8/31/2009 Aalesund vs. Bodo Glimt Soccer Game

The pictures below are of the Aalesund vs. Bodo Glimt fotball match I went to last night. The game ended in a tie 1-1. No game should ever end in a tie, someone should always win and someone should always lose. This game was the highlight of my weekend. I spend today (Monday) helping show students how to set up a lavvo (a super large Teepee like tent). The reason I did that was because tomorrow morning we are leaving for Slogen and we will need to use a lavvo to sleep outside on our way up to the mountain top. 1562 meters is the peak or something near that. But I will be gone until Thursday night on this hike/camp so when I come back I should have alot to talk about and hopefully the weather cooperates and I can get some good pics... right now the forcast is showing rain, and lots of rain.



Right before kick off.



Pre-game introducing the lineups.



This is the Aalesund Mascot, some sort of fish or sea horse.

ETL

8/28/2009 Orreneset and Trollstigen Trip

So Thursday and Friday of this week we spent on a little tour around the area. We drove to Orreneset where we stayed the night. We played a teachers vs. students game of fotball, I scored 1 goal in that game might I add. Then we grilled out, hamburgers and stuff like that. I went for a swim in the lake which was absolutely freezing, you could see your breath when swimming. In the morning we headed towards Andalsnes and drove on Trollstigen and then to Trollveggen. It was a really fun two days, I am starting to know more and more of the students and slowly learning some more of the Norwegian language. Here are some pics from the last two days.



This is the Trollstigen road that goes up a really really steep hill. Look hard, and you can see the road winding down.



On top of Trollstigen... those are clouds in the valley.



Matthias and I on top of Trollstigen. Those are clouds covering the valley.



This is Orreneset... we stayed in cabins here Thursday night... this is the view of the lake and mountains at 6:30am. We played fotball, grilled, swam in 10 degree celsius water, canoed and other fun stuff here. We are hoping to bring the WSU Travel Study Group here.



This is my troll picture... I was supposed to look mean, but I couldn`t help but smile.



This is me riding a goat statue.. we had some time to kill before the busses left again.



This fjord starts by Borgund.... The picture is taken from inside the fjord looking back towards Borgund.



Mt. Slogen... this was taken from one of the ferry rides. Next week either Wednesday or Thursday I will be climbing to the peak of this mountain.



This is me driving one of the ferries across the fjord... (Im not actually driving)




Ottar talking over the intercom on the ferry.



This is a panoramic view of Trollveggen, the tallest vertical rock face in Europe.




Highlight of this trip.... while at Trollstigen, we were waiting to get back on the bus and the stips came up, handed me a bag and said they got a present for me. The remembered me talking about wanting a nitted hat with a Norwegian flag on it... well, now I have one. Thank you stips! Vibeke, Ingveld, Charlotte, Marlin, