April 22, 2013-
Unfortunately my time in Norway had to come to an end.
Today I got up at 6 to catch the bus back to Oslo at 6:30, but before I left I had to eat pancakes and our Norwegian breakfast one last time.
After breakfast I got on the bus back to Oslo and then from Oslo to Rygge to catch my flight.
I was sad to be leaving, I had such a great time, but I know that I will be back one day!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
I Never Want to Leave
April 21, 2013-
Another great day of sunshine and semi-warm weather. This morning for breakfast we made strawberry and banana smoothies, something I've missed since I've been in Barcelona because we don't have a blender.
Maren made American pancakes (I've missed those too) and we had our typical Norwegian bread and cheese. After breakfast we walked to the nature museum of Elverum.
Just walking to the museum I got to see the beautiful landscape of Elverum. There is a river called the Glomma River that runs through the whole town. Apparently it runs all the way from the North of Norway all the way to the sea. The first day I got to Elverum the river had been frozen, but today the river just had chunks of frozen pieces and the water was flowing: you can imagine how beautiful that looked. There were bridges that went across the river to get to the other side of the town. Maren lived on one side and the heart of the town (mall, cafe, shops, museum) was on the other.
The nature museum had everything you wanted to know about what Norway is famous for: their wood, what they hunt, what they fish, etc. It was really interesting to walk around the museum and learn about typical Norway because most of the things I hadn't known. After all, I had never been to Norway before.
After the museum we went to drop off Maren's car at her Grandpa's house so that he could change the tires from snow tires to regular tires. We just took his car for the afternoon so we didn't have to wait. Around her grandpa's neighborhood was a ski jump where, at the top, you can see all of the town of Elverum. We climbed to the top, took pictures and just looked out. I always see the ski jumps during the Olympics, but I had never seen one in real life before. I have to say, they are pretty amazing to see, especially without it being covered in snow.
Then we went to dinner at Maren's moms house. Her mom made typical Norwegian meatballs, fresh vegetables and split peas. All of it was so delicious! For dessert we had ice cream and porage with cinnamon. We sat around and talked with her brothers and Mom for awhile and eventually drove home.
When we got home we watched movies and ate chocolate and candy all night.
Another great day of sunshine and semi-warm weather. This morning for breakfast we made strawberry and banana smoothies, something I've missed since I've been in Barcelona because we don't have a blender.
Maren made American pancakes (I've missed those too) and we had our typical Norwegian bread and cheese. After breakfast we walked to the nature museum of Elverum.
Just walking to the museum I got to see the beautiful landscape of Elverum. There is a river called the Glomma River that runs through the whole town. Apparently it runs all the way from the North of Norway all the way to the sea. The first day I got to Elverum the river had been frozen, but today the river just had chunks of frozen pieces and the water was flowing: you can imagine how beautiful that looked. There were bridges that went across the river to get to the other side of the town. Maren lived on one side and the heart of the town (mall, cafe, shops, museum) was on the other. 
The nature museum had everything you wanted to know about what Norway is famous for: their wood, what they hunt, what they fish, etc. It was really interesting to walk around the museum and learn about typical Norway because most of the things I hadn't known. After all, I had never been to Norway before.
After the museum we went to drop off Maren's car at her Grandpa's house so that he could change the tires from snow tires to regular tires. We just took his car for the afternoon so we didn't have to wait. Around her grandpa's neighborhood was a ski jump where, at the top, you can see all of the town of Elverum. We climbed to the top, took pictures and just looked out. I always see the ski jumps during the Olympics, but I had never seen one in real life before. I have to say, they are pretty amazing to see, especially without it being covered in snow.
Then we went to dinner at Maren's moms house. Her mom made typical Norwegian meatballs, fresh vegetables and split peas. All of it was so delicious! For dessert we had ice cream and porage with cinnamon. We sat around and talked with her brothers and Mom for awhile and eventually drove home.
When we got home we watched movies and ate chocolate and candy all night.
I Love the Norwegians
April 20,2013-
Well, today the sky was blue and the sun was out: something foreign for Norway this early in the year. I brought the sun from Barcelona, what can I say :).
