Natalie's Notes from Norway

Home sweet home!

2006-12-13T18:54:00.000+01:00

I'm happy to report that I'm writing this post from Elk Creek Road in Waterford, Pennsylvania! I got home late last night after 20 hours of traveling across the world. Everything went smoothly on my journey. It was actually a very fun trip, knowing that I was headed home to family and friends and Christmas and lots of love. I couldn't help but remember how differently I felt on that same trip in the opposite direction 4 months ago - nervous, lonely, and overwhelmed! Such a very different trip this time. When I stepped off the plane, a great wave of emotion hit me as I saw the sign, "Welcome to Erie, Pennsylvania". Then I saw my handsome dad standing and waiting for me, holding a bunch of bright pink flowers...what a happy, wonderful moment that was!!! I'll never forget how amazing that hug felt.

Now that I'm back at home, I've been bouncing off the walls with excitement ever since!! Every single thing about being home feels like a complete luxury. After living in a little room, sharing a kitchen with 7 people, and being without a microwave, dishwasher, TV, or car for the past 4 months, I sort of feel like I'm staying at a luxurious hotel now! My awesome brother Joel brought me breakfast in bed this morning - hot chocolate and a donut! He has only gotten more handsome, tall, and charming since I last saw him...my baby brother is now turning into a total stud / heart throb. Anyways, I've been happily lounging around the house all morning in my bathrobe, talking on the phone, unpacking, etc. It really does feel wonderful to be home. I know I'm going to miss Norway and all the great friends I made...but in the end, home is where my heart is :-)

So Many Thoughts...

2006-12-10T03:47:00.000+01:00

It's the midle of the night here in Bergen - somewhere between 3 and 4 am. I wish I was asleep right now instead of writing this post, but I've been laying awake in bed restlessly for the past hour or so. So many thoughts are running through my head tonight - the wheels just won't stop turning! I'm hoping that writing some of them down will help me relax and drift off into dreamland soon...

Tonight I had my final performance here in Norway. I've been preparing and practicing so hard for this performance for the past month and a half. I've basically felt like I've been living and breathing this music!! Sometimes when I'm working really hard on a piece of music - one that challenges and consumes me completely - its almost as if it becomes part of me physically. I feel the rhythms in my muscles at night as I fall asleep...I hear and play the melodies in my mind as I walk and move through the day...my hands and fingers itch to play the keys even when none are in sight.

This particular piece of music was a true challenge for me. It's a very contemporary piece that requires the pianist to do many unusual things. Special effects are created through whistling, knocking rhythms on the iron beams inside the piano, playing with the strings inside the piano, chanting, and more - all while playing the keys too, and collaborating with 4 other players! My professor asked me if I would play in this ensemble, and I agreed - not quite realizing the amount of work I was in for. Because the piece involves such strange and unnatural movements, it required a great deal of practice in order for these movements to become natural. For a while, I regretted agreeing to do the piece...I felt like it was taking over my life! And while trying new things does have its rewards, the learning process is not always easy or fun. Many times, when feeling overwhelmed, I wished there was some way I could back out of the ensemble and escape my commitment!

Performance day finally arrived. As usual, I felt nervous and sick to my stomach all day long. You would think being over half-way through a masters degree in piano performance would mean that I love to perform...but the truth is I still get scared to pieces every time!! Thoughts of self-doubt and fear haunt me. I wish I knew a way to quiet those thoughts, but as of yet they still consume me before practically every performance. Tonight, trying to calm myself as I waited to go on stage, I prayed for peace. I prayed that God would help this experience remind me why I do what I do and reassure me that I am pursuing the right thing with my life. I walked on stage, hoping and praying for the best...

Twenty minutes later, it was all over. The audience clapped and clapped, and somehow I knew their applause was truly genuine. Something special had happened on stage...somehow, I forgot my fears. It was almost like being in a trance - living inside the music, creating and bringing it to life on stage with the other members of my ensemble. I actually kind of even forgot that the audience was there! And that is no small thing for me, because it is the very presence of an audience that normally makes me so afraid while performing. Afterwards, I felt such a rush of happiness...such a natural high from the sucess of the performance. Tonight meant so much more to me than just a performance gone well, though - it was reassurance in myself and in my craft...reward for the challenge of trying and learning something new....and encouragement and confidence for future performances.

I can't believe I only have 2 more days left in Bergen. Looking back, it seems like it all happened so fast - it can't possibly be over already! I'm sad that my adventures are coming to an end...its been such an amazing experience in so many ways. As one of my favorite sayings goes, though, "Don't be sad that it's over...Just be glad that it happened." A chapter in my life is ending, and its exciting to know that new ones are waiting to begin and be lived. And while its hard to say goodbye to Bergen, its also exciting to know I'm returning home to people, places, and things that I love and have missed.

Feeling ready to try out this sleep thing again...sweet dreams, and lots of love.

"Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"

2006-12-05T22:22:00.000+01:00

Today I got to try something fun, new, and very Norwegian....glogg! Kind of a silly-sounding word, but very delicious nonetheless. Glogg is a traditional Norwegian Christmas drink. Its warm, spicy, and full of yummy flavors such as cinnamon and ginger. Somehow, the interesting combination of flavors really does taste like Christmas and Norway rolled into one!

Every day, I discover new signs of Christmas around every bend and corner of this city. The Norwegians are very serious about their Christmas decorating! Every shop and store window boasts an elaborate Christmas display...white lights are strung through all the main streets and along the outline of every building....and Christmas trees are everywhere! The sound of musicians playing Christmas carols in the city square can be heard wafting through the air all day long. My favorite is an accordian player who always seems to be playing Silent Night when I go by.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

And one more thing...for anyone whose email address I may not have, consider this your invitation!

What: Piano Recital
When: December 18th, 2006
Where: Luther Memorial Church, Erie, PA
Time: 7 pm
About: Come and listen to some beautiful music I learned while studying in Norway! Get in the holiday spirit with some Christmas music too :-)
Who: Everyone is welcome - spread the word please!!

God Jul!

2006-12-03T22:02:00.000+01:00

Last night I experienced my first Christmas celebration Norwegian-style! It was quite an event. The entire city gathered in the centre for their annual Christmas season kickoff. Music, food, lights, and fireworks made you feel as though Christmas itself were dancing through the air. I felt as if I had stepped into a snow globe depicting an idyllic Christmas scene in the most picturesque little village. Dressed-up Santas handed out gingerbread cookies as you strolled around...musicians sang and played medleys of carols, which many chose to join in. Even the mayor gave a speech! I have no idea what he was saying, but his Norwegian did sound rather jolly. The highlight of the festivities was the lighting of the tree. The mayor led everyone in a suspenseful countdown to that magical second when the tree suddenly came alive with lights. Immediately after, a fabulous firework display set the sky ablaze with color. When the fireworks ended, the sound of bells filled the air, announcing the coming of Christmas. It was truly a magical event!

