How do you know if you're in Bergen?? Well, here are a few ways....
1. You drink coffee black and at all hours of the day or night.
2. You're confused if someone you don't know smiles at you on the street (My theory is that they are just in a big hurry to get to a dry place, or a coffee).
3. Everything and anything is cozy, "koselig".
4. It doesn't matter how cold and wet, girls will still wear short dresses and tights out at night or short shorts with tights during the day! And heels...don't ask me how!
5. You bag your own groceries at the store.
6. Snus is just as popular as chewing gum. Ok, more popular.
7. You know what and where the Blue Stone is.
8. You may carry an umbrella but half the time, it doesn't even help.
9. Every other shop is a Thai restaurant or hair salon.
10. People flock outside when the sun comes out and you feel guilty if you're not one of them.
11. It snows but you wear your rain boots because soon enough, it will be slush.
12. You've eaten Grandiosa pizza or hot dog with bacon wrapped around it.
13. If you're looking for something to do, there is always a quiz night around somewhere.
14. You save your plastic water bottles to return to the grocery store.
15. If someone is coming to Norway, it's important to remind them to stop at Duty Free for some liquor.
16. You trip over everyone's shoes in doorways.
17. It's dumping rain/sleet/snow outside, but its ok, because you have your down jacket, scarf and gloves.
18. Beer or Cider?
19. An open faced sandwich for breakfast sounds delicious!
20. You know how to use a bread slicing machine at the grocery store.
21. There is pretty everywhere!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Mission: Learn to speak Norwegian
Now that I am in Norway, unemployed but settled into my new life, I have to focus on the most important thing. The one big goal of coming to Norway, and the one thing that will get me a good job here in Bergen...learn Norwegian.
I am not signed up for Norwegian courses yet, so how will I learn? I've told my cousins that they are no longer allowed to speak English to me and when I am around. They have been so wonderful to speak in English anytime I'm around so I can understand. No more. So, Norwegian only.
This will make me learn Norwegian, and fast. It will be frustrating and a little embarrassing, but good. I don't think the boys will enjoy it, as I will likely need to ask them over and over what they are talking about, what words mean and how to say things. But, they seem just as motivated for me to learn Norwegian, so I bet they'll be up for the challenge.
As far as the job search goes, I'm still on the lookout. Each morning and every night, I apply for jobs through the many online job sites. Most are in Norwegian so I am very grateful for google translate:) I'm also networking and dropping my CV off at the tourist shops, restaurants and bars (including a pastry shop called "Eat My Muffin"). My goal is to have a job by the first of the month (any job). I hope to have a professional position by March or April. The professional position will require my Norwegian be much better than it is now. Better get going.
I am not signed up for Norwegian courses yet, so how will I learn? I've told my cousins that they are no longer allowed to speak English to me and when I am around. They have been so wonderful to speak in English anytime I'm around so I can understand. No more. So, Norwegian only.
This will make me learn Norwegian, and fast. It will be frustrating and a little embarrassing, but good. I don't think the boys will enjoy it, as I will likely need to ask them over and over what they are talking about, what words mean and how to say things. But, they seem just as motivated for me to learn Norwegian, so I bet they'll be up for the challenge.
As far as the job search goes, I'm still on the lookout. Each morning and every night, I apply for jobs through the many online job sites. Most are in Norwegian so I am very grateful for google translate:) I'm also networking and dropping my CV off at the tourist shops, restaurants and bars (including a pastry shop called "Eat My Muffin"). My goal is to have a job by the first of the month (any job). I hope to have a professional position by March or April. The professional position will require my Norwegian be much better than it is now. Better get going.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
One week in Bergen!!
Sorry, I have no pictures today. I promise I'll post lots next time!!
So, I've been living in Bergen for one week now. So far, it doesn't feel much different than another visit to Norway, but with my own cute apartment. It also has felt like one very long weekend.
