God jul! Merry Christmas! as well as a sad goodbye and a welcoming hello...

The 23rd was the start of Christmas Vacation here in Larvik.  I went to Oslo early to see Sophie and her friend Myrthe! 

We met up at Oslo S by BURGER KING (yes, even in Norway...) and looked through the tourist shops and some other stores before meeting up with Didrik.  We met up with him at Pepe's Pizza accross from the Grand Hotell. 

We had a great time, and when it was time to go, the day just went too fast.  I couldn't even believe that I got to see my French exchange student during my exchange in Norway!  How cool is that?! 

When it was time to go, we waited at the 5 spor and some random lady came up and started talking to us.  Now, this is totally abnormal in Norway, because if you don't know someone, you wouldn't THINK about talking to them.  So, when this lady came up to us and started openning her purse and showing us her money and cell phone, I thought about mine!  I looked behind us to make sure she wasn't distracting us so that someone could go through our bags and backpacks on our backs, but I think she was just crazy.  BUT she ended up making my day!  She was speaking Norwegian to us and I kept answering her in Norwegian and she came about asking "Hvor bor du i Norge?" or something like that meaning "Where do you live in Norway?" and I was so excited.  She just made my day.  "Jeg er fra USA!"  Then she went on to say "Så flink du er på norsk!...You're so good at Norwegian!  How long have you been here?  My grandkids are polyglots... blah blah blah" and then we lost her.  THANK GOD.  But, I WAS SO HAPPY THAT HAPPENED.  Some random lady in Oslo, probably a nuts one, made my day.  (Besides of course seeing Sophie and Myrthe).  Then Solfrid and I met up at her stop on the train and we rode home. 

A few days before that, I went out with Kristian and Merete to get the Christmas tree in the woods.  Little did I know that the one we picked would be too big for the living room . . .

We spent that night decorating the tree, eating Christmas treats and I attempted to find some Christmas music online to play on the piano.

We had a big dinner with many different things.

The next morning, Jon, Solfrid and I opened our stockings.  We had a lot of candy and little games.  We ate a big breakfast with all different kinds of Christmas cheeses and whatnot. WE went to church:

 and we watched the Wizard of Oz and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation".  Then we had a big dinner with lutefisk and ribb and many other things and openned presents.  We openned presents one by one.   I gave them some presents from home and some things from Norway.  I feel so loved here!  I recieved onepiece pjs with the Norwegian flag on it, a sweater from Moods of Norway and a lovely book.  (Among other wonderful things from home and my host families . . . ) 

The next day we had two dinner parties with friends and family and Skyped with my family and everyone at the annual Neisner Christmas Party!

The next day I spent packing and unpacking.  It was really hard to say goodbye to Kristian, Solfrid and Jon the day before; I didn't even get to say goodbye to Eirik!  :(  Merete drove me to Helle and Trond's home and when I had to say goodbye I finally broke down.  Then I unpacked and Line and I stayed up until 4am watching movies. 

Switching host families is difficult if you have become close with them.  Don't get me wrong, I was excited to switch, but I have also become very close and attached to my first host family.  I love them all so much.  Although I will see them a number of times before I eventually leave for USA, the fact that I already had to say "goodbye" means the real goodbye with be even harder. 

<3

after church 24th dec.

Today, I woke up sooo late.  I woke up around 1:30 pm.  I just relaxed all day and we made food for a family get-together tonight. 



they're gonna kill me when they see this picture xD
It's Cathrine, Line, Me and Maja :))

i hope this one makes up for it :D

We got matching hats for Christmas.  Can you tell?

By the way, I haven't gotten any taller since arriving in Norge. 

Darn.  

Short days and Juleferie

Date       Sunrise       Sunset       Length      
Dec 21    09:13         15:22         6:09          

It was a short day.

Today was the last day of school before Juleferie, or Christmas vacation.  We met at the Larvik church, where we had the Christmas concert, along with the school and had a service.  I sang in the choir along with the music program.  That was the first service I have been to in Norway.  It was neat because I could understand quite a bit of what the preacher was saying.

