BEKLAGER!!! (SORRY!!!)

I just realized that neither Britta nor I did you all the honors of letting you know that we are indeed back on American soil and not still overseas!
Alright rewind and fast motion..GO!
Norway was one the best things that's ever happened to me! Britta and I both agree that going back is a must =) We both did well on our final exams (written and oral exam...intense!), and loved our last week in Norway spent with our great Norwegian friend Sunny and cousin Rachel who was in Norway a total of 5 weeks while we were there! We went sailing, cliff jumping, tanning, shopping and much more!
Looking back almost seems like a dream...it was definitely a dream come true! The other day I was showing one of my friends Norway on google...I went on the very streets that I walked on there...saw the driveway that Britta and I would run down to get to our morning bus to the t-bane station in time...I saw the grocery store that we would frequently stop at to get food after a long day of class and visit our friend Stian...the memories that flooded my mind almost made me cry...such an amazing experience I can't begin to explain.
Thank you all for supporting us in this trip!! It means a lot.
Ja, jeg snakker norsk ganske bra! Jeg håper du trives så godt og håper jeg å se deg snart!
Fred,
Aanna

I dag er Onsdag. Tjueattende juli.

Hei hei!
Wow, it's been awhile. You can take that as a good sign though. Britta and I have been crazy busy this past week. A good busy though! I know you all are probably sick of hearing this but I can't even begin to explain how much I've been learning at this "norskkurs" (norwegian course). I feel as though I can relatively well forstå (understand) norsk, lese (read) norsk, but still working on the snakker (speaking) part. The hardest part is conversing that's for sure. Other than school us two have been spending time with the Føyen family...Askier, Tone, Robin, Annick, and Stian. Random movie nights, waffle making, and horse drawn buggy rides are always a highlight of my day! Also been hanging out with friends from school. Last week we went hiking in Nordmarka (north woods) and picked blueberries! Our hiking destination was a gorgeous lake which we all went swimming in; AWEmazing!
This past weekend we went to a Holocaust Museum..it was very good. The center itself was one of the coolest parts as it was the house of Vidkun Quisling, the man who betrayed Norway and housed the dreaded Nazis. It presented a lot of information on anti-semitism, WWII, and the events leading up to it. They even had little hand held speakers that you would push in the button and push play so we could hear the text in English! Haha, definitely a new experience in a museum for me. It never gets old to experience a country where English is the SECOND language.
Ja ja! All in all having a fantastisk time here!
Sorry I can't write more but I have to get ready for school now.
Hadet!
Hils fra Norge,
Aanna

It's okay, we're still alive!!

Hullo to all!
Haha I apologize for the delay in updates on this...first of all, our internet has been down for more than a week now because of a massive thunderstorm. I love thunderstorms! But have a hint of dislike for them when they inconviently kill the interent server. However, it has been nice to spend those few extra minutes you have throughout the day sipping tea, reading a book, picking raspberries, or going on a walk instead of spending time on FB, e-mail, and the like. Oh yes, and homework tends to take up some of those minutes too =P also, life has been crazy busy over here this past week and a half! a good busy =)
Lovely cousin Rachel is now in Norway and stayed with Britta and I for a couple nights. It was great girl time spent at a lake, shopping downtown, seeing some sites, spending the rainy day watching the Lord of the Rings (it's been way too long since I've seen those! very fun to watch them again--great memories of playing "Lord of the Rings" in our woods with the cousins; we'd each pick our character and go kill the Ork (aka the cows) =D ) and we had some cooking experiments too. Making brownies with Norwegian directions was a lot of fun! "what in the world is a "dl"??!! I don't know...this looks like the right amount of oil to me---here goes!" all in all, it was a vunderful goot time! Rachel is awesome and to see her in Norway was priceless! All of us three fly back to the States together in August which will be a great way to end our time here.
Oh my, we also climbed a mountain! More on that later as it deserves some photos to go along with it =D I will give you a sneak peek and tell you that it was one of the most gorgeous sites I've ever seen and one of the most amazing experiences ever.
Class has been going well---still learning a ton that's for sure! It's been really exciting to continally learn and advance in my eavesdropping skills! =P Just the other day I heard a woman say "du er flott" (you are great) on the phone! I told Britta that when I get back to the States I'm going to have a severe case of ADD because I'll be able to understand almost all the voices around me! Hahahaha. We've had a couple tests to make sure we're on track and learning what we're supposed to. The only test that counts, however, is the final exam. So...pressure's on!
All this to say, sorry for the delay, we are still alive, loving our time here, and more on everything later! We should get getting internet in the next couple of days so hopefully I'll get some pictures on here along with more stories...the stories seem to keep adding up! =)
Until later, have a wonderful day!
Hadet!
Aanna