We slept in, got ready, ate a typical Norwegian breakfast and then went to the local cafe where all the locals go on Saturday to drink coffee and chat.
For breakfast Maren made a special kind of pancakes. She mashed up one banana, then added egg and cinnamon, stirred it all together and cooked it in a small pan just like you would a pancake. It turned out just like one and it was delicious. Along with our banana/cinnamon pancake we had bread with cream cheese on it and topped it with their famous "brown cheese." On another slice of bread we had the same thing but a different kind of cheese on top the traditional Norwegian cheese called "Norvegia." And of course, my favorite, Leftsa.
After stuffing ourselves until we couldn't eat any more, we walked to the cafe.
When we got there we sat down at a cute little table. There were people sitting outside at tables and couches for people to sit at inside. It was such a cute cafe and nicely decorated.
Since we had already ate breakfast we decided to get an afternoon sweet. Looking at all the pastries I chose a random one that was authentic to Norway. Apparently the name of it was "kokosbolle," it was a chocolate on the outside, but filled with coconut cream on the inside, mmmm delishhh.
After our snacks we walked around more through the shops in the town, and eventually ended up finding the town mall. We walked around the mall which was mostly filled with clothing shops, however, then we found a flower shop. There were so many flowers that it was coming out of the store, so we stopped to "smell the roses (or flowers)" and looked around in there. The flowers were beautiful, I had wished my mom could have been with me so I could bring her home some or that we could come here together and look around.
We smelled the flowers and looked around the shops for awhile and then began our walk back home. When we got home Maren made another typical Norwegian dish for dinner. We had a type of hard flatbread with lunch meat on it and sour cream on top. As a side we had porage with butter and cinnamon.
It was one of Maren's friends birthdays today so we put on our cute dresses went out to her birthday party for the night. I got to meet all of Maren's other friends and see how the Norwegians celebrated birthdays. Everyone was so nice and so interested to hear about all my travels/ where I was from. I met so many new friends and loved every single one of them!
Well, today the sky was blue and the sun was out: something foreign for Norway this early in the year. I brought the sun from Barcelona, what can I say :).
We slept in, got ready, ate a typical Norwegian breakfast and then went to the local cafe where all the locals go on Saturday to drink coffee and chat.
For breakfast Maren made a special kind of pancakes. She mashed up one banana, then added egg and cinnamon, stirred it all together and cooked it in a small pan just like you would a pancake. It turned out just like one and it was delicious. Along with our banana/cinnamon pancake we had bread with cream cheese on it and topped it with their famous "brown cheese." On another slice of bread we had the same thing but a different kind of cheese on top the traditional Norwegian cheese called "Norvegia." And of course, my favorite, Leftsa.
After stuffing ourselves until we couldn't eat any more, we walked to the cafe.
When we got there we sat down at a cute little table. There were people sitting outside at tables and couches for people to sit at inside. It was such a cute cafe and nicely decorated.
Since we had already ate breakfast we decided to get an afternoon sweet. Looking at all the pastries I chose a random one that was authentic to Norway. Apparently the name of it was "kokosbolle," it was a chocolate on the outside, but filled with coconut cream on the inside, mmmm delishhh.
After our snacks we walked around more through the shops in the town, and eventually ended up finding the town mall. We walked around the mall which was mostly filled with clothing shops, however, then we found a flower shop. There were so many flowers that it was coming out of the store, so we stopped to "smell the roses (or flowers)" and looked around in there. The flowers were beautiful, I had wished my mom could have been with me so I could bring her home some or that we could come here together and look around.
We smelled the flowers and looked around the shops for awhile and then began our walk back home. When we got home Maren made another typical Norwegian dish for dinner. We had a type of hard flatbread with lunch meat on it and sour cream on top. As a side we had porage with butter and cinnamon.
It was one of Maren's friends birthdays today so we put on our cute dresses went out to her birthday party for the night. I got to meet all of Maren's other friends and see how the Norwegians celebrated birthdays. Everyone was so nice and so interested to hear about all my travels/ where I was from. I met so many new friends and loved every single one of them!
The Journey to Norway
April 19, 2013-
Today was the day, it was finally here! Today I was going to visit my close friend who lives in Norway. Her name? Maren.
