Norway

"Thvedt. That is a Norwegian name," confidently stated the man as he stamped my passport to allow me into Norway. He recognized my last name! Few times in my life have I had someone even pronounce my name correctly at first meeting me! I had been in Norway only a few minutes and already I felt like I belonged and was meant to spend the weekend there.

My traveling partner for the weekend was Liz, who is Norwegian herself, and we had a grand time checking out Oslo's sights and museums. My first impression of Norway was that it is so beautiful! I really didn't have any idea that the area around Oslo had everything: mountains, water (fjords), and a plethora of orange and yellow fall trees. We were also blessed with gorgeous weather all weekend! The sky was blue and the air was autumn crisp.

I can't say I learned much Norwegian while I was in Oslo, though. I know now that "utgang" is exit and "tuck" (sp?) is thanks. I experienced a bit of culture shock with everyone speaking a different language and all the signs being in Norwegian as well. Thankfully, almost everyone we talked to also spoke English (how spoiled we are!).

Oslo had wonderful museums! I saw "The Scream" by the Norwegian artist Munch, the Kon-Tiki museum was really well done (be jealous Dad!), The Viking Ship Museum, Norwegian Open-air Folk Museum, Vigeland Sculpture Park and great views of the fjord from on top of the Akershus Fortress.

I will remember Norway for its beauty, learning "utgang" means exit, our inability to find a grocery store, how expensive it is, and how good it was to go to a place that felt a little bit like home.

See more of my Norway photos at: http://nwciowa.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2009937&l=381e9&id=110800716