generally expected to take more than one helping. Tonight I filled up my plate with steak and vegetables, and then felt obliged to take another helping rather than have it all go to waste. I was truely stuffed and then came dessert! I'm now into a pattern of eating sparsely during the week and then eating very well on weekends. The hospitality of Margrethe's friends and family is much appreciated!
15/02/02
We spent the day shopping, eating and reading. For a few weeks now I have been looking to buy some cross country skis and today worked out which ones were right for me. Skis are quite cheap here. The pack that I am looking at is about $350 which includes the skis, bindings and boots. Margrethe's father has lent me a pair of his stocks. All I need now is to actually get out there and try it!
For much of the afternoon we read until we decided to go and catch a movie. Sandvika has a large cinema complex of 8 theatres, however everything that we were interested in seeing was either booked out or screening too late. We ended up spending the night in front of the TV and reading some more.
14/02/02
Spent today working on term papers. I plan to get all my term papers completed and submitted in the first week of March. There is a fair bit writting to be done, but I'm sure that I'll manage.
Margrethe arrived tonight. Yes I know it is only Thursday, but she was unable to get a flight on the Friday so she decided to take a day off from work and arrive a day early. It worked out well considering that today is Valentine's day. As Margrethe didn't arrive until 10:30pm I prepared a late dessert of pannekake (pancakes) and marinated strawberries with mint and cream.
I have started growing some fresh herbs in my room (No, the drugs laws are not that lenient here). So far, I have coriander and mint plants and will soon buy a basil plant. It's relatively cheap to buy the plants and I seem to be having more success than at home in Melbourne.
10/02/02
We slept very well last night. This morning I was very sore and found it difficult negotiating the stairs. After a huge breakfast, Margrethe and I booked airline tickets for the next month. The winter break is approaching and we wanted to be sure that we got tickets at the times we required.
We then went for a walk around Ski. Margrethe showed me where she went to school and also the old church were many of the towns christenings and weddings etc take place. I headed back to Sandvika at about 6:30pm following another huge dinner and Margrethe caught the bus to the airport. It doesn't seem to get any easier saying good bye to each other each weekend. I guess we are lucky in that we are able to see each so often. Many of the other exchange students will not see their partners for some months.
9/02/02
To celebrate the commencement of the winter Olympics Margrethe and myself together with Jason (from Australia) and his partner Nina went skiing at a place called Norefjell. The day started at 6:30am and we picked up Jason and Nina in Oslo. With such an early start we were anable to watch the Olympic opening ceremony as it was at 2:30am in the morning. The Norwegian media is full of stories about the Olympics. Norway usually performs well in the winter Olympics so there is a lot of interest in what is going on.
It was a two and a half hour drive to Norefjell and we arrived not long after the resort opened. I was lucky enough to be able to borrow Margrethe's fathers' skiing equipment so it made for a relatively inexpensive day. We decided to start on the childrens run as I had only skied once before and that was sometime ago. After a few falls and mishaps on the pomma (sp?) I graduated to the bigger slopes. We were able to find a green beginners slope close by so we decided to tackle a blue (beginner - intermediate) slope. Bad decision! This slope was probably one of the longest on the mountain and eventually turned into a red (intermediate - advanced) slope. Apart from a brief run on a green slope, I spent most of my time lying on the slow and trying to get back onto my feet. By the time we got to the bottom of the run I was was very fustrated, tired and sore. Jason and Nina arrived at the end of the run quite sometime before Margrethe and I, so after a snack and some recuperation, we suggested that we go our separate ways and meet later in the day. At least this way Jason and Nina would be able to experience some of the more challenging slopes with out having to wait for the newbie :) Margrethe was trying out her new Telemark skis so she was keen do some of the gentler slopes. Telemark skiing is very graceful and quite different to traditional downhill skiing. To turn, telemark skiers bend one knee so that it almost touches the ski. It looks great but very difficult to do.
We checked out the map and found a few green slopes towards to the top half of the mountain. We spent the remainder of the day skiing the green and blue slopes gaining a lot more confidence. I found that my skiing improved quite a bit after a beer. At 4pm Margrethe and I met up with Jason and Nina who had spent the day skiing the more advanced slopes. We were all very tired and enjoyed a drink before heading off home.
We arrived at Margrethe's parents place and enjoyed a well deserved shower and rest. Margrethe's mother provided a huge hot dinner and we enjoyed it with a nice a bottle of red wine. One thing is for sure, Margrethe and I are always well fed and watered when we go to her parents. They are lovely people , who are very easy to get along with and have gone out of their way to make me welcome.
6/02/02
Found out today that my bank account has finally been approved. It has only taken 4 weeks! I went into the bank today and asked what was happening with it. I didn't give my name and amazingly one of the tellers remembered me and said that it was sent to me the day before. I guess they must have just remembered me as the guy with the strange accent.
