Bittersweet

Today has been filled with mixed emotions.  Part of me is ready to pack my bags and hop on my flight back to the comforts of home - and the other part of me is aching to stay for a few more weeks [or maybe even months/years!]  This month has been filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that I will never forget.  I have been so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet the most amazing people and see Norway from an insider's perspective.  I have learned so much while in Norway...and am coming home with a sea of ideas & information.

We concluded our trip today with a visit to Umoe - yet another innovative Norwegian company that is reaching out globally to expand their client base.  Our visit included a tour of one of their ships [the Skjold] and it was really interesting.  It is clear that Norway has excelled in the Maritime industry.

Our afternoon was left open to do some last minute shopping and to begin the packing process....ugh.  I am just not ready to leave!  We have a 6:35am flight in Kristiansand [which is about 45 minutes away from Mandal - which if you have done the math you realize that we will be leaving Mandal @ 3:45am!]

[Harald, me, Vibeke, & Kari]

I am so sad to say good-bye to Harald & Kari.  They have made my last week in Norway so great that it is making it all the harder to leave.  However I am confident that when I board that plane [in 6 short hours] that I will not be leaving Norway for good.  I have built so many relationships & lasting bonds with people here that I can't imagine not seeing them again.  And now I must stop with the reflection as tears are swiftly approaching.  This won't be my last post however...I intend to share from a more broad perspective what I have learned, what I will miss, and of course about the Norwegian food!  I am also looking forward to October [yep I realize this is a ways off] when the Norwegian team will be visiting our area!  Can't wait to repay the hospitality that we have received while here.

Great way to spend my birthday :)

It's been a while!

I realize that I have been a bit of a slacker in the "blog" department these past few days.  Take that NOT as a sign of a lack of stuff to update about, but rather a sign of how much fun we are having.  Our last city visit has been packed full of some really great activities.  Our families have been wonderful and I am not quite ready for my time here to be over.  This post will be brief [as I am a bit tired and need to be well rested for our last day here] but I want to share what we have been doing since arriving in Mandal.

I'm not typically a fan of the bullet points but I think I will take it this way tonight:

• Carsolina, Jennifer, & I spent Thursday in Kristiansand at BI [the business school] This is actually one of the few private institutions and is a Business School.  The son of our current host family is actually attending this school right now.  
• We also visited the southern most point of Norway - Lindesnes Lighthouse.  It was absolutely stunning.  The day was quite windy and a little rainy - which actually turns out to be the best lighthouse weather.  The crashing waves were a sight to be seen.

[Lindesnes Lighthouse keeper's house]

[Lindesnes Lighthouse]

• Friday included a visit to Sjøsanden Næringshage - a place for entrepreneurs to come and receive guidance for their business venture.  This was followed by a very interesting tour of company that makes hoses - Mandals
• We went out to celebrate my birthday on Friday [since we will be leaving SOOOOOO early on Tuesday] and had an absolute blast!  
• If I have not mentioned this before...Norwegians LOVE the outdoors.  On Saturday we went for a "stroll"in Furulunden. Now when I say stroll - I actually mean walk in the rain...by the beach...where it was windy.  While the weather wasn't ideal, I have to say that it was a really beautiful place that I hope to experience again in the future - with the sun!  Later in the evening my host parents had everyone out to their summer cabin.  I was able to meet their daughter Vibeke who is so wonderful and funny.  The Skogøy family [ie: my current host family] are full of energy and laughs.  I feel so lucky to have gotten to know them over the past few days.  A really wonderful way to end my time here.
• Which leaves me with today.  Today was incredible.  Again, we didn't let the rain deter us from our plans.  We visited WWII bunkers [legit bunkers - built into the mountains] and a fjord [for which I am going to have to get the name of.]  The WWII bunkers were surreal.  Equipped with rain boots and flashlights we dared to enter.  The German army used Norwegian & Russian laborers to build 40 buildings within the mountains in Mandal.  [pictures soon to come]
• The fjord was breathtaking.  I would say that Norway may be best known for it's fjords.  A visit to Norway would not be complete without seeing one.  We drove about 1 1/2 hours through the very tiny & windy roads to see one.  When we arrived I was in awe.  I feel it is best to let the pictures do the talking [even though they cannot do the view justice]

