Skribling på veggen

And now I've finally got internet access AND power to the computer, meaning this blogging business might actually get somewhere during the next two weeks! Anyway, though I'm able to write in Norwegian since this is my own computer, I've decided to do it partially (or wholly) in English since we're encouraged to use English in writing and orally during our stay. No need to point out that we're not too good at it -- there's still a lot of Norwegian-speak since not everyone is at the same level, and communication can be difficult. But we get by!

So, about the past few days...

Saturday was the day I left for Oslo. There was a bit of panic (when isn't there?) just before takeoff as I kept wondering what I could possibly have left behind. Of course, I had remembered everything, even more clothes than I might actually use. But anyway, the trip to Oslo went quite alright, and though I stumbled along the airport looking for the correct spot where the hotel bus would pick me up, I ended up at Gardemoen Gjestegård in the end. I got a nice single room with adjoining bathroom and telly, got some decent dinner, and spent some hours working on my computer (a Trojan horse had run a little havock after the anti-virus software broke down - you know what they say: when the cat's away...)

Sunday morning I got up early, got to the airport and checked in my bag (only 19,6 kg!). The security check point took awhile as there was only one station in working order, but I got through allright without too much fuss. I did manage to make a fool out of myself even so... I went to the bookshop with the intention of buying a power adapter. I found the adapter and I went through the abroad check-point.....without having paid for the adapter... So, needless to say, I ran back to pay for it once I discovered the item was still in my hand, but the security wouldn't let me go back! "Once you pass this point...etc...etc" I had to plead, I was upset and just pictured my face on every CCTV footage: off to the great abroad with booty in my hand. One of the men took pity on me, though, and followed me to the bookshop so I could pay for the item. He understood, he said, that people got stressed out at the airport. Some had even forgotten their children......

I met up with my travelling companion, Kjell-Willi, at the gate and the rest of the trip seemed like a walk in the park. I got some sleep, ate, read, and generally enjoyed myself. Until the landing in Manchester... There was wind. Lots of it. And the plane was shaking back and forth. I got scared - it must have been the first time, as far as I can remember...

This was just the beginning of the tense trip... In Manchester we couldn't figure out where to pick up our pre-paid train tickets, and promptly lost our bus to the railway station. Taking a cab, we reached the station in time....only to find out the people at National Express had sent us to the wrong station. Luckily, our tickets were flexible and we jumped on a train to Leeds. From there we went to York.

Once we got through the door at Adams B&B, we were immensely pleased! I got a big doubleroom all by myself (own bathroom, tv and kettle - there'll be photos later), we ordered take-out, and got to know a few students from Oslo who had unfortunately been sent here two-three weeks earlier than their bookings. They were sorted out, though, so all is right in the world, I suppose.

Monday through Wednesday has been filled with school (Practical Approaches to Literature, Special Relationship between UK and US, Brummy - Britain's Worst Accent?) and guided walks and shopping in York. Though, so far we have only been familiarising ourselves with the area, the food, the weather, and the bus lines. It's been shifting weather, a bit cold, but I fortunately packed warm clothes and is a happy bunny right now.

However, I'm not about to stay cooped up in my room writing on my blog, so I'm off to spend some relaxation time with my fellow students. I'll be Bach.