I can now add two more words to my limited Norwegian vocabulary...God Jul! Merry Christmas :-)

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

2006-11-29T23:03:00.000+01:00

Today, while walking through town, I discovered a delightful surprise. As I approached the city square, my jaw dropped in amazement as I came upon the most enormous Christmas tree I have ever seen. It is so gigantic they were actually using a crane to move it! I don't know where it came from, but is a beautiful sight. This huge tree rests in the very center of the square, and outlining the rest of the plaza are tall Norwegian pines. I couldn't help but get in the holiday spirit after my surprise Christmas tree encounter! I began to notice more signs of the Christmas season as daylight dimmed, showing white lights sparkling around the city. Particularly beautiful is a Christmas tree shining with light from the top of Mount Floyen, one of the seven peaks surrounding the city.

These signs of Christmas provide some much needed life to the city. When I arrived in Norway in August, the city was alive with summer, sunshine, and beautiful weather. While still rich in natural beauty, sunshine and beautiful weather are now very much lacking. Lately, it begins getting dark out around 3:30 pm and is completely dark by 4:00. In the morning, it doesn't get light out until around 9:00. Daylight will only continue to disappear as the season progresses. During this time of year, Norway loses 6 minutes of daylight per day - 3 less every morning, and 3 less every night. In the northern part of the country, daylight is even scarcer and lost at a faster pace (Bergen is located in southwestern Norway).

In addition to short days and dark nights, we are in the midst of Bergen's notorious rainy season. When I say "rainy", I don't mean a light shower every afternoon, or even a hard one that passes quickly. It rains buckets and buckets, pouring down endlessly every single day. I'd sooner leave home without my wallet or my keys than my umbrella - its my only weapon against this crazy weather! And even my precious umbrella can only do so much good. When it is raining AND windy (as it often is), the rain blows at you from every direction - turning even the toughest umbrella inside out and drenching you from head to toe. I've pretty much given up on the idea of arriving anywhere looking anything but windblown and half-drowned.

Its hard not to let one's spirits be affected by the constant cold, wet darkness. On the positive side, though, I suppose shorter days means more time to enjoy those pretty Christmas lights :-)

Tusen Takk (A Thousand Thanks)

2006-11-26T20:03:00.000+01:00

This Thanksgiving my heart was overflowing with gratitude for so many blessings in my life - family, friends, and new experiences. Although it was sad not to spend the day with my family, and I didn't have turkey or stuffing this year, I still had a fabulous day. I never would have dreamed that I would get to spend Thanksgiving this year exploring London with Rachel!

We arrived in London on Monday night after a quick flight from Bergen. We stayed at a tiny little budget hotel near Hyde Park (sort of like London's equivalent of Central Park). Our 4 days in London were absolutely magical! I loved the unbelievable architecture, history, and charm of the city.

One of my favorite London experiences was visiting Westminster Abbey. I will never forget exactly how I felt the moment we walked in. I was immediately struck by the overwhelming presence of a thousand years of history resting in this sacred place. I clung to Rachel's hand as we walked in awe past the tombs of Britain's greatest kings, queens, poets, musicians, and missionaries. It was an incredibly spiritual experience, one that brought chills to my skin and tears to my eyes. The monastary itself was absolutely spectacular, and no description I write could even begin to do it justice. We spent over 2 hours wandering through its endless rooms and chapels, our amazement and awe continually growing.

Other favorite sights were Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, and Covent Gardens. There is so much to see and do in London, so we did our best to pack as much as we possibly could into our 4 days. We pretty much collapsed at the end of each day after walking around the city for hours and hours. A little exhaustion was a small price to pay, though, for such a fabulous time! The architecture in the city is absolutely breathtaking, and a new discovery waits around every corner. We also got to travel a little outside the city to visit my friend Jackie who now lives near Canterbury. She took us to see the Canterbury cathedral (spectacular!!), and showed us around the town and surrounding area. She lives in the coastal town of Whitstable, so we got to go for a drive along the North Sea. We topped the day off with a yummy dinner of fish'n chips. It was a great day, and I felt so lucky to be spending it with 2 special friends :-)

Rachel left this morning to go back home to the States...I got pretty spoiled having her constantly by my side for the past week and a half, so now I'm trying to get back into the groove of being here on my own. Saying goodbye was hard, but mostly now I'm just feeling incredibly grateful. Grateful for having so many special, wonderful people in my life. Grateful for all the love in my family. Grateful for my time in Norway and England, and the amazing opportunities this past year has brought. To sum it all up, I can think of no better words than my favorite Norwegian phrase. Tusen takk...(a thousand thanks).

Still in Love!

2006-11-12T15:45:00.000+01:00

Today I fell in love with Norway all over again. I woke up on today and thought to myself, "What can I do with this cold, rainy Sunday?" Pretty much every day lately is cold and rainy. My days left in Bergen are slipping away, though, and I can't let even the dreariest of them go to waste.

I ended up making my way to the Hordamuseet, a musuem about Norwegian folk culture. I went with my friend Jitka from the Czech Republic. We had so much fun! It was just our luck that today was "Traditional Norwegian Food" day at the museum. In the picture to the left, you can see me learning how to make Norwegian flatbread - a staple of the traditional Norwegian meal! Big, long tables were set up in an old barn, and local volunteers taught us how to roll the dough and cook it over a special burner. There are two kinds of Norwegian flatbread - a very dry, thin bread that you eat with fish or meat, and also a sweeter, soft bread more typically for eating in the afternoon with tea or coffee. Of course, having the serious sweet tooth that I do, I loved the softer bread! We brought home with us a big supply of our self-made flatbread to share with our friends.

The museum is located about 30 -40 minutes outside the city in the beautiful surroundings of the Norwegian countryside. Goats, sheep, and horses from an adjoining farm greet you as you arrive. A beautiful lake graces the property, and over 40 different types of Norwegian boats are present as part of the museum exhibit. A large part of the grounds is actually an open-air museum, which is an old Norwegian village preserved in order for guests to get a taste of what the homes, school house, and buildings were like before modern times. Over and over, I marvelled at the incredible beauty of the Norwegian nature and way of life. Several hours later, I'm still quite chilled from our afternoon adventure around this old Norwegian village...My heart, though, is warmer than ever :-)

"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"

2006-11-07T22:10:00.000+01:00

When I was little, I had a story book called "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day". Ever heard of it? It was one of those books that I loved to read over and over. The story was all about Alexander's awful day, and how everything that could possibly go wrong for him that day did. Doesn't exactly sound uplifting, does it? As you read the story, though, you can't help but giggle as Alexander gets himself into one mess after another...its easier to laugh when these things are happening to someone else rather than you!

Well, I'm not so little anymore it seems...but I still love a good story, and whenever I'm having a really bad day I can't help but remember Alexander. Today was such a day. I woke up feeling like I hadn't slept at all. My head hurt, my nose was stuffy...I found myself wishing I could stay in bed, but knew I had to get going. This yucky feeling never really went away throughout the remainder of the day, which was enough in itself to put a damper on things. I spent the morning at school trying to force my distracted mind to focus.

