Okay, I can't believe I've been here for a month already. Time is going by so fast. It really makes you realize that you can't take time for granted!
A lot has happened since the last time I've written, and now I'm starting to discover just how difficult it is to successfully document life. But there are definitely some highlights worth mentioning.
Firstly, finding people to hang out with during break and lunch! It's nice not having to think, "Oh shit, who am I going to sit with today?!" as often anymore. But to really be part of a group of friends, that's still elusive. Still, even though it's difficult, I'm looking forward to making friendships that will last beyond my exchange. 但愿是啦！
二：我在这儿开始玩排球了。今天是我第二次练习。有一点儿难，手和胳膊玩的每次都特别痛，但是还是很好玩儿的！我在这里也应该参加一个体育队，和 Joakim 本身玩儿的就非常好，为什么不玩儿排球呢？不但对身体好，也保养脑袋和精神。再说，从一个活动队可以认识很多人。
三：家庭。我有时候都不可思议我住在别人的家和管他们交“妈妈爸爸。”开始听者挺奇怪的，但是我自己觉得这样叫他们会让我们变的更近。我很少跟人说，但是我决定留学的一个原因就是找一个新的家庭，一个完整的家庭。就像 Thrane 家。这是非常困难解释的，但是我只想感受一个“正常”家庭生活。所以我真的以为 AFS 不可能把我分配道一个更适合的家。这是我所要的！呵，我从来都没有告诉过别人，但是这是我第一感觉我真的又一个爸爸。话不能代表我的心情和感谢。
Okay, voy a parar ahora porque estoy cansado. (Sabes, es difícil escribir en otras lenguas, pero es buena práctica; quizás escribiré algo más adelante en noruego, jaja.) Y también porque tengo que despertarme temprano mañana. Aún no se lo que haré por la tarde, ¡pero ojalá que sea una fiesta! Como un conocimiento decía: paz y amor.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
School and Starbucks
So I've been in school for almost a week now, and needless to say, it's pretty different from Fremont. Horten's a small town, and I know I've said it before, but it's still cool to meet people you know walking down the street!
Anyway, the cool thing about school here is that you get different subjects every day; each day is like an American "block day," if you will. Kinda like college: more time to procrastinate. The way the times are set up is a little more confusing. A session could range from just forty-five minutes to nearly three hours. So depending on the time of each class, every school day ends at a different time for me. (For example, I have a full day Wednesdays from 8:30 until 3:30, but on Fridays, I have class in the morning but have free time from 10:00 'til 1:45, and on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays I get out of school at 1:45.)
Moving on, one thing that I suddenly realized the other day that striked me as unbelievable was the lack of coffeeshops and bookstores here in Horten. No Starbucks, no Suju's, no Borders...in fact, I think there's only one coffeeshop in all of Horten, which makes me wonder: is hanging out at coffeeshops/bookstores an American thing? I suppose I've been substituting the time I would've spent chatting over a Caramel Macchiato with playing beach volleyball. But it's strange that what used to be such a staple in my life is suddenly gone. Well, at least I'm saving more money!
Anyway, the cool thing about school here is that you get different subjects every day; each day is like an American "block day," if you will. Kinda like college: more time to procrastinate. The way the times are set up is a little more confusing. A session could range from just forty-five minutes to nearly three hours. So depending on the time of each class, every school day ends at a different time for me. (For example, I have a full day Wednesdays from 8:30 until 3:30, but on Fridays, I have class in the morning but have free time from 10:00 'til 1:45, and on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays I get out of school at 1:45.)
Moving on, one thing that I suddenly realized the other day that striked me as unbelievable was the lack of coffeeshops and bookstores here in Horten. No Starbucks, no Suju's, no Borders...in fact, I think there's only one coffeeshop in all of Horten, which makes me wonder: is hanging out at coffeeshops/bookstores an American thing? I suppose I've been substituting the time I would've spent chatting over a Caramel Macchiato with playing beach volleyball. But it's strange that what used to be such a staple in my life is suddenly gone. Well, at least I'm saving more money!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Keeping Busy
You know, it's surprising the things you take for granted sometimes. Even though it doesn't feel like it, I've done a lot since I've been in Horten.
I've been keeping a log of things I did or things that were memorable for each day since I've been in Horten, and already, it's becoming quite a list. I think a lot of times, it's the small and not-particularly-momentous moments that make your day, and to literally see all the things you've done on paper, it really gives you a new perspective.
