Norwegian skiing championships

I have to admit--I felt pretty darn Norwegian this Saturday. As soon as we woke up, Lars and I bundled up and walked to catch a bus up to Gåsbu where thousands of Norwegians were braving the cold to cheer on other Norwegians on skis.

Norwegians have got this spectating in the snow thing down--the mountain was covered with scarfed and mittened ski fans with Norwegian flags, signs, face paint and backpacks full of goodies--even furry companions were on the hill and in the spirit!

I brought my camera but took no pictures. Shame on me. But I was pretty much freezing (haven't turned completely Norwegian yet) ;). I did manage to snap a shot of the races with my trusty iPhone (which may be single-handedly responsible for ruining me as a photographer!) and another of my cool new co-worker Annie with her legit photography set-up! :)

I have yet to hit the slopes this winter and I'm really looking forward to it!

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Snow to slush

Winter came early this year. And then melted away. And then came back, and melted again. There is nothing worse or more dangerous weather-wise than wannabe-Winter-come-too-early.

It's really weird that it is mid-November and it has been raining cats and dogs all day. I thought I lived in Eastern Norway?!

I'm as confused as the seasons!

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Sundays are big winners in my book.

Sundays are basically my favorite. They usually mean no work, time with Lars and a whole day to use as I please. For a girl who works a lot of late nights and weekend days, it's probably not all that strange that Sundays are big winners in my book.

Last Sunday Lars and I visited Gåsbu, a popular ski stop about 20 minutes from Hamar, for our first ski trip of the year.

The weather was awesome and Lars and I skied 6.5km up to a cabin where we took a load off and bought a Coca-Cola a piece. The cabin was a happening place--apparently a lot of people had the same idea as us!

The way up was long--ever so slightly uphill essentially the whole way. The 5.5km down went a lot faster as you can imagine. It was a great outing--a very successful first attempt on cross country skis for the year for this American (I didn't fall once!). ;)

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Extreme cold

On Christmas Eve in Tynset the thermometer dropped down to -38°C (-34°F)! Luckily for us, we were warm inside feasting, drinking and opening presents. Christmas Day it warmed up a bit--not much I will admit--but enough that I dared to take a short walk outside with Lars' mom and their Norwegian Elkhound Raja.

Don't get me wrong, it's COLD. Like so cold that you think "Why the hell am I outside?!" But there is only so much fatty holiday food and stuffy cozy air from the fireplace that one can handle before you have to get out into the world and move around a bit!

We took a short 15 minute-ish walk around the neighborhood which was more than enough time for us to feel the cold on our thighs and buttocks! And it was definitely long enough for my entire heard to turn into ice!

This walk got me thinking...I had seen on the news last winter when it was equally as cold and even colder that you could throw boiling water up into the air and it would turn into ice! I think it's one of those things that you have to experience for yourself to believe it...for a Washington girl like me, it was at best a myth!

But I can now confirm the validity of that statement. I myself have turned boiling water into ice\snow dust within seconds and a wave of my hand!

I'm a magician!
But then again, so is Lars' mom. Or anyone with a pitcher of boiling water in Tynset at winter time. ;)

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Birkebeinerrennet 2010

Birk-uh-bine-uh-ren-uh. Or Birkebeinerrennet. Or Birkebeiner Race.

It's a 54 km long competitive cross-country ski race that has been held annually in Norway since 1932. Check out my first impression and a brief history of the race from last winter here.

This year, we repeated the steps that resulted in a great day last year: drove about an hour, parked, skiied in, parked (metaphorically) again, cheered HEIA as people skiied past, nibbled on some kvvikklunsj and enjoyed the sun!

The night before the big race I made a sign with Fåset on it so that locals from Lars' childhood neighborhood could find us and get some fuel!

The most popular "energy drink" is a 50/50 combo of coffee and Coke. I still haven't tried it; I feel like it must taste awful. But the skiers swear by it, saying it gives them the perfect energy boost!

And it sure seemed like it worked! Above and on the right you can see Lars' dad skiing his lil heart out. He actually managed to beat his time from last year and finished in 3:45! I honestly cannot believe that someone can ski over 30 miles at such a pace...

But maybe it was because he got such good service at our pit stop. ;) Here you see Stine helping Jan with a fresh, warm pair of gloves while Lars is massaging some tight muscles. And then after a fresh cup of coffee and cola, he was off!

As we were skiing back to the car later on, all the Kindølshaugs in my company got numerous text messages from kjent folk (friends+family) telling them how cool it was to see Jan Kristen on tv! Right after he crossed the finish line, he was interviewed by a well known Norwegian reporter. We never got to see the interview but we did get to see him live! Haha!

Birkebeinerrennet has quickly become a tradition for us. I definitely look forward to March next year and another chance to spectate! ;)

Wave to that helicopter! You're on tv!

