The Fool on the Hill

I can't give much of an explanation as to why I haven't posted recently. I guess it is because nothing particularly remarkable has happened in the last few days. I will fill you in anyway!

Travis and I woke up early on Sunday morning and hopped on the tram to go to the American Lutheran Church downtown. Unfortunately for us, it was the same morning as the Oslo Marathon and the tram's route ended short. So, instead of going to church, we watched some of the marathon then wandered back home. There was another game on Sunday (Travis was not cleared to play) and we finished the night by talking to his mom and my parents. It was the first time I'd talked to my parents since leaving, so it was great to see and hear them!

We spent most of the week bumming around. We went to the grocery store, the mall, the library, the market, etc, etc, etc. Nothing very exciting. But there is good news! Travis was finally cleared to play and played in tonight's game. He hasn't made it home yet, but I see that he had an assist. I'm looking forward to actually seeing him play on Sunday! It has been almost a year since I've seen him play in person. 

Today, we walked up the hill behind our apartment. I had walked up there two weeks ago, but without my camera. This time, I brought my flipcam, so here is a little clip:

(Holmenkollen is the ski jump, and Frognerseteren is located near the two towers.)


While Travis was gone for his game this afternoon, I went shopping. It was a fruitless excursion. I feel flustered when I am out by myself. I would have killed to have had one of my girlfriends with me! I was also disappointed in the offerings at the mall. I went to H&M first (stick with what you know, I guess) and wandered from there. Everything looked the same, and I didn't find anything I couldn't live without. 

NOTE: Travis just got home and told me he got Player of the Game for his team!

Dig It

What a day!  I took the Oslo Metro (the train) for the first time today. I have to tell you how WONDERFUL their public transportation is here! The buses, trains, and trams (more like trolleys) are clean, well-lit, and easy to use. It is about $94/month for an unlimited pass, and when compared to the $86/month I spent in Chicago, isn't too bad!

I met Kari and Nina this morning to go to Frognerparken, home of Vigeland Sculpture Park. The sculptures are all of naked people. Ha! I couldn't get over all the nudity, but it helped when Kari told me to look at the expressions on their faces. What a concept, huh? From Frognerparken, we walked downtown to the Oslofjord. We walked along the water and dreamed of living in a waterfront condo.

Surrounded by Statues at Frognerparken

Also, I got a cell phone today! Kari works for Telenor, a wireless phone company, and she hooked me up! I am able to call Kari, Nina, and Kari's son Thomas without using any of my minutes. I can add minutes at any time by purchasing a key code at various retailers and convenience stores. I feel better knowing that I can call someone if there is an emergency or if I get terribly lost!

Trav and I made sweet and sour meatballs for dinner, and it was pretty darn good. It was a fairly easy recipe, and it was worth the search for corn starch at the market!

We're planning to go to church tomorrow morning. I found the American Lutheran Church on a website listing organizations for English-speakers in Oslo. Hopefully we like it!

Long, Long, Long

I have to say that the last couple of days have dragged by. Travis and I got library cards on Tuesday. Because we are not registered in Norway, we can only get two books at a time. I am kind of nervous because they took a lot of information off my passport and entered it into their system. It is the first time that anyone in Norway even looked at my passport! I doubt that the authorities will hunt me down because I signed up for a library card... but you never know!

I finally found a cookie sheet! Travis and I walked down the hill to the bakery for a forgettable breakfast then found all kinds of goodies at the mall. We got a cookie sheet, a glass baking dish, and a fan! Small beans to all of you, but I am very excited to have them! I sure hope this cookie sheet makes everything taste like heaven, because it cost me 42 dollars. YIKES! It will definitely be coming home with me in April!

By now you have surely noticed how exciting our lives have been this week...

Travis did not play in Tuesday night's game, but we finally have a full explanation as to why the paperwork hasn't been approved yet. In order for the league to allow the imports to play, the team must prove that it has enough money to pay their salaries and expenses. The team didn't file the paperwork in time to meet the original deadline, so now the league is taking their time to give the stamp of approval.

I'll try to get out and do something exciting tomorrow to avoid another boring/picture-less post!

Good Day Sunshine

I had a fantastic day yesterday. My neighbor from home, Shari, has family in Norway. When she heard I was moving to Oslo, she got me in touch with her cousin, Kari. Kari and her daughter Nina picked me up yesterday and took me to Holmenkollen and Frognerseteren. Holmenkollen is home to a ski jump that is currently being renovated. We went further up the hill and stumbled upon a longboard race. We watched the race for quite a while before walking to Frognerseteren. We found a a small table on the deck of the Frognerseteren restaurant to chat and look at all of Oslo. Kari pointed out some things and told me about more historic and sightseeing destinations that she will take me to in the future. I had a great time with Kari and Nina. I am so happy to have connections in Norway!

The view from Frognerseteren Restaurant

Later in the day, Travis and I went to watch the Manglerud Star hockey game. Travis was unable to play (along with 3 other players) because the team did not file paperwork with the league in time for the first game. Travis and the other unregistered players seemed pretty frustrated that they were unable to play. I think the team will be much better when they have all hands on deck. MS lost 3-1. There is a home game tomorrow night, so here's hoping the paperwork will be done in time for that game!

