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...
keep on writing!
ReplyDeleteand good luck with the "oslo voices" ;)
frankly, are norwegian people politely-withdrawn or open to foreigners?
(considering that you obviously look like a international student)
:)