Life here is very different than what I left at home. It may be jetlag but I am up till at least 1am, meaning I sleep until at least 9. No problem because I am currently unemployed. Plus, I woke up once at 8:30 and it was dark and sad looking outside so I went back to bed. It is rainy and overcast almost all of the time. It doesn't bother me once I'm out, but when I look out the window, I just feel like I should be cuddling up in bed with movies all day.
Grocery shopping is ten times more difficult here, but I like it. I don't have a car so I walk to and from the grocery store. This certainly helps me from overbuying. I forget how many choices there are in the US. At the grocery store, there are a million different types of toilet paper, toothpaste, chicken...of everything! Here, not so much. There are different stores and a few different selections, but not as much to compare. It is nice. The prices are not. Here are a few examples from my last shopping trip (converted into dollars).
4 rolls of toilet paper: $5
Listerine: $12
Siracha: $5
Bag of spinach: $5
2 chicken breasts: $10
General life stuff is different, but also nice. I don't have a car anymore, so I take the bus. The system here is great, so it isn't a problem. I don't live with 2 girls anymore. Now, I live with 3 boys which is brand new to me! I'm learning a lot about Soccer (Futbol), Snus, sleeping in and general male mentality. With the weather, I now have a de-humidifier machine that I have to turn on each morning when I shower. I've never heard of this before, as I come from a place where we try to ADD water to the air and use chap stick every 10 minutes. Another difference is that here don't seem to stress as much. They work, but when the work day is over, it's over. And lastly, I NEVER leave my apartment anymore without my umbrella, a scarf and waterproof shoes.
Things I miss:
1. My family and friends. Get on Skype already!
2. My bed, until I make it back to IKEA in Bergen for some more pillows:)
3. IAN. I miss working with the kids in Ethiopia and talking to my staff everyday in Addis. I hope every day that the kids are moving through the process and on their way home soon!
4. My straight hair. The humidity has made me Curly Sue!
5. Understanding what people are talking about. It makes it very difficult to people watch.
Things I do NOT miss:
1. My car
2. Negative adoptive parents and adoption drama
3. DVR
4. Greek Yogurt. One word...Noosa!!!!
5. The altitude. Running was so much better today, there was air!!!
I am still on the search for my job and Norwegian lessons. My cousins have been a great help and are confident that with my CV, I will be able to get a job soon (even with my lack of Norwegian speaking skills). I'll be happy to have a somewhat normal schedule here. Until then, I'm enjoying getting to know the city. It's only been one week but so far it's been great!! Here's to hoping next week will be even better!
So, I've been living in Bergen for one week now. So far, it doesn't feel much different than another visit to Norway, but with my own cute apartment. It also has felt like one very long weekend.
Life here is very different than what I left at home. It may be jetlag but I am up till at least 1am, meaning I sleep until at least 9. No problem because I am currently unemployed. Plus, I woke up once at 8:30 and it was dark and sad looking outside so I went back to bed. It is rainy and overcast almost all of the time. It doesn't bother me once I'm out, but when I look out the window, I just feel like I should be cuddling up in bed with movies all day.
Grocery shopping is ten times more difficult here, but I like it. I don't have a car so I walk to and from the grocery store. This certainly helps me from overbuying. I forget how many choices there are in the US. At the grocery store, there are a million different types of toilet paper, toothpaste, chicken...of everything! Here, not so much. There are different stores and a few different selections, but not as much to compare. It is nice. The prices are not. Here are a few examples from my last shopping trip (converted into dollars).
4 rolls of toilet paper: $5
Listerine: $12
Siracha: $5
Bag of spinach: $5
2 chicken breasts: $10
General life stuff is different, but also nice. I don't have a car anymore, so I take the bus. The system here is great, so it isn't a problem. I don't live with 2 girls anymore. Now, I live with 3 boys which is brand new to me! I'm learning a lot about Soccer (Futbol), Snus, sleeping in and general male mentality. With the weather, I now have a de-humidifier machine that I have to turn on each morning when I shower. I've never heard of this before, as I come from a place where we try to ADD water to the air and use chap stick every 10 minutes. Another difference is that here don't seem to stress as much. They work, but when the work day is over, it's over. And lastly, I NEVER leave my apartment anymore without my umbrella, a scarf and waterproof shoes.
