Stages

Over the last 8 years, I've left "home" and moved abroad a number of times.  Once to move on board a ship which sailed around the world (Semester at Sea, everyone should do this if they can), the second time to teach English in Bangkok,Thailand, the third time for an internship in Sarajevo, Bosnia and most recently, to Bergen, Norway.  After leaving and returning so many times, I have learned that there are stages an average person experiences when moving to a new country. Never anticipated, some good, and some bad.

Stage 1: Best place on earth!!!

There has always been a feeling of euphoria when arriving in a new country.  Everything is new, fun, exciting and perfect.  The food is great, the people are interesting and there is always something fun to see.

Stage 2: SHOCK!

There is one moment.  It always occurs when you are not expecting it and shocks the hell out of you, reminding you that you are somewhere new, experiencing something totally unknown to you.  On Semester at Sea, it was when our ship was rocked by a 60 foot wave and we were stuck in life vests, ready to experience a real life Titanic.  In Thailand, I enjoyed a meal for 3 nights in a row and it wasn't until the 3rd night that I learned I was eating a stir fry consisting of intestines, stomach, liver, and clotted blood.  Yep. I was in Thailand.  In Bosnia, I visited a war museum and noticed pictures of my work place and neighborhood on display...destroyed by mortars and gun shots.  During this trip, it was my receipt from my normal trip to the grocery store.  Check this out and if you live in the US, you may be shocked too!

Olive Oil: $7
Flatbread: $4
Nectarines: $5
Chicken: $20
Eggs: $9
Milk: $3
Cheese: $8
Ham: $5
Veggies: $10
Total: About $90!!

This is what $90 in groceries looks like

Stage 3: Is that you??

I might be in a country on the opposite side of the earth from my friends and family.  But I swear that a few times a week, I see a close friend walking down the street, sitting on the bus or driving in a car next to me.  It is shocking how many doppelgängers are out there!!

Stage 4: Cravings

You can get just about anything, anywhere.  Subways, 7/11, McDonalds and Starbucks are worldwide...just about.  Grocery stores are stocked with the regular items for the most part.  Dove soap and crest toothpaste are seen almost everywhere and believe it or not, oreos too. But, no matter what or where you live and which store you shop at, there are always things you crave.  And I don't limit this list to food...

What I'm currently craving:
Iced coffee
Happy hours
Flat running trails
Ground turkey
Spicy food
Pedicures
Yogurt Guru!
DVR

Stage 5: In the US, we...

There is a stage at which a person begins nearly all sentences with "In the US, we....".  In the US, we have drive thru banks.  In the US, we have liquor stores open past 5, In the US, we eat out almost every night for dinner.  In the US, people do this and that etc, etc, etc...

I think this is a normal part of the adjustment process.  Comparing new things to the things you are used to.  Your "norm". What I've learned to be important is understanding that just because it's your "norm", doesn't mean it's better.  I think this is where a lot of people go wrong.

Stage 6: Homesick

It would be abnormal not to get homesick.  Family, friends, food, habits are all normal comforts of what you are used to.  What I have learned in this phase is that you must embrace it, be homesick and maybe even cry.  But then get over it.  It will be there when you go back to visit.  You can Skype.  People can send packages.  You will survive.

Stage 7: Not homesick

After the initial homesick phase, things start to settle.  You realize that you can live without those old comforts.  You find new comforts.  You find a way to communicate with those who are far, far away and you learn how to love where you are, not thinking about how it compares and what you are missing from that other place you come from.

Stage 8: Home

When the new place starts to feel like the old place, that's when you know.  I start explaining to my friends from afar that "In Norway, we only really need online banking" and "In Norway, the vinmonopolet is open until 5", "In Norway, we eat dinner at home together every night".  

I think there are people who move abroad and never feel like they're at home.  That makes me sad because this is truly the best part of being in a new place.  Knowing the unknown, embracing a new culture as a part of your own, loving what you never knew you would love.  

Summer Recap: Wedding, baby, vacation (fun)

I left Bergen for vacation on June 2nd.  5 weeks in Boulder/Denver turned into 10 weeks.  And in these 10 weeks, there were so many exciting moments.  One new brother in law, one new niece, exciting news, visits with friends, one lake vacation, and lots and lots of fun!