The most important goal for me right now is to always keep myself busy, and I think I'm doing a pretty damn good job at it, if I say so myself! Playing volleyball, deciphering Norwegian, or just chilling and watching the Olympics with Joakim, it's a great feeling knowing that every day is put to good use.
So anyway, here's a snippet from my log of the weekend and today:
16 August 2008: Watching Olaf Tufte win in the Olympics from his own Roklubb; sandvolley tournament; shaved ice; being on Norwegian national TV; hanging with Joakim and Chris; Norwegian style barbeque; driving to Tønsberg and back; meeting drunk girls; chilling in Horten's one and only "nightclub"; seeing Katrine again; first bottle and then some of beer
17 August 2008: Meeting more extended family; picnicking at the "End of the World"; frozen shrimp on smørbrød with lemon; crab fishing; seeing jellyfish; waffles
18 August 2008: First day of school; hanging out with Solum for a bit; playing beach volleyball for the first time; learning the way home from downtown; chicken and rice with curry; hanging out with Luiza; buying gum in a grocery alone; asking if the store had any chocolate in Norwegian; playing beach volleyball with Katrine's friends; biking home with Luiza; night walk with Mamma and Pappa; raspberry jelly cookies and tea
I've been keeping a log of things I did or things that were memorable for each day since I've been in Horten, and already, it's becoming quite a list. I think a lot of times, it's the small and not-particularly-momentous moments that make your day, and to literally see all the things you've done on paper, it really gives you a new perspective.
The most important goal for me right now is to always keep myself busy, and I think I'm doing a pretty damn good job at it, if I say so myself! Playing volleyball, deciphering Norwegian, or just chilling and watching the Olympics with Joakim, it's a great feeling knowing that every day is put to good use.
So anyway, here's a snippet from my log of the weekend and today:
16 August 2008: Watching Olaf Tufte win in the Olympics from his own Roklubb; sandvolley tournament; shaved ice; being on Norwegian national TV; hanging with Joakim and Chris; Norwegian style barbeque; driving to Tønsberg and back; meeting drunk girls; chilling in Horten's one and only "nightclub"; seeing Katrine again; first bottle and then some of beer
17 August 2008: Meeting more extended family; picnicking at the "End of the World"; frozen shrimp on smørbrød with lemon; crab fishing; seeing jellyfish; waffles
18 August 2008: First day of school; hanging out with Solum for a bit; playing beach volleyball for the first time; learning the way home from downtown; chicken and rice with curry; hanging out with Luiza; buying gum in a grocery alone; asking if the store had any chocolate in Norwegian; playing beach volleyball with Katrine's friends; biking home with Luiza; night walk with Mamma and Pappa; raspberry jelly cookies and tea
Monday, August 11, 2008
Finally Settled in Horten
Wow, these past few two weeks have just been incredible. I've met so many people from all over the world, and I've learned so much already! So here's a superbly condensed version of what's been happening:
Said farewell and flew to Chicago and then to NYC; got picked up.
Spent a night in St. John's University with Norway and Denmark bound AFSers.
Almost missed the connecting flight to Oslo; met all the AFSers coming to Norway from abroad.
Spent the afternoon at a campsite; took bus at night to Torpo--our language orientation site.
Got to know the AFSers in the surrounding areas better--kids from Italy, Thailand, USA, Brazil, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Colombia, Belgium, France, Germany, and Turkey.
Had class in the early afternoon; activities and games throughout the day; lots of free time; lots of bread for breakfast and lunch.
Roomed with an awesome guy named Francesco; shared and exchanged a lot about daily life in US and Italy.
Left camp after nine days and met family; hella nervous. But instead of heading to Horten, we spent a night up in a modern cabin in Hallingdal with Luiza's (AFSer from Brazil; neighbor in Horten) host family.
Came "home" to Horten.
Today, hung out with Joakim and his friend and he showed me the town. Seriously, I don't think I could've asked for a better family or placement. De er konge! There's so much to say that I don't even know where to begin, and seriously, I have not flipped open a Norwegian book since I got here 'cause it's been so busy.
More to follow...
Said farewell and flew to Chicago and then to NYC; got picked up.
Spent a night in St. John's University with Norway and Denmark bound AFSers.
Almost missed the connecting flight to Oslo; met all the AFSers coming to Norway from abroad.