Things I miss:
1. My family and friends. Get on Skype already!
2. My bed, until I make it back to IKEA in Bergen for some more pillows:)
3. IAN. I miss working with the kids in Ethiopia and talking to my staff everyday in Addis. I hope every day that the kids are moving through the process and on their way home soon!
4. My straight hair. The humidity has made me Curly Sue!
5. Understanding what people are talking about. It makes it very difficult to people watch.
Things I do NOT miss:
1. My car
2. Negative adoptive parents and adoption drama
3. DVR
4. Greek Yogurt. One word...Noosa!!!!
5. The altitude. Running was so much better today, there was air!!!
I am still on the search for my job and Norwegian lessons. My cousins have been a great help and are confident that with my CV, I will be able to get a job soon (even with my lack of Norwegian speaking skills). I'll be happy to have a somewhat normal schedule here. Until then, I'm enjoying getting to know the city. It's only been one week but so far it's been great!! Here's to hoping next week will be even better!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Life (so far) in Bergen
There was a request for apartment photos, so here they are. My cousins did a perfect job cleaning the place up for me so it was ready the day I arrived. It’s still a little bare and in need of décor, but it is perfect.
My street (around 4pm)!
The view from my apartment window.
The kitchen
The living area. Notice the very cute picture of my nephew that my cousin was nice to leave for me:)
My cozy bedroom
Before I arrived, I didn’t know what it would be like. Bergen in the wintertime isn’t known for being easy. I was expecting the worst, which I think is why things have been so great this far. The dark hasn’t bothered me a bit. I’ve been a little jet lagged and my cousins/housemates like to stay up late, so I haven’t been up in the am before 10 yet. I think waking up at 8am to no sun will be odd, but baby steps, right? It gets dark out around 5pm which doesn’t seem too different than at home during the winter. The weather has been very nice so far (this week it is expected we will have rain nonstop, so I may change my mind then). The temp has been nice and not too cold. It does rain at least once a day but not for long. I have my waterproof boots, jacket and umbrella and it just takes a little more effort to stay dry but is fine. It reminds me of being in a ski town with all the bundling and staying dry…except there is no snow, only rain.
The city is beautiful and I still can’t believe I live here right now. The view out my window is amazing, especially when the sun is coming through and you can see the mountains behind the rooftops. The walk to my other cousins apartment is gorgeous!! Here is a pretty picture.
The people and the town have been great. Norwegians don’t seem to be as outgoing and friendly so strangers will rarely say hello to one another. It has more of a “new York” feel, rather than a “Colorado” feel. Once you get to know the Norwegians, or give them a few cocktails, this is certainly not the case.
I am so lucky to have such an amazing group of cousins. I haven’t even seen them all yet, but so far I’ve been very busy and had a great time. We've made it out a few times and it's been great (anyone whos spent any time with my cousins know how entertaining shopping/a night out with them can be). I’m working to get more settled with a job/classes and hope to have more plans this week. Cross your fingers for me!!
Getting drinks with the boys!
Shopping at IKEA
My street (around 4pm)!
The view from my apartment window.
The kitchen
The living area. Notice the very cute picture of my nephew that my cousin was nice to leave for me:)
My cozy bedroom
Before I arrived, I didn’t know what it would be like. Bergen in the wintertime isn’t known for being easy. I was expecting the worst, which I think is why things have been so great this far. The dark hasn’t bothered me a bit. I’ve been a little jet lagged and my cousins/housemates like to stay up late, so I haven’t been up in the am before 10 yet. I think waking up at 8am to no sun will be odd, but baby steps, right? It gets dark out around 5pm which doesn’t seem too different than at home during the winter. The weather has been very nice so far (this week it is expected we will have rain nonstop, so I may change my mind then). The temp has been nice and not too cold. It does rain at least once a day but not for long. I have my waterproof boots, jacket and umbrella and it just takes a little more effort to stay dry but is fine. It reminds me of being in a ski town with all the bundling and staying dry…except there is no snow, only rain.
