Today Chris left. He's probably somewhere over Greenland right now. It's kind of sad and quiet here now. It won't be for long though. Saturday I fly to Amsterdam to meet up with Keith. Then on Sunday we're coming back here and he's hanging out for a week.
Today was a first. I got my first international haircut. Conveniently the shop is right next door to the apartment. They did a good job for only 3x the price as the US.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Preikestolen and things
Chris and I are watching Norwegian "The Hole" right now. It's exactly like the US version, right down to the ridiculous silver jump suits. The only difference is the language. Not understanding what they're saying is actually an improvement.
Last weekend on Saturday we got up late, then spent the day driving around South of Stavanger. We went to place called Kavadrat. It's a Norwegian mall. The malls here are just like in the US except the hallways are much more narrow and the shops are smaller. Clothing and dishware stores make up 90% of the stores. Malls are popular here. The place was packed.
Sunday we got up early to go to Preikestolen. We had to put the car on a ferry to cross the fjord to Tau. That was a new experience. We got there early and starting hiking. At first the weather was good, then the rain started. It wasn't really suppose to according to my trusty weather website, but it did anyway, all the way up. We were wet, but at least the hike was scenic.
The disappointment was when we got to the top. The fjord was completely covered in fog. There was basically no view. So we hiked down. Of course it cleared up...then rained again. It was a wet day. I will invest in some waterproof pants and hiking boots when I return to Houston.
Last weekend on Saturday we got up late, then spent the day driving around South of Stavanger. We went to place called Kavadrat. It's a Norwegian mall. The malls here are just like in the US except the hallways are much more narrow and the shops are smaller. Clothing and dishware stores make up 90% of the stores. Malls are popular here. The place was packed.
Sunday we got up early to go to Preikestolen. We had to put the car on a ferry to cross the fjord to Tau. That was a new experience. We got there early and starting hiking. At first the weather was good, then the rain started. It wasn't really suppose to according to my trusty weather website, but it did anyway, all the way up. We were wet, but at least the hike was scenic.
The disappointment was when we got to the top. The fjord was completely covered in fog. There was basically no view. So we hiked down. Of course it cleared up...then rained again. It was a wet day. I will invest in some waterproof pants and hiking boots when I return to Houston.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Cheesy Beer
My brother Chris arrived here in Norway last Monday night. We (I) haven't done much because I seem to be at work all the time. Chris however has been touring the town by foot and bike.
We have gone out every night at least. The first night we ended up at a beer bar. We saw a Norwegian stout and went for it. It wasn't good. The aftertaste taste a lot like a strong cheese. We returned last night and discovered it had a lot more to offer. I think that will become a regular spot.
I learned today that we get to celebrate Guy Foxx day with the Norwegians. I'm pretty excited.
We're off to the Phileas Fogg for dinner now.
We have gone out every night at least. The first night we ended up at a beer bar. We saw a Norwegian stout and went for it. It wasn't good. The aftertaste taste a lot like a strong cheese. We returned last night and discovered it had a lot more to offer. I think that will become a regular spot.
I learned today that we get to celebrate Guy Foxx day with the Norwegians. I'm pretty excited.
We're off to the Phileas Fogg for dinner now.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Dalsnuten
It's been a busy weekend again.
Friday started with dinner at a Russian restaurant. I had fish and potatoes. It was really Norwegian food. The beer was Russian at least, and the waitress was Latvian.
Saturday I got up early and walked downtown to check out the tourist information center. The normal market had been moved into a different plaza because they were have a concert in the main plaza by the harbor. The tourist shop told me that there were no ferries to the UK this time of year, which I kind of suspected. I did get plenty of pamphlets and a ferry and bus schedule for trips to Bergen.
Then I walked up to the watchtower/museum but it didn't open until noon, so I will have to try again sometime. At that point I needed to get back because we were making another trip to the grocer. I did get a chance to listen to some Norwegian rock music on the way back. It wasn't bad, even though I couldn't understand the words.
After the grocery store, Spencer and I set out to hike up a nearby mountain called Dalsnuten. It's not far from Stavanger. It's just across Gandsfjord right across from our office.
At first we went to a town called Dale where there was suppose to be an access point to a hiking trail, but we couldn't find it. So we went back to a small parking area we saw on the side of the road. The initial part of the hike was steep and wet. We speculated that this was not the normal route as it was not well traveled. However, the trail was well marked and we found our way.
We continued hiking through the mountains and fields towards Dalsnuten. It was a very Lord of the Rings-like experience. The trail was mostly just red marks on rocks and trees. Otherwise it felt like the landscape hadn't changed in thousands of years. We finally made it to the top and placed our rocks on the pile, as is Norwegian tradition. We then hiked back taking a slightly easier and more scenic route.