[Fjord]

[Beautiful Fjord]

Ok.  So I recognize this is not one of my best posts - and I hope to revisit some of the activities in more depth later on but I wanted to provide a bit of an update.  Tomorrow will be our last day here in Norway - and it also happens to be my birthday!  I can't think of a better place to celebrate :)

It's a small world after all...

Weirdest thing happened today.  In the tiny town of Mandal [our final destination] I felt as if I had stepped into the smallest world ever.  We were all invited to the home of Sissel, one of the Rotary club members [who has actually participated in a GSE trip to Alabama - but that't not the crazy part] for dinner.  Over casual conversation I posed the seemingly normal question to my soon-to-be host father "Is your club hosting a Rotary high school exchange student?"  To which he replied "No, but we did last year.  We hosted a young boy from MN."

How cool!  The natural follow-up question was "Which city is he from?"  It took him a moment to respond with "New Ulm."  NEW ULM?!  I must have heard him incorrectly.  My New Ulm?  Population 13,000 New Ulm?  It couldn't be.  Oh but yes it was true!  A young man [Henry] studied in Mandal last year.  He is actually my brother's age - and in fact they played soccer together when they were younger!  [I just got off the phone with him and they may even be playing soccer together tonight]

I am still stunned that I travel across the world and find this connection.  From little New Ulm to little Mandal I was shown that the world can be one degree of separation away.  I never would have thought waking up this morning, that I would be staying in the same room that a fellow New Ulmer stayed in one short year ago.

This entire month I have been finding ways to connect with people here [it helps that I am originally from MN which is like "Little Norway" in the US.]  It is comforting to know that the relationships that I am building now will last.  This trip has shown me just how important relationships are.  I have learned that we all don't have to be so disconnected.  We can all work together to make this a better place - the world is not so big.  As I fall asleep tonight, all I can think is "Isn't life funny?"

Leaving Larvik

Today was our last day in lovely Larvik, Norway.  Although the weather has been a bit cold, windy, and rainy - we have not been deterred from enjoying our stay here!  In fact, I have rather enjoyed seeing Norway through a "misty" lens.  It provides an alternate perspective that is actually quite neat [I am afraid however, that I may be the only one who has these thoughts.]

Each week we have been scheduled a half-day to ourselves...this was our Sunday morning.  A late start was welcomed by all [including my host family!]  Early afternoon, we headed down the road to Stavern.  This little city is home to a series of art galleries that see over 200,000 visitors during the summer months!  It is quite the happening place June-August.

 [Stavern]

 [Stavern]

The rain rolled in and we dashed to the cars.  Luckily Mother Nature took a break from the downpour as we arrived at Mølen.  An absolutely spectacular experience.  The whipping wind mixed the light mist was strangely peaceful.  Here on this rocky beach, I was stricken with the sad realization that my time in Norway is nearing it's end.  I guess the weather was a fine match for my mood.  

[Mølen]

 [Mølen]

Monday - we visited the Arts & Culture school as well as the Farris Hotel & Spa & today the Sjøparken [Sea Park] development. This small city is working hard to redefine who it is. Changing from and old industrial town - to a young, vibrant, business-oriented city. Larvik has much to offer - and it is inspiring to see an entire city full of vision and pride in what they can offer. I have no doubt that when [not if!] I come back to visit, this place will be transformed.