Well, the real lowpoint occured in the afternoon. As part of my studies here in Bergen, I'm meeting with different piano teachers to discuss and observe Norwegian teaching methods. I was scheduled to do some observations this afternoon at an elementary school. This observation had taken forever to plan and coordinate with the school and the teacher. I had never been to this school and really had no clue of its location except that it was outside the city. I found out which bus I needed to take to get there, though, and asked the driver when I got on to let me know when we arrived there. He assured me he would do so. Well, I rode along on the crowded bus for what seemed like forever. I really didn't know how long it would take to get there (having never been there before), but could only trust that the driver would do as he said and tell me when to get off. Finally I started to get nervous when I realized I was going to be late if we didn't get there within the next few minutes. I made my way to the front of the bus, which wasn't an easy task with it being crowded, and asked the driver how much farther it would be. And guess what...he had forgotten all about me!! We had passed the stop quite a while ago. So I ended up having to ride to the end of the line and back. To make matters worse, when I finally did get to the right stop, I couldn't find the school! There I was, lost and alone in some random Norwegian town and almost 45 minutes late for what was only an hour and half appointment. I had no one to call for directions, and no one around to help me. I stood outside in the pouring rain feeling cold, completely lost and all alone, frustrated, miserable, and sick.

Well, I did eventually make it to the school and caught at least the end of the observation session. And now I'm safely back in my room, warm and cozy once again and looking forward to crawling into bed soon and forgetting the whole ordeal. Tomorrow is a new day, and things will go better. You see, the best part of Alexander's story is the end...when he realizes that despite his awful day, maybe things aren't really so bad after all. And for me, things certainly aren't so bad. Life is full of highs and lows...and without the lows, the highs wouldn't feel so high! Here I am in beautiful Bergen, and at the end of the day I can't overlook that and be ungrateful. So inspite of my very bad, not so good day, I still must say...tusen takk (a thousand thanks).

Welcome, Snow!

2006-11-02T10:45:00.000+01:00

When I looked out my bedroom window this morning, I was delighted to see a pretty white powder dusted over the trees and mountaintops. There's something magical about the first snowfall of winter. A little flutter of excitement ran through me as I thought of the coming holidays, and all that I love about winter. Sledding and iceskating, hot chocolate, cookies and carols, time with family and friends...Bustling around while bundled up in cozy sweaters and scarves, shopping and giving, and all that comes along with the wonder of Christmas.

To be honest, I'm much more of a summer person than winter. I hate being cold, and I'm still afraid of driving in the snow (even after growing up in Erie, PA). But the excitement of seeing those first snowflakes makes me forget all of the things I dislike, and fills me with anticipation for all of the wonderful things the season promises to bring. The sun is shining brightly, streaming through my window as I write, and I'm reveling in the glory of early November - that short, beautiful window of time when late autumn crosses with early winter. Both seasons are served at once...the autumn leaves are just saying their farewell as the gentle transformation into winter wonderland begins. Whether in Norway or home, these little changes bring a smile to my face and a bounce to my step :-)

All Around the World...

2006-10-29T10:54:00.000+01:00

Its funny how coming to Norway I expected to meet and befriend mainly Norwegians. Instead, I find myself constantly surrounded by other international students from around the world, since we all live together at the Fantoft Student Hostel. Its actually been an even more cultural experience than I ever expected to have - just on my floor alone, I've made friends with people from Germany, South Africa, Mexico, Bosnia, Czech Republic, and Austria. I've also become good friends with a couple girls that live on a floor below me - one from Hungary, and one from France. I'm constantly listening to people speak various languages, and learning about their own cultural perspectives and traditions. I feel like I'm learning more about people and about the world in general every single day. The picture to the left is of me with one of my closest friends here, Isabela from Germany.

I'm also realizing what an advantage I have in the world as a native English speaker. All of the other international students have come to study here in Norway partly to improve their English. Most of them speak several languages and many are also studying Norwegian, but improving their English is a primary goal of all. It's made me realize how lucky I am to have this practically universal language as my native tongue.

My friend Matthias, from Austria, recently hung on the wall in our kitchen a big map of the United States that he found in a copy of National Geographic. His new favorite "activity" when we're hanging out together is having me quiz him on the U.S. state capitals. In turn, I'm supposed to be studying a map of Austria! I have to say my world geography has definitely improved in the last few months.

Time to go start the day...here's to Sunday, and the beginning of a new week :-)

In Autumn Awe

2006-10-24T17:41:00.000+02:00

Autumn...such a pretty word for such a pretty season. I am so enjoying all the beautiful fall colors that have just begun to reach their prime here in Bergen. Treetops speckled with scarlett, gold, and toasty orange leaves seem to stand a little taller in the midst of their autumn glory. The crisp fresh air makes you walk a little faster and breathe a little deeper, wherever you go.

There is a beautiful lake nearby where I often go jogging. The water's surface looks smooth as glass, and in it rests the proud reflection of the surrounding mountains. Each time I go, nature casts its spell upon me and I find myself both mesmerized and renewed by its beauty. Running around and around the lake, my feet seem to move in a hypnotic rhythm as I try to absorb all that is Fall and all that is Norway.

"Tusen takk" is one of the few phrases in Norwegian that I've learned to say. It literally means, "a thousand thanks". Its a commonly spoken phrase here, and its grown on me quite a bit. As I look around me during this beautiful season, the words on my heart are "Tusen takk". A thousand thanks for autumn, and simply for life.

The Update

2006-10-19T17:21:00.000+02:00

Its been a week or so since I've had time to write, mainly because I've been busy entertaining some special guests! ;-) My dad and Kara spent a wonderful 5 days here with me in Bergen. We successfully crammed each day full of busy fun...sightseeing around the city, hiking, a boat trip through the fjords, trainrides through the mountains, eating lots of seafood, and more. It felt so good to be able to show them my world here in Bergen - where I live, where I practice, where I walk and talk each day, and most of all, the beautiful Norwegian surroundings that have captured my heart. Although I'm sad that their visit is over, we have literally over 700 pictures to remember it by! (Thank Kara, our family photographer...) The special bonding time and fun memories have given me an extra boost to help me make it on my own here for the next 2 months.

Now that the mini-vacation is over, I'm buckling down in school and working hard. The semester is already half over somehow. My goal is to make some significant progress in my playing and repertoire while I'm here, which means practicing anywhere from 4-6 hours a day. And studying too. And running and staying in shape as well! Discipline is the name of the game these days!

Hoping all is well with everyone across the pond...keep me posted please!

Tiny Triumphs

2006-10-11T16:08:00.000+02:00

The picture to the left is of me and my friend Ines during one of our climbs up Mount Ulriken. We stood feeling triumphant and proud as we posed for the picture...it was amazing to look down and see how far we'd come!

Last night, while doing my laundry, I had a similar feeling of triumph wash over me. As I threw my clothes in the machine and programmed it to start, I smiled to myself remembering what an overwhelming task this was just two months ago. I had actually been scared of that washing machine and all its strange Norwegian words, buttons, and knobs! Silly, perhaps, but I couldn't help but feel slightly proud of how far I've come since then...

Lately, I keep having similar "moments of triumph" - finding myself doing something on my own that seemed so difficult just a month or two ago. For example, I can now successfully go into most any type of store, find what I need, and proceed through the check-out line without ever giving away the fact that I'm a foreigner...sometimes I feel sort of like an undercover American! Before, I was constantly asking for help in deciphering the Nowegian language, locating things, using the currency, and asking people to speak in English to me. I've now learned enough words in Norwegian that I can understand and respond to the language well enough to get through a check-out line or find whatever I need, and be pretty much functional and self-sufficient. I really have come a long way!