The city is beautiful and I still can’t believe I live here right now. The view out my window is amazing, especially when the sun is coming through and you can see the mountains behind the rooftops. The walk to my other cousins apartment is gorgeous!! Here is a pretty picture.
The people and the town have been great. Norwegians don’t seem to be as outgoing and friendly so strangers will rarely say hello to one another. It has more of a “new York” feel, rather than a “Colorado” feel. Once you get to know the Norwegians, or give them a few cocktails, this is certainly not the case.
I am so lucky to have such an amazing group of cousins. I haven’t even seen them all yet, but so far I’ve been very busy and had a great time. We've made it out a few times and it's been great (anyone whos spent any time with my cousins know how entertaining shopping/a night out with them can be). I’m working to get more settled with a job/classes and hope to have more plans this week. Cross your fingers for me!!
Getting drinks with the boys!
Shopping at IKEA
Friday, January 6, 2012
Citizenship? Norwegian!
None of this has really felt real to me until I got to DIA on Wednesday. The first task was getting all my many bags prepared for check in. United changed their baggage regulations in July, giving you ONE bag for international flights. I had 4. I had to rearrange my three big bags to avoid additional overweight fees (one at 49.5lbs, one 49.0lbs and one 50.0lbs). I just barely made it! The charge for my two extra bags (take a deep breath), $270!!!! OMG, that took my breath away. But, I would have spent far more buying things in Norway, or shipping my $100 pounds of shoes, jackets and wool sweaters. Next, I headed to the gate with my carry on roller bag and my backpack, filled with my computer, and my purse squished inside. My plan worked out perfectly. “This is a full flight and we may have to check any baggage that will not fit in the overhead compartments. If you are willing to check your bag, we can check to your final destination at no cost”. Done. So, I ended up traveling with my backpack (computer case) and my purse. Just as I had planned.
The biggest shock of the day today (with exception of the $270 bag fee!) was my check in. I scanned my travel document, my NORWEGIAN passport, and all my information was on the screen. Name: Elizabeth Solvor Bogetveit. Birthdate: 23.03.84. Nationality: Norwegian. WOW! I handed the agent my Norwegian passport. Red, brand new, and very official. At that point, I really felt like this was real.
After a long flight to Sweden, 4 hours in the airport and one short flight, I made it to Bergen. I had a fabulous welcome in the airport and went directly to the apartment to meet up with my other cousins. We went to the store to make dinner, and then out for the night. Good thing they like coffee in Norway and that I was stocked with my 5 hour energy, because we had a full night planned. We had a concert, then a night out in Bergen. Somehow, I stayed up and awake until 2am! I was exhausted enough to sleep until 10:30am today. Hopefully, this will mean that I can skip the jet lag.
So, what did I do on my first day here? First things first, I unpacked and made my little place feel like home. Then I met up with the boys and we went to the bank and out shopping!! Where to go? Asane, including IKEA. They were having a sale, which means things were almost priced the same as in the states. I bought a few girly things for my little flat, then came home and we made cod and rice (only because we were out of potatoes).
I learned something new today. Norwegians count weeks. There was a sign at the mall advertising a sale for “uke 50”, meaning “week 50”. I better start counting.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Someone took a dump on the golf cart
My mom loves leaving the cold to take a sunny vacation every year after Christmas. This makes me one of the luckiest people ever! Each year is something new, always by the beach. Travel to the destination is never easy but always an adventure!
Hawaii in 2008...lots of lobsters, hammocks, pretty water and a minivan with 11 people and bags squished inside.
The Bahamas in 2009...One tiny plane, one boat, lots of golf carts and one broken toe.
There was Mexico in 2010. Kaden learned to say "Meh-xi-kooo", we caught to pelicans while deep sea fishing,and ate the best key lime pie ever!!
This year we went to North Captiva Island in Florida. This sounds easy, Florida. But because it was a small island, it was a little more difficult to find. It involves a plane, a 90 minute drive, a ferry, a golf cart. Or, in our case...
23 people. 3 different flights. 2 airports. 4 rental cars. One RV. One boat. 3 houses. 4 golf carts.