Fortunately there were only a few minor falls through the entire hike. However, we were both muddy and tired. Also, there was minimal rain, otherwise it would have been a very different experience.
Today we went to Stokka lake and went for a run around it. Tomorrow my brother is coming to visit. It's suppose to rain all week, of course. I hope the forecast changes some and it clears up for him.
Friday started with dinner at a Russian restaurant. I had fish and potatoes. It was really Norwegian food. The beer was Russian at least, and the waitress was Latvian.
Saturday I got up early and walked downtown to check out the tourist information center. The normal market had been moved into a different plaza because they were have a concert in the main plaza by the harbor. The tourist shop told me that there were no ferries to the UK this time of year, which I kind of suspected. I did get plenty of pamphlets and a ferry and bus schedule for trips to Bergen.
Then I walked up to the watchtower/museum but it didn't open until noon, so I will have to try again sometime. At that point I needed to get back because we were making another trip to the grocer. I did get a chance to listen to some Norwegian rock music on the way back. It wasn't bad, even though I couldn't understand the words.
After the grocery store, Spencer and I set out to hike up a nearby mountain called Dalsnuten. It's not far from Stavanger. It's just across Gandsfjord right across from our office.
At first we went to a town called Dale where there was suppose to be an access point to a hiking trail, but we couldn't find it. So we went back to a small parking area we saw on the side of the road. The initial part of the hike was steep and wet. We speculated that this was not the normal route as it was not well traveled. However, the trail was well marked and we found our way.
We continued hiking through the mountains and fields towards Dalsnuten. It was a very Lord of the Rings-like experience. The trail was mostly just red marks on rocks and trees. Otherwise it felt like the landscape hadn't changed in thousands of years. We finally made it to the top and placed our rocks on the pile, as is Norwegian tradition. We then hiked back taking a slightly easier and more scenic route.
Fortunately there were only a few minor falls through the entire hike. However, we were both muddy and tired. Also, there was minimal rain, otherwise it would have been a very different experience.
Today we went to Stokka lake and went for a run around it. Tomorrow my brother is coming to visit. It's suppose to rain all week, of course. I hope the forecast changes some and it clears up for him.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Normal life in Norway
We've been working a lot lately. It's been 9-10 hour days and that will probably be the norm until we leave. We leave for work around 7:15 and take turns driving. We work all morning and then eat lunch around 11:30. Then we work quietly or work with the Norway people until around 3:30. That's when the Houston people get in and when the Norwegians go home. At that point the emails and phone calls start. This goes on until 5:00 or later. Good times.
Except today we left on time. I did a 13.1 mile run because we left earlier enough, the weather was good, and we may not be here on Saturday. I ran to Stokkavatnet, which I'd been trying to find for awhile. Here's my observations about the lake. You will find there:
Except today we left on time. I did a 13.1 mile run because we left earlier enough, the weather was good, and we may not be here on Saturday. I ran to Stokkavatnet, which I'd been trying to find for awhile. Here's my observations about the lake. You will find there:
- A wide gravel running path
- Meadows with cows and sheep
- Small stone sheds built into the hills
- A golf course
- Angry swans
- Hills
- Lots of trees
- A very scenic lake
- Plenty of Norwegians
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hostage
I drove to work again today and this time I went around the roundabout. Thus I have mastered Norway driving.
Today was a typical day for the most part. I couldn't get a lot done because I was missing some access. That should be resolved tomorrow. The fun part was that lawyers in Houston held us hostage long past acceptable meeting hours. They insisted that we listen to legal compliance training. They just couldn't wait for us to be back in Houston next month. I'm probably breaking some kind of trust law by writing about this right now, but oh well, it sucked.
Of course, as these things go, we missed much as a very nice day during our incarceration. I did get home in time to run at least.
I ate Subway again tonight. I need American food every now and then. That's about it for today.
Today was a typical day for the most part. I couldn't get a lot done because I was missing some access. That should be resolved tomorrow. The fun part was that lawyers in Houston held us hostage long past acceptable meeting hours. They insisted that we listen to legal compliance training. They just couldn't wait for us to be back in Houston next month. I'm probably breaking some kind of trust law by writing about this right now, but oh well, it sucked.
Of course, as these things go, we missed much as a very nice day during our incarceration. I did get home in time to run at least.
I ate Subway again tonight. I need American food every now and then. That's about it for today.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Today's post
Today I drove us to work. I only ran over one roundabout, so I think it went well.
It was a busy day. Work is really starting to ramp up. We're going to have some long days. It was really nice outside. I almost wanted it to rain because it's so much easier to focus.
I went for a run and now I'm having American style macaroni and cheese. It's not bad, but could use some more cheese. That's about it for today.
It was a busy day. Work is really starting to ramp up. We're going to have some long days. It was really nice outside. I almost wanted it to rain because it's so much easier to focus.