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Yes, I'm alive.

A few friends have emailed me or messaged me on Facebook wondering where the blog posts be at yo! I'm alive friends, thanks for the inquiries and nice to know you are reading and that you care. I actually do have lots to update on (and lots of pictures to share as well) but I have limited computer access. Lars' little laptop that could--can no longer. I am really hoping that we will be able to retrieve all the pictures stored on that little guy. This also means I had to cancel my lessons for this week :(, that I am posting from the library right now and that I am putting my internet addiction to the ultimate test!

Although it is extremely inconvenient, maybe it has come at a good time (??). Less procrastinating from home on the computer should hopefully translate to more time spent out in the real world securing a job! Did I mention I officially almost have the green light to work here in Norway? I am just waiting on some paperwork to go through...Will explain more later...but yes, really happy good news!

Hopefully I can get hired soon, get rich and then Lars and I can buy matching laptops. That day will undoubtably come soon and thus you all can look forward to some updates on our awesome ski experience watching Lars' dad among others race the Birkebeinerrennet, our successful St. Patrick's Day party and more not to mention the joy that was the day I got a permit slapped into my passport!. For now, feast your eyes on this picture of Stine and I cheering on the Birkebeiners on Saturday!

P.S. It's still cold here. We got a few new inches of snow here on Sunday morning! Isn't it almost April!?

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Sunday on Mjøsa

The sky has been full of clouds lately. Clouds that have been constantly dumping snow down on us. Constantly. Don't get me wrong, I love the snow (it really is gorgeous here) and am really enjoying the winter. But it can get pretty gray after awhile with all those clouds hovering over your head. Today, however, was a huge exception. The sun was brilliant! So out we went!

And so did everyone else! We saw people all over the place--skiing, walking, running, sledding, ice skating, ice fishing and more! And all right on top of Mjøsa, the biggest (and now mostly frozen) lake in Norway!

(Ice fishing!)(Lars took this picture!)

I love to see so many people out being active and enjoying each others' company. I really dig this about the Norwegian lifestyle. Makes me warm and fuzzy inside, even though I sometimes am not so warm on the outside. Like today for example--it was really pretty, but also pretty dang cold. When the better part of my hair that was peeking out of my hat was in danger of breaking in half and I couldn't feel my legs anymore we headed back home. And then made some nummy soup.

Also of note--Lars and I really wanted a dog today. It just would have been the cherry on top of the already kick ass winter sundae. We actually considered stealing one. Problem was we didn't see any that we believed made the moral transgression worth it. How come so many people like tiny little yappy dogs?

Maybe we'll find a better candidate next Sunday. ;)

*Some time ago, I came across a blog from another American woman who has also made the move to Norway. A couple times she has posted some of her Sunday adventures in line with a proposal from another blogger (from San Francisco I believe) called "Sundays In My City".

Today I joined the club!

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It's beginning to look a lot like...

Well I can't completely say Christmas. True, Lars has been to two work-related Christmas parties, we had the Christmas beer tasting, we have put up our little tree, AND I have wrapped all the presents we've bought so far...

...and taken out the hand-made doilies that one of Lars' aunts made us last year and the little Santa statues that are our entire collection of Christmas decorations. I've even started baking cookies and trying to make fudge.

All the shops have Christmas stuff everywhere and I am daily popping some chocolates out of my advent calendar. I am also lucky enough to be trying my luck on an scratch ticket calendar as the days tick down to the 25th, courtesy of Lars.

(No big money yet.)

There is til og med a huuuge Christmas tree up in Østre Torg...but I have to admit something fairly important is still missing. Maybe I am spoiled but, um NO SNOW!?? What is Christmas in Norway without snow? Blasphemy, I tell you. Blashpemy!

(This picture was taken over a week ago, even that snow is GONE)

This time last year I was practically snow-swimming to and from my Norwegian classes and now I am instead greeted with the slush and mud of a typical Pacific Northwest winter. Varmegrader is the name of the game lately (which literally means warm degrees) That's the term Norwegians use to describe any temperature above freezing.

(Even if it's not much.)

The point is--I actually want it to get COLDER so the slush can turn back into snow and it can hang around for awhile! Who would've thought? But regardless of what the weather situation here in Hamar is, I am confident there will be snow waiting for us in Tynset and that's where we'll be for Christmas, and most likely New Year's too!

Even without the snow, I can't help but get in the spirit. I frickin' love Christmas.

(Although I do still maintain that Halloween is my favorite holiday.)

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BRR.

Well folkens, it's getting cold here. Yesterday was something like 8.5° F. Today it's warmed up though--it's about 25° F. Haha, "warmed up". Well, I guess winter is finally here.

