11nov2013
First time that a Norwegian assumed that I am norwegian!
2013.10.26 - Canterbury
Sleeping on an air mattress next to the main road turns out to be loud and reasonably comfortable, also because the British windows do not seem to be more than a couple of micrometers thick. (Darn, I bloody miss New Zealand!) It was not perceivably louder when we opened them in the morning.
We walked around in the city, very British, cosy, and nice indeed!! We had a bus tour to the institute (and algae) of the friend who made her PhD at Kent University. At the beach we took a nice fish'n'chips and headed back home, not without buying some unhealthy stuff in the nice shops in Canterbury.
Then, haha, we watched two episodes of the very first Star Trek series and it was time for me to head back to London... Heading back to my home in Oslo...
We walked around in the city, very British, cosy, and nice indeed!! We had a bus tour to the institute (and algae) of the friend who made her PhD at Kent University. At the beach we took a nice fish'n'chips and headed back home, not without buying some unhealthy stuff in the nice shops in Canterbury.
Then, haha, we watched two episodes of the very first Star Trek series and it was time for me to head back to London... Heading back to my home in Oslo...
2013.10.25 - London IV
Going to bed with TV shows to watch is always somewhat good. And therefore I woke up early and relaxed. Also, the blister was continuously getting more comfortable to deal with, nice! After a decent breakfast I finally tried to hide a geocaching-travel-bug in a cash; I had promised to do so to my flat mate.. Those travel bags have to be hidden somewhere for others to be found and travel around the world. I just saw the Big Ben but did not find the cash. I walked around for a bit more, went to the British Museum. Then it was already time to collect my backpack from the hostel and go to Viktoria Coach Station where I met my two Austrian friends. We took the bus to Canterbury to visit a mutual friend. So many Austrian friends at once! That's unusual, but good indeed. We had a nice burger and very nice talks, good to see good people!!
2013.10.24 - London III
Another social encounter was planned for today. At 10.00, I met another friend from Vienna in Camden, and we walked around in Camden Town. Go there if you are in London, that's a special place with awesome shops, in the area of a former stable. We went to have a view on the city from Primrose Hill, then I continued (again by myself) via Regent's park and took an obligatory shot of Baker Str 221b or whatever it is. Now I have to watch the current Sherlock show again to compare if it really was the same door (oh no!). Then, a quick tour in the Science museum, the normal walking-around-a-bit toward the hostel, and a decent dinner, kind of, a 500ml Ben&Jerries. But I reckon, I am eating way to healthy in Oslo, so I need a bit of a change. Then, finishing the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy part 2 (first time in my life I've read a book in 3 days, my English must really have improved somehow!) and catching up with you, dear diary! Sweet dreams to all the readers out there in continental Europe.
2010.10.23 - London II
Walked up, walked again back to the city, together with all my belongings. I was going to change hostel. The one in the east of the city (the cheapest of the youth hostel hostels, "Thameside") was really quite remote. And expensive. And shabby. So I moved to another hostel where I walked to, with all my luggage. I walked to the London bridge, I walked to Monument, Bank and all the skyscrapers, St. Paul's, Trafalgar Squ., Green Park. There I went to the first hour of the free guided tours (the guide was the actor of the current Mikado commercial!) and then I took my first non-walking journey to the London Eye. There, I met two friends, one of which we surprised with me suddenly being there, she was going to leave to New Zealand, so it was really good to see her again .. Who knows when we are going to see each other next time!! We took a river cruise back to London Bridge, had a fish and chips around Covent Garden. Then they had to go, and I went to Kings Cross to make a bit of Warner-Bros sightseeing, and yielded to my desire to watch a movie. So I saw Schwarzenegger and Stallone. I am glad that my English is already so good that I can fully understand Stallone! After that, another bit of walking, and finally bed. Hello, blisters! Second time in my life (I think) I got blisters. What to do with them? Ignore them! So, now to the central hostel called White Ferry (1a Sutherland Street, Victoria), worth recommending.
2013.10.22 - London I
Woke up extra early to have enough time to leave. Had a good breakfast, had a glimpse at the kitchen watch and thought I have enough time. I went out of the house, looked at my phone and saw that I have not at all enough time. I went as fast as possible to the bus terminal but was 3 min too late, the bus had already left. Damn. I waited for 40 min for the train + bus that took me there (Airport Rygge) and surprisingly made it there, but hey, the last time I had synthesized so much adrenaline was when I was going bungee jumping.
Ryan air flights turn out to be quite normal, there's nothing that was terrifying me, I arrived safely in London. The time the bus took to get to London Victoria made clear that I haven't been in a big city for quite a while. Wow. So huge. So jammed. I am glad I am in Oslo. It's cosy there.
London feels great, so much londony aspects, red buses everywhere, and the English language of course, very nice indeed.
I walked around for a bit, towards the Buckingham Palace, watched the guards for a bit, walked around in the green park, and then took the famous tube which took ages to get near my hostel. There, I realised that the English are not only using yard and I don't know what, but also another system of power plugs. Weeeell that's stupid. So I hope my phone is not being stolen at this moment from the USB port of the public computer downstairs in this youth hostel...
No it was not. In the evening I took a long walk from the Thameside Youth Hostel to Piccadilly Circus, where I was planning to meet this friend of mine. He is here at the same time as me, completely accidentally! He is here to spend some last days with someone who is heading home after being in London. So, after some time I gave up waiting, let them have their time, and took the subway to the hostel, maybe we meet tomorrow.
Ryan air flights turn out to be quite normal, there's nothing that was terrifying me, I arrived safely in London. The time the bus took to get to London Victoria made clear that I haven't been in a big city for quite a while. Wow. So huge. So jammed. I am glad I am in Oslo. It's cosy there.
London feels great, so much londony aspects, red buses everywhere, and the English language of course, very nice indeed.
I walked around for a bit, towards the Buckingham Palace, watched the guards for a bit, walked around in the green park, and then took the famous tube which took ages to get near my hostel. There, I realised that the English are not only using yard and I don't know what, but also another system of power plugs. Weeeell that's stupid. So I hope my phone is not being stolen at this moment from the USB port of the public computer downstairs in this youth hostel...
No it was not. In the evening I took a long walk from the Thameside Youth Hostel to Piccadilly Circus, where I was planning to meet this friend of mine. He is here at the same time as me, completely accidentally! He is here to spend some last days with someone who is heading home after being in London. So, after some time I gave up waiting, let them have their time, and took the subway to the hostel, maybe we meet tomorrow.
2013.10.19 - Tønsberg
Just a quick day trip to Tønsberg. The 'oldest city of Norway'. A friend of mine who had the idea of going there was hoping to see band members of her favorite band 'Seigmon'. We walked around and actually really saw and talked to Alex of this band, well that was luck! Nice cosy city, residence of the king in some old days ... Pictures will follow, sooner or later.
Yeha! The version of my two texts I am due in a week are more or less done, at least I would already dare to send them as they are. I finally started to do corrections on my master thesis. In order to do so, I did it the norwegian way and sent a mail to the chef of the choir and asked if it was possible for me to not come that evening. Imagine that would be the normal way for everything.. Anyway, right now I am on the way to London, next adventure awaits. And afterwards it's master thesis, hopefully the creation of the very last version of it!
And about the photos, be patient ... They have not first priority ;) have a good one.
Yeha! The version of my two texts I am due in a week are more or less done, at least I would already dare to send them as they are. I finally started to do corrections on my master thesis. In order to do so, I did it the norwegian way and sent a mail to the chef of the choir and asked if it was possible for me to not come that evening. Imagine that would be the normal way for everything.. Anyway, right now I am on the way to London, next adventure awaits. And afterwards it's master thesis, hopefully the creation of the very last version of it!
And about the photos, be patient ... They have not first priority ;) have a good one.
2013.10.15 - Bergen
Monday evening, after the choir rehearsal, I took the night train to Bergen. Again, I was lucky. The last week or so, the way between Bergen and Oslo was compromised and no train could come through. A couple of hours before my train left, it was announced that everything is fine again.
The train left perfectly on time at 23.22 and arrived at 06.51. I walked up a random hill, took heaps of pictures and wrote some diary/blogpost/this. The random hill turned out to be the Tøyen hill, where the cable car is going up. So I saved some money and had some fresh air. Win/win.
The stupid thing is, that I booked the journey to Bergen (this week) and to London (next week) before I could know that I would have quite a lot to do for university. For the uni in Oslo, I had to do homework for the norwegian course, but that's not much. For "Introduction into the old norse and celtic culture", I have to write two papers, one for each parts. In my whole life, I have never heard anything about this whole stuff. Additionally, it's all in norwegian. So, it's quite some effort to understand what they want from me and what I have to write. As I also want to finish it, I spent both afternoons in the university here in Bergen, continuing to research and write. Because when it's done, I can deal with my master thesis, and I want to have this bloody thing done, believe me....!!!
I stayed with a Brazilian couchsurfer who is studying in Bergen for two semesters. As I arrived in Bergen at 7.00 in the morning and was productive (hiking&studying) until 18.00. I slept more than 9 hours (9h30) which is very much for me. Probably I missed to see some northern lights that night, but hey.