So tomorrow is the big day...my dad and Kara arrive! Crossing my fingers and praying for good weather so we can do lots of exploring together and enjoy all the beautiful nature. I'm SO excited for them to be here. The hardest part about being here is missing my family and friends. I try to be independent and enjoy every single day, but sometimes it gets a little lonely. My family and friends are my true treasures in life, and I can't help but feel aware of how very far away I am from them all. I'm so grateful to have made some new friends here, though. After living in an international student hostel, I'll have friends to keep in touch with and visit all over the world!

My Scottish Story!

2006-10-07T15:31:00.000+02:00

The picture you see to the left was taken not in Norway, but in Scotland! I went to visit my former roommate Kat, who is originally from Scotland and is living there again now. It was so much fun to be reunited with her, not to mention how nice it was to be back in an English-speaking country!

Scotland is absolutely beautiful. Green, rolling hills...castles...stone walls and bridges. It is everything you would imagine a fairy tale land to be. Add bagpipes, kilts, and an endless supply of tartan to that image, and you have a truly unique country!

When Kat picked me up from the airport, I nearly had a heart attack several times as we first drove through the city - on the left side of the road, with the driver sitting on the right side of the car! I simply had to close my eyes and trust my Scottish guide with my safety. We spent the next day in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. I loved Edinburgh. It truly felt like we had stepped into a page of history when we entered the city, with the castle, palace, and other stone structures centuries old greeting us.

We also spent a lot of time exploring Crieff, Kat's hometown. It is a tiny, charming little town lined with flowers and shops, and the beautiful Scottish countryside behind it. We also went to a nearby village, which we rode through on horse! It was a really fun way to see the area! The whole visit was wonderful...Scotland was amazing, and being with an old friend was good for the soul.

I have to dedicate some space now to several lovely ladies in my life, who all happen to be celebrating birthdays this week! So happy, Happy, HAPPY birthday to all of you!!!

October 7 (TODAY!) - Happy birthday Mom!

October 9 (Monday!) - Happy birthday Kara Dawn!

October 12 ( Thursday) - Happy birthday Shan!

October 13 (Friday) - Happy birthday Kat!

If you know and love any of them as much as I do, make sure you wish them a happy birthday this week! Wishing I could be in so many places at once to celebrate the birthdays of everyone I love with them!

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Even Fonder!

2006-09-30T10:54:00.000+02:00

"Sisters are different in many ways, yet the same in many more...But the way they were most alike was the most special way of all. Because, you see, they loved each other so very much."
Sisters, David McPhail

Yesterday afternoon, while walking home, I decided on a whim to stop and check my mailbox first. I have always had a strange love of mailboxes. On any given day, you never know what may be awaiting you inside that little door upon opening it. I love the element of surprise ...the possibility that on any ordinary afternoon you could, out of the blue and unexpectedly, receive a surprise letter or package from any other person in the whole wide world!

Yesterday, to my great delight, when I turned the key and slid open the tiny door of my mailbox, a big white box stared back at me! I immediately checked the return address and saw that it was from my sister. As I rode the elevator up 15 flights of stairs to my room in the hostel, I tried to imagine with great anticipation what the box contained. One thing I love almost as much as the surprise of receiving a package is the anticipation of guessing what may be inside!

Once I got to my room, I sat down on the floor and tore open the box with great gusto. Out spilled a fabulous supply of "American essentials" ....things I'd been missing like Easy Mac, my favorite type of rice, and Nestle chocolate bars. This is probably at least the 4th care package I have received from Kara since I've been in Norway. Each box has contained little pieces of home unavailable to me in Norway - oreo cookies, People magazine, school supplies I forgot to bring...The best part of yesterday's package was an adorable little book titled "Sisters" (read the excerpt above). The cute illustrations of two sisters side by side and the sweet words were enough to make me simultaneously laugh and cry. As I sat there surrounded by index cards, Easy Mac, and this precious storybook, I had a mini-meltdown of tears and emotions, missing my sister so very much. I am completely serious when I say that I have the most amazing sister in the world, and that she is my best friend in life. She is the most loving, caring person imaginable. She has the amazing ability to turn anything we do into great fun, from cleaning and grocery shopping to road trips and going to the beach. She can make me laugh so hard that tears stream down my face...and also make me feel more loved and cared about than I could ever deserve. I treasure Kara with all my heart.

Luckily this whole experience of being so far apart and separated has been made much easier by the amazing age of internet communication which we live in. Through email, Skype, and instant messaging, Kara and I are able to talk almost every day. Phonecalls on her lunch break, emails back and forth throughout the day, and a goodnight / goodmorning conversation when she's going to bed and I'm waking up (9 hour time difference!) keep us in close touch. I didn't know it was possible, but if anything I think we've only become closer while being even farther away! Still, though, I can't wait for that magic day when we are reunited for Christmas and I can throw my arms around her for a gigantic hug...and that goes for every other member of my family and friends as well!!!!!

Well, it sure feels good to write about this big mass of emotions. Lately, I've been seeing and doing so many beautiful and amazing things...things that I only ever dreamed about doing in the past. But what's always on mind and heart through each of these adventures is the people that I love. I've been seeing and doing so much, but also living and learning too. I've been realizing that the most valuable aspects of my life are not the places I go and the things I see, but the people I love. And if you're reading this, then that means you... ;-)

Today's Natural High...

2006-09-24T23:47:00.001+02:00

Today I went hiking on Mount Ulriken. After spending 6 weeks in Norway, hiking has officially become my new favorite addiction in life (my top three others are probably running, music, and chocolate). There is something so completely refreshing and invigorating about spending time exploring and climbing this giantic natural playground we live on...I can't get enough of the fresh air, waterfalls, forests, and best of all, the view from the mountain tops! Its hard to describe how happy I felt inside today while climbing up the mountain...surrounded by beauty, and feeling so very alive, it was truly a natural high. If you could see me now, I'm still glowing :-)

I'm grateful for moments like these - feeling so in awe of the earth and blessed to be part of it. I really needed a "lift" of some sort today. Yesterday I was dealing with a bout of strong emotions and homesickness. I hate to use that dreaded word, but I was just really feeling out of my element and lonely for my friends and family back home. Overall, this has been an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything, but it hasn't all been easy and perfect. Literally moving out of your comfort zone is a difficult thing to do! Anyways, hiking with friends this afternoon was the most perfect way to get things sorted inside and back in perspective. I'm so happy and grateful to be here having this experience. I can't help but be equally grateful, though, for my life back home.

The other thing about hiking is that it will definitely wear you out...I'm officially wrapping up this weekend to go crawl into bed and get some sleep...g'nite all!

On Dodging Raindrops...

2006-09-21T00:21:00.000+02:00

I've always loved the season of fall. Every year, as temperatures from the smoldering summer start to cool, I look forward to autumn leaves, cozy sweaters, and apple cider. When the treetops start to change from grassy greens to golden hues, I fall in love all over again with this beautiful earth. I savor the little things about this season, like going jogging and breathing in the crisp autumn air...the sound and feel of leaves crunching under my feet...shopping for new school supplies, and writing on the first page of a blank notebook. I love the promise of new beginnings, and fall always brings a sense of excitement in starting over - a new season, a new school year.

