Norway

Made it to Norway on Tuesday. From the hot beaches of Sardega to the cloudy skies of Southern Norway. Staying with my friend, Per, at the University (UMB) in Ås.



The sky is perpetually incredible here and it doesn't get dark at night. Everyone speaks English like a native, though you don't realize it until you start speaking to them.



The country is sparsely populated. Wide open spaces with occaisional small towns. A population of 4 million, compared to the 300 million in the US and 18 million in Florida alone. This means there's an abundance of forests and a dearth of cars & trucks on the road.



In Oslo I visited the Viking Museum and Vigeland Sculptures. Had to dodge the rain a few times in the city. I've eaten the worst licorice and best ginger candy I've ever tried.



Went hunting for lichens and peat bogs. Found wild blueberries everywhere and I learned about a plant that can be used for fireworks. Went hiking up to Gaustatoppen, the tallest peak in southern Norway. Sunny day, beautiful sky. Our 40 minute hike took over 3 hours to the top, where we found hot waffles and raspberry jam awaiting. Took the time to check out the lichen activity above the treeline. Drove back through the hills, listening to Jay-Z and Hammond organ music, stopping at an old church made from charred wood.

Having a slow Saturday. Going to buy some supplies for my Norwegian dinner party when I return. It will mainly consisting of brown chees, various types of fish puree in tubes and vodka. Headed to the big city tonight for a late night party with all the PhD's in this house.

Headed home in a few days.