From there we went to the school (I was lucky and rode with Line instead of walking, it was -15 C) and had a party with gløgg, kake, quizzes and, of course, music.  Norwegians LOVE quizzes... especially when it includes chocolate or marsipan as the prize for the winning team.  xD  Gifts were exchanged as well as hugs and wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Then, we all went out into the hallway - by all I mean the ENTIRE school - and we sang Christmas carols on the stairwells on all five floors.  There was also an impressive performance of a Norwegian-juleferie-version of Katy Perry's song "California Girls" by some kids in the younger music lines. 

Then, we were free and are free until January 3. 

Tomorrow I head to Oslo to see SOPHIE!!  I can't believe it.  Ever since I was little, I imagined that I would see  the kids I hosted during my exchange.  I got to see one big brother (on a number of occasions) and now I get to see my little sister tomorrow! 

Julenissen kommer Dec 24!  Natta alle sammen.  Sove godt :)  God jul!

Isbada i Kjose!

Today was ICE BATH!!!  Yesterday, Kristian went outside and cut a hole in Farris, the lake on which we reside, with a chainsaw.  Yes, he had to cut a hole because it is totally frozen.  Why did he have to cut a hole in the frozen lake?  For ice bath, of course!  Pssh, what else...?

So, isbada is a tradition here in Kjose for my host family.  Every year they host a party in "Stigs Gym" (or what I call "the barn" or "fancy Kjose movie theater") where they invite the members of the gym or people who want to be members to do ice bath and go through a ceremony and party!  I heard about this before I arrived in Norway and wanted to do it ever since I heard it.  So another Norwegian wish is fulfilled! Hurra! 

We helped set up the barn yesterday evening.  It was sooo pretty!  Everything was red and white and the middle of the table had branches from pine trees. 

This morning we prepared the food to get ready for this afternoon!  I made a salad.  Yup.. Well, it was good... that's all that matters, right? 



op.no

 Then around 2 o'clock people started to arrive.  I came downstairs into the kitchen and met some of the others getting ready for isbada and a journalist from Østlands Posten, the local paper.  He interviewed us and we went down to the lake!  I put on my bikini with my ski jacket and Solfrid's snowboarding pants and boots over it and went down to the lake, towel in hand. 

http://www.op.no/nyheter/article5420605.ece (The article, I was quoted, but as Noe Ellen Neisner which literally means Something Ellen Neisner xD )

Kristian read the list of rules, and Nina, "icewoman 2009" went first.  We each had to do five strokes of breast, back and free.  After her went Merete, my host mom! 

No one was complaining or seeming like they were in pain. 

Then Kristian announced that I was next and it finally hit me.  For the first time I thought, "Why am I doing this??"  But then I realized I am an exchange student.  I have to try everything!  Plus, I have told myself that I was going to do it for months, so I was going to "man-up" and do it.  I had the rope tied around my waist for safety and I was in the water.

It wasn't as cold as I thought it would be... I just noticed that I couldn't feel my arms or legs.  I did the five strokes of each, and then I added in butterfly, just for kicks.  (Jim, be proud.)  And I got out. 

I guess I hit my hand when I was doing butterfly, because someone mentioned how much it must have hurt, but I didn't notice it... pretty much because I was totally numb.  xD  But, now I notice it... a lot. 

I felt more cold out of the water that I did in, so I tried to dry myself off as much as possible and quickly put on my clothes.  But, let me tell you, that's pretty difficult when you can't feel any part of your body.  It felt like my skin was vibrating all over and wherever I would try to use my towel as friction to warm me up, I literally couldn't feel through my skin. 

All I could think after I was done was: DOES THIS MAKE ME A VIKING???  Not exactly, but I did earn membership into Stigs Gym!

