Some folks feel the circus is cruel (and should not be supported). Maybe so. But I also think it's a 'rite of passage'. All kids should experience the circus at least once - under a big top!
May 17 in Oslo & Gothenburg, SW (May)
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
September is 'Autumn'
September is the beginning of autumn here in 'Norge'. The weather is slightly cooler than last month, and surprisingly less rainy. We're certainly not missing the Columbia heat, although we do miss family and friends. Technology, however, has been a sure cure for homesick-ness...
- Skype - We use it almost daily. Contact us at shannon_virtue or david_virtue!
- Hulu.com - Allows us to watch our favorite tv shows - White Collar, Psych, etc...We're looking forward to the season premiere of Chuck!
- ESPN America (tv) & ESPN Player (computer) - David is able to follow Gamecock football in real-time. (Crucial!)
Speaking of Gamecock football...David should win an award for me most dedicated fan. The first USC game was held at 7:30 p.m. EST on a Thursday. At that time we did not have access to the game, so David got out of bed at 1:30 a.m. (Oslo time) to watch via Skype. (He Skyped my sister in Florida, who placed her laptop in front of the tv!) I, of course, remained in bed - like the sane person I am! JR should win runner-up for the most dedicated fan. We brought one of his Gamecock jerseys with us, but he wants to wear it all the time. Luckily we left his second jersey at my parent's house, and they are mailing it to us Priority Mail.
David has been busy planning lessons and scheduling school visits, in addition to fulfilling other US work obligations. So far, he has over 25 schools (across Norway) scheduled. He has also planned to visit a Norwegian school in Spain mid-November. We will travel there as a family (as a semi-vacation) and stay at our landlady's flat. We are told that November in Oslo is very cold and rainy, so we are sure to enjoy the escape!
There is never a dull moment here in Oslo, and we learn something new each day. 'City life' is physically tougher and more cumbersome (pushing a double-stroller, carrying groceries, etc - and sometimes in the rain!), but we've adapted quite well. We always wear comfortable shoes and utilize public transportation. James Ryan and Evie have become such the 'city slickers'. JR loves riding the buses, trolleys and trains, and Evie has become the 'queen' of the Baby Bjorne (baby sling)!
Norwegians are known for keeping to themselves, but that was before the Virtues came to town! JR feels it's his obligation to speak to whoever is sitting near us on the bus, train, etc. It's fun to watch their serious faces turn to delight when he blurts out 'BYE' to them as we exit! They are obviously surprised at his boldness, and (I think) warmed by his friendliness.
Evie almost always makes a friend when in her baby sling. Her smile draws people in - especially the young and elderly. I can't tell you how many times an elderly woman has stopped us on the street to say 'hi' to her and touch her feet and cheeks. Norwegians, unlike Americans, are not afraid to touch a stranger's baby - which actually a refreshing change.
So far we have been unable to get JR in a pre-school program. They are all full, which is fine. He is getting lots of time with his new friends - and with us. Evie is growing like a weed. She's flipping and turning like a fish out of water, and also has TWO teeth! She enjoys her daily babble, which James Ryan says is her speaking Norwegian! LOL.
I'll close for now, but be sure to look at the posted pics from our recent adventures. (Folk Museum, Merano Circus, Royal Palace, parks, etc) Keep in touch!
- Skype - We use it almost daily. Contact us at shannon_virtue or david_virtue!
- Hulu.com - Allows us to watch our favorite tv shows - White Collar, Psych, etc...We're looking forward to the season premiere of Chuck!
- ESPN America (tv) & ESPN Player (computer) - David is able to follow Gamecock football in real-time. (Crucial!)
Speaking of Gamecock football...David should win an award for me most dedicated fan. The first USC game was held at 7:30 p.m. EST on a Thursday. At that time we did not have access to the game, so David got out of bed at 1:30 a.m. (Oslo time) to watch via Skype. (He Skyped my sister in Florida, who placed her laptop in front of the tv!) I, of course, remained in bed - like the sane person I am! JR should win runner-up for the most dedicated fan. We brought one of his Gamecock jerseys with us, but he wants to wear it all the time. Luckily we left his second jersey at my parent's house, and they are mailing it to us Priority Mail.