Last night I couldn't sleep. I laid awake in bed until about 4 am - tossing...turning...thinking. I'm not sure why I couldn't sleep, but as I tossed and turned I found myself listening to the sound of the rain falling outside my window. Ever since I decided to come to Bergen, I've been warned about the city's notorious reputation as the rainiest city in Europe. The first month I spent here was blessed with beautiful weather. Lately though, the rain has been falling more and more frequently as fall is truly settling in. To my surprise, though, the rain really hasn't bothered me or "dampened" my spirits. At times, there's even something comforting about the hypnotic rhythm of the rainfall. Bundled up in a warm sweater and armed with umbrella in hand, its kind of fun dodging raindrops! And in a way, its actually sort of beautiful to see the earth renew and refresh itself with a daily shower. Just as I long as I have that mug of hot apple cider waiting for me inside somewhere... :-)

Upon A Grassy Hillside

2006-09-17T16:49:00.000+02:00

Upon a grassy hillside,
I rest in a blanket of sunshine.
Soft air washes over me, caressing my skin.
The sweetness of silence soothes me...
Solitude.

A sunbeam smiles down on me,
and I succumb to a soft sleep in the green grass.
Minutes, maybe hours, slip by...

Quiet.

Peace.

Rest.

Some Food for Thought...

2006-09-16T09:32:00.000+02:00

One of the things I enjoy about living in a foreign country is discovering all the little things that make that culture different from my own. Learning and experiencing firsthand how someone from across the world eats, thinks, shops, travels to and from work, etc... After all, its "the small stuff" that comprises our everyday lives. We each live in our own unique bubble of regularity and familiarity - the routines and habits we've established that create what we know as our "everyday life".

I'm discovering more of these differences every day - some small, and some not so small. For example, on a normal day back in the States I like to begin each morning with a cup of coffee. I love my morning coffee ritual...there's something comforting on a sleepy morning about sipping something warm and feeling the caffeine start to flow through your veins...Energy! If I have a stressful morning, sometimes I'll grab that cup of coffee in a coffee shop on campus or somewhere on my way to school. Well, here in Norway, I quickly discovered that Norwegians do not drink coffee in the morning! Norwegians do enjoy coffee, but they consider it an afternoon drink. Its difficult to even find a coffee shop open here before noon. Another difference...like many Americans, I always drink my beloved coffee with cream and sugar (actually I prefer Sweet'n Low). The Norwegians typically drink their coffee without milk, and any sugar added is always brown sugar rather than white. I have not seen a packet of Sweet'n Low, Equal, or Splenda since I arrived over 5 weeks ago!

While we're on the topic of food, yesterday I wandered over to the fish market on my lunchbreak. Its such a fun place - people meeting, mingling, eating, and shopping all right on the inner harbor. Enormous fish of all kinds dangle from vendors' carts, and as you stroll by you are offered samples left and right. Yesterday I tried 3 or 4 different kinds of salmon! Delicious...There is no shortage of fish around here, and its prepared in every possible way - fish burgers, fish cakes, fish 'n chips, caviar...I tried some fish cakes the other day ( also really good!) I also had some really great icecream recently. They sell a lot of soft serve icecream here, and something fun and different they do is sprinkling chocolate powder on top. Its soo good...I think I may become addicted!!

Another little difference I enjoy here is the music. Every day, as I walk past a little grocery store on my way to the bus stop, I listen to an old man playing his accordian outside the shop. As you wander through the city, you are almost guaranteed to encounter musicians playing in the city square, in a park, or on a sidewalk. The strains of music can be heard practically anywhere in the city. Its just one of those simple things in life that make people smile as they walk down the street and go about their day.

Time to wrap it up...I'll continue to share all these differences as I continue to discover them...love to all of u!

The woods are lovely, dark and deep...

2006-09-12T21:32:00.000+02:00

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep..."

- Robert Frost

Robert Frost, one of my favorite poets, said it so perfectly. "Dark and deep"...beautiful to say, and beautiful to see. The Norwegian woods are absolutely enchanting. They invite you in, intoxicate you with their beauty, and persuade you to lose yourself for hours simply wandering through their midst. Soft green moss and firm brown earth lie under your feet. Pretty leaves scatter themselves across the ground like confetti. Tall brown trees surround you. They've stood stationed in their place for so many years, waiting and watching. You know that these trees are wise, in a way that only time can define. As I walked through the woods this afternoon, I felt as if I was standing in the midst of the most beautiful painting - the kind you stare at on the wall and wish you could jump inside of.

I've always been a nature lover, but here in Norway I'm drawn to the outdoors even more so than usual. Perhaps its a result of some kind of contagious spirit in the air here - you sense in people an almost frenetic drive to store up sunshine for the long winter ahead. As you leave your classes, professors tell you to go enjoy the sun rather than to go study. Every park bench is full, every spot of green grass claimed. As September is quickly passing by, the weather is cooler each day...yet dropping temperatures are not enough to slow anyone down here. Sweaters and scarves are traded for sandals and swimwear. A sunny day is still a sunny day, warm or cool. A day without rain is a day to be savored.

I've been feeling a little nostalgic for home lately. I choose not to use the word "homesick", because that implies some level of sadness - which I refuse to succumb to. As much as I love Norway, I've been here for over a month now, and sometimes I miss the familiarity of my own world back home. So that's why I was THRILLED to get the wonderful news that my dad and sister are coming to visit next month!!!! I'm so excited! So much to plan and do while they're here.

Goodnight...time for bed...so much fresh air can make you sleepy...

Sunday Sweetness

2006-09-10T13:11:00.000+02:00

Sunday mornings...I love them. There's something sacred and special about a Sunday morning, beyond the obvious aspect of it being the Lord's day. It's the beginning of a new week, and with that I find a certain freshness of spirit. Its a chance to start over, one more opportunity in life to turn a new leaf. Mistakes and grievances from the week before are left behind, and we move onward in our lives - resolving this week to be a better person, to get more work done, or perhaps to smile more and to really stop and smell the roses this time. Whatever the resolution, I love the fact that every seven days we get the chance to begin anew, hopefully refreshed and revitalized from a restful Sunday.

This morning I went to a beautiful Lutheran church that rests in the Norwegian countryside. It is made of stone and wood, with a tall towering steeple. A pretty cemetary brimming with flowers graces the church grounds. It was just a 15 minute walk from the hostel, which provided a nice time for Sunday morning thoughts...

When I walked inside the church, I felt...warm. It is a beautiful sanctuary, striking architecturally yet simple in style. Soft light pours into the dim room through stained glass windows. Candles flicker and glow, radiating warmth and love. Families huddle together in wooden pews, visiting and laughing softly. I couldn't understand the Norwegian words of the reader or the minister, but my heart understand the familiar melody when we all sang "Amazing Grace". One of my favorite parts was hearing the rich, velvety sound of the organ filling the church. Sometimes smooth and sweet, sometimes majestic and strong, I could even hear and feel the vibrations in the wooden pew which I sat on.

Well, I'm not sure what the rest of this Sunday holds, but I'm off to go make the most of it now...not a second is to be wasted :-)

Dizzy and Dazzled!

2006-09-06T10:53:00.001+02:00

Dancing eyes, breathless heart....

Enveloped in mist, I close my eyes to listen and feel.

I hear....

Music, as the mighty water rushes across the rocks forcefully.

It spills over and around the earth, cascading in beauty.

The sound is so powerful I hear nothing else.