On a personal note - it has been a REALLY great week!  I have been staying with a wonderful couple [Ståle & Elin] who have been so gracious and made me feel so comfortable & at home.  Elin even took the time to teach me how to make my favorite treat [knekkebrød...more on that in a later post!] All of our host families have taken turns hosting the whole group for dinner on different evenings - allowing us the opportunity to relax, laugh, and just enjoy each other.  

Natural Beauty

Every day I am stricken by the beauty of my surroundings here in Norway.  It seems that at any moment you feel you are in the most beautiful spot in the world - and then you walk around the corner and somehow it gets better!

On Friday, we were able to see one of the ways that a business is taking advantage of the natural beauty within the region.  Our visit to Lundhs  included a presentation as well as visit to one of their quarries.  It was fascinating to see the process they use to remove the stone.  Lundhs is a global company just as many other companies in Norway are.  Their finished product can be seen in projects around the globe.

[hauling stone at Lundhs Quarry]

[Lundhs quarry]

We continued with the trend of seeing Norway's natural beauty yesterday with a trip up to the mountains.  Although the drive was a little lengthy and the roads winding [those who know me are aware of my motion sickness and how that combination isn't pleasant :)] the view was worth it!

 

Our mountain excursion included a stop in the small town of Rjukan.  Nestled deep in the valley [so deep that for a few months during the winter the residents do not see sunlight] this city sets the scene for the 1943 sabotage efforts to prevent Germany from making an atomic bomb.  In order to get to the museum/hydro plant, we had to hike up the steep mountainside only to find, upon reaching the top, that the museum had just closed!  However we were not to be discouraged.  Jennifer approached the nice young staff working the front door and asked them to let us have a quick look around...and they did.  It was a fascinating museum that I will have to visit again on my next trip to Norway.

[Vemork hydroelectric power plant]

[mountainside in Rjukan]

As if the day were not good enough, I almost forgot to mention one of the best parts of the day!  On the drive up to the mountains we passed one of Norway's infamous Stave churches.  It was absolutely beautiful and amazing to see something that old preserved so well.  I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to see one [and actually the one we saw is the largest one in the country.]

[Heddal Stave Church]

Rain, rain go away...if you don't, we'll have fun anyway!

Our last day with the Faerder Rotary Club included separate vocation visits for each of us.  I returned to Vestfold University College - while the other ladies visited a private hospital, an audit firm, and a public relations firm.  I cannot speak on behalf of the others [as I was not with them] but I had a wonderful day!  I will spare you the nitty gritty details that only my colleagues back home will enjoy - but my day included conversations with the employees within  SiV, the student parliament, and the international student office.  I have come away from the day with some great information for my friends back home!

The Faerder Club planned a sailing trip on the historical Berentine ship...mother nature had different plans for us.  Unfortunately, the rain was quite intense so we were unable to sail.  We did however have a great time below deck!  There were about 40 of us onboard and it was a great way to end our time in Tonsberg. I don't have any photos but I know quite a few were taken so I will post them at a later time!

Venja had hot chocolate waiting for us when we got back.  I must admit, I shed several tears as we were wrapping up the night.  I have to say that I did not come to Norway expecting to make such powerful connections with people in such a short amount of time.

[Harald, myself, & Venja]

We said our farewells this morning and then drove to meet members of the Larvik Rotary Club.  Our first stop was the Thor Heyerdahl school.  All of us were so impressed with the facilities.  I mentioned in a previous post but I will take a moment to mention it again.  The Norwegian school system is a bit different than the US.  Students are able to choose whether they want to pursue traditional education or vocational studies.  As we toured the school today, I was met by students engaged in their studies and an environment that encourages creativity. 

[Thor Heyerdahl School]

The rest of the day included lunch and walking tour of Larvik which ended with us meeting our new host families!  Larvik is yet another BEAUTIFUL Norwegian town that I look forward to learning more about.