The beauty of the Norwegian lifestyle is that winter doesn't ruin your day (most days). It can be much below freezing outside and you just put on more clothes and get out for a tur. Lars' mom always says that it is important to air yourself out a bit! And I can only agree, after spending many cozy nights inside by the roaring fire with candles lit and good food and drink...it is good to air yourself out once in awhile! Especially after a huge turkey feast the night before. So Sunday, home in Fåset/Tynset that's exactly what we did.

(Stine walking Raja)

(Randi with the neighbors' new dog Tira)

Tira is exceptionally timid, and didn't like me much at first. But...she couldn't avoid me forever. I plan on being around that part of the woods fairly often for ...uh ever I guess. So I dedicated a few extra minutes to letting her run skittishly around me, sniffing me etc. She licked my face and hung around enough for me to get this blurry but endearing shot:

I think we'll get along just fine.

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Weekend happenings

Another weekend, come and gone. And what do I have to say for myself?

As far as productivity goes, not a whole lot. I made an awesome loaf of banana bread Friday afternoon and for Sunday night dinner had the best taco salad I have ever imagined. Seriously, anytime I can add a crunch to a salad (sunflower seeds, tortilla chips, croûtons, pretzels, you name it) I am in heaven!

Weekend excitement not related to food you ask? Hmm....well it snowed maybe a total of 5 inches (maybe more) on Friday afternoon/evening. We went for a walk as it began Friday, and another when it was finished and had covered Hamar in white Saturday midday. It warmed up a lot throughout Saturday and all of that beautiful snow has since melted into mush and slush on the streets.

But really other than that, and a quick reunion with some soccer girls and some other friends at the re-opening of Siste Indre (one of our favorite bars) we didn't do much of anything. Which was awesome, by the way.

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Africa<--->Asia meet the snow

On Tuesday, my classmates and I took a break from our usual language learning and got a bit of a more practical lesson in how to survive the winter à la norvégien! Via three full buses, all of us anxious and nervous foreigners journeyed up to Budor, one of the best local places to ski and enjoy the snow. I spent most of the day hanging out with the 'Middle East', with an Ali from Iraq (Big Ali), an Ali from Afghanistan (Little Ali), Ihjad from Palestine, Leith from Iraq (on the right with the sled) and my good friend Ahmed, also from Iraq. Ahmed and I wanted to spend more time with Jean Claude, our other third from the Wednesday Coffee Crew, but our rasta man was a bit too cold to enjoy the snow as much as we did. We couldn't even get him to try skis!

Maybe you can't blame Jean Claude. Your first time on skis can be a bit more work than fun! Above you can see Big Ali surviving his first experience. The man was fearless, and by the end of the day, completely soaked and exhausted.



While I was really impressed with everyone that was on skis for the first time, I think by far the most impressive moment of the day was how my Burmese friends approached lunch time. We had been instructed to bring easy BBQ type foods; it is really typical for Norwegians to bring hot dogs with to grill for lunch (it is also traditional to eat oranges and a candy bar really similar to the Kit-Kat called Kvikk-Lunsj). I was pretty impressed that someone had brought raw chicken, onions and cheese shish-kebabs to grill, but that was really nothing compared to the Burmese. I mean take a look at their spread below! I tried some really delicious noodle chicken combo, and they had so many other foods as well.

Even the teachers got in on the fun. Below you can see my current teacher, Marthe, on a sled with Big Ali. Those two tall ones really needed the push that Ahmed administered.

It was a happy day--there were no arguments, no judgments made...everyone reached out to each other and laughed together. In fact, I wish the world got along as well as all of us do at school.

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Clock Strikes Three

Here is a quick panoramic shot of Hamar that you might enjoy...I decided to take it spontaneously (so it is not from the best lookout point possible) when the bell tower started ringing three o'clock as I was out for a walk along lake Mjøsa Friday afternoon.

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Skitur

Sunday afternoon Lars and I drove up to Gåsbu again for a little outdoor winter wonderland aerobic activity. As it was just my third time trying to cross country ski, I still felt awkward, but I was also much more successful than the last two tries (not that that is saying a whole lot though). I was hoping that I had just somehow managed to magically improve my skiing skills, but I suspect that it probably had a bit more to do with the aid of some ski wax that Lars bought. It seemed to really help a lot, especially when I was going up hill as it provides a bit of traction under your boot.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day, the sun was out and the weather was crisp. We were only out for about an hour, but we went at a much quicker pace than the last trip and managed to go quite a bit further. The pace and my attire sure did combine for a nice sweat down my back! I think the next time around we will try to double the distance to make it to a cabin that sells warm beverages and good snacks.

And just to give you an idea, it was about 5-6 °F at Gåsbru. Brrr. I had some problems at first with my fingers and hands (couldn't feel them)...that is really painful. But a few arm circles and some funny lookin' dance moves can always get the blood flowing again.

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