I feel....

Delightfully drenched! I welcome the refreshing spray to my skin.

This hypnotic waterfall begs me to dive in and be carried away,

joining its magical journey over land and sea.

Only my head stops me, while my heart tempts me.

Dizzy and dazzled, I press this image upon my heart...

a promise of remembrance.

At the waterfall in Voss, 9-2-06

On My Own

2006-09-05T10:28:00.001+02:00

Well its been a few days since my last post, mainly because I've been too sick to find the energy to write again! I've discovered that getting sick while you're living on your own in a foreign country is not a very pleasant experience (not exactly a shocking revelation, I know.) I came down with some kind of throat infection. As I laid in bed feeling completely miserable, I did not want to deal with making the necessary phone calls to track down a doctor. I did not want to get out of bed to make some hot tea, or something else that would soothe my sore throat. I did not want to get up, get dressed, and go to the store to attempt to search for Norwegian throat losenges, orange juice, and food (which I was conveniently all out of). Most of all, I did not want to take a bus all the way into the city, deal with people and crowds, and wait in a doctors room for a couple of hours (no exaggeration - in Norway, there is no such thing as a short wait ANYWHERE!) I did not have the energy for any of these things. In short, I wanted someone to do it all for me!

Well, the good news is that I did somehow muster up the energy and strength to do all these things - most importantly, I made it to a doctor and was able to get some antibiotics. Now this whole post was not intended to be a big whiny, "feel sorry for me" story, but now that I'm starting to feel better I can look back on that awful time and feel somewhat empowered about getting through it all on my own. Sure, it would have been wonderful to have someone there to fluff my pillows and take my temperature (Mom, I miss you!!)...but the positive side is all the things I learned from doing it on my own. Like finding out how doctors and medical centers operate in Norway. Finding a pharmacy in a foreign city, when I don't know the Norwegian word for pharamcy. Yes, most Norwegians do speak English, but their English is somewhat rough and there are still communication barriers. Understanding directions on how to get places is sometimes difficult. Bottom line - I'm feeling better and trying to use every experience here, both the seemingly good and bad ones, as a learning opportunity - a chance to become a little more independent and self-sufficient.

The picture above was taken last week (before my throat crisis) in a beautiful town called Voss. Voss is about an hour train ride from Bergen, so my friend Ines and I made the trip to spend the day checking out the natural wonders which the town is known for. In the picture, I'm standing in a gorge that was created sometime during the last ice age. Its mostly made of a type of rock called phyllite. As you can see, it is breathtakingly beautiful! There is also a huge waterfall in Voss, as well as majestic mountains. It was a great day.

Stay tuned for more highs and lows of my life here in Norway...love to all of you!

A Day in the Life...

2006-09-01T03:53:00.001+02:00

Hello everyone! I so enjoy reading your comments and responses to my posts...keep them coming!

My life here in Norway has finally settled into somewhat of a regular routine, now that school has started. On a typical weekday here, I wake up between 7-8 in the morning. After breakfast I take the bus into the city, and head to the Grieg Academy of Music. I usually spend the morning practicing, typically around 3 hours or so. Around lunchtime, I take a break and head outside for some fresh air. I've been very fortunate in my time here thus far to enjoy rather lovely weather. The air is usually cool (definitely light-jacket appropriate), but the sun has been consistently shining - minus a few rainy days.

I try to go for a walk somewhere different every day during this time - along the wharf, through a nearby park, the city square, or sometimes through a very historic section of town called Bryggen . This is where the city of Bergen was originally established, around 1360. During this time and in the centuries to come, Bryggen was a major commercial center for northern Europe. The houses and buildings in Bryggen are all made of wood and run in long parallel rows facing the wharf. With all the wooden structures, you can imagine how much damage one little fire could do. Despite strict fire laws, Bryggen has burned down 7 times!!! (and been rebuilt as many...) It is now on the official list of Unesco World Heritage Sites. Anyways, as I was saying before, I like to use this break time to wander various parts of the city - exploring new ones, and revisiting favorites.

In the afternoon, I usually have a piano lesson, class, or rehearsal of some sort. I use any remaining time to practice some more - I'm hoping to learn and master as much music as possible while I'm here! Then I take the bus home, eat some dinner, and spend the evenings jogging, reading, or hanging out with friends around the hostel.

More observations on Norway....there are so many clouds here!! Even on sunny days, there are always clouds in the sky. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because they are not the sad, gray kind of clouds that make everything look bleak. These clouds look more like giant gobs of white cotton candy that you want to reach up and swipe from the sky. They rest in the clear blue above and wrap themselves around the mountains, creating a magical aura of enchantment and mystery. I never thought of clouds as particularly beautiful, but as I see them hanging over a great green forest or over an old stone fortress, I am aware of a certain element of atmosphere and suspense which they add.

I had somewhat of a revelation on my bus ride home today. There I was, standing in the aisle because the bus was so full that there were no seats left. As we continued along the route, I was suddenly struck by the near silence on this crowded bus of people crammed together like sardines in a can. While we made our way out of the city towards the residential areas, many people got on and off the bus, all coming and going in peaceful quietness. Of course, there was the occasional ring of someone's cell phone or one soft conversation floating all the way from the front to the back, but for the most part there was very little chatter and a complete lack of anything that could be considered obnoxious. As I remembered previous buses and public transporation systems I've rode on back home, the difference between the excitable, animated, talkative American and the calm, reserved Norwegian seemed crystal clear today. Of course, I would certainly be stereotyping if I classified EVERY American and Norwegian into these two contrasting personality types. These are simply some cultural generalizations, which I'm realizing and sorting through each day. I sort of feel like my own personality is somewhere right in the middle of all this - appreciative of the Norwegian peace and quiet, but equally appreciative of the vivacious American spirit. I am loving Norway, but I will also always be in love with home and my roots :-)

More to come soon...stay tuned!

A Runner's Paradise

2006-08-27T23:15:00.000+02:00

I am happy to report that here in Bergen I have found my very own runner's paradise. The picture you see to the left is of Gamlehaugen, the king's palace in Bergen. The estate, which is beautifully landscaped and groomed, overlooks a fjord and is surrounded by woods. There are footpaths and trails that meander all over the grounds of the estate - around the palace, along the water, and through the woods. The amazing thing is that Gamlehaugen remains open to the public as a park, as long as the royal family is not in residence! Anyone is free to wander through the gardens, swim in the fjord, walk (or run!) the trails, or even picnic on the front porch of the palace! Yet another unique facet of Norway - the low national crime rate makes such things possible. To put things in perspective, can you even imagine being able to wander through President Bush's backyard or hang out on his patio whenever he was out of town?! Gamlehaugen has quickly become one of my favorite places here in Bergen, and its only a 10 minute from the hostel. I've been running on the trails frequently, and I can't think of a more beautiful place to exercise! One thing about Bergen, however, is that being nestled among all these mountains also means a very rolling terrain. Running (and walking!) has proven to be slightly more strenuous than at home, due to all the hills. On the bright side, though, hopefully I'll be in great shape after living here!

Reflections...

