Introduction (s)

 Introduction(s) 

Ah, alas the first post is finally here about five weeks after my arrival in Norway. This post is really about introductions as I have spent the last month being introduced to new places, new people, and new ways of doing things every single day.  

Introduction One: Home sweet Bergen 

On August 3, I arrived in Bergen with two checked suitcases, a rolling carry on, a backpack, a clunky ski case filled with my cross-country skis, and most importantly, my father. Some may say I overpacked, but I was proud of myself. After landing at the local airport, I was met by the vice principal of Bergen Katedralskole (Katten), or Bergen Cathedral School, which is where I will be spending a large portion of my time this year. She helped my dad and me squeeze my luggage into her sizable Volvo (at which point I was *less proud of my packing) and then drove us to where I am living this year. On the ride, I was in total awe. Looking out the window felt like I was looking at a pop-up version of the fairytale books I read growing up. 

And throughout the first week, my storybook home continued to expand as we explored the city. My dad and I cruised around on a fjord tour, hiked Mount Fløyen, visited the Aquarium, wandered through the fish markets, received a tour of Katten, and just generally saw the city. I feel incredibly grateful that he was able to be with me the first week. Not only did I have an adventure partner, but I also had someone to do the more practical firsts with such as: navigating the bus system, grocery shopping, buying a new SIM card, figuring out walking routes, etc.                

A picture from the boat as we entered a fjord

                                                                                                                                                                                    

Introduction 2: The housemates   

Because I will be interviewing them, for now I will just say this: I have met them, spent time with them, and even just in this short time, made memories with them. More to come! (-:  

Introduction 3: The Fulbright-Norway Foundation, fellow grantees, and the capital city 

Indeed, my third week in Norway was not spent in Bergen but rather in the capital city of Oslo where the Fulbright-Norway orientation was held.  All the Fulbright grantees—scholars, student researchers, and student English Teaching Assistants (ETAs)—attended the first two days of orientation (a Wednesday and Thursday). In total, there are 35 grantees, and for those of you who may not know, I am one of the lucky four ETAs. Being around this group of people was electrifying; hearing about what brought each grantee to Norway and learning about each research project left my head spinning.  

    After sampling a spread of traditional Norwegian foods—my personal favorites being brunost (a Norwegian brown cheese) and salty licorice—on Thursday, everyone but the ETAs departed for their new homes. We four, on the other hand, got to stay until Tuesday with a super relaxed orientation on Friday, the weekend to spend as we please, and a trip to *Halden on Monday. While I could easily spend pages just debriefing the weekend, I will attempt to sum up some of my favorite moments from the week with this list:

1. Getting to know other people in the program (especially the other ETAS) 

2. An evening adventure to that ended on the roof of the Opera House    

3. Taking a ferry ride to monastic ruins with a surprise hello from dolphin friends and a watercolor sunset    

4. The Oslo philharmonic concert in front of the Royal Palace with skies that reflected the music  

 

5. A trip to Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art 

6. Learning about the Norwegian education system in Halden at the Norwegian Centre for Foreign Languages 

7. A phenomenal latte with a new friend at Tim Wendelboe (check out the coffee shops page!)

Introduction 4: New ways to approach the day-to-day 

Along with the “big introductions" in the first month, I have also started noticing daily practices that are different from what I am used to. Here are just a few:  

• The “pant” system: Items bought in plastic bottles and cans come with an extra fee, known as the “pant.” To get this money back, you collect your empty plastic bottle and cans and bring them to the pant machine at any grocery store. After putting the bottles and cans in the machine, you get the money back or can also donate it! Genius.  

• Taco Fridays: This rattled me for whatever reason, but Taco Friday is growing in popularity and making tacos with friends is common. 

• Walking (tennis) shoes with everything: Often called everyday shoes, they are worn with every outfit imaginable, or if dress shoes are truly necessary, then they are brought to change into upon arrival.  

• Rain jackets: A necessity for more days than not in Bergen. 

• Mountain etiquette: While Norwegians typically keep to themselves, the place a friendly hello (“hei hei”) is exchanged is in passing on the mountains. (:  

• 
  

 

A selfie from the top of our hike-- a lucky hour of sunshine during my dad’s week in Bergen 

If you get nothing more out of this post just know that I am inspired by the newness of life here. Bergen is beautiful, the people I have met are radiant, and I am looking forward to the year to come.  I am sure that with increased comfortability and the literal darkness and dampness that winter will bring, I will not always feel this way—but I will gladly ride the high for as long as it lasts. The next post will be all about the first interview, and until then, I am wishing you all happy and progressively cozy weeks in September.  

 

With hugs and (rare but extremely special) Bergen sunshine,  

Sarah