Weekend Excursion

What an adventure! 7 hour hike in Jutenheimen (national park in Norway). Got the best of both worlds-- Experienced sunshine, blue-skies, tank top weather, spectacular view, AND horizontal rain :P , wind, heavy fog (basically walking through a thick cloud on top of a mountain), not sure if you're soaked because your raingear gave out, from sweat, or both. HA!

If you wanna feel alive, climb a mountain.

- Britta

Observations in Norway

So... Aanna and I have several pages in our journal dedicated to random observations in Norway. My list is growing and it is fun to look it over. I have a new observation that I thought interesting and wanted to share. Most families have one or two vehicles. Compare that to the states, to people you know, to your own household. The family we are staying with has 5 members. Guess how many vehicles they have..? One.

A bit of Norway from me to you,

Britta

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood..

Hello all! bout time I wrote my second post- ha!
Oh man.. I am just loving living in Norway and experiencing so many new things!
Norskkurs is going very well and Aanna and I are quite enjoying it.
Football (soccer) is veeeeeeery popular here. Someone told me it's like having the superbowl almost everyday. I think that is a great way to describe it. ;D
Aanna and I have a specific route we take everyday bus 70 then once downtown switch to the tram headed for Blindern. We have started to notice the 'regulars' which is kinda fun. :)
Yesterday Aanna, Annick (friend here at our host home), and I went over to Annick's grandma's house. She welcomed us in and served us kaffe og brødshiver med syltetøy. Delicious and delightful!
Today is Annick's 21st b-day (it's not as 'big' of a deal here like it is in the states :P ). There is going to be a close family and friends party here on he farm (sounds like my birthdays :D ).
Tonight the ISS program is hosting a Norwegian cultural evening at the University. They will have traditional music, dance, food, folktales, and such. I am excited! And sooooo ready for a bowl of rømmegrøt. mmm mmmm!

Time for me to make breakfast and soon head to the bus stop. :)
I hope you all are well and enjoying your summer!!!

Britta

Chocolate, Flowers, and Jetlag

Sorry this is out of order and late, but thought this post and photos deserved to be mentioned!
The day we flew out, our cousin Gene surprised us at the airport with hugs, smiles, chocolate, and flowers. What a stud!!! It made leaving the country that much easier and exciting. I think he was able to comfort mom and Greta after we left too =) Thank you Gene!!! We love you so much! (and have probably told the story of you being our prince charming at the airport a million times =D ) The sweet smell of the flowers and delectable milk chocolate made our jet lag at the airport that much more bearable =)

-Aaaaaaannnnnaaaaaaaa

Week 2 already??

Hullo!
Aanna here.
Currently enjoying the afternoon sitting on a comfy blue couch with the sunshine streaming in from the window...ahhh =)
Class is going well; I did some calculating and figured out that in 1 class day we learn a week's worth of information! So it definitely is a lot to learn but I love it. I feel as though I'm learning just as much outside of the classroom as in because of being fully immersed in the culture! I've been told that I pick up on the Norwegian accent very well...so yay! Blast those American "R's"! =P
Britta and I are now at the Føyen's abode! It really is idyllic here...great paths for running/walking, a lake nearby, lots of room and space for relaxing, great yard, hammock in the tree, horses, flowers....and overall wonderfully welcoming people with great smiles ya shur ya betcha! God has definitely blessed us with hospitable friends.
Last weekend was a winner to be sure! (as if this trip as a whole isn't...??? hahaha) Hal and Ingerid took us to Hal's family's cabin on the coast of the Oslo Fjord. Absolutely stunning! It was really nice to be able to spend some quality time with them before switching houses and not worry about the next tram to catch, class to make, or people to meet up within Oslo. They took us to the End of the World---one of my new favorite places! I'll try and put some photos up soon to give you at least a glimpse of the unique beauty within the rocks, jellyfish, water, boats, lighthouse, paths, and bridges....yeah, it was pretty much amazing.
On Sunday, back at Ingerid's house, Britta and I had a 4th of July get together with friends that consisted of kubb, grilling, pølse med lompe og potetsalat (best way EVER to eat a hotdog!!), and craziness. It definitely was different celebrating the 4th in another country but great to have people to spend it with!
I'm going to try and upload some photos on this place der den!
Thanks for your prayers and interest in this adventure Britta and I are experiencing! It's greatly appreciated! ...and always nice to know we may happen to be missed by at least one person =)
Peace,
Aanna

A couple snapshots of Norway!

