Norwegian Impressions

I received many comments and emails about my last post and every single one of them agreed that I should come home. My own feelings combined with this reaction has made me decide for sure that I will return home. Well of course after I go on one more adventure....

In the low countries of Europe, in particular Spain, I was of at least average height. Many times, at my height of 5 feet 10 inches (on a good day) I even felt like one of the taller people walking around. Ever since the second I boarded the plane to Norway this has not been the case. I truly think that I may be one of the shortest people currently in Oslo. Its incredible, the average male seems to be at least a head taller than me. Even the average female seems to be around my height, with many of them being taller.

Another thing I noticed about Norway, or at least Oslo, is that nearly everybody speaks excellent English. From the bus drivers to supermarket checkout ladies, it seems like everybody here speaks English. While the people will speak Norwegian amongst themselves, they have no problem in regularly communicating in English. It has been wonderful to be able to take part in almost every conversation in the house I am staying at, and communicate with anyone I meet on the street. In fact I think one of the hardest things to do in Norway would be to learn Norwegian!

One of the first assumptions anyone has about Norway in the winter is obviously the cold. Well maybe this is not the norm, but the weather is surprisingly better than I thought it would be. While it is cold, it is definitely not bitter cold. The weather today is a somewhat comfortable (when bundled up) -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit). In fact, I think it is much colder in New York than it is here. The place I am staying is a wonderfully large place in an excellent location in the city. I am within walking distance to all of the major museums and parks, which I have been dutifully visiting. I have become quite lucky again with wonderful hosts who have been taking very good care of me. The exchange rate is 7 Norwegian Kroner for 1 American Dollar. Though the prices more than make up for it. The average price of things are quite expensive. A cheap beer in a bar might cost the equivalent of $6 or $7 or $2 to $3 in a supermarket. The transportation is very efficient, but very expensive. Luckily many of the museums are either free or offer substantial discounts for a college ID.

I will round out my stay here in my next post. I feel like adding a little mystery for some excitement, so all I will say is that I am leaving Oslo on the 24th of January and that I arrive in London on the 3rd of February. I will be sure to let everyone in on my secret before I leave :).

Once again I wish to thank everyone for their comments and their emails. I try to reply when I can or if I see a specific question to be answered. Otherwise I very much just enjoying reading them and love knowing that I have people who support me and/or are actually interested in what I am doing on my trip.