Yes, dear readers (any readers??), another countdown has begun. Instead of a countdown to my return to Canada (less than 100 days to go!), I'm counting down my next return to Norway. I had a fantastic week in Norway and was sad to go home.
So, after our return from the mountains and back to Stavanger, it was a strenuous regiment of walking around the lake to throw bread to (at) the ducks, eating, eating, eating, going out for drinks and lots of hanging out and Wii. Tough schedule for sure. On Saturday night, Kristian's parents hosted Easter dinner which served up lamb, ham, scalloped potatoes, snow peas, asparagus and carrots...delicious! Jon Einar, Kristian's father, offered me a taste of aquavit, a traditional Norwegian liquor that is served with fatty foods. It's said that aquavit cuts through the fat and helps you digest the meal. Slightly misunderstanding Jon Einar telling me to take small sips throughout the meal, I took my serving as a shot. After some laughing at my facial expressions, Halvor (Kristian's brother) laughed and said "welcome to the family!"...I'm a viking now.
So, it was back to England and the countdown to the Royal Wedding was on. Wait--who am I kidding. This country has been counting down to the wedding for months. Either way, I decided to forego the insanity of London and watch the wedding from my own apartment. It was beautiful, extremely lavish and probably cost an astonishing amount. Annnd...then it was done. Done and over with. I was hoping to go to Scotland for the rest of the weekend but those plans fell through as well.
Now that this silly wedding has come and gone, the focus can really shift to the most important wedding that is still to come--Sarah's wedding in July! But, before that, another trip to Norway, some school mixed in here and there, so on and so on. Until next time..
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Did You Know?
In Norway, you are only allowed to fly the traditional, rectangular-shaped, Norwegian flag in hours of daylight, as long as it is between 6AM and 9PM. However, the pennant-shaped Norwegian vimpel can be flown at any time.
Take that fact and stick it away in your 'Must Remember for Jeopardy! Category'
Take that fact and stick it away in your 'Must Remember for Jeopardy! Category'
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Northampton to Notre-Dame to Norway
And here I am, sitting in a beautiful mountain-top cabin, looking out over an amazing view. Sarah, Kristian & I came up to Kristian's cabin in Sirdal for a night and, despite that walk that almost sent me to an early grave (good thing I had lots of lefse to resuscitate me), it's been great so far. To catch up...
End of term came and, with it, beautiful weather arrived in Northampton. Sunny, blue skies and 20 degree weather in early April? I'll take it! I flew out to Paris the Sunday evening after mid-term started and Heather, Angela & I were so excited to see the Eiffel Tower, lit up and looming in the near distance. Our room was on the top floor of the hotel, looking over the River Seine and the original Statue of Liberty with an amazing view of the city spread out below. We dumped the bags and went to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. The rest of the week..
Monday--First stop: back to the Eiffel Tower and up to the top observation deck, almost 1000 feet above the street. As high as it was, I wish there had been a glass observation deck to step out onto to really get the full effect of the height. After that, a walk through the Tuileries, and we arrived at the famous pyramid in front of the Louvre. Deciding to come back later in the week, we headed to Notre-Dame and walked up the 400 steps to the top of the towers to see the gargoyles up close and another amazing view of the city. The inside of the cathedral was beautiful beyond description. A quick supper and back to the hotel to nurse my flaming sunburned skin.
Tuesday--A day-long trip to Versailles and my being a resident of an EU country meant free admission...I'll take it! The Palace and gardens were so beautiful and I had one of those 'woah' moments where I realized I was walking through the buildings and grounds that I had studied throughout high school and university. It was great. Back to the city, some more wandering and eating (I suspect that crepes are infused with cocaine, they are that addictive) and to bed, to bed.
Wednesday--A road trip today! We drove to Pierrefonds, a beautiful village about an hour outside of Paris, where the TV show Merlin is filmed at an amazing castle. Lots of wandering around and pictures taken. It was neat, too, that the entire TOWN shut down between around 1-4. Seriously...restaurants, hotels, stores, gas stations...everything was closed! It was kinda neat. However, despite the beauty of the castle and village, it wasn't worth the drive that included several extremely close calls that would have given me a first-hand experience of the French health-care system. Note to my readers out there: NEVER assume that you can drive in Paris without several strokes and a heart attack or two from the stress. I was a passenger in the car and that was bad enough.