Maren lives in Norway and studied abroad at Simi High my senior year. We met in English class and hung out all year together. She left the US and I thought I would probably never see her again.
However, all that changed when I came to Barcelona. Why not go to Norway? Not many people can say they've been to Norway before? and on top of that, I have the opportunity to reunite with one of my good friends. Here I go:
After waking up at 2:45 in the morning, leaving the house around 4 to catch the bus to the airport at 4:20, I got on my flight which left Barcelona Airport at 6:15 in the morning. All that would have been a hassle, except after all of it I was on a flight to Norway to see Maren.
The flight took 3 hours from Barcelona to a town outside of Oslo called Rygge (because RyanAir flies in to nearby airports that's how it's so cheap). From Rygge I got on the bus to the main bus terminal in Oslo: or so I had hoped. Norwegian is NOTHING CLOSE to any language I can speak so I had absolutely no idea what people were saying or what any of the signs said. Luckily the Norwegian people are taught English as soon as they begin school, so everyone knew English.
I finally arrived in Oslo and waited two hours for my next bus which would take me to the town of Elverum: where Maren lives. Eventually I made it on the bus and was off to finally see Maren. Bus time: 2 hours.
Maren was waiting for me at the bus stop right as we pulled in and finally, we were reunited at last!
I
didn't mind the bus rides because that meant I got to see the
countryside, which was absolutely beautiful. On the side of the road
would be mountains with beautiful rocks in the side and water flowing
down. As far as you could see was miles (or should I say kilometers) and
miles of forest. In my opinion Norway was the most beautiful country
I've seen. Yes, even prettier than Italy. It reminded me of the area of
Lake Shasta that we always drive through when going to Oregon every
year, just pure forest with beautiful views.
On our way to Elverum there was a huge frozen lake, we were driving on one side, and there were huge mountains and forests on the other. Again, this reminded me of the frozen lake we drive around in Oregon on our way to Bend. On the sides of the roads there were moose crossing signs all over: they have moose here, so much that they have to have signs for warning? HOW COOL!
Anyway, after Maren and I walked to her cute little home we set my stuff down and freshened up. Then we were off to watch a handball game: Norway's most famous sport. Her brother was playing in a tournament and her Dad was the coach.
Conveniently the handball game was at her Nursing school, so before the game we walked around, she showed me her classrooms and gave me a tour of her school. The school was so modern: so brand new. It was a beautiful school: not too big, but not too small.
Then we went in to the gym to watch the game. I met her whole family: her Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Grandma. Since her brother was playing the game I wouldn't meet him until later.
The
handball game was so different than any other sport I'd ever seen
before, but I loved it. It was a mix between soccer and basketball. Each
team has a goalie and they run up and down the court passing the ball
to each other, sometimes dribbling, sometimes just running except
handball is much more fast paced than basketball. The ball is flying all
over the place and traveling at dart speed. Then as the players reach
the other teams side of the court they throw it at the soccer type goal
(but not very wide). Of course there is a goalie protecting the net, but
when it comes that quickly, or they do tricks, it's very hard to react.
The games usually only last about 20 minutes each too, but the kids are
worn out by the end because of all the running back and forth.
Maren's brothers/Dads team won, by a long shot.
After
the game we went home, Maren's friends came over (about 3+her roommate)
and we all ate dinner together that her roommate had cooked for us
while we were gone. She made garlic bread and a type of Norwegian soup
with trout, salmon, shrimp and vegetables. Usually I don't like fish
much, but the soup was delicious! For dessert, one of Maren's friends
brought Neapolitan ice cream and we topped it with their version of
M&Ms called "non stops." Norway is also known for their amazing
chocolate, so not only were the non stops good, but they were made of
their Norwegian chocolate making them 100 times better. We also had
pieces of their famous milk chocolate called "Melkesjokolade": the best
chocolate I have ever tasted.
After ice cream Maren made an authentic Norwegian dessert: Leftsa. Which was basically flatbread rolled with butter, sugar and cinnamon inside. This was by far my favorite food that I had while I was there. I ate it with breakfast, lunch, and dinner the following days I was there.