We had a ceremony where the new members (only me) recieved a t-shirt that said "Member of Stigs Gym" on the front and "No Pain No Gain" on the back.  I think it was very appropriate.  I was "dubbed" into the gym with a sword while the President (Kristian) and Vice President (Paul) of Stigs Gym wore capes and read rules and whatnot. 

And, I was extra extra lucky, because I was chosen to be ICEWOMAN 2010!!! Paul got ICEMAN 2010!!!

I got another framed certificate and a smashing bathing cap that said "icewoman 2010" on it.

Let me tell you, I'm proud of myself. 

I'm not just proud that I jumped into a frozen lake for about a minute, no.  I'm proud because I didn't chicken out.  I'm proud because I feel like I am a part of a family here in Norway.  Never in a million years did I think that I would be this close to my first host family, or a host family in general.  My host grandparents were there too and I always like to see them and talk to them. 

Let's see... on Wednesday I went to a spa with Solfrid and Merete called "Farris Bad".  It is a mineral water spa with SO many things to do.  We went for three hours.  Lots and lots of warm water on Wednesday, and lots and lots of cold water on Saturday.  That's a good week if you ask me.  ;)  It was an early Christmas gift from Kristian and I thank him so much for it! 

:):) 

Winter Darkness in Norway isn't a joke.

When I tried to wake up this morning, I literally couldn't.  I could hear my alarm going off at 6:25 am like usual, but I couldn't get up.  My alarm went to automatic 10-minute-snooze after a minute of ringing.  I kept telling myself that I needed to get up and get to school.  Just before it was time for the alarm to go off a second time, I got all of my strength and "awakeness" and turned off my alarm.  I wasn't going to make it to school today.  I feel totally exhausted. 

It is a little after 9 o'clock here and it is finally somewhat bright outside. 



11 o'clock sun. yup, that low in the sky.

 Lately, when I get on the bus a little after 7:30 am, the starts are still out.  I remember driving to school at this time last year and the sun was definitely above the horizon.  Here, you can see a faint light over the mountains to the south-east nearby, but the moon is nowhere near setting.  The sun used to be annoying on the bus in the morning, but now it is still not up when I arrive at school between 8:15 and 8:25.  It is lighter outside, but it still hasn't made it over the horizon.  During first class the sun decides to come up.  There is a building right next to the classroom in which I have most classes, so I can't see the sun or the brightness anyway.  The roof is see-through on the top of the school, but it is covered by snow so there is close to no light coming through there.  When I stand around with Martine, Alice and Sondre waiting for the bus most days after school, the sun is just above the horizon (seemingly in the same place) to the south-west getting ready to set.  This is only at 3:30.  By the time I arrive home between 4:15 and 4:30, there are already stars in the sky and the moon is out again. 

The darkness in Norway is intense... and I'm in the southern region!  I can't even imagine going up to Seløy at this time of year or even to the top of Norway (plus, it's colder there).  They have little or NO light during the days now.  On December 20/21 (I can't remember which day) the days will start going the opposite way.  But, we have a week left before that happens. 

I'm excited because in June are days when I can go outside and sunbathe at 1/2 am :D  I don't want it to be June, mind you, but I know that if I get through these extremely short days, I have the long ones to look forward to. 

The dark in Norway is really getting to me.  I feel tired all the time.  Yes, I'm still learning a pretty difficult language during the day which is very tiring, but this seems to just get worse everyday.  Like I said, we're about one week away from the shortest day of the year (AND ICE BATH IN FARRIS) but it has already taken over me.  (I suppose the ice bath is another way of waking up in getting ready for longer days again?)

Although the darkness of Norway and I are not friends at the moment, night in Norway has something to offer: Aurora Borealis/The Northern Lights. 

I typed in "Norway Northern Lights" into Google and this is what I got.  This was the color I saw in Seløy so I thought it would be appropriate to use. 

Now it's time for Noellen to go back to bed so she can recover.  Glad I got this down "on paper" before I forgot the next time I wake up today.