The next day, I was not really planning to do anything. I was thinking about taking a fjord-tour, but the one that was recommended to me is just being offered from 01jul to 31aug. So, next time. Instead, I walked up the Ulriketoppen, apparently the highest mountain right next to the city, and walked then back home to Oslo again, right into the library, yay! I am so out of shape, my legs trembled when I walked down, my muscles need some more exercise. I think it makes a big difference that I don't have to climb that little hill at home in Austria; it's just a few meters but apparently it keeps the muscles active.
The next and last day, I just had one or two hours before taking the train back home. I went to the Fantoft Stavkirke, the church which was first burned down by a member of the black metal scene. Then, I had a yummy fish'n'chips, enjoyed to sun for a couple of minutes (not a single drop in three days!) and into the train back to my home in Oslo ...
The train left perfectly on time at 23.22 and arrived at 06.51. I walked up a random hill, took heaps of pictures and wrote some diary/blogpost/this. The random hill turned out to be the Tøyen hill, where the cable car is going up. So I saved some money and had some fresh air. Win/win.
The stupid thing is, that I booked the journey to Bergen (this week) and to London (next week) before I could know that I would have quite a lot to do for university. For the uni in Oslo, I had to do homework for the norwegian course, but that's not much. For "Introduction into the old norse and celtic culture", I have to write two papers, one for each parts. In my whole life, I have never heard anything about this whole stuff. Additionally, it's all in norwegian. So, it's quite some effort to understand what they want from me and what I have to write. As I also want to finish it, I spent both afternoons in the university here in Bergen, continuing to research and write. Because when it's done, I can deal with my master thesis, and I want to have this bloody thing done, believe me....!!!
I stayed with a Brazilian couchsurfer who is studying in Bergen for two semesters. As I arrived in Bergen at 7.00 in the morning and was productive (hiking&studying) until 18.00. I slept more than 9 hours (9h30) which is very much for me. Probably I missed to see some northern lights that night, but hey.
The next day, I was not really planning to do anything. I was thinking about taking a fjord-tour, but the one that was recommended to me is just being offered from 01jul to 31aug. So, next time. Instead, I walked up the Ulriketoppen, apparently the highest mountain right next to the city, and walked then back home to Oslo again, right into the library, yay! I am so out of shape, my legs trembled when I walked down, my muscles need some more exercise. I think it makes a big difference that I don't have to climb that little hill at home in Austria; it's just a few meters but apparently it keeps the muscles active.
The next and last day, I just had one or two hours before taking the train back home. I went to the Fantoft Stavkirke, the church which was first burned down by a member of the black metal scene. Then, I had a yummy fish'n'chips, enjoyed to sun for a couple of minutes (not a single drop in three days!) and into the train back to my home in Oslo ...
2013.10.13 - Trondheim
It's been some day since the last time i wrote something.
The reason for this blogpost is the trip to Trondheim with my new choir, the Oslo Voices. We have rehearsed around a dozen of songs, had a kind of test concert on last monday, and on friday the big day was there, meeting everyone from the choir at the gate, and flying to Trondheim.
I was quite lucky that I had a chance beforehand to have a short trip home to Austria, I would have had to buy a black suit, so I could just bring the one from home.
Anyway. We arrived in Trondheim, took the bus to our rather luxurious hotel (Radisson blu) and directly headed to our first appointment, singing for a relative of a guy in the choir. Then we changed to more comfy stuff and went to have dinner together. I there realised - those are all working people! They have money to spend! But the food was adequately wonderful. Around midnight, I was in bed, of course not without having been out to take some shots of the most important touristic sites.
Next morning - stunning breakfast buffet - rehearsal, concert in the afternoon at the Vår Frue Church. Dinner, sleep, breakfast, and then came the highlight of the week end - we sang in the Nidaros Dome, first a mass of Frank Martin during the service, and then four songs just on ourselves. Wonderful! In the afternoon we had another two concerts in the Vår Frue, but that was not THAT stunning.
Well, and that was it already. Flight back to Oslo and back to university-business.
The next day, as every monday, two lectures and choir rehearsal, now with christmas songs. Happy christmas everyone! It's unavoidable...
In the norwegian class, everyone who is too late has to make an extra homework. Last week, the teacher came too late. She couldn't really do homework, so she did make a carrot cake for us!
Next tour: Bergen, from whose hill I am writing these lines to you.
The reason for this blogpost is the trip to Trondheim with my new choir, the Oslo Voices. We have rehearsed around a dozen of songs, had a kind of test concert on last monday, and on friday the big day was there, meeting everyone from the choir at the gate, and flying to Trondheim.
I was quite lucky that I had a chance beforehand to have a short trip home to Austria, I would have had to buy a black suit, so I could just bring the one from home.
Anyway. We arrived in Trondheim, took the bus to our rather luxurious hotel (Radisson blu) and directly headed to our first appointment, singing for a relative of a guy in the choir. Then we changed to more comfy stuff and went to have dinner together. I there realised - those are all working people! They have money to spend! But the food was adequately wonderful. Around midnight, I was in bed, of course not without having been out to take some shots of the most important touristic sites.
Next morning - stunning breakfast buffet - rehearsal, concert in the afternoon at the Vår Frue Church. Dinner, sleep, breakfast, and then came the highlight of the week end - we sang in the Nidaros Dome, first a mass of Frank Martin during the service, and then four songs just on ourselves. Wonderful! In the afternoon we had another two concerts in the Vår Frue, but that was not THAT stunning.
Well, and that was it already. Flight back to Oslo and back to university-business.
The next day, as every monday, two lectures and choir rehearsal, now with christmas songs. Happy christmas everyone! It's unavoidable...
In the norwegian class, everyone who is too late has to make an extra homework. Last week, the teacher came too late. She couldn't really do homework, so she did make a carrot cake for us!
Next tour: Bergen, from whose hill I am writing these lines to you.
2013.09.21 - Le Grand Macabre
Well, the last few days were diverse.. With a couple of friends I went to the theatre and we saw Den andre mannen, which was in a language I didn't fully understand. We didn't even figure out if it was a bizarre norwegian (bokmål) accent or nynorsk. Next time I will understand more, and next time will be in the main venue in the Nationalteatret.
Also, I went to the opera. Not just from the outside, but also from the inside it's a wonderful building. Le Grand Macabre - well - was macabre but well played and done. Still, very strange and macabre.
Classes are doing fine, I am doing my work.
I started to go swimming everyday, and going to the sauna from time to time, for I knew I normally get a bit sick every autumn. So, what prevents getting sick better than doing that? Right! Wrong. So, I got sick five days before I would be heading home for a week. I decided to stay in bed, and cure the hell out of it. Now I am lying here, and watching Breaking Bad, of course legally as there exists Netflix here in Norway.
Apart from that, nothing really exiting is going on at the moment.
Also, I went to the opera. Not just from the outside, but also from the inside it's a wonderful building. Le Grand Macabre - well - was macabre but well played and done. Still, very strange and macabre.
Classes are doing fine, I am doing my work.
I started to go swimming everyday, and going to the sauna from time to time, for I knew I normally get a bit sick every autumn. So, what prevents getting sick better than doing that? Right! Wrong. So, I got sick five days before I would be heading home for a week. I decided to stay in bed, and cure the hell out of it. Now I am lying here, and watching Breaking Bad, of course legally as there exists Netflix here in Norway.
Apart from that, nothing really exiting is going on at the moment.
2013.09.15 - Amsterdam
I did actually find the courage and motivation to go to the fitness centre. I did not find norwegian best friends so far. But: I was there for almost every day for the last 1,5 weeks - for swimming. My stamina is very bad, but I reckon if I go there every day for a swim, it will get better. Also, there is a sauna and sauna is always good.
The uni makes me read a lot, the celtic/old nordic studies are challenging. The readings are a lot and a bit hard, and the lectures are exhausting and difficult to understand. But I plan to finish the major part of the paper for the norwegian class this week, so I should have relatively much time for the readings afterwards. Let's see if this plan works.
The choir is still challenging. We had a choir seminar, and this week was just choir on monday, tuesday, friday, sunday, sunday, monday. I was glad it was over. The pieces of music are stunningly beautiful, nevertheless I fear the fact that everything has to be sung my heart; no score allowed -- I do know not a single piece so far.
-- In the end, everything's going to be fine. If it's not fine, it's not the end.
- - -
From friday until sunday, I went to Amsterdam with a friend. We flew there friday evening, arrived at our couch surfer's place at 9pm, talked a bit with this awesome host. Then we went to see the city for that evening and the whole saturday. We run around the whole time, took a tour on the canals, went to the Rijksmuseum and the Sex Museum and were amazed how beautiful this city is. Really, it's worth going there... so many beautiful houses... And ridiculously many people in the red light district.
Also the flair and feeling of the city is very very nice, it was almost hard to go back to Oslo...
I really have to mention that it is a great thing to live in Europe, where it is possible to see quite lot of another city somewhere else, just within a week end.
The uni makes me read a lot, the celtic/old nordic studies are challenging. The readings are a lot and a bit hard, and the lectures are exhausting and difficult to understand. But I plan to finish the major part of the paper for the norwegian class this week, so I should have relatively much time for the readings afterwards. Let's see if this plan works.
The choir is still challenging. We had a choir seminar, and this week was just choir on monday, tuesday, friday, sunday, sunday, monday. I was glad it was over. The pieces of music are stunningly beautiful, nevertheless I fear the fact that everything has to be sung my heart; no score allowed -- I do know not a single piece so far.