The first few weeks were busy with last minute wedding planning and preparation. Then, on June 16th, my little sister walked down the isle and married Cody Stoltzfus.  Mimosas and bloody marys, cupcakes, and dancing.  Lots of dancing.  What a fun day!!

Brunch Wedding in the back yard

Perfect backyard setup

Mr. & Mrs. Stoltzfus

While we were getting everything ready for the big wedding, my other younger sister was 9 months pregnant and unable to chase her 3 year old around any longer.  Which meant, I got to.  I spent almost every day with my wonderful nephew and had the best time!! He is an impressive little guy, I would like to call him a genius.  He can point out all types of cars, sings along to a number of different songs and has a special way of making you laugh.  Every once and a while, we got to bring along his little friend.  What an adorable pair.  It's only been a week and I miss him already!!

Kaden in his lightning McQueen car with his best friend, Kitty.

Whole Foods with Aunt Lizzie

Hanging out with his bestie

Getting ready to meet his little sister with a hair cut in a Mercedes.

We waited and we waited and finally, Flop (Kaden's name for his sister) made her way into the world.  She was born on July 9th, 8 pounds, tall, with dark hair.  Sophia Elizabeth (named after me).  Kaden loves her so much, it makes your heart melt every time you see them together.  I didn't think it would be possible to love another little one as much as I do Kaden.  But, it's possible.  I don't know how I will be able to wait another 6 months before I see her and Kaden again!!

Kaden, so excited to meet "Flop"

Me and my (first) niece

Oh my gosh, she's real!!

Niece and Nephew

Baby Sophia Elizabeth

Love you Sis!!

You'd think after a wedding and a new baby, there wouldn't be anything more to celebrate.  But not in my family.  More exciting news!! My older sister and brother in law are expecting a BABY GIRL!!!!  I could not be more excited for them!  And I am so proud of my sister, who made it through her first trimester and looks amazing!!!  I'll have to figure out a way to get back to Colorado in January to meet my second niece!!

I finished up my vacation with another vacation.  I extended my trip so I could go with my family to North Carolina and visit my mothers home town, spending a week on the lake.  Wakeboarding, swimming, fried pickles and sweet tea and loads of fun!!

Shanteelah Lake

Swan Cabin

The U-Pick farm

I said goodbye to my family, kissed the babies goodbye and got on my flight back home to Bergen.  I was surprised to be so happy to be back.  A few raindrops, a grandiosa pizza and a big cup of Norwegian coffee and I felt like I was home again.  I am back to work at the International School and hoping to start Norwegian classes again in September.  I'm excited for what I'm sure will be a very exciting next few months in the rainy city.  

Hiking at Bogetveit, through my favorite forest

Me and Nicole, hiking in the rain

Thanks for catching up!! Promise I won't wait another 3 months before posting again:)

Week 20: Summertime in Bergen, is it day or night?!

There is one thing I will never get used to during the summer in Bergen...leaving the bars at night to see blue skies.  What??? Didn't it just get dark out?

As the summer grows on us, so does the daylight.  Every day is brighter and brighter.  Lately, it doesn't even get dark as much as dusk.  Its amazing to have so much light, but it's very confusing.  I finally bought myself (ok, partially homemade) curtains for my apartment that block out the daylight.  You would think lots of light would be nice, but its throwing me off completely.  All of the sudden, it's 11:30 at night, but looks like it's maybe 8pm.  This means, my bedtime is getting later and later and I don't even notice it!  So, I have to consciously make it night and day.

BC (before curtains) I would wake up to the light, thinking I overslept and stressing that I was sleeping my day away only to look at my clock and see that it was 4am!! Now that I have curtains, my apartment is blacked out and I sleep and sleep until I open my curtains and make it daytime again!!

It's 11:30pm in downtown Bergen. There are still so many people out and you would never imagine it was almost midnight!!
















11:30pm in Downtown Bergen (please ignore the thumb).  You can see the reflection of the sunset in the windows.

Outside of the amazing light comes the people in the city.  During the wintertime, there are rarely people out.  Some walking to and from the bus, running through the streets trying to find shelter from the rain.  Now that summer is here, people are everywhere!! There is a new cruise ship every day and people wandering around town speaking different languages and taking in the beautiful sights.  Restaurants set up tables outside, there are new festivals every weekend (here is a picture of one music festival) and people are smiling.