David has been busy planning lessons and scheduling school visits, in addition to fulfilling other US work obligations. So far, he has over 25 schools (across Norway) scheduled. He has also planned to visit a Norwegian school in Spain mid-November. We will travel there as a family (as a semi-vacation) and stay at our landlady's flat. We are told that November in Oslo is very cold and rainy, so we are sure to enjoy the escape!
There is never a dull moment here in Oslo, and we learn something new each day. 'City life' is physically tougher and more cumbersome (pushing a double-stroller, carrying groceries, etc - and sometimes in the rain!), but we've adapted quite well. We always wear comfortable shoes and utilize public transportation. James Ryan and Evie have become such the 'city slickers'. JR loves riding the buses, trolleys and trains, and Evie has become the 'queen' of the Baby Bjorne (baby sling)!
Norwegians are known for keeping to themselves, but that was before the Virtues came to town! JR feels it's his obligation to speak to whoever is sitting near us on the bus, train, etc. It's fun to watch their serious faces turn to delight when he blurts out 'BYE' to them as we exit! They are obviously surprised at his boldness, and (I think) warmed by his friendliness.
Evie almost always makes a friend when in her baby sling. Her smile draws people in - especially the young and elderly. I can't tell you how many times an elderly woman has stopped us on the street to say 'hi' to her and touch her feet and cheeks. Norwegians, unlike Americans, are not afraid to touch a stranger's baby - which actually a refreshing change.
So far we have been unable to get JR in a pre-school program. They are all full, which is fine. He is getting lots of time with his new friends - and with us. Evie is growing like a weed. She's flipping and turning like a fish out of water, and also has TWO teeth! She enjoys her daily babble, which James Ryan says is her speaking Norwegian! LOL.
I'll close for now, but be sure to look at the posted pics from our recent adventures. (Folk Museum, Merano Circus, Royal Palace, parks, etc) Keep in touch!
Deep Thoughts - By Jack Handy
For those 'vintage' Saturday Night Live fans, you know what that (title) means.
These aren't actually 'Deep Thoughts', but more like random situations, observations and comments. (It's my blog...I can do what I want!!!) :oP
Norwegian Fashion
- All love to wear Chuck Taylor's, skinny jeans & a scarf around the neck.
- Men are fond of the 'Man Capri'.
- Tights with shorts should be a fashion faux pas (in my opinion), but some folks think otherwise!
Transportation
Electric cars are given many benefits, such as free public parking. I, however, failed to pay in a private lot and was fined 600k (aka $100)!!!
Learn How To Queue!
A New Zealander friend (who's married to a Norwegian) told us that Norwegians do not know how to stand in line. This was a real 'ah-ha' moment for us, as we could not understand why...
- You have to take a number whenever you need assistance - bank, post office, pharmacist, deli, etc.
- On public transportation, people stand right in front of the automatic doors and try to enter before anyone has a chance to exit. (UHHHH!!!)
Norwegians also do not move out of your way when passing through a narrow passage - and they get in your way when browsing through a clothing rack. It's annoying, but I'm learning to 'do unto others as they are doing to me'. (haha - I know that's not how the verse goes, but...)
Snokker du Engelsk?
In Norske, this means 'Do you speak English?' Luckily, everyone between the ages of 12-50 does! And many speak several other languages as well. We've made many new friends, who have lived - and are from - all over the world. It's humbling to learn how much more we are alike than different.
Good Eats
Norwegian... bread, jam, chocolate, butter, ice cream, cheese (not brown) & waffles. Surprisingly, they also make a tasty pizza. The local Lebanese make a delicious kebob & schawarma. And chili nuts are must have. They are peanuts coated with a bbq flavored, crunchy shell. It reminds me of a peanut wrapped in a bbq potato chip!
Bad Eats
Mackerel with tomato...Better yet, in a tube! Shrimp cream cheese...In a tube! Liver pate...Yep, in a tube! (They put a picture of a smiling child on the liver pate to make it seem more appealing!) I'm disgusted to say that David eats all of these!
IKEA
Even in the US, I love IKEA! However, I never understood the logic behind some of their items - such as ziplock baggies and batteries - amongst all the decor. I now realize that in Scandinavian countries, IKEA is the closest thing to Wal-mart. It's where people go to buy everything from plates to plants. And who doesn't love a store that provides free childcare while you shop? Brilliant!
