Random Thoughts and Inconclusions

Considering my vast time spent in Norway, I think I should heretofore be considered the authority on all things Norwegian. I thus have the privilege to point out one irksome quirk about the country of the Norse Gods. Even though people complain about a lot of racism in America, it truly is a melting pot. I mean, think about it. When someone asks you 'what you are', you are likely to reply "Oh, I'm half Irish, 20% German, and some Polish and I think I have a bit of Swedish in me too." We are used to seeing black people and asians, and middle easterners, and all sorts of different people. It is the culture we've grown up with. Norway, on the other hand, a land that has exported a lot of immigrants but never until recently has imported many. This scares a lot of Norwegians who believe that "Norway will have more foreigners than Norwegians by 2015." They think that it will take away their culture. However, this is definitely not all Norwegians, far from it, and most that I have met are very tolerant. It's just a different world here, and they are very unused to immigrants. Much of Europe is going through what the U.S. went through in the 1800's with immigration. 

Anyway, on a different note, I've taken up jogging. It's pretty sweet actually, to be jogging along thinking to myself "Wow, I am jogging in the rocky, forested foothills of Norway, and when I look to my right, I can see a lake, and when I look to my left, I can see the ocean." I also did Windsor Pilates yesterday with Nancy and Siv. 

Class-wise, our electives start this week. Mine are rather exciting: Guitar for beginners, Linedancing (no kidding, this British guy named Roy Sheperd comes in once a week to teach 'modern' linedancing, and shows us dances like the 'Texas Stomp'), Russian, Salsa, Norwegian lessons, Volleyball, and I think I am going to try to take Spanish, and potentially Understanding Film as well.

Olivia's proposed advertisement for studying in Norway:

Decent mocha: $7

Decent burrito: $40

Decent pair of jeans from H&M: $90

Realizing that you speak a language that only 4.5 million other people can speak and all those who speak it also speak English probably better than you do: Priceless.

p.s. While it seems that I am bitter towards Norway, I am actually nothing of the sort. Besides being a little disheartened by the dollar and my lack of purchasing power, I am having a great time. It's really fun at the school here, and there's always something interesting to do and fun people to hang out with.