the europetrip 2009

September 9 2009

Where do u begin when you start your story mid life... I guess you begin where u remember. Thats probably the best place to start. Well im going to quentin Tarantino the shit out of this story so hold on and I hope who reads it, understands what i'm saying. So currently I am in Norway, Land of the vikings and home to some of the most beautiful people on earth.. Yes it is true, scandinavia is a great place and has so much to offer. I have been in Oslo (the capital) for about 3 days now and I am heading to bergen tomorrow the 10th September 2009. But I will account to you what I have been doing so far.

My trip in oslo began with a relatively nice bus coming from stockholm to oslo 7hrs with internet on board.. I was really surprised... I have never seen that before it was great. Arrived in Olso and had prearranged to meet with my Couch surfing guide, Annett who was kind enough to provide me with some useful information about Oslo and norway in general. Annett is from Sweden originally and was transfered to oslo about a year prior, so she too is just learning about the area. She had loads of uesful information for me to utilise and then put into practice the next day when I decided to tackle oslo head on... balls and all... It is a beautiful city, but it was kind of a shock to see so much graffiti and homeless here. I don't know why but I just assumed because you here norway has the best living conditions in the world, you expect to see no one homeless.. But I was wrong... Not to deter from the sights though, the city itself is a mix of most types of cities with its ethnic quarter, city hub and uptown societies which usually never blend. But once you take a step away from the hussle of the central oslo, and look from afar you soon realize that oslo has more to offer than just a large harbor and knitted sweaters... The scenery across the harbor, the old buildings and the cobbled streets make for just a fascinating stroll.. Forgetting where you are in the world and just embracing the moment and enjoying this friendly yet reserved race of people. Don't expect to have people smile and wave to you in the streets.. well at least not in the main city... people seem to have a thing about looking at the ground, or looking into the distance in order to evade prying eyes from grasping their attention. But once you get to meet the locals, they are warm, friendly and inviting people. Just ignore that stern outer case. Highlights of Oslo where definitely meeting up with Annett and taking walks around the streets and dining at a fantastic chinese restaurant which I will definitely be returning the favor when Annett visits canada. Having begun traveling on my own for the first time, I have learned a few things already, its not just about rushing around to see everything you can do in a city you visit, anyone can do that. But traveling to a city, meeting people of that culture and embracing their hospitality is the key to enjoying the most from your trip. I could think nothing better that to just stroll the streets or sitting having a drink with people of the same views, dreams and aspirations as mine. Without the 'entourage' so to speak of other opinions decisions or views conflicting with your travel. I admit, it does get a little lonely not having people to talk to everyday, I have had 3 days of not even talking to anyone... But enabling myself to think, listen and learn, this is something I never did before and that is what traveling is about.