Not on Sunday
Norway is known for being a non-religious country. However, everything is closed on Sunday and you're not supposed to do laundry or construction (aka - hang a picture) on Sunday. ???
Loppemarked - aka Flea Market
Autumn is the season for 'Loppemarked' in Norway. Local schools often host the market - with donations coming from the community and proceeds going to the school. The thing I find humorous about it is that the host school requests 'fleas'...'Many fleas', 'fat fleas' and 'fleaers'. After seeing the 'flea' requests, I Googled the history of the term to find the following. Hope you find as interesting as I. (FYI...'Many fleas' & 'fat fleas' = Lots of stuff. 'Fleaers' are the folks selling the 'fleas'.)
The origins of the term are disputed, but some liken buyers and sellers as being as active as fleas, or that the original people and goods were infested.
Mani/Pedi
Sorry ladies...It's not happening here! I have yet to see a nail salon (and my nails show it)! There may be a nail tech in one of the spas, but I know it would exceed my budget. Everything in Norway is expensive.
These aren't actually 'Deep Thoughts', but more like random situations, observations and comments. (It's my blog...I can do what I want!!!) :oP
Norwegian Fashion
- All love to wear Chuck Taylor's, skinny jeans & a scarf around the neck.
- Men are fond of the 'Man Capri'.
- Tights with shorts should be a fashion faux pas (in my opinion), but some folks think otherwise!
Transportation
Electric cars are given many benefits, such as free public parking. I, however, failed to pay in a private lot and was fined 600k (aka $100)!!!
Learn How To Queue!
A New Zealander friend (who's married to a Norwegian) told us that Norwegians do not know how to stand in line. This was a real 'ah-ha' moment for us, as we could not understand why...
- You have to take a number whenever you need assistance - bank, post office, pharmacist, deli, etc.
- On public transportation, people stand right in front of the automatic doors and try to enter before anyone has a chance to exit. (UHHHH!!!)
Norwegians also do not move out of your way when passing through a narrow passage - and they get in your way when browsing through a clothing rack. It's annoying, but I'm learning to 'do unto others as they are doing to me'. (haha - I know that's not how the verse goes, but...)
Snokker du Engelsk?
In Norske, this means 'Do you speak English?' Luckily, everyone between the ages of 12-50 does! And many speak several other languages as well. We've made many new friends, who have lived - and are from - all over the world. It's humbling to learn how much more we are alike than different.
Good Eats
Norwegian... bread, jam, chocolate, butter, ice cream, cheese (not brown) & waffles. Surprisingly, they also make a tasty pizza. The local Lebanese make a delicious kebob & schawarma. And chili nuts are must have. They are peanuts coated with a bbq flavored, crunchy shell. It reminds me of a peanut wrapped in a bbq potato chip!
Bad Eats
Mackerel with tomato...Better yet, in a tube! Shrimp cream cheese...In a tube! Liver pate...Yep, in a tube! (They put a picture of a smiling child on the liver pate to make it seem more appealing!) I'm disgusted to say that David eats all of these!
IKEA
Even in the US, I love IKEA! However, I never understood the logic behind some of their items - such as ziplock baggies and batteries - amongst all the decor. I now realize that in Scandinavian countries, IKEA is the closest thing to Wal-mart. It's where people go to buy everything from plates to plants. And who doesn't love a store that provides free childcare while you shop? Brilliant!
Not on Sunday
Norway is known for being a non-religious country. However, everything is closed on Sunday and you're not supposed to do laundry or construction (aka - hang a picture) on Sunday. ???
Loppemarked - aka Flea Market
Autumn is the season for 'Loppemarked' in Norway. Local schools often host the market - with donations coming from the community and proceeds going to the school. The thing I find humorous about it is that the host school requests 'fleas'...'Many fleas', 'fat fleas' and 'fleaers'. After seeing the 'flea' requests, I Googled the history of the term to find the following. Hope you find as interesting as I. (FYI...'Many fleas' & 'fat fleas' = Lots of stuff. 'Fleaers' are the folks selling the 'fleas'.)
The origins of the term are disputed, but some liken buyers and sellers as being as active as fleas, or that the original people and goods were infested.
Mani/Pedi
Sorry ladies...It's not happening here! I have yet to see a nail salon (and my nails show it)! There may be a nail tech in one of the spas, but I know it would exceed my budget. Everything in Norway is expensive.
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