2006-08-25T18:54:00.000+02:00

Sitting in my room right now with a warm mug of tea, listening to the rain falling steadily outside my window. Its been raining off and on the whole day, and while normally I am a sunshine-chaser, right now the sound of the rain is peaceful and relaxing.
I've been reflecting this afternoon on the fact that I've been here in Norway for two and a half weeks now! In some ways, it feels like much longer than that - I've already seen and done so many things! I have 4 more months ahead before I return home, which right now seems like an infinitely long period of time. Sometimes, when I'm missing my family and friends, it feels like a little too long. But I try to remind myself in those moments that every day here is a gift, and that I should savor each and every day of it. There are many more adventures left to have in the next 4 months - I've only just begun!!
In many ways, Bergen is an entirely unique place. Imagine 7 mountains, the coast, incomparable fjords - all this in addition to a thriving cultural scene and a rich 900 year history. I love the European feel of the city centre with its outdoor cafes, open markets, beautiful churches, and interesting structures and architectures. As I walk through the city, I've come to enjoy and find interest in the sounds of the Norwegian language floating around and over me. Particulary impressive is the ability of virtually any Norwegian to instantly switch from their native tongue to English (as is usually the case when they find I know only a couple words of Norwegian).
Yet even in this Scandinavian paradise, any American can easily find a taste of home without having to look too far. For example, right in the city centre in the midst of a row of restaurants and hotels lies a TGI Friday's restaurant!! I have also scouted out several McDonalds and a Burger King. My most humorous discovery are the plethora of 7-11's. There is a section of town where a 7-11 can be found on practically every block! I'm not sure how I feel about this "Americanization" of such a beautiful European city, but I'll admit it can be strangely comforting in moments of weakness to see those golden arches, when nearly everything else around feels and is foreign.
Despite little signs of home, though, this Dorothy is certainly not in Kansas anymore. In addition to landscape and geographical differences, there are cultural differences as well. I had been warned prior to my arrival, and have noticed for myself since then, that Norwegians are typically not as outgoing and charismatic as Americans. For example, in the U.S., if you see someone on the street that you recognize or consider an acquintance, you will surely smile and say hello. Norwegians tend to be much more reserved in nature, and may continue walking past you without making eye contact. If you happen to be bumped into or elbowed by a Norwegian, you should not take offense when you fail to hear the expected courtesy of "Excuse me", or "I'm sorry". If you take such incidents to heart in offense, you may waste a lot of time mistaking rudeness for a reserved social exterior. All of this is not to say that the Norwegians are an unfriendly people. In contrary, I have experienced great warmth and hospitality from those I have encountered! Maybe a good summarization would be that the warmth of a Norwegian simply lies slightly below the surface, whereas an American will more typically wear their heart on their sleeve.
Well, to wrap things up, this American is greatly enjoying her time as a Norwegian. I'm experiencing different things, meeting new people, and learning something interesting every day. Love to all of you!

The Lovely Lysoen!

2006-08-23T17:55:00.000+02:00

The water sparkles and glistens as if a thousand diamonds rest upon the surface...Even the treetops shine as they reach towards the sky, while sunlight pours down on them. We listen in peace to the music of the water and the buzzing of the bees.

Wrote these words in my journal today, while visiting the lovely island of Lysoen with some friends. The island was owned by the famous late Norwegian violinist, Ole Bull (pronunciation: "Oolah Boolah"...give it a try, its fun to say!!)

Lysoen is about a 30-45 minute trip from where I am staying. We took a bus most of the way, and then a small ferry to get across to the island. As you approach the island you can see Ole Bull's beautiful villa, which looks more like a castle than a summer home which he used it as (see picture above). On the island, you can tour the villa, walk the various footpaths which meander through the woods, or swim in the sea, which actually is the opening of a fjord. We did a little of all of this, although the majority of our time was spent hanging out by the water. The water was cold but refreshing, and the sun was shining brightly enough that you dried off quickly once you got out. It was one of those wonderful days that you wish you could somehow capture in what I like to call my "precious memory bottle". In my imagination, if there was such a thing, you could open up that bottle every now and then when you needed something to cheer yourself up, reaching in and choosing from a plethora of sunny days or happy moments to relive.

Although there have been many wonderful moments, adapting to life in a foreign country hasn't come without its share of frustrations as well. Yesterday, for example, was my first attempt at doing laundry here in Norway. Laundry is an easy enough task, right? Well, until you try to pick out detergent in the store when you can't read any of the labels. Is it bleach, fabric softener, or stain remover?? And then there was the task of trying to operate the washing machine, which also should have been easy enough, but all the buttons were different and confusing. Well, I'm not sure if it was the detergent or the machine, but something went wrong somewhere and a couple of my favorite items came out with funny splotches on them :-( Its certainly not the end of the world, but its just an example of some of the frustrating situations I've encountered. Shopping for groceries has also been tough, once again because of the labels being in Norwegian. I've also been dealing with a sore throat and some kind of bug for the past few days. Fortunately I'm feeling better today, though, and am hoping that I'll continue to feel better.

Tomorrow and Friday will be spent getting ready for school and real life, which officially begins next week. I have my first piano lesson on Monday, so I will be practicing away the day. Hoping and praying that all my loved ones are safe and well. Keep me updated, please!!

For the Beauty of the Earth

2006-08-20T19:42:00.000+02:00

For the Beauty of the Earth...a favorite hymn of mine. This weekend, I was truly in awe and wonder of the beauty of the earth.

Yesterday morning, I embarked on a 7 hour hike with two friends from Germany, who I met at the hostel where we are living. Together, we set out to climb Ulriken, a 6500 meter mountain nearby. As if that wasn't enough, we also planned to journey across the hills from Ulriken to Floiban, another one of Bergen's 7 mountains.

How can I describe this experience, and why I love hiking? Allow me to try...Muscles pumping with adrenaline, heart and lungs pulsing with energy. Skin tingling from wind and perspiration. Mountain air all around you, so refreshing you wish you could drink it up. Sense of time is forgotten, as you focus intently on placing one foot after another across soft earth and hard rock. You are filled with a sense of purpose - to arrive at your destination on your very own two feet - and yet, you are also aware of a great sense of freedom.

The hike went well. It did take us a full 7 hours, plus an hour for lunch and a few mini-breaks in between for rest. One of my favorite moments was passing through an area where a herd of sheep were grazing. We even took pictures with the sheep, crouching down next to them!

As if I hadn't spent enough time in the outdoors on Saturday, today (Sunday) the university took all of the new international students out on a day-long boat tour of the fjords! (Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found out about this FREE boat trip!) The boat left at 9 am, and we returned at 6:00 this evening.

The fjords were breathtaking. Tall, green mountains on either side, as far as the eye could see. Towering walls of rock, majestic and ancient. And in between all this, shimmering water as deep as the mountains were high.

My heart was full as I absorbed all the beauty around me this weekend. Nothing more will I ever need to see to believe in the existence of God. The vast sea, the towering mountains, the magical fjords... no further evidence necessary.

Falling in Love....

2006-08-18T21:16:00.000+02:00

Everyday I find myself falling more in love with Norway. As I walk through the city, I can't help but smile from all the beauty surrounding me. I have spent many hours just combing through the picturesque streets, which are all lined with flowers, charming shops, and happy Norwegians.