I went for a run and now I'm having American style macaroni and cheese. It's not bad, but could use some more cheese. That's about it for today.
Yesterday's Post
Whoops. Forgot to do this yesterday, and yesterday was very eventful.
Yesterday we drove to a place called Gloppedalsura. Gloppedalsura is a terminal glacial moraine. What's that? When a glacier moves forward it collects rocks and stuff in it. When it recedes it leave a pile of rubble. That's the moraine. The terminal moraine is the final pile. Gloppedal is a rare sight because it's actually where a second glacier came through an already formed glacial valley.
The road to the moraine is of course very scenic and treacherous. When we got there it was raining. We got out and walked around, but it was too wet and too cold to really explore much. So we continued on to a restaurant and gift shop near there. The restaurant had typical Norwegian fare. The gift shop, however, was enormous. They specialized in candles, and they actually built the store onto the side of the mountain.
After the gift shop we drove back to Stavanger and drove around to some of the Stavanger sights. The first stop was the 3 swords monument on Hafrs fjord. It's a dedication to a battle there that unified Norway as a kingdom. By this time the rain had cleared and it was sunny, so it made a nice scene. It was also the first time I slipped and fell. The first of many I'm sure.
We then continued on to a park along the North Sea. The park was basically a long path and a lot of rock. At one point there's a huge chain link in the rock set as a dedication to a sunken ship. It was cold and windy, but I loved it there. There were tons of rocks to climb on and a lot of exploring that could be done, not to mention the scenery. I will probably go back.
Finally we drove to Stokka Lake. We just walked down and looked at it. It has a very nice running trail which I'm looking forward to using. There was 3 swans near the lake. When they saw us they came over expecting some bread. When we didn't have any they got mad. It probably didn't help that Spencer was taunting them.
That's about it. An eventful day.
Yesterday we drove to a place called Gloppedalsura. Gloppedalsura is a terminal glacial moraine. What's that? When a glacier moves forward it collects rocks and stuff in it. When it recedes it leave a pile of rubble. That's the moraine. The terminal moraine is the final pile. Gloppedal is a rare sight because it's actually where a second glacier came through an already formed glacial valley.
The road to the moraine is of course very scenic and treacherous. When we got there it was raining. We got out and walked around, but it was too wet and too cold to really explore much. So we continued on to a restaurant and gift shop near there. The restaurant had typical Norwegian fare. The gift shop, however, was enormous. They specialized in candles, and they actually built the store onto the side of the mountain.
After the gift shop we drove back to Stavanger and drove around to some of the Stavanger sights. The first stop was the 3 swords monument on Hafrs fjord. It's a dedication to a battle there that unified Norway as a kingdom. By this time the rain had cleared and it was sunny, so it made a nice scene. It was also the first time I slipped and fell. The first of many I'm sure.
We then continued on to a park along the North Sea. The park was basically a long path and a lot of rock. At one point there's a huge chain link in the rock set as a dedication to a sunken ship. It was cold and windy, but I loved it there. There were tons of rocks to climb on and a lot of exploring that could be done, not to mention the scenery. I will probably go back.
Finally we drove to Stokka Lake. We just walked down and looked at it. It has a very nice running trail which I'm looking forward to using. There was 3 swans near the lake. When they saw us they came over expecting some bread. When we didn't have any they got mad. It probably didn't help that Spencer was taunting them.
That's about it. An eventful day.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Daily post
From now I will post daily. I swear.
Today after the run we all drove down to Sandes to go the Maxi store. It's basically a grocer with some other small shops. They have malls like we do, but the corridors and shops are much smaller.
We stocked up on food and went back to the flat. From there, Spencer and I walked down to the bike shop to see about rentals. They don't do rentals and directed us to the tourist center. We found two building marked "tourist" but they both had signs indicating the tourist center was somewhere else. Finally we found the store but it was already closed.
So we just walked around and looked at some shops. We found a souvenir shop and bought some things, and then hiked up a hill with a tower on it. It turns out that it is a museum that you can climb, but it had already closed too. So now we have several things to go back and see.
It's time for dinner. I think we're going to a Thai place tonight.
Today after the run we all drove down to Sandes to go the Maxi store. It's basically a grocer with some other small shops. They have malls like we do, but the corridors and shops are much smaller.
We stocked up on food and went back to the flat. From there, Spencer and I walked down to the bike shop to see about rentals. They don't do rentals and directed us to the tourist center. We found two building marked "tourist" but they both had signs indicating the tourist center was somewhere else. Finally we found the store but it was already closed.
So we just walked around and looked at some shops. We found a souvenir shop and bought some things, and then hiked up a hill with a tower on it. It turns out that it is a museum that you can climb, but it had already closed too. So now we have several things to go back and see.
It's time for dinner. I think we're going to a Thai place tonight.