1)Here we have the lovely Britta while we were waiting at the metro station...we're getting the hang of the transportation system here and love it! It's so smart and convenient. We have monthly passes that allow us to ride the metro, buses, and ferries within Oslo city limits.
2)Here's just a glimpse of the incredible architecture here in Norway. (thought you would especially enjoy this Danielle! =) Every house and building is unique in it's design, color, and intricate engravings.
3)Lastly, its me and Britta with Helena (lovely friend from Holland) at Vigeland Park. We had a great time taking pictures and talking...instead of following the group with the tour guide...teehee.

Hei hei!

Hei!
Jeg heter Aanna! Jeg kommer fra USA, men jeg bor i Oslo, Norge na. Sommerskole pa Universitit I Oslo er veldig veldig veldig moro!!! (my name is aanna. i come from the USA but i love in oslo, norway now. summerschool at the University of OSlo is very very very fun!! --my grammar may not be 100% correct...lol)
Oi..it's been awhile. Lots has happened since our last blog...
Today we had our second day of class. It's going very well!!
Before I go into that, let me update you a bit on what's been happening in my life here in EUROPEEEE!!! (sorry for the caps but I just have to keep reminding myself that this is for real. I AM IN EUROPE =D ok. my rant is done. lol.)
Britta and I are now semi-capable at riding the subway! It's super fun. We got a monthly pass that allows us to ride the subway, buses, and ferry as much as we want---very handy, we can get basically anywhere in the city of Oslo!
We've also been enjoying friend get togethers with our lovely host and hostess' (Hal and Ingerid) friends---bonfires, koob (sp?), cards, FIFA games, yummy food, and lots of laughter make these get togethers a vunderful goot time! =)
This past Sunday the ISS had a tour available to us students...it was great fun! We visited Vigeland Park (AWESOME sculpture park. going back for sure. actually, we're going there in an hour or so!), the famous Opera house, and a Viking Ship museum. All wonderful places, and since we didn't have much time at them specifically, we now know where to go again if we want! Not only did we enjoy good scenery but awesome company; the people here are awesome. The diversity is incredible Get a group of 10 or so people and you have people from Bangladesh, France, Holland, Africa, USA...etc! I am surprised, however, how many people are from the US; and out of those, how many are from the MidWest! I guess that's a Norwegian part of America though...so it makes sense =)
Classes started yesterday and it's going very well. My teacher is named Marte and she's wonderful at making our classtime exciting. And exciting it is!! This is my way of learning completely. Immersing myself in the culture, having 3 whole hours of complete brain drainage a day (LOL), and living with people who are more than happy to help me out....love it! I have a wonderful class---most everyone is happy to learn and excited to be here.
Last night the school hosted an Opening Ceremony at the City Hall of Oslo (yes, it IS, in fact, the place where the Nobel Peace Prize is presented every December!). It was so fun to see how many people I already recognized and knew from classes or campus activities. But not only that, everyone is so willing and excited to meet whoever they run into. There was a Norwegian guitar/vocal trio that was phenomenal; they played Norwegian, Irish, and Australian tunes. The food was delicious, the champagne was uhh...fizzy and yummy to sip =P , and the conversation delightful!
We are now staying at our relatives Ander and Kari's house. They have been incredibly hospitable and helpful while our crazy schedules unwind. I am amazed again and again with how welcoming and exuberant our Norwegian friends have been during out stay---so to all of you (you know who you are), thank you so so so incredibly much for your help in making this trip to Europe an enjoyable, informing, and smooth experience!
As of now, Britta and I are enjoying the sunshine, sitting on campus, and waiting for some of our girlfriends before we head over to Vigeland Park!
Before this turns into an essay I better go; you'll hear more later. And I plan to put some pictures up from the tour.
Thanks for reading! I hope you were able to catch a glimpse at how crazy, fun, and exciting these past few days have been despite my sporadic typing (the sun is glaring on my computer screen so I haven't the energy create a literature masterpiece).
Hadet!
Aanna

This is AWESOME!