Spent the afternoon at a campsite; took bus at night to Torpo--our language orientation site.
Got to know the AFSers in the surrounding areas better--kids from Italy, Thailand, USA, Brazil, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Colombia, Belgium, France, Germany, and Turkey.
Had class in the early afternoon; activities and games throughout the day; lots of free time; lots of bread for breakfast and lunch.
Roomed with an awesome guy named Francesco; shared and exchanged a lot about daily life in US and Italy.
Left camp after nine days and met family; hella nervous. But instead of heading to Horten, we spent a night up in a modern cabin in Hallingdal with Luiza's (AFSer from Brazil; neighbor in Horten) host family.
Came "home" to Horten.
Today, hung out with Joakim and his friend and he showed me the town. Seriously, I don't think I could've asked for a better family or placement. De er konge! There's so much to say that I don't even know where to begin, and seriously, I have not flipped open a Norwegian book since I got here 'cause it's been so busy.
More to follow...
Monday, July 28, 2008
I'm Leavin'
It's late. I can't sleep. I leave for NYC tomorrow. Where to begin?
Katherine came over today and we ended up repacking my entire luggage. Unfortunately, I couldn't take everything that I wanted with me, so I had to leave some clothes (including my uncle's wedding tuxedo) behind.
I feel very sad right now. Didn't really expect to feel this sad, but there's a bit of reluctance to leave. It's disheartening having to say goodbye to close friends and Mom, because in a way, it feels permanent--in the Wynona Judd "Flies on the Butter" kind of way. It's a very defining moment to close out this chapter of my life, knowing that I can't go home again.
Katherine came over today and we ended up repacking my entire luggage. Unfortunately, I couldn't take everything that I wanted with me, so I had to leave some clothes (including my uncle's wedding tuxedo) behind.
I feel very sad right now. Didn't really expect to feel this sad, but there's a bit of reluctance to leave. It's disheartening having to say goodbye to close friends and Mom, because in a way, it feels permanent--in the Wynona Judd "Flies on the Butter" kind of way. It's a very defining moment to close out this chapter of my life, knowing that I can't go home again.
Monday, July 21, 2008
9 Days
The 1-digit countdown has begun.
Went to San Francisco with Sandy on Thursday to do some pre-departure shopping: a blazer and sweater vest for me to take der borte, and some gifts for the Thranes.
I have said my goodbyes and see-yous to friends. I plan to spend the next week just spending some time with family. Grandparents leave for China in just a few days; I would like to at least make Corn Chowder for them once before they leave. (I only get to see them every other year, and they're incredibly important to me, so it's a sad time.) And then after that, I will only have a few more days left with Mom before I have to say goodbye to her too.
It's a very strange feeling, leaving the old and preparing for the new.
I still have to begin to pack and finish looking at AFS's Norwegian materials. (I finished Pimsleur's program, so at least I'll be a little prepared, heh. And Evan's been ever so helpful with his snippet Norwegian reminders. Ei jente, to jenter...)
So apparently, after we arrive in Oslo, the kids will be separated into five orientation groups. I will probably be going to the one located in southern Norway; I think it will be at a folk high school south of Olso. We will be there until August 8th or 9th, and after that, we will finally meet our families. It would be nice to share some thoughts and experiences with the other exchangers.
Went to San Francisco with Sandy on Thursday to do some pre-departure shopping: a blazer and sweater vest for me to take der borte, and some gifts for the Thranes.
I have said my goodbyes and see-yous to friends. I plan to spend the next week just spending some time with family. Grandparents leave for China in just a few days; I would like to at least make Corn Chowder for them once before they leave. (I only get to see them every other year, and they're incredibly important to me, so it's a sad time.) And then after that, I will only have a few more days left with Mom before I have to say goodbye to her too.
It's a very strange feeling, leaving the old and preparing for the new.
I still have to begin to pack and finish looking at AFS's Norwegian materials. (I finished Pimsleur's program, so at least I'll be a little prepared, heh. And Evan's been ever so helpful with his snippet Norwegian reminders. Ei jente, to jenter...)
So apparently, after we arrive in Oslo, the kids will be separated into five orientation groups. I will probably be going to the one located in southern Norway; I think it will be at a folk high school south of Olso. We will be there until August 8th or 9th, and after that, we will finally meet our families. It would be nice to share some thoughts and experiences with the other exchangers.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
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