Feels like a long time since I wrote a post. I realized I sent the last one a day early which must be why it feels longer than usual. Wednesday morning I took the bus to Oslo, Norway from Malmö. We started out 15 minutes behind for pick up and by the time we arrived we were over an hour late. There were a few accidents on the way as well, some unexpected delays, but it was nice not to have to drive.

8 hours on a bus was a long time but relaxing until the man ahead of me started getting loud after he started drinking. He engaged with all the back of the bus passengers whether we wanted it or not. He had been loud off and on before this but thankfully not the whole time.

My cousin was there waiting for me when I arrived which was great. He is so accomodating and usually let’s me stay with him and this trip was no exception. He lives within walking distance of the train and bus station with a beautiful view of Oslo as well. I love the view from his apartment. He is on the 7th floor and on top of a hill so you see a long way.

I had forgotten I would be having longer days here. A little higher up means it is still fairly light at 10 pm and even 11. It will continue to be lighter until June 21 when it starts turning back. Up in Northern Norway they have 24 hours of sun which I may miss but I hope I get go see my cousin’s parents in July. They are actually coming to Oslo in June so I just miss them.

First night my knee hurt quite a lot which made it hard to sleep. I do have an appointment Wednesday with a doctor to begin the process of finding out why it is so swollen. Relaxed Wednesday evening, my other cousin Robin came to visit as well and when he left we went out for Turkish food for dinner. I have not had t before but it was very good. Thursday was a holiday so lots of people out and about. After dinner we took a walk around the part of town Stefan lives.

Thursday, my cousin Robin, picked us up and we went to Moss which is a 45 minute drive southeast of Oslo. There I met my cousin Sølvi  and her family. We grilled hot dogs and brownies. We spent 6 hours catching up on what is happening in our lives. The Norwegian language takes some effort at first to translate in my head. Thankfully Stefan and Robin, speak the way my mom does so it is familiar. The other cousins speak quicker and a little different dialect but always a good time.

Friday I got the opportunity to walk around Oslo again. Went to Vigeland Park which was created to showcase Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures of people in different scenarios. An amazingly large place. Some very impressive pieces.  http://www.visitoslo.com Vigeland Park is definitely worth going to.

I walked down Karl Johans Gata which leads to the royal palace where I have seen the King and Queen of Norway and their family standing on the balcony waving to everyone on the 17th of May. I was unable to come this year because I had to work but the 17th of May is a fantastic day in all of Norway. Parades everywhere but in Oslo it is the best. They are celebrating their independence from Sweden.

I did not do any sovenir shopping this time except a little grocery shopping. A few things I can not get in Sweden easily such as fish cakes, potato lefse, rømmegrøt which is sour cream and milk cooked to a pudding like consistency  and served with a bit of melted butter. Another thing I could not go without is Nugatti which is chocolate hazelnut butter (better than Nutella) made in southern Norway. This is something I remember from time with my mormor (grandmother). All my favorites and brown cheese (goat cheese cooked to a brown carmelly delicious flavored cheese). Norway has really good bread as well. Lots of delicious things and super fun to be here.

Walking around Oslo is always very fun. Lots to see and always something happening. The new Munch museum was interesting and beautiful. Filled with interesting paintings and information plus the building was interesting and the views were incredible. Loved spending time with Stefan and we got to sit a bit with Robin before he went to the soccer match party between Liverpool and Madrid tonight.  Appreciate my family taking time to see me.

I am heading home on the night bus tonight. Booked myself in the front row in front of the big window on the 2nd level so all the headlights from cars will hopefully not be too disturbing and I can sleep and arrive at 6 am tomorrow without being too tired.