Wow, everything is so new. My brain hurts from all the information (Norwegian language spoken everywhere, signs I can hardly read, figuring out class events and schedules, budgeting etc etc.) But I love it and want to experience more! I am, however, excited for things to become familiar. :) One of my favorite things is being with my totally rad sister and awesome friends in Norway. :) Experiencing all these new things together is priceless.
Driving around Oslo is very entertaining - so many beautiful buildings, funky styles/clothes, lush greenery.
The weather here is very unpredictable. Yes, SD's weather has many twists and turns - ha! - but it's different here. Yesterday was shorts and t-shirt day. Today is pants and sweater day. HA!

Until later ;)

Ha det!

Britta

Oh the things to learn in a new country!

Hei! Britta and I are busy on the computer figuring out class schedules, weekend excursions, and vunderful goot stuff like that so I thought I'd quick post a hello. Internet sites definitely help out with the little details....haha
Today was a great day (after being woke up at 12pm HA!) with Ingerid and Hal (two of the most hospitable and awesome people ever =). We went downtown Oslo and met up with the lovely Annick! It's so great to be in such a foreign place but see familiar faces. We had a mocca and great conversatin at a great cafe on one of the main drags in Oslo. Also got to experience an ATM machine---after about the 4th try we got it. I now have 600 NOK in my possession. Yeah, I feel cool. Anyways, time to go!
Hadet!
Aanna

WE MADE IT!!!

Alright folks. We are currently in Oslo, Norway!!! How exciting is that?!
Flights went well. The 8 hour flight to Amsterdam was a blast---we watched movies, played games, journaled, and even got fancy meals in cute little dishes complete with compartments and a brownie! Britta and I had a small scare after arriving in the Oslo Airport as we didn't have a way of contacting our friend, Ingerid, who was going to pick us up---I'm sure you'll hear more on that from Britta later =) God definitely pulled through and we are safe and sound!
After crashing (one of the deepest sleeps I've ever experienced!) for 2 hours at Ingerid's house she, her fiance, and a couple friends took Britta and I to a lake for a picnic/grill out! It was a wonderful first night to spend in Norway complete with delicious food, great conversation, and picked up on a few Norwegian words too! I have a feeling they all got a kick out of my questions of words, phrases, and landmarks and my amusement of listening to conversations I didn't understand a bit! Before turning in for the night, we drove around Oslo and saw the most spectacular views! It was pretty misty on the mountains tonight so it resembled that of a fairy-tale. Lovely. Can't wait to spend 6 1/2 more weeks here!
Well, that's all for now! Britta and I are here safe in Oslo! Tomorrow we have some errands to run (bus passes, bus maps...etc) and hopefully make it to the ocean. Orientation is on Saturday and classes start on Monday. Uffda! (A good uffda =) and YES! they really DO say uffda here. score!

-Aanna

Ready or not...here we come!!!

Velkommen! Guess where we're going?? Haha. I have the pleasure of composing our first post at...let's see...3:03 AM. Yes, we have to get up in 3 1/2 hours. Ah well, we have a nice long flight to Amsterdam tomorrow that I'm hoping will include pillows. For those of you who don't know, Britta and I are headed to Oslo, Norway where we will be staying with a gracious host family while attending the International Summer School at the University of Oslo (why yes, I do in fact feel quite awesome when I say that!!). We will be studying the Norwegian language at the University, participating in the campus activities, touring Oslo, taking the Bergen railway up to Bergen (imagine that!), sight seeing, visiting Ireland, meeting relatives...and that's just the beginning! We're both stoked. A dream come true that's for sure. Not sure how often we'll have time to update this but thought it'd be nice for those of you interested in our time overseas! These photos were taken while packing these last few days...and yes...it does take some energy out of ya...thankfully we have XS energy drink...yahoooo! Alright, judging from my droopy eyes, it's time to get some shut-eye. Prayers for safe travel and an awesome time in Europe are most welcome! Jeg er glad i deg! (I love you =)
Peace,
Aanna