On the first Sunday of Advent everyone gathers downtown to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Plain and simple. Smells heavenly.

We’ve started a new course a little while ago and I must say it’s what I’ve been waiting for. I love the readings, the discussions, the atmosphere. It’s nice to think in this mind-blowing-kind-of-way. It’s what I loved back at Cap U. And here it is. Phew. The first two courses were very good as well, but more predictable with less ambiguity and complexity.

We went to a cafe on Karl Johans gate, the main shopping street that leads directly to the castle.

This photo was taken on a different day. There is a crowd in front of the Grand Hotel hoping to spot Rihanna (I believe).

At the cafe I had the best chai tea ever and a beautiful bun with homemade strawberry jam.

The centre for design and architecture.

This current exhibition is pretty fun. Children had the opportunity to design spaces with architects and then turn them into full scale houses/rooms.

“Sensibar” – all about the senses with pebbles floors, tree trunks, the sound of water… Magical really.

Or these other houses are also really exciting…

Kids are having a blast playing in these imaginary spaces.

Next month at this time I will be on my way to Vancouver. Looking forward to seeing everyone, sleeping in my own bed, and kissing my love.

Yesterday we spent the day in Ås, a small town outside of Oslo. My friend invited us to her house and fed us all day. It was nice to be surrounded by such wonderful people. We laughed so much! Sometimes it’s overwhelming to think of the amazing people I have met here and back at home. Love you all!

Today I didn’t leave the house… I cleaned my room, rearranged my 3 pieces of furniture, cooked lunch, and talked to my mom. Also a very nice day.

Last week we went to a bar and noticed that the Norwegians don’t show a lot of skin when they go out. Most of them wear long-sleaved shirts! My friends from Ecuador and Mexico can’t get over this!

Kerstin and John spent the weekend in Paris. I haven’t heard from them for a while, but I imagine that they are having a great time. John flies home on Tuesday 🙁 He is staying at my mom’s when he gets back and I am sure she will cook something delicious for him. I will try to send Evan so that they can talk about their long-distance love affairs with the Bitterbergs…

Brrrrr. It’s cold in Norway.

On Saturday morning a bunch of us took the train to Bergen. It’s one of the most beautiful train rides I’ve been on! My poor tail bone (still sore from the bike crash)) suffered through the 7 1/2 hours on the train.

Since everyone worked really hard on their final papers for one of our courses, we really enjoyed this well-deserved break from school. It was also good to get out of Oslo for a few days.

We went to the Aquarium.

Admired the old parts of the city that didn’t burn down in previous fires…

Enjoyed the view from one of the surrounding mountains, Mount Fløyen.

Went on a fjord cruise…

… and had a picnic with the trolls near a waterfall. The landscape was straight from a ferry tale.

We took the night train back to Oslo on Monday at 23:00. I sat beside a young man who had just finished his one year in the Norwegian military. He was very happy to go home.

After sleeping in the hostel and on the train I (almost) looked forward to my single bed back in Oslo.

You drink beer from the Troll Brewery, or Trollbryggeriet!

The 4th beer in this picture:

Last week I went to the Munch museum. It’s close to home, practically next door, and I felt that not going wasn’t an option. The museum is free of charge in the winter months, another reason to go.

I liked the area where children’s art was displayed. They had been given a tour of the museum and then some time to work on their own. I also enjoyed watching the group of preschool children with their bright yellow vests. While I was in the museum, there were at least 2 groups of children.

Overall, I’ve noticed that preschool children go on many field-trips here in Norway, they are a big part of the life in the city. They are on the bus, at the harbour, in the mall, in the forest, and now, even the museum.

The famous ‘Scream’ is currently displayed at the National Gallery. I went to see it in September when my family was here for a visit.