Thursday--Our last full day in Paris. Woke up and walked to the original Statue of Liberty and then the Arc d Triomphe. I wasn't feeling too good, so I figured I'd go easy on the crepes for the morning. We walked to the Louvre and, by that time, I knew it was more than crepe-overload. I tried standing in line, twice, for tickets (another place where I would've gotten free admission) and had to bolt, twice, for the bathroom, thinking I was about to heave all over the pristine floors. The rest of Thursday, my last full, beautiful, afternoon, saw me sleeping off a 12-hour stomach flu.
Friday--Up, pack, airport. Take off, land, coach, another airport. Take off for Stavanger! On the flight, I met a guy who is from Stavanger and studying in the UK. He gave me some travel tips for other trips...next vacation!
My visit here so far has been amazing. Went out to watch the Madrid-Barcelona football match on Saturday and the rest of the time has been spent keeping up with our hectic schedule...up around 10, lazy breakfast, out with friends for shopping, eating, etc, some serious Wii marathons, BBQ for supper...
What a tough life I live.
End of term came and, with it, beautiful weather arrived in Northampton. Sunny, blue skies and 20 degree weather in early April? I'll take it! I flew out to Paris the Sunday evening after mid-term started and Heather, Angela & I were so excited to see the Eiffel Tower, lit up and looming in the near distance. Our room was on the top floor of the hotel, looking over the River Seine and the original Statue of Liberty with an amazing view of the city spread out below. We dumped the bags and went to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. The rest of the week..
Monday--First stop: back to the Eiffel Tower and up to the top observation deck, almost 1000 feet above the street. As high as it was, I wish there had been a glass observation deck to step out onto to really get the full effect of the height. After that, a walk through the Tuileries, and we arrived at the famous pyramid in front of the Louvre. Deciding to come back later in the week, we headed to Notre-Dame and walked up the 400 steps to the top of the towers to see the gargoyles up close and another amazing view of the city. The inside of the cathedral was beautiful beyond description. A quick supper and back to the hotel to nurse my flaming sunburned skin.
Tuesday--A day-long trip to Versailles and my being a resident of an EU country meant free admission...I'll take it! The Palace and gardens were so beautiful and I had one of those 'woah' moments where I realized I was walking through the buildings and grounds that I had studied throughout high school and university. It was great. Back to the city, some more wandering and eating (I suspect that crepes are infused with cocaine, they are that addictive) and to bed, to bed.
Wednesday--A road trip today! We drove to Pierrefonds, a beautiful village about an hour outside of Paris, where the TV show Merlin is filmed at an amazing castle. Lots of wandering around and pictures taken. It was neat, too, that the entire TOWN shut down between around 1-4. Seriously...restaurants, hotels, stores, gas stations...everything was closed! It was kinda neat. However, despite the beauty of the castle and village, it wasn't worth the drive that included several extremely close calls that would have given me a first-hand experience of the French health-care system. Note to my readers out there: NEVER assume that you can drive in Paris without several strokes and a heart attack or two from the stress. I was a passenger in the car and that was bad enough.
Thursday--Our last full day in Paris. Woke up and walked to the original Statue of Liberty and then the Arc d Triomphe. I wasn't feeling too good, so I figured I'd go easy on the crepes for the morning. We walked to the Louvre and, by that time, I knew it was more than crepe-overload. I tried standing in line, twice, for tickets (another place where I would've gotten free admission) and had to bolt, twice, for the bathroom, thinking I was about to heave all over the pristine floors. The rest of Thursday, my last full, beautiful, afternoon, saw me sleeping off a 12-hour stomach flu.
Friday--Up, pack, airport. Take off, land, coach, another airport. Take off for Stavanger! On the flight, I met a guy who is from Stavanger and studying in the UK. He gave me some travel tips for other trips...next vacation!
My visit here so far has been amazing. Went out to watch the Madrid-Barcelona football match on Saturday and the rest of the time has been spent keeping up with our hectic schedule...up around 10, lazy breakfast, out with friends for shopping, eating, etc, some serious Wii marathons, BBQ for supper...
What a tough life I live.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Go Tell it on a Mountain...
I can finally announce it! And I am very proud and happy to say..
I GOT THE JOB!
As of next year, this little Canadian will be working at Malcolm Arnold Academy on a permanent contract! Looks like you're stuck with me now, England. You have no idea what you're gettin' yourself into.