Every Little Thing

I haven't posted in the last two days because I was kind of cranky. I'm sure you're all very shocked that I could be anything but charming and kind!

We went to Ikea today! Our apartment has been lacking some essentials, and the team did not fulfill our requests for those items, so off we went. Travis had a difficult time figuring out exactly where we could transfer buses, but after walking a few blocks in a light rain, we found the right bus stop. If anyone has ever been crazy enough to go to Ikea on a Saturday, you understand how insane it is. There are people, carts, and kids everywhere! We managed to find most of the items on our list (veggie peeler, dish rack, pillows, cutting boards, etc.) but couldn't find any cookie sheets! Now, wouldn't you think that Ikea--the store of ALL THINGS-- would have cookie sheets? Guess not! We checked out and treated ourselves to soft serve ice cream that tasted heavenly. Heavenly.

Heavenly!

I think I was kind of cranky the last few days because I felt like we didn't have stuff. Now we have most of the stuff we need. The entire way home from Ikea, I kept marveling at all the stuff we had! Once we have a microwave and the aforementioned cookie sheets, all will be well!

Travis' team has a game tomorrow night. He wont' be playing in the game, though. The team failed to file paperwork with the league for him and a few other foreign players. We're going to get a ride with one of Trav's teammates to the game, though. I'm kind of excited to watch hockey. There is a home game on Tuesday, so cross your fingers that the paperwork gets in!

Finally, I would like to mention what a fabulous dinner I cooked tonight. I made General Tso's chicken with rice and veggies. Travis told me it was the best meal we've had yet. For that, I will give myself a big pat on the back.

I Feel Fine

Today, Travis and I took the tram downtown. It was about a 30 minute ride. We hopped off the tram and started wandering. There are a lot more shopping centers downtown, so we checked a few of them out. Before today, I had been to the center near the hockey arena, as well as the center near our apartment. The center by our apartment is very nice. I assume shopping centers are kind of like they are back home. Ritzy neighborhood = ritzy mall. We grabbed a bite to eat at a shopping center downtown. Lunch was a calzone for Travis and a baked eggplant-stuffed thingy for me. I did not know my choice had eggplant, and I was surprised that it tasted alright! Along with two cokes, the total was about $20. Some advice that I have gotten is to stop converting everything into US dollars... easier said than done!

While wandering downtown, we spotted the Oslo Opera House.  I read about it a while ago, but I completely forgot about it! It is an absolutely beautiful building with an incredible view of Oslo. We spent a lot of time walking on the roof (it is allowed!) and taking pictures. 

More info on our apartment: It has a bedroom, bathroom, and a kitchen/dining/living area. We have a private entry at the back of the house. There is a washer (that I have yet to figure out) a stove, and a refrigerator/freezer that are all apartment-size... or is that just Norwegian size??? Our kitchen doesn't have much for supplies-- silverware, plates/bowls, a few glasses, a few pots and pans, and very few cooking utensils. Travis gave the team a list of some items that we need, but until then, we're making do. I'm so grateful for the Pampered Chef knife that my mom sent with us! It has been a lifesaver! We cook dinner together after Travis gets home from practice around 7:30. Travis is the breakfast cook, though. He makes the best eggs.

Oslo Opera House

While Travis is at practice, I've been trying to get outside for a walk. I start to get stir crazy if I stay in the apartment too long. I also figure it is a good idea to get out while the weather is still nice! 

At the Opera House

Off I go...

The Long and Winding Road

I have arrived! Both flights went well. While checking in for my flight at the Minneapolis airport, I was told I may have problems when I arrived at customs in Norway. If one does not have proof of a return flight back to the US, they may be sent back on the first flight out or required to purchase a return flight on the spot. Luck was on my side, though! I followed hoards of people through the "Nothing to Declare" customs hallway and without even seeing a customs agent, was released into the fresh Norwegian air. I have no Norway stamp on my passport!

Later Sunday evening, Travis and I were brought to our apartment. We are living in a lower-level apartment in the house that our landlord lives in. He is friendly and helpful. The apartment is clean and more spacious than we anticipated. Travis was told by the general manager of the team that the neighborhood we live in is very nice. To get to the hockey arena, it is about a 45-60 minute commute involving walking, the tram, and the bus. It isn't very complicated. We can take the tram to a shopping mall which also includes a grocery store.

There doesn't seem to be much of a language barrier. Everyone we have encountered speaks English. Thank God for that!

Well, I seem to be rambling, so I will cut myself off. I will be sure to write more often now that we have access to wireless internet!

Ticket to Ride

Well, my bags should be packed... but they're not! I leave Saturday, September 11th at 7:20pm. I am flying to Reykjavik, Iceland then boarding another plane to Oslo. I arrive in Oslo on Sunday, September 12th at 12:20pm. Travis has been in Norway since Saturday, September 4th. He has yet to settle into the apartment that we will be sharing, but I have been assured that it will be ready by the time arrive. For the time being, he has been staying with his teammates. I am very excited for my new adventure, but at the same time, my nerves are in high gear. I'll sign off now and attempt to start packing...