Driving and more work
We've completed two weeks of work already. The one quarter of our time here. The work part is flying by while time off seems to crawl by. We finished most of our training and will now start doing the real work. Some things are late but I feel like it is going well overall.
Last Friday Robert and I got to take a Norway driving course. This is required by the company if you want to drive. The first half of the class was a presentation about the rules in Norway. The signs are different, but they make sense. They drive on the right, and the rules are mostly the same.
There is one key difference. Instead of stop signs, they have a rule that you always yield to the right. So if you come up to an intersection and a car is coming to your right, you stop. The exception is if you are on a priority road, then you can go. In that case the road on the right will be marked with a yield. You must always stop for pedestrians and bikes as well. Always, with no exception. Also, the acceptable blood-alcohol level is 0.2%, or effectively 0. You cannot have a single drink and then drive. If you're in an accident, they can test you for 6 hours after. So you can't go home and have a drink. You have to wait 6 hours. It's strict but I think it's good.
The second part of the class was the driving part. Fortunately it wasn't raining at the time. The instructor brought a manual which I decided I was not comfortable driving. So Robert drove us to the driving school office in Sandes. There we got the automatic version and I drove back to work. I was nervous because the instructor was constantly pointing out everything you do. Plus we had to talk about what we were seeing and what we were doing.
In practice it's not hard. Just remember to yield to the right.
Last Friday Robert and I got to take a Norway driving course. This is required by the company if you want to drive. The first half of the class was a presentation about the rules in Norway. The signs are different, but they make sense. They drive on the right, and the rules are mostly the same.
There is one key difference. Instead of stop signs, they have a rule that you always yield to the right. So if you come up to an intersection and a car is coming to your right, you stop. The exception is if you are on a priority road, then you can go. In that case the road on the right will be marked with a yield. You must always stop for pedestrians and bikes as well. Always, with no exception. Also, the acceptable blood-alcohol level is 0.2%, or effectively 0. You cannot have a single drink and then drive. If you're in an accident, they can test you for 6 hours after. So you can't go home and have a drink. You have to wait 6 hours. It's strict but I think it's good.
The second part of the class was the driving part. Fortunately it wasn't raining at the time. The instructor brought a manual which I decided I was not comfortable driving. So Robert drove us to the driving school office in Sandes. There we got the automatic version and I drove back to work. I was nervous because the instructor was constantly pointing out everything you do. Plus we had to talk about what we were seeing and what we were doing.
In practice it's not hard. Just remember to yield to the right.
Apartment
I've been neglecting this blog some. Sorry. Most of my posts have been about running lately.
Here's a run down of my living situation. Last week I managed to move out of the hotel and into corporate housing. It turns out that our corporate apartments are awesome.
I got an upstairs apartment above Robert. The apartment has a full kitchen, living room, dining room, 1.5 bathrooms, and two bedrooms; and it's two stories. I also have a washer, dryer, and freezer in the basement.
A lot of my problems are a result of not understanding the language. For example, I can in no way decipher the markings on the dryer. Neither the words nor the symbols have any meaning to me. I think I understand it now, but just barely. I can sort of get my clothes clean and dry, but it takes 4 hours. Also, I don't understand the refrigerator. My Houston fridge's coldest setting is 5 and is clearly marked as such. Five in my Norway fridge is translated as "melt everything and leave a puddle of water in the kitchen."
But those are minor complaints because the apartment is great. My favorite thing is that the bathroom has a floor warmer built in. It's very nice.
I also have cable, DSL internet, and we're located less than 10 minutes from the city center. We also got a car so now we can easily get around town.
So except for the frequent rain showers, the cold, and most importantly the lack of certain people, life in Norway isn't bad.
Here's a run down of my living situation. Last week I managed to move out of the hotel and into corporate housing. It turns out that our corporate apartments are awesome.
I got an upstairs apartment above Robert. The apartment has a full kitchen, living room, dining room, 1.5 bathrooms, and two bedrooms; and it's two stories. I also have a washer, dryer, and freezer in the basement.
A lot of my problems are a result of not understanding the language. For example, I can in no way decipher the markings on the dryer. Neither the words nor the symbols have any meaning to me. I think I understand it now, but just barely. I can sort of get my clothes clean and dry, but it takes 4 hours. Also, I don't understand the refrigerator. My Houston fridge's coldest setting is 5 and is clearly marked as such. Five in my Norway fridge is translated as "melt everything and leave a puddle of water in the kitchen."
But those are minor complaints because the apartment is great. My favorite thing is that the bathroom has a floor warmer built in. It's very nice.
I also have cable, DSL internet, and we're located less than 10 minutes from the city center. We also got a car so now we can easily get around town.
So except for the frequent rain showers, the cold, and most importantly the lack of certain people, life in Norway isn't bad.
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