We sat around and talked as we ate dessert, eventually it got really late and everyone went home. Maren's bed was so comfortable and I was tired from being up so early, I don't think I've ever slept so good in my life. Norway was home.
Today was the day, it was finally here! Today I was going to visit my close friend who lives in Norway. Her name? Maren.
Maren lives in Norway and studied abroad at Simi High my senior year. We met in English class and hung out all year together. She left the US and I thought I would probably never see her again.
However, all that changed when I came to Barcelona. Why not go to Norway? Not many people can say they've been to Norway before? and on top of that, I have the opportunity to reunite with one of my good friends. Here I go:
After waking up at 2:45 in the morning, leaving the house around 4 to catch the bus to the airport at 4:20, I got on my flight which left Barcelona Airport at 6:15 in the morning. All that would have been a hassle, except after all of it I was on a flight to Norway to see Maren.
The flight took 3 hours from Barcelona to a town outside of Oslo called Rygge (because RyanAir flies in to nearby airports that's how it's so cheap). From Rygge I got on the bus to the main bus terminal in Oslo: or so I had hoped. Norwegian is NOTHING CLOSE to any language I can speak so I had absolutely no idea what people were saying or what any of the signs said. Luckily the Norwegian people are taught English as soon as they begin school, so everyone knew English.
I finally arrived in Oslo and waited two hours for my next bus which would take me to the town of Elverum: where Maren lives. Eventually I made it on the bus and was off to finally see Maren. Bus time: 2 hours.
Maren was waiting for me at the bus stop right as we pulled in and finally, we were reunited at last!
On our way to Elverum there was a huge frozen lake, we were driving on one side, and there were huge mountains and forests on the other. Again, this reminded me of the frozen lake we drive around in Oregon on our way to Bend. On the sides of the roads there were moose crossing signs all over: they have moose here, so much that they have to have signs for warning? HOW COOL!
Anyway, after Maren and I walked to her cute little home we set my stuff down and freshened up. Then we were off to watch a handball game: Norway's most famous sport. Her brother was playing in a tournament and her Dad was the coach.
Conveniently the handball game was at her Nursing school, so before the game we walked around, she showed me her classrooms and gave me a tour of her school. The school was so modern: so brand new. It was a beautiful school: not too big, but not too small.
Then we went in to the gym to watch the game. I met her whole family: her Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Grandma. Since her brother was playing the game I wouldn't meet him until later.
The
handball game was so different than any other sport I'd ever seen
before, but I loved it. It was a mix between soccer and basketball. Each
team has a goalie and they run up and down the court passing the ball
to each other, sometimes dribbling, sometimes just running except
handball is much more fast paced than basketball. The ball is flying all
over the place and traveling at dart speed. Then as the players reach
the other teams side of the court they throw it at the soccer type goal
(but not very wide). Of course there is a goalie protecting the net, but
when it comes that quickly, or they do tricks, it's very hard to react.
The games usually only last about 20 minutes each too, but the kids are
worn out by the end because of all the running back and forth.Maren's brothers/Dads team won, by a long shot.
After
the game we went home, Maren's friends came over (about 3+her roommate)
and we all ate dinner together that her roommate had cooked for us
while we were gone. She made garlic bread and a type of Norwegian soup
with trout, salmon, shrimp and vegetables. Usually I don't like fish
much, but the soup was delicious! For dessert, one of Maren's friends
brought Neapolitan ice cream and we topped it with their version of
M&Ms called "non stops." Norway is also known for their amazing
chocolate, so not only were the non stops good, but they were made of
their Norwegian chocolate making them 100 times better. We also had
pieces of their famous milk chocolate called "Melkesjokolade": the best
chocolate I have ever tasted.
After ice cream Maren made an authentic Norwegian dessert: Leftsa. Which was basically flatbread rolled with butter, sugar and cinnamon inside. This was by far my favorite food that I had while I was there. I ate it with breakfast, lunch, and dinner the following days I was there.
We sat around and talked as we ate dessert, eventually it got really late and everyone went home. Maren's bed was so comfortable and I was tired from being up so early, I don't think I've ever slept so good in my life. Norway was home.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Holi Holi Holi
April 14,2013-
Today marked the much anticipated Holi Festival in Barcelona.
It looked interesting online, why not go!