[The home of Colin Archer]

[Larvik]

[Larvik]

Syttende Mai

Oh what a day!  We have all been anticipating the 17th of May since before our departure and yesterday,  it was finally here!!  Syttende Mai is a day that is near and dear to my heart...a quick side-story before I continue on with accounts of the day.  Minnesota [my home state] had many Scandinavians settle throughout the area [I am sure it had something to do with them being the only ones who could tough out the COLD :)] Thus, with all of the settlers, the Scandinavian heritage was preserved - including Syttende Mai. When I was younger, I remember going to Hanska, MN to celebrate Syttende Mai - but not knowing really what I was celebrating.  I am happy to say though, that I now know!

Syttende Mai is a day filled with patriotism, family traditions, culture, and ice cream!  The day most closely resembles the 4th of July in the USA however there are MANY notable differences.  Throughout the day you will see a wide variety of national costumes - all from different parts of Norway.  Children are a main focus of the day, as opposed to the military [although there are some memorial remembrances throughout the day.]  The children from all of the area schools gather to march in the "Children's parade" where they wave flags, sing songs, and shout chants - each led by their school's "corp" playing traditional Norwegian songs.

[Tonsberg Children's Parade]

We began our day at the home of Harald & Venja's daughter.  Carsolina and I had the chance to meet their grandchildren and see them preparing for the day.  It was so special!  Afterwards, we went to the Tonsberg Children's Parade to watch their other grandchildren walk!  Followed by church and a WWII memorial at which Harald's brother-in-law Olav sang in the men's choir.  Olav has actually studied in Hibbing, MN of all places [my grandparents used to live there; it's a very small town in northern MN that not many have heard of.]  I am finding that the world is MUCH smaller than you think :)

[crowd gathered to watch the Tonsberg Children's Parade]

We went to another Rotary member's home for lunch and a quick nap.  Then off to Herman's [another Rotary member!] home where we all shared our stories from the day and then grilled out.  Our day rounded out with a trip back to downtown Tonsberg where we were given torches and walked through the street [I am sure you are all envisioning an angry mob resembling Beauty and the Beast] however this was not the case - it was quite peaceful. The walk ended down by the canal where there were fireworks & electronica music...a different combination than I am used to but I'll take it!

[Harald & Venja with their family]

I feel so lucky to have had the chance to celebrate Syttende Mai in Norway.  This was a day that I will never forget.

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!

Nerd Alert

Consider yourself warned - some may consider this blog posting a bit on the dorky side!  While our entire visit to Norway thus-far has been nothing short of amazing...today was the day that I have been anticipating since I applied for the GSE.  I finally got to meet my people...university/college administrators!  Now those who do not have the good fortune to work at an institution of higher learning may not completely understand the high level of excitement that comes with visiting a university/college - but OH was I EXCITED!!

[University College of Vestfold]

Stepping foot onto campus you could just tell that you were on a college campus.  The backpacks.  The laptops. The flyers on the wall.  The people trying to get you to sign up for something by offering you free food [in this case a waffle!]  I was at home.  

Our visit to the University College of Vestfold [UCoV]began the day with coffee, carrot cake, and a wonderful presentation by the head of the International Office - Maija Heinilä.  I cannot even attempt to sum up all that she said [although I attempted to take notes feverishly.]  So as not to draw out into an hour long post I will put it into bullets, but first let me mention that ALL schooling in Norway is paid for by the government...INCLUDING higher education! For all those reading with mounds and mounds of student loans - I am sure this has a sweet, sweet sound :)  This also applies to international students - so I am sure you can imagine just how many applications they have to sort through a year [quite a daunting task.]  While I am not certain the following apply to each and every university in Norway [I hope to get more clarification when I return to UCoV on Wednesday] the following is at least true to UCoV:

• It is a Student Democracy.  What this means is that a "student has a right to be heard"  Every committee on campus has student representation & students are invited [although they may not attend] to everything.  
• There are currently no internship programs offered however faculty are consistently reaching out to businesses and schools to see what skills are lacking in students and they revise the programs accordingly to ensure the degree is relevant.
• ANY faculty/staff can go to a partner university [paid for by the European Union] for a week to encourage bilateral learning and "best practice" in any & all given fields.
• Students seeking higher education in Norway complete one application which is then sent to Oslo.  On this application they can note up to 10 different institutions and then their information is routed accordingly [oh how I loathed the many hours spent on college applications - this system would have been nice]
• The average age at UCoV is 28.  This is due to many students coming from the work force and deciding to pursue higher education after they have tried a career or two prior.