-- In the end, everything's going to be fine. If it's not fine, it's not the end.
- - -
From friday until sunday, I went to Amsterdam with a friend. We flew there friday evening, arrived at our couch surfer's place at 9pm, talked a bit with this awesome host. Then we went to see the city for that evening and the whole saturday. We run around the whole time, took a tour on the canals, went to the Rijksmuseum and the Sex Museum and were amazed how beautiful this city is. Really, it's worth going there... so many beautiful houses... And ridiculously many people in the red light district.
Also the flair and feeling of the city is very very nice, it was almost hard to go back to Oslo...
I really have to mention that it is a great thing to live in Europe, where it is possible to see quite lot of another city somewhere else, just within a week end.
2013.09.01 - first trip outside of the city
Well, it was not a big trip. The university organised a trip to a cabin in the woods for around 50 international students. Just one norwegian guy (the organiser) was with us, and 50 internationals.
We took the subway and then a bus to the studenterhytta.no (Yes, apparently has everything it's own website here). We barely were told that soup would be prepared, 6 volunteers were needed, and the same for the dinner ("norwegian style taco"), afterwards was organised a quiz night, and after breakfast we were supposed to tidy everything up. That was all the plan! So, we immediately walked to the nearby lake, I took a swim (warmer than the Sognsvann!), and then we went back for lunch. The area is just as one imagines Oslo surrounding: forests, from time to time a lake, and basically nothing else in view (and - the knowledge that the subway is not really far away). In the evening, our team won the first three rounds of the quiz night, but the fourth round was basically just giving points to the most drunken people. so - "unfortunately" - we lost. But during the game, we got small prices, and we could choose between chocolate and shots. Guess what I chose. Then we wondered about alcohol and left the party to see stars. At 1 am or so, we went to the Sauna (!) where, again, we wondered about alcohol and not very adult Americans.
That evening, I sent the fifth version of my master thesis to my supervisor ("yeeehh"). Now for homework, socialising and enjoying the sun. If i finish the readings (for last monday) in time, I will take a first look into the fitness centre..
Still didn't really meet many Norwegians so far .. maybe I get lucky in the fitness centre...
We took the subway and then a bus to the studenterhytta.no (Yes, apparently has everything it's own website here). We barely were told that soup would be prepared, 6 volunteers were needed, and the same for the dinner ("norwegian style taco"), afterwards was organised a quiz night, and after breakfast we were supposed to tidy everything up. That was all the plan! So, we immediately walked to the nearby lake, I took a swim (warmer than the Sognsvann!), and then we went back for lunch. The area is just as one imagines Oslo surrounding: forests, from time to time a lake, and basically nothing else in view (and - the knowledge that the subway is not really far away). In the evening, our team won the first three rounds of the quiz night, but the fourth round was basically just giving points to the most drunken people. so - "unfortunately" - we lost. But during the game, we got small prices, and we could choose between chocolate and shots. Guess what I chose. Then we wondered about alcohol and left the party to see stars. At 1 am or so, we went to the Sauna (!) where, again, we wondered about alcohol and not very adult Americans.
That evening, I sent the fifth version of my master thesis to my supervisor ("yeeehh"). Now for homework, socialising and enjoying the sun. If i finish the readings (for last monday) in time, I will take a first look into the fitness centre..
Still didn't really meet many Norwegians so far .. maybe I get lucky in the fitness centre...
2013.08.28 - masterthesis <-> longing for someplace else
Today and yesterday, I basically did do two things.
1) continue to write my master thesis, do corrections, coming closer to the next version I will send to my supervisor
2) longing for doing something different, like, for example, travelling. Because then I thought - yeah I should go there! And in the end of the two days, I have to admit that I am delighted, shocked and looking forward to the madness I have just offered my credit card credentials for. 2 days Amsterdam. 5 days London. 2 days Bergen. 5 days Tromsø. All rather cheap, but nevertheless... Never write a masterthesis and think about something different at the same time or have people you should visit... never ever. So - no more stuff until the semester's over. And - a part time job as soon as my master thesis is done!
1) continue to write my master thesis, do corrections, coming closer to the next version I will send to my supervisor
2) longing for doing something different, like, for example, travelling. Because then I thought - yeah I should go there! And in the end of the two days, I have to admit that I am delighted, shocked and looking forward to the madness I have just offered my credit card credentials for. 2 days Amsterdam. 5 days London. 2 days Bergen. 5 days Tromsø. All rather cheap, but nevertheless... Never write a masterthesis and think about something different at the same time or have people you should visit... never ever. So - no more stuff until the semester's over. And - a part time job as soon as my master thesis is done!
2013.08.27 - Routine?
Last week I went to my first lecture. That was OK, I was able to focus for those two hours or so. But yesterday I had to follow a norwegian class for almost four hours, which was really exhausting. After an one hour break, there was the other lecture, again two hours. At 18.00, there were three other hours of choir. My ability to focus was quite drained at the end of the day. But I do know this feeling, I already had it when I learned french in France; that's the feeling you get when your brain has to learn heaps of words in short time. Actually, it's a good thing. I hope that in a couple of weeks, it will be easier. But I am quite sure it will.
A big thing is still my master thesis. I am almost entirely sure I will send the next version to my supervisor this week. After the thesis is done, I will look for a part time job to be able to afford some more expensive food (e.g. bread or crisps).
I was swimming in the fjord; that was nice! and even warmer than swimming in the Sogsnvann, the lake I've been to again. Actually, the weather is quite interesting: for almost a week and a half, there is just blue sky all day long! Really nice .. especially when I hear it's all rainy in Austria and Germany.
So, back to write my thesis...
A big thing is still my master thesis. I am almost entirely sure I will send the next version to my supervisor this week. After the thesis is done, I will look for a part time job to be able to afford some more expensive food (e.g. bread or crisps).
I was swimming in the fjord; that was nice! and even warmer than swimming in the Sogsnvann, the lake I've been to again. Actually, the weather is quite interesting: for almost a week and a half, there is just blue sky all day long! Really nice .. especially when I hear it's all rainy in Austria and Germany.
So, back to write my thesis...
2013.08.20 - First days in Oslo III
Lack of sleep - The first thing that pops into my head when I think about the last five days.
But for very good reasons though.
In Norway, as is commonly known, alcohol is expensive. But as the university doesn't want to hinder its students to get a bit of alcohol, it provides facilities of each faculty for a pub. For the humanities, there's a small cosy pub called Uglebo, the house of the owl. As the workers there all are volunteers, the beer can be quite cheap for anyone and it's a good possibility to come together and be social - and for me, to meet Norwegian people.
Additionally, there is a student festival called Studio, where I helped out as well - until 4.30 am. And I am really not used to staying up that late, repeatedly.
But well, to know people, sacrifices are necessary. :-)
Yesterday, I had a first meeting with the choir of my choice, the Oslo Voices. If I get accepted, which will be shown next Monday, the choir will sing in Trondheim, Oslo, and even Berlin! I will keep you updated!
I keep getting visits all the time as well. So, after the Austrian colleague left for Bergen, the next people visiting me where a girl I met on the way to Tallinn and a friend from Berlin who I met in Helsinki... Yes, I have a gift to meet random people in random places!
I had my first lecture as well, introduction to old Norse and Celtic culture ... in Norwegian! That was challenging, but it went surprisingly well. But it will be quite a job to get that class done.
With my flat mates, I went to the Sognsvann, a lake which is a few subway stations (!) away from my student village. Oslo is I great place, to much forest, lakes and everything close. It was .. refreshing to swim there.
As you see, I made some efforts to get away from the international students and try to find nationals.. And I met some nice people already, but of course not that closely yet. But - still - I am here for just a week now.
And I am far away from feeling bored or useless, so, everything is very close to absolutely awesome...
But first, I need to catch up with my sleep .. My last shift is tomorrow evening, luckily just until 12.30 am, then I'll be in bed at 10 pm every day!
So much to do here! There was also an interesting tour: arts students are giving free tours, e.g. of street art in Oslo, based on tipping. And next week will be free cinema, free concerts (e.g. Beethoven9 at the city hall) and the many pubs/venues in Oslo with other concerts...
But for very good reasons though.
In Norway, as is commonly known, alcohol is expensive. But as the university doesn't want to hinder its students to get a bit of alcohol, it provides facilities of each faculty for a pub. For the humanities, there's a small cosy pub called Uglebo, the house of the owl. As the workers there all are volunteers, the beer can be quite cheap for anyone and it's a good possibility to come together and be social - and for me, to meet Norwegian people.
Additionally, there is a student festival called Studio, where I helped out as well - until 4.30 am. And I am really not used to staying up that late, repeatedly.
But well, to know people, sacrifices are necessary. :-)
Yesterday, I had a first meeting with the choir of my choice, the Oslo Voices. If I get accepted, which will be shown next Monday, the choir will sing in Trondheim, Oslo, and even Berlin! I will keep you updated!
I keep getting visits all the time as well. So, after the Austrian colleague left for Bergen, the next people visiting me where a girl I met on the way to Tallinn and a friend from Berlin who I met in Helsinki... Yes, I have a gift to meet random people in random places!
I had my first lecture as well, introduction to old Norse and Celtic culture ... in Norwegian! That was challenging, but it went surprisingly well. But it will be quite a job to get that class done.
