Verdens Ende

Today. Was. Fantastic!  We began our day with a visit to the Hvasser Sea Pilot station where we had the opportunity to learn about the dangerous and precise occupation of a "sea pilot."  These are the men and women who throughout history have guided ships through difficult areas.  The best analogy was given today that I want to share - our guide, when asked "why on earth do you need a sea pilot" said that the ocean waters are difficult to navigate; you wouldn't tell a Norwegian cab driver to suddenly be an expert on the streets of New York.  Rather, sea pilots are experts in their respective areas and board ships to help them travel into the difficult waters of the Oslo Fjord.

[a picture in the museum that illustrates how dangerous this job could be!]

The Rotary clubs have all done amazing jobs of providing us with unique, "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunities but today's example of this was truly amazing.  After learning what sea pilots do, we actually had the chance to accompany one to a cargo ship needing her assistance!  They loaded us up onto the boat and we set out to drop her off.  Notice in the pictures below that she jumps to the ladder on the other boat with what looks like ease!

[going]

[GOING]

[GONE!]

After this amazing experience, we proceeded to the "Worlds' End" for a picnic and some breathtaking views.  Norwegians enjoy nature so much and I love being shown the beauty that lies around every corner here in Norway.  They have such appreciation for water and have built great lives that rely upon the natural resources their country has to offer.  It is so very special. 

[breathtaking panoramic view of the "world's end"]

[the team at the fortress]

We also visited a fortress and then our Harald & Venja's [my host father & mother] cottage.  After coffee & cake we went on a Norwegian walk [now I say Norwegian because there is a saying that a Norwegian mile is actually 10km :)] 

[Harald & Venja on our walk]

Carsolina & I both fell asleep on the way home - and then proceeded to take an additional 30 minute nap before heading to dinner at Harald's brother-in-law, Olav's home.  We had a wonderful evening filled with great conversation, delicious food, and LOTS of laughs.  I have to say that we are constantly asked about the stereotype of Norwegians being cold and unapproachable but I have been so fortunate to not have had such an experience.  Everyone has been so welcoming and extremely hospitable.

I should also mention that last Friday we visited the local upper secondary school [ie: high school] and specifically a presentation on young entrepreneurship.  Young students across Norway participate in a course aimed to provide them with the skills to be successful young entrepreneurs.  The group that presented won "best business plan" for their bamboo skateboards.  They create legitimate "mini companies" that communicate with suppliers across the world and market their products here in Norway to make real profits.  Practical experience at it's finest!  We then began our "weekend off" where we spent time in Oslo [including a visit to the WWII Resistance museum that was SO cool!]

One of the things that I appreciate to much about this GSE experience is that each Rotary club has worked very hard to put together a schedule that shows a variety of aspects of Norwegian business, history, education, and culture.  Although I am not visiting a university each and every day, I am learning so much about making global connections and integrating different ideas/concepts into my work back home.  Absolutely fantastic!

And now I must go to bed.  Tomorrow we celebrate syttendemai - the national holiday.  The day begins early and goes late so I need my rest!  Cannot wait to share all of the happenings with you!