Some of the banks in Norway are quite different to those in Australia. The 'tellers' sit behind desks and when it is your turn they often meet you and walk you to the desk. Service is focussed much more on personalisation and overt security systems can not be seen. It seems a much nicer way to do banking
I have forgotten to mention that just about everything you do in Norway requires you to take a number. When you go to the pharmacy, bank, supermarket deli, police, bottle shop, post office or doctor you more often than not must take a ticket from an automatic ticket dispenser and wait until your number is called. Some Norwegians say that often you have to get a ticket just to get another ticket. In some of the banks and government offices you get different tickets for different services. It's all very orderly!
4/02/02
Margrethe headed off to work this morning and I slept in for a few extra hours. It's funny to think that 2 months ago the roles were reversed, with me getting up at 6:30 to go to work and Margrethe having the opportunity to sleep in. The only difference was that Margrethe would often have to get up at the same time if she wanted a lift to Uni.
I spent most of the morning reading the second book in the Harry Potter series. They're a good, fun read! I then headed off to the air port and caught the plane back to Oslo. I met an interesting guy on the way back who was off to a place in mid north Norway to do his equivalent of compulsory military service. In Norway all male nationals must do at least one years national service, however if you have a particular reason you can be given alternative duties such as social work. This guy was off to do some social work activities with kids that had been abused and bullied. He had a very interesting and checkered background and would be able to use his experience to much effect to make a difference to some of the kids.
3/02/02
After a nice hearty breakfast to soak up the effects of the previous nights drinking we spent most of the day listening to the stormy weather outside. The weather in Haugesund is completely different to Sandvika. There are strong gusty winds, heavy rain and the occasional hail. For most of the time that I have been here I haven't been able to see the sun as it has been too cloudy. Sandvika on the other hand has very little wind or breeze, very little rain and is very dry. Very different weather, but I guess they have something in common, it's pretty much always overcast.
One thing that I have noticed while in Norway is that people tend to leave their curtains open even at night. Everywhere at night you can see into people's living rooms, basements and kitchens which have a very warm yellow/orange glow. It's really quite different to Australia. All of the houses look to be kept immaculately clean, and are often decorated with many ornaments, framed pictures and beautiful furniture. There is also a much bigger fascination with the weather here than in Australia. I guess this is because so many activities are dictated by the weather. I remember walking into a hardware store not long ago and just being amazed at the number of thermometers on one wall of hte shop. There must have been at least 50 different varieties.
This evening Margrethe helped me with some Norwegian. I think that it is progressing really well so far and my reading ability is coming along well. It is still quite difficult to understand people when they talk as I'm used to having the teacher and friends slow down and pronouce things more clearly. Hopefully, this will improve and I'll become a confident speaker.
2/02/02
Another relaxing day. Margrethe showed me around the city of Haugesund and we did some more shopping. The day passed rather slowly and we enjoyed a break from rushing around meeting people and going to places like we had for the previous weekends. As much as we enjoy getting out and about it's nice to relax every now and then.
This evening we went to the cinema to Vanilla Sky. A trip to the movies costs about 65 NOK which is equal to about $14 AU. So it's a little more expensive. The movie was very weird. Difficult to follow at times and really not my sort of movie. It's worth seeing but not that memorable.
Following the movie we visited a couple of bars and ended up at a place called Mack's Kjall�r'n (Mack's Cellar). There was a swedish guy belting out some tunes on a guitar and the crowd was having a great time. It was a pretty rough bunch with lots of drunks, table dancing and a bit of push and shove from a couple of the lads. Brought back many memories of Melbourne :) The hightlight of the evening was a stirring rendition of Bed's are Burning followed not long later by Khe Sanh. I may have been the only person within 200 kms who understood the signifance of these songs to the Australian psyche. Anyway, it topped off a great night.
1/02/02
Margrethe had to work today so I spent the day wandering around Haugesund. Haugesund is located on the west of Norway, roughly between Bergen and Stavanger. It appears that most of the people in Haugesund are involved in the construction, fishing or oil industries. It looks to be a lot more industrial than the commercial cities of Oslo and Sandvika.
I spent most of the day wandering around the shops (much more variety than Sandvika) and ventured over to the industrial area to have a look at where ABB (Margrethe's employer) build oil rigs. ABB have built a massive shed in which they construct the platforms. It kind of hangs over the whole the city! (seems like it anyway...)
I spent an hour in a net cafe that had free internet access for an hour. It was quite strange... lots of people in a smokey, dimly lit room playing networked games and yelling at each other in Norwegian. I kind of wondered if I had walked into the right place.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening was very relaxing with eating, drinking and television watching. I