En god helg :D

This week, I was accepted into St. Louis University and not into Washington University in St. Louis, my dream school.  But, I have realized, as many times before, things will turn out for the best.  You know, maybe I wasn't meant to go to WashU, so I have decided to hold onto my acceptance into SLU, but check out schools HERE IN NORWAY!  Who knows? 

On another note...

We had another conference in Tønsberg yesterday, but this was because the President of Rotary International was there!  His name is Ray Klinginsmith, and he is a mutual friend of my uncle and grandfather!  It is so strange how small the world is today.  Especially with this exchange program - here I am, all the way in NORWAY and I meet the Rotary International President who possibly knew my grandfather.  . . . . . . It is just amazing.

It was really nice to see all of the exchangers again, too.  We all sat together and ate a fancy buffet-style lunch with really really really great dessert ;)  Then we performed the flag ceremony, got up on stage after Mr. Klinginsmith, and told a little about our experiences.  Tone asked Zak, Oscar and me to talk a little bit more about our experiences.  Zak is from Australia and is getting ready to go home; Oscar is a rebound who went to France; and I haven't even made it halfway yet.  Then, I was asked to play "Piano Man" (yes, again) while the other exchangers sang.  On the last verse, everyone joined in.  It really went with what Mr. Klinginsmith said about bringing the world together through the exchange program.  Music can do the same thing :D

Afterwards, Trond drove Nick (also from Australia) and me to Kjose.  We pretty much just hung out around the house and watched movies with Jon.  It was really great to hear about his experiences as an exchange student in Norway almost up until his leaving date (he leaves for Australia in only six weeks).  He is quite mature for only turning 16 a few months ago! 

This morning, we woke up around 8 o'clock and got to Oslo by train around 11:30.  Pretty much every shop was closed (being a Sunday) except the tourist shops.  I got Bauer something special (Mom/Dad, let Bauer know, because I'm pretty sure he doesn't read this hahaha) and a few others too.  We read on a sign the the stores were going to open around 14.00, so right when Didrik called and said that he could pick us up and bring us to his apartment for the party, we were psyched.  He picked us up at Oslo S. and we headed to the apartment.  We drank "gløgg" (i have NO idea how to spell that), baked pepperkake (gingerbread), made cards, made little people out of toilet paper rolls and did a Christmas quiz.  It was so much fun. :D

We left around 3:30 and Didrik drove us back into the city to "Oslo City", the shopping mall.  We shopped for a few more hours and then took the bus home. 

Here are a few pictures from this weekend:



The conference



my speech ;)



all the exchangers




President, me, Nick, Oscar



sing us a song...

Ray Klinginsmith

You know you're no longer in USA and in Norway when...