[Maritime simulator - yep it made me seasick & I was convinced that WE were moving & not the screen]

I was just given the "wrap it up" lecture from my newest roommate Carsolina [as my blog post is rather lengthy today] - which leads me to my last little snippet of information for the day.  Today also marked a Rotary Club change.  We are now staying with hosts within the Faerder Rotary Club -  Harald & Venja [a VERY nice couple that I am so excited to get to know better.]  Harald took us on a stroll before dinner and took this picture:

NAV [Norwegian Labor & Welfare Organization]

First, allow me to apologize for the lack of recent blogging.  Our host-mother Bente's internet was a bit spotty for a bit!  With the standard "plug & unplug" trick we got it back up and running.

Now for the update!

Yesterday was a lengthy day - however it was super interesting & informative.  We were presented information at the NAV [Norwegian Labor & Welfare Organization] office.  Since being in Norway, we have been talking to a lot of folks about the high taxes & equally high benefits.  NAV is responsible for distributing benefits to Norwegian citizens - and they say that they "Provide Opportunities for People."  We specifically learned about the sickness benefits, inclusive workplace, and mobility of workers within the European Union. [Although Norway is not a member of the EU they have agreements for workers to enter Norway in areas that have a shortage of workers.]

We learned that Norway is considered a "Welfare State" where they:

• Pay taxes
• The state holds responsibility for people's welfare
• There is a safety net for children and families
• There is a safety net below the safety net

It was also so neat for me that they presented on the leadership training that they do with the companies that choose to be "Inclusive Workplaces."  They shared with us the work of Oyvind Martinsen [a professor at BI - the Norwegian Business School that we will visit later on in our trip.]  Fun to see that leadership training is a global concept and the concepts that we are working to teach the students at the University of Memphis reaches internationally.  

Although the day was VERY interesting, it did not lend for any "good" photo ops so instead I will leave you with my breakfast view!

Vikings & I don't mean the football team!

Yesterday we got a deeper glimpse into Viking history.  This included a visit to the building site for the Oseberg Viking Ship replica, the Oseberg burial mound where the ship was excavated from in 1904, as well as a museum.

We had an excellent guide - a professional archaeologist - who was able to provide a lot of information and details that we never would have been able to get with an ordinary tour guide.  When I say that the Rotary clubs have put together an impressive schedule I think that is actually an understatement.

The replica of the Oseberg ship is nothing short of impressive.  The work is being done by some professionals but mostly volunteers.  They are working to instill a better appreciation for Norwegian [and particularly Viking] history.  I was shocked to hear that the preservation efforts for Viking history is very underfunded and does not receive the level of support that I would have anticipated.

Early last week we had the opportunity to visit the Viking ship museum in Oslo as you may remember.  It was so neat to be able to piece all of the pieces together as far as why, where, how, and when these burials occurred.  Prior to today, the details were all a bit fuzzy/vague to me.  We then had lunch at the museum as well as a few more lessons in Viking history.

[Oseberg burial mound]

The weather was beautiful.  I think it was the first day that we had sun & heat - maybe even got a tan!  Dinner outside, pleasant conversation with our host mother Bente, and a Skype-versation with my family for Mother's Day completed the day quite nicely.  Looking forward to our visit to the local hospital today!

Jarlsberg [as in the cheese!]