In the summertime, Norwegians of all ages celebrate with gusto each and every sunny day. Summers are spent hiking in the mountains, relaxing by the sea, and soaking up every precious drop of sunlight. The Norwegians spend several months of the year living in heavy rain, snow, and scarce daylight, so a beautiful summer day is not to be wasted. In a culture where nature, sunshine, and the outdoors are practically sacred, the motto "carpe diem" is taken quite seriously. A common saying around Bergen is, "If it's not raining, head for the hills!"

Being a nature-lover myself, I haven't had much trouble adopting this summertime credo. Today I rode a cable-car to the top of Mount Ulriken, where I enjoyed another spectacular view of the city and the sea. Yesterday, while wandering through the fish market, I sampled whale meat! (Save-the-Whales campaigners, read no further!) It was an unusual taste, but I liked it and even bought a small whale-meat sandwhich. There is certainly no shortage of new things to experience and try around here!

Well, that's it for now...love to all of you!

Check out the view!

2006-08-16T21:26:00.000+02:00

This is the view that awaited me when I climbed to the top of Mount Lovstakken! It was truly beautiful from every direction - a breathtaking overlook of the city and the sea. I didn't know quite what I was getting into when I started up the footpath at the bottom of the mountain, all alone. Before I knew it, I was climbing over rocks, dodging branches, pushing through mud, and trying to keep my balance! I'll admit I took several spills - about 5 actually! But I made it back in one piece, both tired and revitalized. About halfway through my climb, I met two very nice Norwegian girls who were kind enough to let me follow them since they had hiked Lovstakken before. I might have easily gotten quite lost without them. God definitely sends along the right people at the right time!

The Meadow Among the Mountains

2006-08-16T15:29:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone!

I have to take a moment to gush a little about how gorgeous this place is. The whole city is bursting with flowers! Every street and corner is exploding with bright, vibrant color. The landscape here is also amazing. Bergen is a coastal town, surrounded by seven mountain peaks. The original translation of Bergen is "The Meadow Among the Mountains". How lovely is that! I've been to the top of two of these mountains so far, and the view of the sea and the city is simply breathtaking. I promise to post more pictures very soon!

One of my favorite things about Bergen is the fishmarket (see picture above). The fishmarket is right on the dock, the highlight of the city centre. Here they sell fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables, and of course, fish! The fishmarket is always bustling with people strolling around, mingling, and sampling all the wonderful foods available. It does smell rather "fishy", but its all part of the fun atmosphere! Adding to the atmosphere are all the boats and cruise ships lining the port, and the cafes and restaurants surrounding.

Today I experienced my first taste of the Bergen rain that I've been hearing so much about ever since I arrived here. Apparently, it rains pretty much constantly in the fall! It rains hard and for very long periods of time. In Bergen, you never go anywhere without an umbrella!

Every day I'm learning my way around Bergen a little better. The city is home to about 250,000 people. When I first arrived, it seemed such a big place! Now I can get around without having to consult my map all that often, which feels like quite an accomplishment.

This week has been "Introductory Week" for the University, which is basically registration and getting acclimated to the system. Its been a bit stressful and confusing, but things are coming together a little bit more every day.

Well, its time to go but I'll be writing again soon. I appreciate the comments and encouragment from everyone! I am loving Bergen but missing all of you!

Quick Update

2006-08-13T00:22:00.000+02:00

This is just a quick note to let everyone know that I am alive, safe and well, and loving Norway. It's truly the most beautiful place I could have imagined. Every now and then I feel a wave of homesickness, but it's getting easier everyday. Fortunately, I have really great people on my floor to hang out with from places all over the world, including Germany, Austria, South Africa, Bosnia, Mexico, and the Czech Republic.

So far, I've been exploring the city, visited several churches and gardens, climbed to the top of two mountains, and visited the home of the king! I've been trying to make the most of the beautiful weather while it lasts. By next week, I should have regular internet access so I'll be able to post more frequently, including pictures of all the places I've visited.

Check back soon for more updates!

Lessons Learned

2006-08-08T19:51:00.000+02:00

Well I am officially off and on my way! I'm writing right now from the Detroit airport, where I have a lovely 4 hour layover. Luckily I have my laptop and wireless internet to entertain me :-)

I can't believe what a crazy morning I had trying to get out the door. I was feeling pretty stressed last night as I tried to cram over 4 months worth of stuff into 2 suitcases and a carry-on (enough clothes, shoes, music, and stuff to last me through the rest of summer AND a harsh winter). Stress only escalated this morning as my suitcase decided it just couldn't handle that much stuff, toppling over and plunging the handle into my calf and breaking in the process. This was ten minutes before I was supposed to leave for the airport. Luckily I found an extra piece of luggage in the attic and was able to quickly repack everything.

While checking in at the airport, my OTHER suitcase decided it was also too full, toppling over and falling on the poor old man standing in line behind me. Other problems? Well, despite my best efforts to pack as lightly as one can for a 4.5 month trip to the Arctic Circle, apparently I did not quite meet the airline's luggage weight limit, which meant I had to open up my suitcases and decide which of the essentials items I could possibly live without. Thank goodness Katie was there with me to take home what I had to reject.

Thankfully things have settled down now, at least for a while, and I'm happily typing away here in the airport now, reflecting on this morning's crises. To sum up briefly, here's what I have learned that I will stow away for any future traveling I do:

1.) Invest in sturdy luggage. My luggage should have been the one taking the beating today, not me and the old man. If I had spent a little more on better luggage, maybe I could have avoided some of today's injuries!

2.) Always pack lighter. Still not sure how to accomplish that one.

3.) And finally, an old but evertrue statement: There's never been a day you haven't made it through! Despite this morning's drama, its over and done with and my life will move on now.

Time to go wander now a bit...more to come soon!

Leaving On A Jet Plane...

2006-08-07T07:23:00.000+02:00

Well, this is officially my first blog entry (I guess I better make it good to entice you all to check back often!) Tomorrow is my last full day at home before I leave for my big trip to Norway...As most transitions so far in my life have been, this one is rather bittersweet. I've been looking forward for MONTHS for this experience to come. Ok, wait, I take that back - the truth is, I've been waiting years!! During the last week of my senior year of high school, my theology teacher made us create a list of life goals - dreams we wanted to make happen. Well, I clearly remember my top 3:

1) Run a marathon (Check!)
2) Record a CD (Check!)
3) Live in a foreign country for a while (IN PROGRESS!)

So apparently its time to make #3 on that list happen. Of course there was the other usual stuff too like get a job and maybe somday get married, but we'll work on that stuff later- right now its still time to play! Anyways, the point is that this really is something I've wanted to do for a long time - immerse myself in another culture and find out how people live and interact outside of my own little world. Back to the bittersweet part - as much as I love going new places and meeting new people, I'm a bit of a homebody at heart (home being wherever friends and family are). I hate saying goodbyes, even if its really just a "see ya later". So thats the "bitter" part. The "sweet" part is that I'm going on an adventure! I really am incredibly excited, and can't wait to get there and get started.

I'm trying to sort through the gigantic "To-Do" list in my mind that has been both shrinking and growing every day for the past month or so, and make sure I catch any items that may have gotten pushed to the bottom or forgotten about. Any of you experienced travelers out there: feel free to leave me advice or words of wisdom!

Well its time to go do a little packing now...and then enjoy one of my last few nights sleeping in my own bed for a while. Leave me some love! :-)