My flight was a few hours earlier than everyone else and at a different airport so I spent 3.5 hours waiting for the Bogetveit clan. I got a little impatient...
Finally, we were all together in one place, with a few different rental cars and one RV. We squished 13 people into the RV (Big Rig). This deserves a small explanation. A family very close to mine decided to leave their house in Colorado, move into an RV with their 3 kids and dog and explore the world. I have known them now for over 14 years. I used to babysit their babies, when they were babies. Now, they've become a part of my family and I've learned so much from them. This big adventure of theirs just reminds me how wonderful they are! We all knew the trip was off to a good start after our amazing trip in the RV.
So after a few cocktails in the Rig, we were at the dock, only 90 minutes behind schedule. By then, it was dark outside and riding the boat to the island was kinda scary. After making it to the island, we squished everyone's luggage on our golf carts and went to our vacation houses. We rented two houses, one for 12 people and one for 4 people. 23 people, 16 beds...this did not add up. This is not unusual situation for the my family. We are well known for fitting twice as many people in rental cars, sleeping on blow up floats, couches or even bathtubs. Just as long as we're all together, nobody seems to mind. Without getting into all the details, I'll say the owners of the houses were less than friendly and not happy that more than 12 people might be in their house at once. We gave in and rented a third house. Even with the third house, mom still slept on the air mattress in the closet, I slept in the kids room and there was a lot of driving golf carts between houses.
With a group as big as 25, we had to take turns making dinners each night. My uncle is a chef, and with my sisters and friends who love to cook, we were all in for a week of great food!!
Homemade pasta, meatballs, stuffed fish, and fruit salad.
Other dinners included...bbq chicken, coleslaw and salad, thai curry and pad see ew, fish tacos and the list goes on.
Believe it or not, we did more than eat. Fishing on our boat, or on the beach!! We even caught a flying fish and three sting rays!! I spent days on the beach with everyone and soaked in everything!!
The week welcomed many interesting events and adventures. There were serious spoons competitions, paper airplane races, getting stranded at sea during a rainstorm, hiding from the landlords, getting stung by a catfish and sneaking into swimming pools. Each story was equally fun, but there was one that topped them all. One morning, as I was waking up, I heard my sister come into the house and say "Um...we had a little bit of a situation happen last night". She explained that they drove their golf cart from our house to theirs last night. When they parked it at their house, they noticed someone had left something not so pleasant on the back seat. That's right, someone took a sh*t on our golf cart!!! (Sorry, no picture was taken of this particular event, you can use your imagination if you'd like).
So yet again, another amazing Christmas vacation and a perfect way to say goodbye before my Norway move.
Thanks Mom and Dad!!
Hawaii in 2008...lots of lobsters, hammocks, pretty water and a minivan with 11 people and bags squished inside.
The Bahamas in 2009...One tiny plane, one boat, lots of golf carts and one broken toe.
There was Mexico in 2010. Kaden learned to say "Meh-xi-kooo", we caught to pelicans while deep sea fishing,and ate the best key lime pie ever!!
This year we went to North Captiva Island in Florida. This sounds easy, Florida. But because it was a small island, it was a little more difficult to find. It involves a plane, a 90 minute drive, a ferry, a golf cart. Or, in our case...
23 people. 3 different flights. 2 airports. 4 rental cars. One RV. One boat. 3 houses. 4 golf carts.
My flight was a few hours earlier than everyone else and at a different airport so I spent 3.5 hours waiting for the Bogetveit clan. I got a little impatient...
Finally, we were all together in one place, with a few different rental cars and one RV. We squished 13 people into the RV (Big Rig). This deserves a small explanation. A family very close to mine decided to leave their house in Colorado, move into an RV with their 3 kids and dog and explore the world. I have known them now for over 14 years. I used to babysit their babies, when they were babies. Now, they've become a part of my family and I've learned so much from them. This big adventure of theirs just reminds me how wonderful they are! We all knew the trip was off to a good start after our amazing trip in the RV.