Our friends in Holmestrand sent us off with a bang.  We rounded out of stay in this wonderful city with visits to Hydro and Langoya Island which is home to NOAH.  Both companies are excellent examples of Norway's sustainability & efficiency.

We were then invited to Tor's house for a final group dinner with all of our host families and several of our hosts throughout the week.  It was an evening filled with lots of laughs as well as some tears.  I didn't expect to make such a deep connection with people in such a short time but I will really miss them - I think I will miss Hanna the most.  It was so special to have the opportunity to stay with someone close to my age.  I made her promise to come visit me in the states!

[a sweet note from Hanna before I left]

This morning we all met at the Holmestrand rail station to be passed along to our next hosts - the Jarlsberg Rotary Club.  We are now staying in the city of Tonsburg.  This week Christy & I were paired up to stay together at the home of Bente.  Bente is a spunky woman who I am sure we will get along with quite well :)

Our only scheduled program for the day was a visit to Sem Church and the home of Count Wedel-Jarlsburg, descendant to Herman Wedel-Jarlsburg who played a big role in securing Norway's independence. This included a private tour by the current Count [well he technically isn't a Count anymore Norway doesn't have nobilities anymore.]

[Sem Church]

[Jarlsberg Estate]

[Jarlsberg Estate inside]

"Just around the corner..."

Before this trip, I had no idea just how many international companies were located [and often times started] right here in Norway.  Someone has told us along the way - that so many companies are global due to the low population.  You have such a small & limited consumer base here in Norway that to be successful & grow you have to expand internationally.

The city of Horten is home to our corporate site visits yesterday - GE Healthcare & Kongsberg. Both of these companies are leaders in their respective industries.  The Horten location for GE Healthcare is working to develop cardiac ultrasounds.  You may have seen the "Take a Look" commercial.  It's super interesting stuff!

At Kongsberg Maritime, they are producing high-tech AUV [Autonomous Underwater Vehicles] used for a wide variety of purposes.  While at Kongsburg, we also had the chance to meet the wife of one of our hosts who is American and happens to be from Sioux Falls, SD [close to home :)] so it was fun to hear her perspective on living in Norway.

Then we changed into hiking gear [our Norwegian friends much more prepared & shall we say "serious" than we were] and went on an 6-8 kilometer hike in the beautiful Norwegian hills. I can say with a fair amount of certainty that all 5 of us were a bit nervous when we saw the hiking packs, water bottles & other hiking gear.  We thought we were going for a nice stroll in the woods.  This is where the inspiration came for the title of this particular blog entry.  Let's just say that Norway has many steep inclines that we aren't quite used to.  I think that we all held our own but were told several times that our destinations was "Just around the corner" or "Just past this next hill."  We soon caught on that this was not in fact the case and were then told that they use these phrases on their kids when they want to pacify them :)  Once we reached the cabin we had a great dinner - grilling in the mountains is the way to go! [I didn't want to haul my camera but Mary Kay did so hopefully there will be some later on.]

Then for some quality time with my host family.  They have been so incredibly considerate and just fun to be around.  I will be sad to say goodbye tomorrow.  They played me some traditional Norwegian music while we sat around drinking tea and chatting about the many differences between Norway & the United States.  I will leave you with this funny song that they played for me last night.

Russ

Yesterday began with a photo opportunity for the local newspaper the "Jarlsberg."  They have decided to do a story on our GSE Team & hosts. [I will be on the lookout to post a link even though it will be in Norwegian :) ]  We then proceeded to BDO to learn about the Norwegian tax system.  One would think this visit would have been difficult to understand [as the U.S. tax system gets me every time] but Ole Herman was great at giving us examples and we had some great dialogue [and sandwiches!! haha.]