Apparently the Holi Festival is something having to do with the culture from India. On the poster for the event it said there would be colored powder shot into the crowd and live music.
It was another beautiful day, so we got our old white clothes on (so that the color would show) and joined everyone else wearing white on the metro and headed to the festival.
When we got to the festival there was Indian music playing, people were crowded around listening and dancing. Most of the people were covered from head to toe with colored powder, it was the coolest thing! So, naturally, we joined the swarm of people and got in on the fun!
Within seconds we too were covered with colored powder, however, the festival had too many people and with everyone dancing/jumping up and down the ground started to shake and it got dangerous. Unfortunately the policia shut the festival down and everyone made their way up the stairs and back to the metro.
However, it was a gorgeous day and going home was not an option. We walked all around Barcelona just exploring and talking the whole way. We eventually stumbled upon the Segrada Familia and sat in the park right below it, got snacks, and ate in the sun.
We had walked such a far way and it didn't even seem like it!
I knew the Segrada Familia was close to my apartment, but we continued on our walk to find the neighborhood of Gracia.
As we were walking, for some reason, I looked up and the street was Sardenya: the street to my apartment!
Still covered in colors, we decided to change our plans and head to a park near my apartment to meet up with the Norwegian girls we had made friends with in my language class.
Unfortunately it was getting late in the afternoon and I needed a shower so I just went home and the rest of the group met up with the Norwegians. Let me tell you, taking a shower has never felt so good! I had color EVERYWHERE, even in my hair, but it was worth it because it was a great experience.
Today marked the much anticipated Holi Festival in Barcelona.
It looked interesting online, why not go!
Apparently the Holi Festival is something having to do with the culture from India. On the poster for the event it said there would be colored powder shot into the crowd and live music.
It was another beautiful day, so we got our old white clothes on (so that the color would show) and joined everyone else wearing white on the metro and headed to the festival.
When we got to the festival there was Indian music playing, people were crowded around listening and dancing. Most of the people were covered from head to toe with colored powder, it was the coolest thing! So, naturally, we joined the swarm of people and got in on the fun!Within seconds we too were covered with colored powder, however, the festival had too many people and with everyone dancing/jumping up and down the ground started to shake and it got dangerous. Unfortunately the policia shut the festival down and everyone made their way up the stairs and back to the metro.
However, it was a gorgeous day and going home was not an option. We walked all around Barcelona just exploring and talking the whole way. We eventually stumbled upon the Segrada Familia and sat in the park right below it, got snacks, and ate in the sun.
We had walked such a far way and it didn't even seem like it!
I knew the Segrada Familia was close to my apartment, but we continued on our walk to find the neighborhood of Gracia. As we were walking, for some reason, I looked up and the street was Sardenya: the street to my apartment!
Still covered in colors, we decided to change our plans and head to a park near my apartment to meet up with the Norwegian girls we had made friends with in my language class.
Unfortunately it was getting late in the afternoon and I needed a shower so I just went home and the rest of the group met up with the Norwegians. Let me tell you, taking a shower has never felt so good! I had color EVERYWHERE, even in my hair, but it was worth it because it was a great experience.
There's a Hard Rock Everywhere
April 12,2013-
Well, the beautiful weather has finally arrived in Barcelona, but unfortunately, so have all the tourists. On the weekends they come around in full force: clogging the sidewalks, walking across the street when they're not supposed to, and stopping in the middle of the sidewalk and pointing around in the air. It's alright though, they're helping Spain's economy!
Today we decided to have a little taste of America and meet up for afternoon lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona.
I was surprised when I went inside the building as they told me the only seating to eat was on the small outside patio. Usually the Hard Rock Cafes are HUGE, but maybe that's just the ones in America. We got a table on the patio and sat in the sun while we ate our delicious lunch. I had a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, fries, baked beans, and cole slaw. Oh how I've missed American food.... SO much!
After we were done at the Hard Rock we headed for the beach for the afternoon. We laid in the sun and people watched for the rest of the day, I even got a little tan. Finally I wasn't translucent anymore, what a perfect day!