Today was an amazing day at school. Rehearsals for We Will Rock You (Probably referred to as WWRY from now on as it's much easier that way) are going well, I'm loving being part of the show! I get to go see it on the West End at the end of April, can't wait! After rehearsal, I attended a talk given by Nick Mason, legendary drummer for Pink Floyd! I got to meet him and get his autograph...may have almost peed a little. Pretty exciting stuff for sure!
Heading to Paris in a few days, and then hitting up Norway shortly after! Can't wait for the holiday :)!
I GOT THE JOB!
As of next year, this little Canadian will be working at Malcolm Arnold Academy on a permanent contract! Looks like you're stuck with me now, England. You have no idea what you're gettin' yourself into.
Today was an amazing day at school. Rehearsals for We Will Rock You (Probably referred to as WWRY from now on as it's much easier that way) are going well, I'm loving being part of the show! I get to go see it on the West End at the end of April, can't wait! After rehearsal, I attended a talk given by Nick Mason, legendary drummer for Pink Floyd! I got to meet him and get his autograph...may have almost peed a little. Pretty exciting stuff for sure!
Heading to Paris in a few days, and then hitting up Norway shortly after! Can't wait for the holiday :)!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
I Got It!!
Yes, it's true!! I've got it!
A new roommate, that is. (Oh, isn't that a nasty little trick?)
I did have my interview at school today and I am optimistic (and hopeful x10) about it. Sadly, I have to wait until Friday or the beginning of next week until all candidates are interviewed to know whether I got the post or not. Good thing I have patience abounding.
But, what I do have for sure and certain is a new roommate! He came to view the place on Sunday and, Monday afternoon, I told him that he'd be welcome to move in. He's a really great guy, laid back and easygoing. I'm looking forward to having someone else around the place... I just hope he's ready to live with the little whirlwind that is me.
So, until next time--whenever I hear back about the job--fingers crossed and optimistic thoughts!
A new roommate, that is. (Oh, isn't that a nasty little trick?)
I did have my interview at school today and I am optimistic (and hopeful x10) about it. Sadly, I have to wait until Friday or the beginning of next week until all candidates are interviewed to know whether I got the post or not. Good thing I have patience abounding.
But, what I do have for sure and certain is a new roommate! He came to view the place on Sunday and, Monday afternoon, I told him that he'd be welcome to move in. He's a really great guy, laid back and easygoing. I'm looking forward to having someone else around the place... I just hope he's ready to live with the little whirlwind that is me.
So, until next time--whenever I hear back about the job--fingers crossed and optimistic thoughts!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
And So the Hunt Begins.
I am in the market for a new roommate. While I have thoroughly enjoyed the last few months of living alone, I have realized that if I want to keep travelling at every half-term and long weekend (and go back to Canada twice a year), it would probably be pretty handy to have someone help out with the bills. So, the hunt is on for a roommate that:
--Is considerate
--Is mature, responsible, dependable
--A nonsmoker
--Won't steal my stuff or annoy the life out of me on a daily basis
And, the little things that matter so much...you know, not have any prior murder convictions, no restraining orders taken out against them, be able to speak the same language, not lurk around the apartment like Dracula looking for his next victim...
I met with one guy who came to view the place. My last roommate requirement (actually, the previous 2) were made with him in mind. This man, Ivan, shows up and he spoke no English, despite contacting me in flawless English. A nice little surprise for me. He also looked like something out of A)a Hannibal movie or B)a Stephen King book. The guy gave me the downright creeps. He was out as soon as possible and I told my doorman to not let him in if he sees him again. Creeeeeep. I've met with 2 other people so far, with some more prospects available. Fingers crossed!
School-related items now: I have an interview this coming Wednesday for my job at Malcolm Arnold to become a permanent post. It looks like I may have the potential to be kicking around England for the next few years. I'm looking forward to my interview, but I wish it were Monday morning so I could get it done and over with!
The drama club has just begun rehearsals on the school musical, We Will Rock You. I am sooo excited and so happy that my faculty head asked me to help out. I really miss being involved in drama and choir--this combines the best of both worlds! The show will go up the first week of December--a long way away, I realize, but it will be worth it in the long run. (And, the school has to hire me back now! I need to see We Will Rock You through until opening night!)
Onto the more fun things in life...I leave for Paris & Norway in 15 days! A 6-day trip to Paris followed up by a 9 day trip to Norway and that makes for one hell of a half-term holiday! I am very excited to go and excited to get even more stamps on my passport :).