After that we went to the local school.  Norway has an interesting school system in that students get to choose an area of focus [whether it be general studies or vocational] and receive a lot of specialized & focused training.  We also caught a glimpse of what Norwegians call "RUSS"

[taken in Oslo of some young Russ in their traditional wear during this time]

My youngest host brother, Jon, is currently experiencing Russ.  Essentially how he described it as a month at the end of your high school career where kids get to "go crazy."  There are lots of parties and what is known as the "day of terror" [where Russ can throw water on other students or take them out of class and tie them up or whatever!] - it is all in good fun.  Another large part of the Russ experience is that they decorate large cars/vans for groups to use as transportation to all of the events [I haven't been able to snap a picture of one yet.]

After our visit to the school we participated in a sailboat race.  Every Wednesday when the weather gets warmer, Holmestrand sailers take to the Oslofjord for a race.  It was a beautiful day for sailing [because the wind wasn't too strong] and we were all put to work to help Tobias place well against the other sailers.  I even had to conquer my fear of water by rushing to the front of the boat to grab the jib :).  Looking back at our day - I think this is one that has a special connection for me as my parents are both educators & sailers. It was so special to see things that mean so much to my family.

Ski jumps, Vikings, & Nobel Peace Prizes...OH MY!

WARNING: EXTREMELY LONG POST!!!**

Our Norwegian hosts have done a spectacular job of scheduling a wide variety of events – all aimed at helping us better understand Norwegian culture, history, industries, and all around way of life.  Today was no exception.  We jumped in two cars [Torstein & Hakon at the wheel] and headed north to Oslo.  Once in Oslo we wasted no time and went directly to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump!   The view, albeit a little scary, was breathtaking!  We could see all of Oslo.  Along with the ride to the top or the jump, we were able to walk through a museum focused solely on a favorite Norwegian past-time, skiing.  Of course followed up by a quick stop in the museum gift shop for a couple of cheesarific photos:

 [Torstein trying to prove that Vikings aren't that scary]   

                                                                    


Afterwards, we proceeded to Frogner Park to get our walk on.  The park was filled with statues and is apparently a common destination for Norwegians & tourists in the summer months.  A great place to enjoy a picnic or even sunbathe.

Then off to walk on the roof of the Opera House.  Yep you read it right!  The Oslo Opera House is a very unique design and visitors can actually walk atop the roof.

After an extended tour of the city [we may have taken a couple of wrong turns and extra loops around the city center] a Rotary member hosted us at his place of work for lunch.  Kaj is the HSEQ Superintendent at Wilhelmsen Ship Management.  It was so fascinating to learn about this international shipping company.  They originally started as a cargo shipping company but have expanded into so much more. An interesting side note - it was a Wilhemsen ship that rescued the 438 Afghan refugees back 2001 off the coast of Australia in what is known as the "Tampa Affair"

[Kaj with a model of a Wilelmsen ship]

Following our tour of Wilhelmsen Ship Management, we went “old school” with a visit to the Viking ship museum.  I was floored by this experience.  Viking ships have been excavated [and very well preserved I must say] and are on display along with many other Viking paraphernalia. 

No trip to Oslo would be complete without a visit to the Nobel Peace Prize museum.  Another truly amazing experience.  This museum has captured the spirit of so many inspiring individuals that have changed the world.  [including our very own President Obama & Dr. Martin Luther King.]

And we weren’t done yet!  We attempted to go to the Resistance museum [documenting Norway’s resistance efforts during WWII] however we arrived shortly after it closed.  We took advantage of the location of Akershus Castle and walked around the fort for a little bit.

I rounded out the evening with a lovely dinner with my host family.  We had a truly Norwegian meal of potatoes, salad, and trout.  And what do you know I LIKED TROUT!!  I just knew that coming to Norway would help me overcome my dislike for fish.  My “I will try anything once” philosophy has paid off once again and I highly encourage you to give it a shot the next time you think “Oh I don’t like that…” as you never know!

Sorry for the extreme length of this blog entry – we just did SO MUCH today and I wanted to share every moment with you [and preserve the memories for myself down the road].  I promise to not be quite so long winded in the future.