With my flat mates, I went to the Sognsvann, a lake which is a few subway stations (!) away from my student village. Oslo is I great place, to much forest, lakes and everything close. It was .. refreshing to swim there.
As you see, I made some efforts to get away from the international students and try to find nationals.. And I met some nice people already, but of course not that closely yet. But - still - I am here for just a week now.
And I am far away from feeling bored or useless, so, everything is very close to absolutely awesome...
But first, I need to catch up with my sleep .. My last shift is tomorrow evening, luckily just until 12.30 am, then I'll be in bed at 10 pm every day!
So much to do here! There was also an interesting tour: arts students are giving free tours, e.g. of street art in Oslo, based on tipping. And next week will be free cinema, free concerts (e.g. Beethoven9 at the city hall) and the many pubs/venues in Oslo with other concerts...
2013.08.15 - First days in Oslo II
Food's expensive. In the course of these first days, I was already shown a cheap vegetable/asia/strange-stuff market in the immigrants quarter of Oslo (Grønland). Normal prices do make happy!
This week basically consists of two official things.
1. registration at the university, bureaucratic stuff as it necessary for every semester. It is pretty organised, everybody is helpful and on 15Jul, my courses were registered. It's gonna be a 20 ECTS language learning course and a 10 ECTS intro on celtic/old norwegian stuff.
2. Buddy week. Heaps of people in red t-shirts everywhere, on average two buddies for 20 people. Lots of international people. Lots of Germans. Germans everywhere. Games, funny games and get-to-know-each-other-stuff. Parties every day - the university is organising an own student festival with tents, music and so on.
I already found out my way to go to parties.
step 1. leave water bottles at home
step 2. join people who go to a free pub/location
step 3. have your ID and bag checked; water bottles have to be thrown away.
step 4. don't drink anything, it's too expensive.
step 5. have a good and cheap evening
Another annoying thing is my master's thesis. I do progress not as quickly as expected .. but I know I will be quiiite happy when it'll be done.
so happy.
So long, I will let you know when something exiting happens.
This week basically consists of two official things.
1. registration at the university, bureaucratic stuff as it necessary for every semester. It is pretty organised, everybody is helpful and on 15Jul, my courses were registered. It's gonna be a 20 ECTS language learning course and a 10 ECTS intro on celtic/old norwegian stuff.
2. Buddy week. Heaps of people in red t-shirts everywhere, on average two buddies for 20 people. Lots of international people. Lots of Germans. Germans everywhere. Games, funny games and get-to-know-each-other-stuff. Parties every day - the university is organising an own student festival with tents, music and so on.
I already found out my way to go to parties.
step 1. leave water bottles at home
step 2. join people who go to a free pub/location
step 3. have your ID and bag checked; water bottles have to be thrown away.
step 4. don't drink anything, it's too expensive.
step 5. have a good and cheap evening
Another annoying thing is my master's thesis. I do progress not as quickly as expected .. but I know I will be quiiite happy when it'll be done.
so happy.
So long, I will let you know when something exiting happens.
2013.08.12 - First days in Oslo
The first three days in Norway.
Hello everyone.
Yes, I did arrive safely in Oslo - The weather in Vienna had been hot. Quite hot. At the airport, I was waiting at the gate, the plane was already a bit too late, but that's OK. Then, the plane did not get clearance for take-off because of massive thunderstorms. 2.5 hours delay. Funnily enough, the weather in Oslo was then approximately the same as in Vienna. So, everyone got nice(r) weather.
A colleague of mine joined me for the week-end, we got to Oslo together (to be precise: with 10 minutes difference; different planes) and got a super expensive airport bus to the city ( - all regular public transport was already closed). We stayed at the Anker youth hostel in Grünerløkka, where we walked to. In the middle of the night, me with to 21kg suitcases. The next morning (10Aug) we headed to University of Oslo to fetch my key, and then went to my apartment. This apartment, in a wide area of student housing is in the middle of green and quite friendly area... I will provide pictures as soon as I get home to take my camera which I forgot in my room in Austria (stupid!).
We walked around the city, to Holmenkollen, Aker Brygge, Operaen, and Bygdøy.
On monday, the tourist program ended, I bade my colleague farewell, she left to Bergen by train.
For me, the semester started with a little bureaucratic journey, but well organised though. Nevertheless, it always seems to be a struggle to get to know how it works. I am not through with it, but it definitely IS well organised. The Buddy meeting forced us to play uncomfortable know-each-other games, but that's proven to have its benefits... a heavy thunderstorm and downpour followed (NOT common for Norway at this time of the year!). Because of that, the buddy group did split up and mostly did not go to the city center, where the rector and others held a welcoming speech to all students. I and some others did go and e.g. enjoyed a nice performance of O Fortuna.. (there of course, it didn't rain anymore..).
Then, to my new home, first time alone in the room, time for some organising and blog writing.
See you in a couple of days.
Hello everyone.
Yes, I did arrive safely in Oslo - The weather in Vienna had been hot. Quite hot. At the airport, I was waiting at the gate, the plane was already a bit too late, but that's OK. Then, the plane did not get clearance for take-off because of massive thunderstorms. 2.5 hours delay. Funnily enough, the weather in Oslo was then approximately the same as in Vienna. So, everyone got nice(r) weather.
A colleague of mine joined me for the week-end, we got to Oslo together (to be precise: with 10 minutes difference; different planes) and got a super expensive airport bus to the city ( - all regular public transport was already closed). We stayed at the Anker youth hostel in Grünerløkka, where we walked to. In the middle of the night, me with to 21kg suitcases. The next morning (10Aug) we headed to University of Oslo to fetch my key, and then went to my apartment. This apartment, in a wide area of student housing is in the middle of green and quite friendly area... I will provide pictures as soon as I get home to take my camera which I forgot in my room in Austria (stupid!).
We walked around the city, to Holmenkollen, Aker Brygge, Operaen, and Bygdøy.
On monday, the tourist program ended, I bade my colleague farewell, she left to Bergen by train.
For me, the semester started with a little bureaucratic journey, but well organised though. Nevertheless, it always seems to be a struggle to get to know how it works. I am not through with it, but it definitely IS well organised. The Buddy meeting forced us to play uncomfortable know-each-other games, but that's proven to have its benefits... a heavy thunderstorm and downpour followed (NOT common for Norway at this time of the year!). Because of that, the buddy group did split up and mostly did not go to the city center, where the rector and others held a welcoming speech to all students. I and some others did go and e.g. enjoyed a nice performance of O Fortuna.. (there of course, it didn't rain anymore..).
Then, to my new home, first time alone in the room, time for some organising and blog writing.
See you in a couple of days.
2013.04.07 - Some numbers and data of our trip to Iceland
Kilometers driven: starting with mileage 216.415 km: 3.540
Color of the car: gold.
Gas used: gas for 407 Euro and 20 Cents.
Number of free seats in our car, with all our luggage: a little bit less than 0.
Streets used: mostly ring street, quite some gravel roads (but 'minor stratches' are ok according to our rental company)
Weather: mostly either sunny or snowy. Twice in two weeks, we had rain.
Number of 32 GB SD-cards filled up: 3
Number of photos and videos: 3375
Color of the car: gold.
Gas used: gas for 407 Euro and 20 Cents.
Number of free seats in our car, with all our luggage: a little bit less than 0.
Streets used: mostly ring street, quite some gravel roads (but 'minor stratches' are ok according to our rental company)
Weather: mostly either sunny or snowy. Twice in two weeks, we had rain.
Number of 32 GB SD-cards filled up: 3
Number of photos and videos: 3375
2013.03.07 - Home again
Today, we just walked around in the city, strolling around, in bookshops and other shops. We didn't really get into the opera house as we would have needed tickets, but we walked through Christiania, the Freetown Christiania. A cosy and comfortable last day of our trip to Iceland. At 6.45, we took the train to the airport, and the plane to Vienna, without anything worth mentioning.
Home again! Sad to leave Iceland and Denmark, but happy to be home.
Home again! Sad to leave Iceland and Denmark, but happy to be home.
2013.04.06 - Copenhagen
....Around 1 am, when the movie was finished, we found a cosy bar and I had a Pepsi at almost the price of a double so big beer. After that, we continued to the airport and the drop-off of the car. At 7 am we left Iceland. Next stop: Copenhagen. We found the Dan Hostel quite quickly, had a short rest, and two of us had a walk while the third one was taking a bit more rest (which, retrospectively, would also have made some sense for me). In the evening, we had a mexican buffet as dinner and I was happy to get to bed.
2013.04.05 - Golden Circle
We wanted to be prepared for the following night, so we decided to sleep until 9 am. We left for the golden circle. First we saw a crater called Kerið, but we were already used to craters. Then we went to see the Geysir called Geysir and its more active neighbor. Then we saw the Gullfoss waterfall. Then we drove to Þingvellir. This already took the biggest part of the day. After a local traditional dinner (KFC) we bought some snacks for the flight and headed to the Blue Lagoon near Keflavík. When it closed at 8.45 pm, we drove back to Reykavík and decided spontaneously to go to the movies - we had to pull an all-nighter as we had to drop off our car at 5 am and didn't have a hostel. So we went to see a film which turned out to be the danish version of 'The Hunt' ('Jagden') with icelandic subtitles.