I had very good intentions of making this a really productive day and, somewhere in the middle of the naps and Corner Gas marathon, that hasn't exactly come to pass. I have finished marking my books and plan to get Monday's lessons all planned before bed tonight. And I did some errands around town...so that kinda counts. Right now, however, I am sitting in my dark apartment marking Earth Hour. No planning possible in the dark!...Does being on my laptop defeat the purpose of Earth Hour? It's battery-powered if that makes it any better.
I think I can also safely say that spring has arrived in England. The better part of the last week saw temperatures around 15 or 16 degrees and sunny every day. The weather is beautiful here and I plan to enjoy it before the rain sets in again. I still miss the snow and cold from back home, but I have to admit I am enjoying the sunshine months earlier than I'm used to!
The next post will be one of three things:
--A celebratory note that I have found a roommate that is not a certified creeper
--A celebratory note about a successful job interview or,
--A farewell letter to England because I was not rehired and, in a fit of rage, I burned down my school and ran away to Norway. Don't tell the cops.
PS--Happy election season Canada! I'm registering to vote from abroad and I am excited to help take part in the downfall of Harper and his minions. Hopefully.
--Is considerate
--Is mature, responsible, dependable
--A nonsmoker
--Won't steal my stuff or annoy the life out of me on a daily basis
And, the little things that matter so much...you know, not have any prior murder convictions, no restraining orders taken out against them, be able to speak the same language, not lurk around the apartment like Dracula looking for his next victim...
I met with one guy who came to view the place. My last roommate requirement (actually, the previous 2) were made with him in mind. This man, Ivan, shows up and he spoke no English, despite contacting me in flawless English. A nice little surprise for me. He also looked like something out of A)a Hannibal movie or B)a Stephen King book. The guy gave me the downright creeps. He was out as soon as possible and I told my doorman to not let him in if he sees him again. Creeeeeep. I've met with 2 other people so far, with some more prospects available. Fingers crossed!
School-related items now: I have an interview this coming Wednesday for my job at Malcolm Arnold to become a permanent post. It looks like I may have the potential to be kicking around England for the next few years. I'm looking forward to my interview, but I wish it were Monday morning so I could get it done and over with!
The drama club has just begun rehearsals on the school musical, We Will Rock You. I am sooo excited and so happy that my faculty head asked me to help out. I really miss being involved in drama and choir--this combines the best of both worlds! The show will go up the first week of December--a long way away, I realize, but it will be worth it in the long run. (And, the school has to hire me back now! I need to see We Will Rock You through until opening night!)
Onto the more fun things in life...I leave for Paris & Norway in 15 days! A 6-day trip to Paris followed up by a 9 day trip to Norway and that makes for one hell of a half-term holiday! I am very excited to go and excited to get even more stamps on my passport :).
I had very good intentions of making this a really productive day and, somewhere in the middle of the naps and Corner Gas marathon, that hasn't exactly come to pass. I have finished marking my books and plan to get Monday's lessons all planned before bed tonight. And I did some errands around town...so that kinda counts. Right now, however, I am sitting in my dark apartment marking Earth Hour. No planning possible in the dark!...Does being on my laptop defeat the purpose of Earth Hour? It's battery-powered if that makes it any better.
I think I can also safely say that spring has arrived in England. The better part of the last week saw temperatures around 15 or 16 degrees and sunny every day. The weather is beautiful here and I plan to enjoy it before the rain sets in again. I still miss the snow and cold from back home, but I have to admit I am enjoying the sunshine months earlier than I'm used to!
The next post will be one of three things:
--A celebratory note that I have found a roommate that is not a certified creeper
--A celebratory note about a successful job interview or,
--A farewell letter to England because I was not rehired and, in a fit of rage, I burned down my school and ran away to Norway. Don't tell the cops.
PS--Happy election season Canada! I'm registering to vote from abroad and I am excited to help take part in the downfall of Harper and his minions. Hopefully.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A Little Pick-me-Up
If you are ever, ever having a bad day at work or a bad day in general...click here.
PS, happy St Patrick's Day! Here's to green beer, Irish music & cute bartenders. ...Reminds me of Dublin. Cheers!
PS, happy St Patrick's Day! Here's to green beer, Irish music & cute bartenders. ...Reminds me of Dublin. Cheers!
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