The last week has brought continuous sunshine.  You can tell we've had a lot of sun when you look around and see that everyone is red with a sunburn and proud of it. The sunshine has brought heat, something I forgot about.  And in Norway, there is no need for air conditioning, so it is hot.  Hot at night when you're sleeping, hot in coffee shops and its like a sauna in the bars. Still, everyone smiles to have heat and sunshine!!  Even after spending a full day in the direct sunlight, Norwegians refuse to sit inside and out of the sun.  You must take advantage of it while it's here!!

What did I do this last week in the sun? Hiking almost every day I was in Bergen, sitting at the park, BBQing, and taking trips to visit family and friends.  I went to Sotra, an island near Bergen, to an International Camp my cousin was leading.  We grilled, played games and watched the kids swim in the freezing cold water.  I visited my Aunts house in Osteroy (about an hour from Bergen).  Her house is on the fjord and so beautiful.  We sat in the sun, ate, drank coffee and jumped in the fjord.  My fear of dark water meant it took me an extra 10 minutes to get the guts to jump in, but I did it.  It wasn't that cold with all the sun we've had and was actually very refreshing.

This was worth taking a picture of, because it didn't seem real.  But oh, it was real!!  

Me and the troll at Floyen!

The perfect picture of a Norwegian sunny day. Voss water, coffee, sunbathing and fjords!!  Perfection!

Feeling proud after jumping in the chilly fjord waters in Osteroy.

Now I'm starting to plan my visit back home to Colorado.  I'll be there for six weeks, celebrating my little sisters wedding, another little addition to the Bogetveit clan (my first Niece!), my friend's first baby boy, and lots of visits with friends and family.  And of course, a dentist appointment and hair appointment :)  It will be a fun filled 6 weeks that I'm sure will fly by.  I can't wait to see everyone that I have missed for the last 6 months!!

Week 18: Babies, weddings and world travel?

I can't believe it! I've been in Norway for 18 weeks now, and I'm going to Colorado in 20 days!!! I did book my ticket back to Norway, but not until I have a good 6 weeks in Colorado!! That's right, I'm in Colorado from June 2nd until July 16th!! The last few weeks have been full of visits from family and friends, preparation for my time at home, wedding planning for my sister and planning (ok, thinking about) my future plans.

My sister and her friend came to Bergen for 10 days and it was amazing. Not only was it wonderful to see my sister after 5 months in Norway, but she brought with her sun (and a few items from home i've been missing). We had a great time visiting family, shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying the beautiful Bergen sunshine!

Me and my sis at the Bryggen!!

There are 17 cousins on my Norwegian side. One night, we had a get together and had 10 of the 17 cousins celebrating Cinco de Mayo. The 7 cousins who couldn't make it were either out of the country, too far away in Norway or too young to drink (under 6 years old). I see my cousins a lot, but it was so nice to see everyone all at once!!

 With my sisters departure came a new job for me...wedding planning for the upcoming wedding (only 34 days away). So, on the days I am not at the International School, I'm sitting on my laptop looking for bands, caterers, bachelorette party accessories and wedding favors.

Outside of the wedding planning and preparation, there are also the many babies my close family and friends are expecting in the near future. I am so excited for all of them, and to be Auntie Lizzie to more than just one special little boy. I was surprised by my own emotions and reactions to the pregnancy news. Am I old enough now that my close friends and family are getting married and becoming parents? It's a surreal feeling when you realize that you are an adult. It makes every decision I have to make much bigger.

Decisions, both exciting and unbelievably scary. I'm at the place in my life where I get to make these exciting life changing decisions. I don't have a wedding of my own or children I need to think about when making big life decisions. I have more opportunities available to me than the average person, and I feel like the luckiest person in the world. Who else has to decide...stay in Norway, move back to Colorado, move to Spain to teach English???

No decisions have been made yet, as I like to see where the wind takes me.  For now, I'm enjoying my time in Norway with friends and family and looking forward to my visit home, my new niece and celebration of my little sister's marriage.

