“Ida from Norway” was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Melbourne last year, and it was truly a pleasure visiting her at home. I spent eight days in Grimstad and five days in Oslo – ten catching up and playing with Ida. We spent a lot of time talking, playing with Tinka, eating chocolates, visiting nearby cities Arendal and Kristiansand, and enjoying traditional Norwegian meals (salted lamb, boiled potatoes, turnip), courtesy of her parents.
Going for a walk with Tinka!
Arendal
Another walk with Tinka in Grimstad
A few special activities are worth a more elaborate mention:
1. We went cross-country skiing! Now, I’ve been cross-country skiing in Manitoba – we used to ski during winter vacation fairly often. However, I quickly learned that cross-country skiing in Manitoba and cross-country skiing in Norway are very different activities. The Manitoban version makes the Norwegian version look like downhill skiing, which made this quite an ‘exciting’ activity for me, and quite an amusing one for Ida. As it turned out, I did quite well on the downhills, even if I screamed out from time to time. The unfortunate part was having to climb the steep side of those hills, but at least we burned off a few of those holiday food calories. (Unfortunately for you, no photos were taken)
2. We went skating! I was thrilled to see the expansive outdoor ice-surface in Arendal, though the thrill was somewhat short lived when my skates turned out to be slightly more temperamental than I’m used to. We still had a great time, and the setting was beautiful, but it was more of a “here for a good time, not a long time” situation.
3. We partied on New Year’s Eve! We cooked and ate at home along with Ida’s friend Christine. Several “adult beverages” (as my cousin Aynsley calls them) were also enjoyed. Then shortly after 11:30, we donned our “National Suits of Froland” and headed for the party. We didn’t make it to the party on time, but we had a great view of all the fireworks, which are set off independently. As we stood in the street, fireworks exploded from about six different directions. It was very loud, very colourful, and most enjoyable. Shortly thereafter, we headed to the party and danced the night away with a few more adult beverages in hand. It was a great night.
On our way to the party.
4. We headed to Oslo together for a couple of days, checking out Holmenkollen ski jump, the Edvard Munch museum, Vigeland Park with all Vigeland’s statues of naked people of all ages, Akershuus Fortress, and enjoying coffee and cakes in the city.
Vigeland Park
Vigeland's famously angry baby, and Laurie and David's somewhat-less-famous, previously angry baby.
After Ida went home, I was left with some very strange hostel mates, so I did my best to keep myself properly occupied over my last few days in Norway. I visited the striking Opera House, where you can climb up to the roof and enjoy the view of Oslofjord. I enjoyed the National Gallery and all Norway’s artists had to offer. I drank coffee, read my book, and people-watched at cafes. I wandered Oslo’s main street Karl Johans Gate, exercising my self-restraint trying not to shop. I visited the brilliant Nobel Peace Centre to learn more about 2010 laureate Liu Xiaobo as well all the other laureates. And I ensured myself plenty of time to catch my flight to Dublin.
Den Norske Opera
Oslofjord
(S)LAUGHTER - The Nobel Peace Centre
Which leaves me in Dublin currently. I’m staying with my friend Bernadette, whom I met in New Zealand. Our Scottish friend Maddy has come over for a visit as well (though I’ll be visiting Scotland next, she’s on holidays now!), and we’ve been having a great time. But once again, that is another blog. So cheers for now!
Sending love from Ireland!
ps - For you, Ida: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKSxlJPmz40
Yayyy Noway!! Yayy Ida! Beautiful Pics babygurl
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