1. You eat bread at every meal.
2. Liverpaste is your lunch for school today.
3. The post office icon looks like a pokemon ball.
4. Everyone is a polyglot.
5. Girls always have braids.
6. Boys always gell their hair.
7. Everyone is beautiful!
8. It is dark when you arrive at school.
9. It is dark when you arrive home froms school.
10. All American movies (movies in English) have Norwegian subtitles.
11. You choose your seats before going into the movies.
12. People don't say "excuse me" or "please".
13. "Mmmm" becomes a filler during a conversation.
14. Breathing in and saying "ja" is a conversation filler.
15. Lunch is around 11-11:30 and dinner is between 4-5:30.
16. Open-faced sandwiches wrapped with wax paper is lunch.
17. The ocean is never far away.
18. Socks are pulled up over the bottom of pants - espcially sweatpants.
19. Leather boots and leather jackets are always in.
20. Selbuvotter are a must-have.
21. Scarves with t-shirts are a year-round fashion statement.
22. Huge '70s-styled sweaters are also a must-have.
23. You say "koselig" more times than necessary.
24. Everyone skis.
25. Everyone owns a boat.
26. Everything starts on time, if not before.
27. Everyone barbeques in the summer.
28. You know Norwegian chocolate is better than any other chocolate in the world.
29. You shop at the tax-free shop or in Sweden to save money.
30. Everyone is outside on the weekend.
31. You dress up in bright red pants and spray young kids with water when you're a senior.
32. People are "cold".
33. You know the Jante laws.
34. You bring your own everything to parties. No sharing.
35. Russeball is fancier than prom and costs more.
36. You eat cheese at breakfast... brown cheese to be exact.
37. The National Day is on May 17th.
38. The bus stop is only where the bus stops... not where people wait for the bus.
39. You miss the sun in the winter.
40. You want more dark in the summer.
41. "Is-bad" is a rite of passage.
42. You need help opening a door.
43. There isn't a real word for please besides "vær så snill" aka "be so kind".
44. You hear "så flink du er"!
45. There are movies about Troll Hunters.
46. You have a visit from Nissen instead of Santa.
47. People don't applaud, they clap to the/a beat.
48. Girls wear giant pearl earrings, even if they're emo.
49. You drink warm/hot drinks at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
50. Wool socks are finally comfortable and necessary.
51. Gym class is only once per week.
52. You have to wear reflectors at the bus stop.
53. No one carries cash, but always has their bank card.
54. Everyone tries to look good for school and looks even better on the weekend.
55. Many people have clothes with the Norwegian flag on it somewhere.
56. Everyone hates on the Swedes.
56. If someone can't understand you, they automatically switch to English.
57. Different dialects sound like different languages.
58. Lefsa is an appropriate excuse for a breakfast.
59. You carry an entire carton of milk for lunch (preferably chocolate).
60. New buildlings are designer.
61. Everyone shops at H&M.
62. You slice cheese.
63. EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE.

<3 JEG ELSKER NORGE <3

OGSÅÅÅ!!!  TUSEN TAKK TO LAUREN!!!  SHE IS A GREAT FRIEND OF MINE THANKS TO THIS WONDERFUL PROGRAM!  SHE MADE MY BEAUTIFUL BANNER!!!  She is from BC and lives in Bergen this year, so I never get to see her, but I read her blog and she reads mine and we talk about our experiences a lot!!!  <3 xoxoxoxo THANKS LAUREN!!!

Tid so far

Vinter: Hanna and me

Line and me

So far, Tid is going really well!  We have had two shows, but I have practically lived at Bølgen for the last week...  I have been there everyday since last Friday and will be there until Sunday night.  I don't think I have mentioned this before, but the show is centered around two famous Norwegian dancers: Chenno Tim and Hanna Mjåvatn:



topp.no



They are both really talented and competed on the Norwegian version of "So you think you can dance" called "Dansefeber".  It is very inspiring to watch them dance. 

topp.no

This week I have also decided to spend with my second host family to minimize on my trøtt-ness... my tired-ness... and to minimize on the travel to and from Kjose.  It is really great getting to know them even better :D

I have had a lot of fun so far with the shows.  It vaguely reminds me of Miss Jackie's, but only because of the dancing.  Otherwise, this has more elements of a play than it does a recital.  There are actors, a "storyline" and many people working on set, sound and lighting.  Everything has a set time, no waiting for a dancer to get dressed.  I guess I am lucky to only be in two numbers (ballet and jazz) on "A days" and three on "B days" (with my little kids).  I am also getting a taste of the Christmas culture here. 

In the school, there is a Christmas tree up!  It is so nice, but I wish it were bigger, I mean, this school is HUGE!  It is very neat that a public school can say "Christmas Vacation" and put up a Christmas tree here rather than going about it in a roundabout way like "Winter Vacation" and "Holiday Tree" if even having one.  Pretty much everyone celebrates Christmas and even if they don't, they don't seem to mind the decorations!

Yesterday was our Christmas Concert in the Larvik Church.  (Again, public school concert in a church.)  We practiced all day in the church and had the concert that evening, but it started at the same time as my show at Bølgen, so I had to have Helle pick me up after playing "Gloria" and "Gentle Mary" (the third and fourth songs) and drive me there.  Luckily, all went smoothly. 

getting food during first act



lovely outfit...