2013.04.04 - Selfoss
After a good breakfast at the very nice hostel of Vík, we had a look into the wool shop (I bought a pair of socks) and headed westwards. We saw the waterfalls Skogarfoss and Glúfurárfoss. In Landeyahöfn we spontaneously tried to catch a ferry to the Vestmammaeyar, but there was no ferry at a good time. So we walked around and had fun in the beach in the west of the ferry. We headed back to the watefalls to finally also find the Seljalandsfoss, which was a bit hidden behind the other ones.
We continued to Selfoss, as we had to check in. One of us wanted to drive back to take photos of the falls, the others went to the swimming pool nearby - so many people! - we really are back in populated area.
Shortly after midnight, we saw a very small northern light, so barely worth mentioning. (Nevertheless..-it's a northern light!)
We continued to Selfoss, as we had to check in. One of us wanted to drive back to take photos of the falls, the others went to the swimming pool nearby - so many people! - we really are back in populated area.
Shortly after midnight, we saw a very small northern light, so barely worth mentioning. (Nevertheless..-it's a northern light!)
2013.04.03 - Vík
As we had breakfast, we were the only ones in the hostel. We left around 10 and drove back, eastwards to the Skaftafell, where we walked to the Svartifoss, the waterfall surrounded by basaltic rocks. A hint, that a so-called 'diamond cave' should be visited, turned out to be wrong as it is the wrong season and the diamond cave nonexisting. But it would have been nice to be in a cave surrounded by ice and lit by the sun from above. Another time.
We headed back westwards, passed the Fagrifoss and other small (not so famous) waterfalls.
We checked in in Vík, and drove to the area around the Reynisfjall and to Dyrhólaey, the bays and beaches east of Vík. Lots of photos were taken.
Good night!
We headed back westwards, passed the Fagrifoss and other small (not so famous) waterfalls.
We checked in in Vík, and drove to the area around the Reynisfjall and to Dyrhólaey, the bays and beaches east of Vík. Lots of photos were taken.
Good night!
2013.04.02 - Hvoll
The hostel would probably have been a good place to search for the northern lights, but I preferred to go to bed (traveling is tiring ;)). Today was my turn to drive, and it was quite something, from Berunes to Hvoll, around maybe 400 km?
For me, somewhere north of Berunes was the border between the reeally vast north-eastern part of Iceland with much snow and the rather more populated, springlike southern part, way less snow, I missed the snow and emptiness already... Jökulsárlón was the first big stop, a sea with ice floes from the Vatnajökull.
In the youth hostel Hvoll, we were the only guests apart from bridge building workers; apparently there are just two teams who are able to build bridges in the whole country - one for the west and north, one for the east and south of Iceland.
No northern lights either, today. But the ones we saw were quite weak, so maybe if the estimated intensity would go up from 2 to something more, maybe we could have a second glimpse, before we leave the country...
2013.04.01 - Berunes
I started my day with another 20 min in the hut tub, at 8.30 we had the included breakfast. I really can recommend this Guest House in Laugur. We drove to Mývatn, no wind, blue water, warm and nice. In Dimmuborgir we found a lava field, but one that was once active and thus had other, bigger structures. We continued, saw some horses on the way, to a couple of grottos (called Grjótagja) which again was great: some meters down over rocks, into approx. 40-45(?) centigrades warm and steaming water. Discovering the hidden caves and caverns, trying not to hurt or scratch myself on a sharp rock coming out of the dark.
The geothermal area Námafjall Hverir consisted of bubbling and piping pits and basins (comparable to the Wonderland in Wai-o-Tapu, but a bit less colorful).
The next goal was the Dettifoss, one of the largest waterfalls in the country. But the road leading there is not a main road and not very maintained in winter, thus probably much snow. We were quite sure we couldn't make it ourselves, but we tried the first few meters. Hitchhiking was out of question? In this season of the year with really not so many tourists - Who would have three spare seats in a big 4x4 car? - the next car passing by did! - right as we began to drive back. So, thanks to two friendly english people, we came to Dettifoss! So much snow on the way (40 min for 25 km), so much wonderful snow. Such a nice waterfall!
We continued on the road nr. 1 south-eastwards through marvelous landscape (who would have guessed that!). We were quite late, so we didn't quite see the last part of the landscape, and also we didn't have the time to see Seyðisfjördur which had been recommended to us by a lot of people - next time.
Berunes, again a youth hostel, was situated a few hundred meters next to the road nr. 1, so easy to find.
The geothermal area Námafjall Hverir consisted of bubbling and piping pits and basins (comparable to the Wonderland in Wai-o-Tapu, but a bit less colorful).
The next goal was the Dettifoss, one of the largest waterfalls in the country. But the road leading there is not a main road and not very maintained in winter, thus probably much snow. We were quite sure we couldn't make it ourselves, but we tried the first few meters. Hitchhiking was out of question? In this season of the year with really not so many tourists - Who would have three spare seats in a big 4x4 car? - the next car passing by did! - right as we began to drive back. So, thanks to two friendly english people, we came to Dettifoss! So much snow on the way (40 min for 25 km), so much wonderful snow. Such a nice waterfall!
We continued on the road nr. 1 south-eastwards through marvelous landscape (who would have guessed that!). We were quite late, so we didn't quite see the last part of the landscape, and also we didn't have the time to see Seyðisfjördur which had been recommended to us by a lot of people - next time.
Berunes, again a youth hostel, was situated a few hundred meters next to the road nr. 1, so easy to find.
2013.03.31 - Mývatn/Laugur
Again wonderfully relaxing sleep, and off to the 1 ring street. Goðafoss, right next to the ring street, proved to be a gorgeous waterfall to take photos of. So much snow everywhere, almost no clouds and around 0 centrigrades - awesome day, awesome Easter Sunday.
Next stop was Hverfjall, a 1 km big crate next to a smaller one, 2500 years old. We climbed up, and I left the prescribed trail to walk to the bottom of the crate. Next to the crate was all kind of wonderful landscape, frozen lakes (Mývatn), lava fields of different types, and cloud-white mountains in different shapes, almost no clouds. Iceland at its best.
We headed down to drive back the snowy gravel road which has lead us from the ring street to the bottom of the crate. After a few meters, we got stuck. Right in the fairway, axis buried in snow. So we called 112, for the first time in my life. After not even 20 minutes, a quad driver came to help us, additionally two drivers in a large heavy car. The quad guy managed to move the car backwards, with the three of us pushing back, and afterwards drive through the most difficult passage, this time not in the fairway. We took back the car, and we convoyed back to the ring street. So much help for no money or not even them staying to let us thank them. Honestly, I am impressed by the willingness to help by the Icelandic people.
We had planed before the trip to stay the night in Ytra Lon, a rather remote place to get to, far in the north-east. Due to the snowy conditions, we didn't want to risk it and changed our place for the night for a guest house west of Mývatn, quite close to the Guðafoss, in Laugur. This also had the advantage that we could see Mývatn which we would have missed otherwise.
The rest of the day until 2am is summed up quite easily in three expressions:
Hot tub
Aurora Borealis
Awesome
Next stop was Hverfjall, a 1 km big crate next to a smaller one, 2500 years old. We climbed up, and I left the prescribed trail to walk to the bottom of the crate. Next to the crate was all kind of wonderful landscape, frozen lakes (Mývatn), lava fields of different types, and cloud-white mountains in different shapes, almost no clouds. Iceland at its best.
We headed down to drive back the snowy gravel road which has lead us from the ring street to the bottom of the crate. After a few meters, we got stuck. Right in the fairway, axis buried in snow. So we called 112, for the first time in my life. After not even 20 minutes, a quad driver came to help us, additionally two drivers in a large heavy car. The quad guy managed to move the car backwards, with the three of us pushing back, and afterwards drive through the most difficult passage, this time not in the fairway. We took back the car, and we convoyed back to the ring street. So much help for no money or not even them staying to let us thank them. Honestly, I am impressed by the willingness to help by the Icelandic people.
We had planed before the trip to stay the night in Ytra Lon, a rather remote place to get to, far in the north-east. Due to the snowy conditions, we didn't want to risk it and changed our place for the night for a guest house west of Mývatn, quite close to the Guðafoss, in Laugur. This also had the advantage that we could see Mývatn which we would have missed otherwise.
The rest of the day until 2am is summed up quite easily in three expressions:
Hot tub
Aurora Borealis
Awesome
2013.03.30 - Akureyri
In the morning we had a comfortable breakfast and left around 10 am. We headed towards Akureyri, one of the largest "cities" in Iceland. We had a short detour to Sauðárkrókur, with some clay buildings and again marvelous views of mountains and the sea. But basically, we didn't spend too much time on walking around. Just a beach with ice floes leaving the bay was keeping us busy taking photos.
We arrived at Akureyri at 6.30 pm, bought some food and had a comfortable dinner in a restaurant.
We arrived at Akureyri at 6.30 pm, bought some food and had a comfortable dinner in a restaurant.