So after a few cocktails in the Rig, we were at the dock, only 90 minutes behind schedule. By then, it was dark outside and riding the boat to the island was kinda scary. After making it to the island, we squished everyone's luggage on our golf carts and went to our vacation houses. We rented two houses, one for 12 people and one for 4 people. 23 people, 16 beds...this did not add up. This is not unusual situation for the my family. We are well known for fitting twice as many people in rental cars, sleeping on blow up floats, couches or even bathtubs. Just as long as we're all together, nobody seems to mind. Without getting into all the details, I'll say the owners of the houses were less than friendly and not happy that more than 12 people might be in their house at once. We gave in and rented a third house. Even with the third house, mom still slept on the air mattress in the closet, I slept in the kids room and there was a lot of driving golf carts between houses.
With a group as big as 25, we had to take turns making dinners each night. My uncle is a chef, and with my sisters and friends who love to cook, we were all in for a week of great food!!
Homemade pasta, meatballs, stuffed fish, and fruit salad.
Other dinners included...bbq chicken, coleslaw and salad, thai curry and pad see ew, fish tacos and the list goes on.
Believe it or not, we did more than eat. Fishing on our boat, or on the beach!! We even caught a flying fish and three sting rays!! I spent days on the beach with everyone and soaked in everything!!
The week welcomed many interesting events and adventures. There were serious spoons competitions, paper airplane races, getting stranded at sea during a rainstorm, hiding from the landlords, getting stung by a catfish and sneaking into swimming pools. Each story was equally fun, but there was one that topped them all. One morning, as I was waking up, I heard my sister come into the house and say "Um...we had a little bit of a situation happen last night". She explained that they drove their golf cart from our house to theirs last night. When they parked it at their house, they noticed someone had left something not so pleasant on the back seat. That's right, someone took a sh*t on our golf cart!!! (Sorry, no picture was taken of this particular event, you can use your imagination if you'd like).
So yet again, another amazing Christmas vacation and a perfect way to say goodbye before my Norway move.
Thanks Mom and Dad!!
A Very Bogetveit Christmas
Christmas is a wonderful time of year. When someone says "Christmas", a few things come to mind...family, food, cookies, shopping, decorations, snow, trees, joy. When someone says "Bogetveit Christmas", I think of some other words....Singing, dancing, candles, pinekjott, rutabegas, rice pudding, vacation, Gapter Road, neighbors, You'll shoot your eye out, happy.
At the Bogetveit house, we have two celebrations. Our Norwegian Christmas starts weeks before by lighting candles and eating rice pudding each Sunday. Then, a special dinner on December 24th with salted lamb, potatoes, singing around the Christmas Tree and opening of Norwegian Christmas presents. We then celebrate our American Christmas on December 25th with turkey, duck, and all the fix-ins.
Every year brings something new at the Bogetveit house. This year was no different.
When I was a little girl, my sisters and I would count down the days to Christmas and wait (im)patiently for Santa Clause. In the morning, we would have to line up from youngest to oldest. The youngest got to go out first, then the second youngest, then me, then the oldest. The few seconds my younger sisters had to see what was under our tree seemed to last forever. As we grew older, the enthusiasm and excitement faded. I started to get more excited for my family and friends to open what I had for them at Christmas. This year, we had some of that beautiful Christmas excitement back in the Bogetveit house.
The entire Bogetveit family stayed the night, plus the brother in laws, our neighbor friend and my nephew, Kaden. In the morning, Kaden woke up but had to wait for everyone. Jumping up and down, he said "HURRY UP, SANTA WAS HERE!" All the adults got to come out and wait and watch Kaden come out to see what Santa brought him, and it was good!!
Some other wonderful gifts this year...
A coffee mug for dad that has his favorite saying written on it. "A thousand swedes ran through the weeds, chased by only one Norwegian".
A Fragile leg lamp!
A beautiful (awkward) family photo from the Stasneys.
A homemade story book for Kaden.
And many, many other wonderful, thoughful gifts.
The fun didn't end with gifts. After Christmas this year came Christmas vacation in Florida!!!
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