The coast
Exploring
Our group, heading back to the cabin
The cabin, near Gulen, Norway
Hiking around the island
Sunniva, attempting to get the fire going
To all who follow the blog, I know I'm quite a bit behind in blogging. So many things have been going on that I can't keep up with the writing. Plus, it has been especially hectic now that I am coming home early. For anyone who didn't know, I currently have three interviews for a pediatric residency. Life is waiting and it's time to get back home.
Before I go, I thought of a few more things about the Norwegians that I connect with:
- They LOVE hazelnuts and hazelnut flavoring. Hazelnut cookies, hazelnut cereal, hazelnut coffee, hazelnut icecream. It's all heavenly.
- They take their dogs with them everywhere they go. Dogs are allowed practically everywhere: grocery stores, boats, and shopping malls to name a few. People walk their dogs in the middle of the city with no leash and it's perfectly okay. So great!
- Being a brunette is special. The blondes are a dime-a-dozen here, and being a brunette really catches the guys' eyes.
- They are very determined people. I went away this past weekend to a Norwegian girl's family cabin on an isolated island along the coast. She started a fire in the old-fashioned fire place, but the wind and rain was pushing the cold air down the chimney. The smoke wasn't able to go up the chimney and billows of smoke were flowing out of the fireplace. Relentless, she continued trying to get the fire hot enough to push the smoke out the top. No such luck. After an hour of fanning smoke out of the windows, coughing, and making most of our group get out of the house, she gave up.
I will be writing one last blog, "The German in Me" very soon. I went to Germany and Switzerland for 7 days and have to share a few of the things I observed. Stay tuned and thanks to all who have been active in their emails, comments, etc.
I love the personal references! You are filling in the gaps in your genetics that many of us still wonder 'why or how' about! I am so happy you took this opportunity to go to Norway and beyond. Your friendships and memories from this trip will last forever! Love you!
ReplyDeleteAll the photos of Norway that you have shared with us have made me think about how much our ancestors must have missed the water and the mountains when they moved to North Dakota. I wish we had a written record of their thoughts and feelings. It will be wonderful for your descendants to have a written record of your thoughts and feelings as a visitor. Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteOde to comments?! Can't you guys see I am busy over here!! hehe. ;)
ReplyDeleteAsh, nice pictures! I'm impressed. Thanks Diana. : )
Ok, these questions are for all of you ladies. Couple things that I am curious to hear your observations on...
What three foods/specific flavors are you craving the most? First out to eat place when you get back?
Have you had the opportunity to discuss the political situation in Northern Europe? Sweden has really been grappling with their immigrant debate and it's really challenged the whole typically tolerant region. Any insight?
Do their oil and natural gas reserves come up much? Do they talk about how they are saving money (hundreds of billions) for the future? Our oil spill?
Alright, just one more... Do the Norwegians (or Danes, if you're out there Sylvia) talk about the distinct international stereotypes about their culture and country? Do they like it? Mock it?
Ok. I should get back to changing which bannister my dress shirts are hanging on.
It sounds like everything is going great and hope you have all obtained a bevy awesome memories. We are excited for you gals to come home. : )
Yay for Ashley keeping up the blog and all the Pedo interviews!
ReplyDeleteAnd yay for Jeff's questions to ponder and brunettes being special...Jeff: I will think about some of them and share the rest with you in person:)
I can't wait to be back for Thanksgiving and I miss the Firm so much!
Let's plan a party:)