Well, the beautiful weather has finally arrived in Barcelona, but unfortunately, so have all the tourists. On the weekends they come around in full force: clogging the sidewalks, walking across the street when they're not supposed to, and stopping in the middle of the sidewalk and pointing around in the air. It's alright though, they're helping Spain's economy!
Today we decided to have a little taste of America and meet up for afternoon lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona.
I was surprised when I went inside the building as they told me the only seating to eat was on the small outside patio. Usually the Hard Rock Cafes are HUGE, but maybe that's just the ones in America. We got a table on the patio and sat in the sun while we ate our delicious lunch. I had a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, fries, baked beans, and cole slaw. Oh how I've missed American food.... SO much!
After we were done at the Hard Rock we headed for the beach for the afternoon. We laid in the sun and people watched for the rest of the day, I even got a little tan. Finally I wasn't translucent anymore, what a perfect day!
Cross that off the Barcelona Bucketlist
April 13,2013-
A day when the suns out and the sky is so blue can never be wasted. I was missing the beautiful state of Colorado today.
As a way to somewhat pretend like we were in Colorado my friend and I decided to hike to the highest point in Barcelona, Mount Tibudabo. At the top of the mountain there's an amusement park with roller coasters and a huge church, not to mention an overview of the whole city of Barcelona.
So we began our journey to the top of the mountain. There was a tram that would take us to the top for a small fee, but we were determined to get our exercise in for the day and hike the whole way. Besides, it was a beautiful day, why not!
We walked along the small pathways surrounded by wild daisys and flowers. We even stopped a few times to pick some and put them in our hair. It was so beautiful to see grass, mountains, trees, and wild flowers again. It seems like living in the middle of the city it's a concrete jungle and I miss just being able to lay in the grass.
We made our way to the top, bought some ice cream as a reward for making it up there, and sat in the sun overlooking all of Barcelona for the afternoon. It was a long ways up the hill, but the top made it worth it.
After awhile, the sun was starting to go down so we made our trek back down the mountain. On our way down we saw a guy who had crashed on his bike because there were rocks on the path. He had dirt all over his face, but was surrounded by his friends and seemed like he was going to be okay.
We took our time going down the mountain because the quicker we were down meant back to the concrete jungle we'd go.
Well, as they say, all good things come to an end, and alas we made it down the mountain and got on the metro to take us home. When we got home I got on the computer and looked at how many miles it was to the top via the route that we took: 3 up and 3 back= we had hiked 6 miles today and it felt sooooo good!
What a beautiful day surrounded by nothing but nature: I'll be back to hike back up in a few weeks, Mount Tibudabo!
A day when the suns out and the sky is so blue can never be wasted. I was missing the beautiful state of Colorado today.
As a way to somewhat pretend like we were in Colorado my friend and I decided to hike to the highest point in Barcelona, Mount Tibudabo. At the top of the mountain there's an amusement park with roller coasters and a huge church, not to mention an overview of the whole city of Barcelona.So we began our journey to the top of the mountain. There was a tram that would take us to the top for a small fee, but we were determined to get our exercise in for the day and hike the whole way. Besides, it was a beautiful day, why not!
We walked along the small pathways surrounded by wild daisys and flowers. We even stopped a few times to pick some and put them in our hair. It was so beautiful to see grass, mountains, trees, and wild flowers again. It seems like living in the middle of the city it's a concrete jungle and I miss just being able to lay in the grass.
We made our way to the top, bought some ice cream as a reward for making it up there, and sat in the sun overlooking all of Barcelona for the afternoon. It was a long ways up the hill, but the top made it worth it.
After awhile, the sun was starting to go down so we made our trek back down the mountain. On our way down we saw a guy who had crashed on his bike because there were rocks on the path. He had dirt all over his face, but was surrounded by his friends and seemed like he was going to be okay. 
We took our time going down the mountain because the quicker we were down meant back to the concrete jungle we'd go.Well, as they say, all good things come to an end, and alas we made it down the mountain and got on the metro to take us home. When we got home I got on the computer and looked at how many miles it was to the top via the route that we took: 3 up and 3 back= we had hiked 6 miles today and it felt sooooo good!
What a beautiful day surrounded by nothing but nature: I'll be back to hike back up in a few weeks, Mount Tibudabo!
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