2013.03.29 - Vestfirðir
At 8.30 we left the hostel, with the ambitious aim to drive a road trip to the western fjords (Vestfirðir). At 2 pm, we arrived in Isafiörður for a short visit, and continued the "shortest" way back to the hostel. The plan was to make a circle, going counterclockwise around the west fjords. Already on the way back, we faced a gravel road and took it, of course, what other choice did we have- it's the only way back. But then: snowy conditions on the road, and we were not able to continue. So, we had to go back. From 8.30 until 3.30 - 5 hours - and now back again. NB: Try to avoid traveling too ambitiously. On the way back, from 3.45 to 4.45, we took nevertheless the time to take a little walk onto the Sandafell. At 10.30 or so we finally arrived at the hostel. A loooong day in the car, with three times at the gas station, and lots of beautiful views of snow, fjords, abandoned farms and other nice objects to take photos of, of course. It was an adventurous day, maybe too many risks have been taken, but it was with the effort - Vestfirðir: check.
(Btw, no trace of the northern lights so far...)
One huge dinner and a very short and rather cool stay in the hot tub, then beeeeed, finally :)
2013.03.28 - Sæberg
I learned tonight that a sleeping bed is not necessarily what I thought would be a sleeping bag: I had a linen sleeping bag, and therefore said I have a sleeping bag, therefore we did not get a blanket (but we had enough to wear, so so problem).
We left Grundafjörður quite quickly, and headed towards Helgafell, a hill providing the fulfillment of three wishes, when climbed silently. In Stykkishólmur, I had already been in July and eaten my first nearly-alive mussels (and an urchin). Again, it was a very nice cosy village with a open and wonderful open-air swimming pool and hot tubs.
From there on, I had my biggest experience so far in terms of driving on gravel road - approx. 70-80 km towards east.
We arrived at the Sæberg Hostel at 8pm, near Reykir, next to the Hrútafjörður separating the east from Iceland from the Westfjords (our plan for tomorrow).
The hostel had a hot-tub, perfect.
We left Grundafjörður quite quickly, and headed towards Helgafell, a hill providing the fulfillment of three wishes, when climbed silently. In Stykkishólmur, I had already been in July and eaten my first nearly-alive mussels (and an urchin). Again, it was a very nice cosy village with a open and wonderful open-air swimming pool and hot tubs.
From there on, I had my biggest experience so far in terms of driving on gravel road - approx. 70-80 km towards east.
We arrived at the Sæberg Hostel at 8pm, near Reykir, next to the Hrútafjörður separating the east from Iceland from the Westfjords (our plan for tomorrow).
The hostel had a hot-tub, perfect.
2013.03.27 - Snæfellsnes/Grundarfjörður
So much better to sleep in a three bed room. We changed our booking for this following night from Sæberg to Grundarfjörður - to be able to go see Snæfellsnes.
We left Borganes and took a small bypass to Bifröst and its Hreðavatn, a frozen lake next to three craters.
Next, we drove back to Borganes and northwards. In Eldborg, we decided not to hike to the crater, but (of course!) we took loads of photos.
Now began our cruise through the magnificent landscape of Snæfellsnes, typical Iceland. We drove through lava landscapes and passed by mountain after mountain, and still: the weather probably is better as in Austria.
In Lýsuhóll, I have already been to the hot tub/ public pool, and we wanted to go again - but it was closed (off season?).
Búðir, once again offered an extinct crater. We started at 1.30 pm, crossed the volcano landscape, climbed the crater, found a cave, found a beach consisting of bright sand (normally it's dark/black one) and took some more photos. At 5 pm we came back to the car - enough walking for the day.
We had another short stop at the lighthouse in Lóndrangar and the church of Ingjaldshóll. Then we headed to our city of the night, Grundarfjörður. We wanted to go for a bath, but again, it was closed.
After a nice self made dinner, a shower (at least!) and writing of this, I was happy to go to bed.
We left Borganes and took a small bypass to Bifröst and its Hreðavatn, a frozen lake next to three craters.
Next, we drove back to Borganes and northwards. In Eldborg, we decided not to hike to the crater, but (of course!) we took loads of photos.
Now began our cruise through the magnificent landscape of Snæfellsnes, typical Iceland. We drove through lava landscapes and passed by mountain after mountain, and still: the weather probably is better as in Austria.
In Lýsuhóll, I have already been to the hot tub/ public pool, and we wanted to go again - but it was closed (off season?).
Búðir, once again offered an extinct crater. We started at 1.30 pm, crossed the volcano landscape, climbed the crater, found a cave, found a beach consisting of bright sand (normally it's dark/black one) and took some more photos. At 5 pm we came back to the car - enough walking for the day.
We had another short stop at the lighthouse in Lóndrangar and the church of Ingjaldshóll. Then we headed to our city of the night, Grundarfjörður. We wanted to go for a bath, but again, it was closed.
After a nice self made dinner, a shower (at least!) and writing of this, I was happy to go to bed.
2013.03.26 - Borganes
Apparently, I forgot what it's like to sleep in dormitories, or maybe it was just because I was just so exhausted from the day before; I couldn't really sleep well. However, after a short walk we had breakfast at the hostel and continued to visit Reykjavík. We had a look at the steel-sculpture near the sea, the nice church, also from above onto the city. We also started something which I hope will be repeated everyday here in Iceland: going to the swimming pools, enjoying the hot geothermal water.
Around 3 pm, we left the big city and headed north, having first glimpses of the real icelandic landscape. Instead of the tunnel towards Borganes we decided to take the bypass via the fjord (90km/1,5h) to see landscape and Gylmurfoss, the largest waterfall of the country, 198m high. But we could not get there as the bridge appeared to be demolished. Not this time then.
The weather began to change, it became colder, 4 centigrades - still warmer than in Austria, and it began to snow and rain for a bit, again no good luck for Aurora Borealis.
Youth hostel in Borganes, in a comfy three bed room.
Around 3 pm, we left the big city and headed north, having first glimpses of the real icelandic landscape. Instead of the tunnel towards Borganes we decided to take the bypass via the fjord (90km/1,5h) to see landscape and Gylmurfoss, the largest waterfall of the country, 198m high. But we could not get there as the bridge appeared to be demolished. Not this time then.
The weather began to change, it became colder, 4 centigrades - still warmer than in Austria, and it began to snow and rain for a bit, again no good luck for Aurora Borealis.
Youth hostel in Borganes, in a comfy three bed room.
2013.03.25 - Reykjavik
Alarm on 3.45 am. With two fellow friends of mine to the airport. Despite the winter and snow that was all around us, again, the plane left quite on time (after the plane had been washed with a salmon-coloured anti-freeze-mixture). We arrived in Copenhagen, waiting for our next plane for Iceland. It was nice, warm and less wintery than in Vienna. Then, we took the discount airline to Keflavik/Iceland; WOW-Air ("we kindly ask to not fasten your seatbelt until the seatbelt-signal is turned on", "please stow unattended luggage and persons in the luggage above your seats or below the seat in front of you").
In Iceland we had to find out that we had to call our car rental office - they would have been supposed to pick us up, but didn't. The dark side of choosing the cheapest car rental firm. We got a ten-year-ish year old Toyota Yaris, but it works, so far. We drove to Reykjavik, and visited the main spots of the city (and took heaps of pictures). We enjoyed the sunset from Perlan (the Pearl) and gladly drove back to our hostel (downtown youth hostel), enjoying a tea and going to beeeeed.
In Iceland we had to find out that we had to call our car rental office - they would have been supposed to pick us up, but didn't. The dark side of choosing the cheapest car rental firm. We got a ten-year-ish year old Toyota Yaris, but it works, so far. We drove to Reykjavik, and visited the main spots of the city (and took heaps of pictures). We enjoyed the sunset from Perlan (the Pearl) and gladly drove back to our hostel (downtown youth hostel), enjoying a tea and going to beeeeed.
2013.03.06 - Frankfurt Airport
As we almost did not find a taxi to the airport (it's cheap in Portugal), we arrived "just" 45 min before the boarding time. Enough time to post the election letter (elections in Vienna - why should you post it from Vienna if you can do it from Lisbon?) and postcards. The flight from Lisbon to Frankfurt was amazing, given sunshine and the view of the clouds and the sea.
We decided not to get stressed by the possibility of missing the second flight because of attending a guided tour through the airport area. Thus, we took this tour and were shown around in a bus. Loooots of planes everywhere, at peak times every 30 sec a machine is landing or taking off. 75t fish per day, 75.000 employees on the airport. With respect to passenger transport, the third largest airport in the world. - and then, off to Vienna. Home!
We decided not to get stressed by the possibility of missing the second flight because of attending a guided tour through the airport area. Thus, we took this tour and were shown around in a bus. Loooots of planes everywhere, at peak times every 30 sec a machine is landing or taking off. 75t fish per day, 75.000 employees on the airport. With respect to passenger transport, the third largest airport in the world. - and then, off to Vienna. Home!
2013.03.05 - Lissabon
My iPhone kindly deleted this message, thank you very much.
It dealt with:
- april-like weather
- walking in the nice streets of Alfama
- cimetero dos pazeres
- tram no. 28 driving us through narrow streets
- a yummy vegetarian good-bye dinner to our friend and to Lisbon.
It dealt with:
- april-like weather
- walking in the nice streets of Alfama
- cimetero dos pazeres
- tram no. 28 driving us through narrow streets
- a yummy vegetarian good-bye dinner to our friend and to Lisbon.
2013.03.04 - Belem
After a very refreshing morning, despite the rain, we left to Belem, an area not affected by the earthquake. The presidential palace, a monastery, a monument honoring Portuguese seamen and of course the 'Pastéis de Belém', a sweet well-known sweet.