Week 15: How I know I live in Norway

Almost 4 months in Norway and I think I've started to blend in. How do I know? Well, I've realized I've started to live the Norwegian way...or what I think is the Norwegian way. Here are just a few examples:

1. When I go to the store, my list always includes bread, eggs, milk, cheese, cucumbers and red peppers.

2. I drink morning coffee, afternoon coffee, hanging out with friends coffee, wasting time coffee, Norwegian class coffee and dessert coffee.

3. I always have a lunch packed for work (matpakke), which includes my open faced sandwich with cheese, cucumber and red peppers and a clementine or kiwi.

4. If I leave the house and forget my matpakke, there's always kaffe og bolle at Narvessen waiting for me.



5. I'm waving down my bus so it doesn't leave me waiting.

6. I have frozen cod and rolls in my freezer.

7. I'm wearing rain boots, a wool sweater, scarf and rain jacket.

8. I colored my hair using boxed hair dye.

9. I take Omega 3 tablets every day.

10. I have Draw Something and Wordfeud downloaded on my phone.

11. The sun came out the other day, so I went outside to sit in the sun, smiled and shivered as I watched as many others did the same.



12. I feel terribly guilty for every second spend indoors during a sunny day.

13. I bring my own drinks to parties.

14. Last weekend, I wore a dress, leggings and heeled shoes out! Goodbye jeans:)

15. I can vacation to Spain and it only takes about 4 hours by plane.

16. In Spain, I am in awe over the cheap prices of food, drinks, haircuts and clothes!!

How to stay healthy in Bergen...and on a budget

There is always a big adjustment to diet and exercise in new countries I visit. Every new place has it's challenges, and Norway is no different. At home, I had my regular workout routine and grocery list. Here in Norway, things are obviously different, so I've had to make some adjustments. I don't know if anyone else out there has had these same challenges, but if so, here are some of my ideas.

Challenges in Bergen
1. No full time job = no gym membership.
2. It's no fun to run outside in the rain, and it's almost always raining here.
3. Less selection at the grocery store of pre packaged, low calorie foods.
4. Norwegian food means a lot of bread, potatoes, cheese and cakes!

So, I have had to become creative with my diet and exercise here. What can you do when you have no gym and can't go outside every day to workout?

First, I walk a lot! I don't have a car and my hike up to my apartment is just that...an uphill hike! Try doing this with grocery bags!! This helps a little but I need a little more.


The last of quite a few hills from downtown/work/school/store/coffee back to my apartment


One of the "short cuts" back home

My old roomie helped me come up with some great workouts that I can do in my tiny apartment.

In addition to these fun little workouts, I have also found that you can get anything on youtube! I try to do some quick yoga workouts a few times a week. My favorite is the 30 minute flow yoga (there are loads of them listed).

The diet in Norway has been the most challenging for me. Some things I ate regularly at home and really miss in Norway include ground turkey, Whole Foods Whey Protein Powder, boca meatless things, string cheese, lowfat fage greek yogurt and Amy's meals. There are a lot of carbs in Norway and not a lot of cheap, lean protein. It's been a big challenge to stick to my 5 small meals a day plan. But, I have found what they have at the grocery store and here are a few things I've come up with this week. All of them have few ingredients that are relatively inexpensive at the grocery store (I mean, I am still in Norway so I don't think I can call anything "inexpensive").

Quick Breakfast (I make a few of these and keep them in the freezer to reheat): Homemade breakfast burritos:

Ingredients
4 Wheat tortillas
3 egg whites
2 whole eggs
1/4 onion
1/4 pepper
1/4 can black beans (I couldn't find black, so I used brown beans)
spicy pepper (if you like spicy)
4 slices of light cheese
salsa or tomatoes
salt and pepper

How to:
1. Saute the onions and peppers until soft
2. Add the eggs
3. Add the beans, spices and salsa
4. Place a slice of cheese on each tortilla. They put one scoop of egg mix on each tortilla and fold into a burrito.
5. Yum, yum!!


My burrito topped with some fresh tomatoes

A new recipe I tried this week: Cod over spinach and tomatoes

Ingredients
Brown rice
2 servings of Cod (I had a frozen bag of cod and it worked out great)
Fresh Spinach
Canned tomatoes
Olive Oil
Honey
Salt, Pepper, Cayenne Pepper
Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Directions
1. Cook the rice
2. Sprinkle the bottom of the baking dish with olive oil
3. Place fresh spinach on baking dish
4. Place fish (defrosted) on top of spinach
5. Top fish with 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 can of tomatoes and spices
6. Bake (I used 180 for 35 minutes) until fish is cooked throughout
7. Yum!