It was surprisingly cold but a nice hot chocolate and a omelette helped us to survive. Though, the wet trousers made us go home again to change trousers. NB: always bring your waterproof trousers with you. Always.
A bit of sending funny post cards and playing games, and that's it..
It was surprisingly cold but a nice hot chocolate and a omelette helped us to survive. Though, the wet trousers made us go home again to change trousers. NB: always bring your waterproof trousers with you. Always.
A bit of sending funny post cards and playing games, and that's it..
2013.03.03 - Atlantic Ocean
We went to a free classical concert nearby (in Lisbon all museums and other facilities are for free on sundays until 2pm) - piano and saxophone making music about the spring.
Then we took the train to Cascais - to the sea! We enjoyed the sun (so warm!), bathed our feet and flew a kite. Beach, sun, sand, wonderful!
Then we returned back to Lisbon and enjoyed the evening in the city.
Then we took the train to Cascais - to the sea! We enjoyed the sun (so warm!), bathed our feet and flew a kite. Beach, sun, sand, wonderful!
Then we returned back to Lisbon and enjoyed the evening in the city.
2013.03.02 - Sintra
We picked up a really nice girl from Russia and the four of us took the train to Sintra, a village 40 min northwest of Lisbon, where were constructed a castle (19th century) and fortress/walls (8th century). It was called the Neuschwanstein of Portugal, and that's right, as it is really beautiful altogether. We had a fun day making way too many pictures.
In the evening, we had a relaxing comfortable time. Necessary after much walking.
In the evening, we had a relaxing comfortable time. Necessary after much walking.
2013.03.01 - Lisbon1
At 10.00, we took the bus and metro to our friend. We had breakfast and got rid of our luggage, and continued to see the city. First we walked from the place called Restauratores to the Plassa Rossio, so basically the city center. From the Castelo de S. Jorge we had a wonderful view of the city, especially through the periscope with a 2m canvas (very nice invention!). Afterwards we walked around for a bit more and then headed home to prepare dinner and having a cosy evening.
2013.02.28 - Alcochete
After a very necessary sleep, we first had a small walk around the lovely neighborhood of Alchochete, where we were sleeping. Sun! Warmth! Wonderful river! Flowers! Really nice...
Our host drove us to a place near the world exhibition, there we met our friend who's here for a semester, and also another friend of ours who is visiting her as well but is leaving tomorrow.
We had lunch in the sun with unfamiliar food traditions, eg fried banana or warm pineapple with cinnamon - in line with the main dish. And heaps of meat. The four of us were walking around the whole afternoon near the 'place of nations' around the World Exposition area. There were musical and other toys to play with, eg a interestingly sounding milled stone. Afterwards we prepared a cosy dinner in our friend's apartment. Inside the flat, not surprisingly, it was really cold. Everything here is rather cold for us who are used to insulated and warm rooms. At 11pm, we took the bus home to our second and last night at our host's place. The bus driver didn't even charge us and really helped us. The Portuguese seem to be very friendly! and patient: there were queuing up while waiting for the train!
Our host drove us to a place near the world exhibition, there we met our friend who's here for a semester, and also another friend of ours who is visiting her as well but is leaving tomorrow.
We had lunch in the sun with unfamiliar food traditions, eg fried banana or warm pineapple with cinnamon - in line with the main dish. And heaps of meat. The four of us were walking around the whole afternoon near the 'place of nations' around the World Exposition area. There were musical and other toys to play with, eg a interestingly sounding milled stone. Afterwards we prepared a cosy dinner in our friend's apartment. Inside the flat, not surprisingly, it was really cold. Everything here is rather cold for us who are used to insulated and warm rooms. At 11pm, we took the bus home to our second and last night at our host's place. The bus driver didn't even charge us and really helped us. The Portuguese seem to be very friendly! and patient: there were queuing up while waiting for the train!
2013.02.27 - Frankfurt
This time, I am headed to Lisbon in Portugal.
First stop in Frankfurt: of course - more flights is cheaper than direct flight.
We (Ronja and me) arrived in Frankfurt after a rather uneventful flight and noticed airport-employees biking around. Because, it's a biiig airport. And, there are hot beverages for free.
After three more hours in the air, we finally arrived in Lisbon. A couch surfing host was supposed to pick us up from there, as public transport was virtually impossible at this time of the day (23.40). After 25 min of waiting he finally came (he had thought we were coming by another plane. And he drove us for 30 min to his place, where he didn't even stay. He gave us the key of the flat and disappeared again. Wow, what a host!
So, finally, after a long and thoroughly exhausting day, we went to sleep in the surprisingly cold flat... Sleeep...
First stop in Frankfurt: of course - more flights is cheaper than direct flight.
We (Ronja and me) arrived in Frankfurt after a rather uneventful flight and noticed airport-employees biking around. Because, it's a biiig airport. And, there are hot beverages for free.
After three more hours in the air, we finally arrived in Lisbon. A couch surfing host was supposed to pick us up from there, as public transport was virtually impossible at this time of the day (23.40). After 25 min of waiting he finally came (he had thought we were coming by another plane. And he drove us for 30 min to his place, where he didn't even stay. He gave us the key of the flat and disappeared again. Wow, what a host!
So, finally, after a long and thoroughly exhausting day, we went to sleep in the surprisingly cold flat... Sleeep...
2013.02.23 - Istanbul2
Today, apparently, I am already more used to the stuff I wrote yesterday. That's why there's a lot less to write about.
I had a more efficient trip to the European side (one could say, I got lost less often), and walked to the Haga Sofia via the area of the big Bazaar. I got lost at exactly the same spot. Nevertheless, I made it to the meeting point at Haga Sofia, the big church-mosque-thing where I met a friend and his cool friend. Together we walked around the Hagia Sofia and the Topkapi-palace. Both quiiite nice places worth visiting. In the time we weren't staring at diamonds and discussing how much poison-power those troll-sized swords would have had in Diablo 2, we had nice time eating, drinking and talking. Lovely day!
At 8pm, back to Asia, I had some nice sweeet sweets, and headed back to my host and a nice film, then went to bed.
2013-02-25 - Back home
This day wasn't that thrilling, so I am saving the blogposts for later.
I just was frightened to be too late for my flight, mostly because of the "unforeseeable traffic" in Istanbul. So I left at 08.10, took the train to the terminal, walked to Kadiköy (you can google it if you really want to know what this is); there I bought yummy sweets and took the bus to the airport. And there I was, 1 hr 45 mins before the boarding time.
One more thing: finally it was a warm sunny day, after two so-so more or less rainy days.
Back in Austria: snow everywhere!
I had a more efficient trip to the European side (one could say, I got lost less often), and walked to the Haga Sofia via the area of the big Bazaar. I got lost at exactly the same spot. Nevertheless, I made it to the meeting point at Haga Sofia, the big church-mosque-thing where I met a friend and his cool friend. Together we walked around the Hagia Sofia and the Topkapi-palace. Both quiiite nice places worth visiting. In the time we weren't staring at diamonds and discussing how much poison-power those troll-sized swords would have had in Diablo 2, we had nice time eating, drinking and talking. Lovely day!
At 8pm, back to Asia, I had some nice sweeet sweets, and headed back to my host and a nice film, then went to bed.
2013-02-25 - Back home
This day wasn't that thrilling, so I am saving the blogposts for later.
I just was frightened to be too late for my flight, mostly because of the "unforeseeable traffic" in Istanbul. So I left at 08.10, took the train to the terminal, walked to Kadiköy (you can google it if you really want to know what this is); there I bought yummy sweets and took the bus to the airport. And there I was, 1 hr 45 mins before the boarding time.
One more thing: finally it was a warm sunny day, after two so-so more or less rainy days.
Back in Austria: snow everywhere!
2013.02.22 - Istanbul1
AS: (ante scriptum) dear English speaking people, I didn't know you would come along this blog, so I was writing in German. From the next blogpost on, it'll be in English.
//
Heute gibts es irgendwie viele Eindrücke zu verewiglichen. Deswegen erwähne ich einfach nur...
Medikamente, die im Zug feilgeboten werden.
Das alles durchdringende, recht hübsche Gesinge aus diesen netten Türmchen die überall herumstehen.
Ein Mann der im Zug neben mir saß, und etwas das wie eine Pistole wirkt an seinem Gürtel.
Die Verwirrung, die überwunden werden muss um die Fähre nach Europa zu finden.
Der typisch türkische Tee, der am Außendeck und auch sonst überall lautstark angepriesen wird (1 TL=0,4€).
Das lustige Gefühl, zurück nach Europa zu fahren.
Der Anblick von gestapelten LKWs auf einem Laster (hihi).
Das seltsame Gefühl, dass das erste was man in Europa isst ein Testpackerl Milka Bonbons ist.
Die Fotos die man macht weil man das Flair der Stadt weder wiedergeben noch fotografieren kann.
Die Katzen überall.
Das Französisch.
Seitengassen. Mit wenig angezogenen Damen die mir von hinter den vergitterten Fenstern Küsse zuwerfen.
Noch süßere Katzen.
Einen überraschend teuren aber guten Ananassaft (frisch gepresst- Touristenpreis?)
Schöne Aussicht vom Galata-Turm. Und die Türken, die wollen, dass ich ein Bild von ihnen mache - mit meiner Kamera.
Die Tatsache, dass bei uns auf der Straße nie (selten?) Rohre oder Klobrillen zum Verkauf angeboten werden. Oder Schlauchboote.
Tshirts um 40 Cent, nicht mal mit viel Geschrei.
Ein extrem flauschiges Kätzchen (angreifen tu ich sie trotzdem nicht).
Faszinierende Basilikanische Zisterne, in der viele Säulen sind und mal bis zu 100.000t Wasser drin war. Und Medusaköpfe die glücklicherweise verkehrt herum unter der Säule liegt - sonst würde man ja schließlich zu Stein verwandelt werden.
Streunende Hunde, gibt's auch also.
Der bereits geschlossene Topkapi-Palast. Morgen dann halt.
Die blaue Moschee als perfekter Grund, mir endlich mal das Steinchen aus dem Schuh rauszuholen. Hübsche Moschee und weicher Boden, was will man mehr?
Der Wiener Dialekt. Br.
Anweisungen, die ich geben würde, fragte mich jemand nach dem Weg: nach der dritten Moschee rechts, dann bei der zweiten Moschee links.
Der große Bazar; groß trifft's.
Die Uni: erstes freies WLAN.
Sehr unnachvollziehbar geplanter öffentlicher Verkehr (zB keine Verbindung zwischen einzelnen teilen des Öffinetzes)
Die "Tragik", dass die Testpackerl-Milka-Bonbons-Verteil-Mennschaft sich genau dort versammelt hat, wo ich auf meinen Freund warten muss. Dieser Freund ist ja gewissermaßen die Hauptmotivation meines Seins in Istanbul.
Das leckere (echte) Kebab und zwei Kellnertypen die uns überfürsorglich bedienten.
Mein Talent nur mit Rauchern befreundet zu sein.
Müdigkeit.
Mit dem Minibus, gemeinsam mit meinem Host nach Hause fahren. Da die Fähre nicht mehr fährt. Gut dass ich mich an sie drangehängt habe..
//
Heute gibts es irgendwie viele Eindrücke zu verewiglichen. Deswegen erwähne ich einfach nur...
Medikamente, die im Zug feilgeboten werden.
Das alles durchdringende, recht hübsche Gesinge aus diesen netten Türmchen die überall herumstehen.
Ein Mann der im Zug neben mir saß, und etwas das wie eine Pistole wirkt an seinem Gürtel.
Die Verwirrung, die überwunden werden muss um die Fähre nach Europa zu finden.
Der typisch türkische Tee, der am Außendeck und auch sonst überall lautstark angepriesen wird (1 TL=0,4€).
Das lustige Gefühl, zurück nach Europa zu fahren.
Der Anblick von gestapelten LKWs auf einem Laster (hihi).
Das seltsame Gefühl, dass das erste was man in Europa isst ein Testpackerl Milka Bonbons ist.
Die Fotos die man macht weil man das Flair der Stadt weder wiedergeben noch fotografieren kann.
Die Katzen überall.
Das Französisch.
Seitengassen. Mit wenig angezogenen Damen die mir von hinter den vergitterten Fenstern Küsse zuwerfen.
Noch süßere Katzen.
Einen überraschend teuren aber guten Ananassaft (frisch gepresst- Touristenpreis?)
Schöne Aussicht vom Galata-Turm. Und die Türken, die wollen, dass ich ein Bild von ihnen mache - mit meiner Kamera.
Die Tatsache, dass bei uns auf der Straße nie (selten?) Rohre oder Klobrillen zum Verkauf angeboten werden. Oder Schlauchboote.
Tshirts um 40 Cent, nicht mal mit viel Geschrei.
Ein extrem flauschiges Kätzchen (angreifen tu ich sie trotzdem nicht).
Faszinierende Basilikanische Zisterne, in der viele Säulen sind und mal bis zu 100.000t Wasser drin war. Und Medusaköpfe die glücklicherweise verkehrt herum unter der Säule liegt - sonst würde man ja schließlich zu Stein verwandelt werden.
Streunende Hunde, gibt's auch also.
Der bereits geschlossene Topkapi-Palast. Morgen dann halt.
Die blaue Moschee als perfekter Grund, mir endlich mal das Steinchen aus dem Schuh rauszuholen. Hübsche Moschee und weicher Boden, was will man mehr?
Der Wiener Dialekt. Br.
Anweisungen, die ich geben würde, fragte mich jemand nach dem Weg: nach der dritten Moschee rechts, dann bei der zweiten Moschee links.
Der große Bazar; groß trifft's.
Die Uni: erstes freies WLAN.
Sehr unnachvollziehbar geplanter öffentlicher Verkehr (zB keine Verbindung zwischen einzelnen teilen des Öffinetzes)
Die "Tragik", dass die Testpackerl-Milka-Bonbons-Verteil-Mennschaft sich genau dort versammelt hat, wo ich auf meinen Freund warten muss. Dieser Freund ist ja gewissermaßen die Hauptmotivation meines Seins in Istanbul.
Das leckere (echte) Kebab und zwei Kellnertypen die uns überfürsorglich bedienten.
Mein Talent nur mit Rauchern befreundet zu sein.
Müdigkeit.
Mit dem Minibus, gemeinsam mit meinem Host nach Hause fahren. Da die Fähre nicht mehr fährt. Gut dass ich mich an sie drangehängt habe..
2013.02.21 - Türkei
Guten Tag! Nach einer langen (-? kurzen?) Studierpause von zwei Monaten melde ich mich als ekoh wieder zurück aus dem Reiseland. Diesmal geht es in die Türkei (nächste Woche dann nach Lissabon).
Und ich fange mal gleich an. Ich bin beim Flughafen auf der asiatischen Seite angekommen, und spazierte aus dem Flieger gemütlich raus (kein großes Gepäck), zahlte brav meine 15€ für das Visum, verließ das Gebäude und musste nicht mal eine Minute warten bis mein Bus mit mir abfuhr. Die Busfahrt sollte ca. eine Stunde dauern, aber der Stau und die interessanten Dinge die sich abspielen sind einen kurzen Kommentar wert. Die Menschen fahren nicht aggressiv, aber ich nenne es mal einfach sehr aktives keckes Fahren. Es werden am Stau (die Frage der Präposition...!) Blumen verkauft, es spazieren Leute die Autobahn entlang, und teilweise überqueren sie diese auch, oder sie sitzen in einer kleinen Gruppe gemütlich auf der Leitplanke.
Während der Busfahrt schreib ich meinem Host dass sie sich nicht stressen solle, es gäbe Stau. Das war normaler Verkehr versicherte sie mir als wir uns trafen. 'Turkish style' sagte meinte sie.
Wir fuhren mir dem Taxi zu dritt zu ihr (ein Freund war noch dabei), weil sämtliche Öffis durch ein Fußballspiel lahmgelegt waren worden. Wir saßen gemütlich zusammen, und ich verstand kein türkisch. Zwei Freundinnen kamen hinzu, ich verstand noch viel weniger türkisch nicht - aber ab und zu ergab sich zwischen ihr und mir ein kurzes Gespräch über Gott und die Welt. Es lief stumm ein Fußballmatch im Fernsehen; das Spiel fand in der Nähe von uns statt - erwähntes Fußballspiel - dennoch war der Zuschauerbereich absolut leer. Die Fans sind anscheinend so begeistert dass sie aus dem Stadion ausgesperrt wurden und draußen feiern müssen.
Ich gab es auf und ging in mein Zimmer(!) und schrieb Euch gute Nacht. Gute Nacht.
Und ich fange mal gleich an. Ich bin beim Flughafen auf der asiatischen Seite angekommen, und spazierte aus dem Flieger gemütlich raus (kein großes Gepäck), zahlte brav meine 15€ für das Visum, verließ das Gebäude und musste nicht mal eine Minute warten bis mein Bus mit mir abfuhr. Die Busfahrt sollte ca. eine Stunde dauern, aber der Stau und die interessanten Dinge die sich abspielen sind einen kurzen Kommentar wert. Die Menschen fahren nicht aggressiv, aber ich nenne es mal einfach sehr aktives keckes Fahren. Es werden am Stau (die Frage der Präposition...!) Blumen verkauft, es spazieren Leute die Autobahn entlang, und teilweise überqueren sie diese auch, oder sie sitzen in einer kleinen Gruppe gemütlich auf der Leitplanke.
Während der Busfahrt schreib ich meinem Host dass sie sich nicht stressen solle, es gäbe Stau. Das war normaler Verkehr versicherte sie mir als wir uns trafen. 'Turkish style' sagte meinte sie.
Wir fuhren mir dem Taxi zu dritt zu ihr (ein Freund war noch dabei), weil sämtliche Öffis durch ein Fußballspiel lahmgelegt waren worden. Wir saßen gemütlich zusammen, und ich verstand kein türkisch. Zwei Freundinnen kamen hinzu, ich verstand noch viel weniger türkisch nicht - aber ab und zu ergab sich zwischen ihr und mir ein kurzes Gespräch über Gott und die Welt. Es lief stumm ein Fußballmatch im Fernsehen; das Spiel fand in der Nähe von uns statt - erwähntes Fußballspiel - dennoch war der Zuschauerbereich absolut leer. Die Fans sind anscheinend so begeistert dass sie aus dem Stadion ausgesperrt wurden und draußen feiern müssen.
Ich gab es auf und ging in mein Zimmer(!) und schrieb Euch gute Nacht. Gute Nacht.
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