Cod with Spinach and tomatoes over brown rice



It was delicious!!

Because I have a sweet tooth, I want an apple pie, but I make: Healthy(ish) Apple Coconut Bake with Sweet Yogurt Topping

Ingredients
1 apple
shredded coconut
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
4 tbsp flour
4 tbsp yogurt
1 tbsp honey
cinnamon

How to:
1. Beat egg with milk
2. Slice the apple in thin slices
3. Coat apple with egg mix
4. Mix flour and shredded coconut and coat the apples in this
5. Place apples on baking pan and sprinkle with cinnamon
6. Mix yogurt with honey cool
7. Bake apples (200 until soft), then top with some yogurt mix
8. Yum, yum!!


Baked Apples with Coconut
The coated apples are a little crispy and the shredded coconut makes it a little sweet, so it's almost like eating an apple pie:)


Baked Apples with Coconut and Sweet Yogurt topping

I'll keep experimenting and might share more later (if they taste good)!

Week 13: Easter (Påske) break in Bergen/Spain

You know when you have been away from the sun (and happy hours) for 12 weeks, then you go somewhere where they have sun nearly every day and are well known for their tapas and delicious Spanish wine? Well, this place was Spain and I got to go there this week. When I got there, I had a euphoric, warm, happy emotion and made me feel like I should jump up and sing. I have been to many different countries and can honestly say it was one of the greatest places I've ever visited. I quickly fell in love with the food, people and culture.


So happy to be in beautiful Spain!


One of the many pretty pictures of Torre del Mar

Easter in America for me has always been celebrated on one day and most of the time involves a big family brunch, an Easter bunny, a basket full of candy and an Easter egg hunt in my family's big back yard. It's a completely different story in Norway and in Spain.

Easter in Norway is celebrated over more than a week. Kids are out of school, adults have a few days off of work and they have special meals, treats and events just for Easter. A few of these include:

Easter Events:
Påskekrimmen (Easter crime): Norwegians love their crime stories and Easter is a great time for them. They have crime stories listed on milk cartons during the week of Easter and a crime series on TV specifically for Easter.

Påskefjell (Easter Mountain): Easter is a great time to go on a hike in the mountains. This is the term for that.

Påskenøtter (Easter quiz/trivia): Norwegians also love their trivia. They have special quizzes that they play on the radio that people can call in with their answers and win prizes.

Easter Food:
Påskekylliing (Easter chicken)
Påskelam (Easter lamb)
Påskemarsipan (Easter Marsipan)


Easter crime shows



Norwegian milk cartons with Easter crime stories.

Now, Easter in Spain is more extravagant as well. In each city, they have special parades. They wear their traditional cultural outfits, carry big featured floats, and play music. They do this for many nights and on the last night, walk overnight until early in the morning! It was wonderful to see.


Some beautiful Spanish girls in their outfits during the parade. I was shocked that they walked in really high heels for hours!



One of the many big floats they carry during the parade. They have many people carrying it on their shoulders. It was very impressive.



Some of the cultural outfits warn during the parade in Torre Del Mar.


Outside of the Easter celebrations, I enjoyed so many other things Malaga had to offer. One of my favorites was our visit to the White City.


The White City!


The streets in the White City were so cute!!!



This was the cemetery at the White City. It is a very well known, beautiful cemetery and it was fascinating to see.



Me and the White City

Then, there was the food and drinks. I loved everything I tasted!! Fresh fish, Allioli, Ceviche, Paella, Chorizo, Churros, Candied walnuts, flan, meatballs, prawns...oh this list could go on forever!! I didn't say no to anything, which is why I just ate brussel sprouts for dinner.


Delicious Fish at a very well known restaurant!!


Spanish tapas


Fresh Churros with homemade chocolate dipping sauce! I think i'll be dreaming about these!


Paella and Champagne!


Chorizo on fresh bread, candied walnuts and a beer. Yum!!

And the people were amazing! We spent one night out with some of my Aunt's friends and they were the most wonderful people! I met one man who offered me a teaching job in Madrid. I won't lie, that sounds tempting after this last week!!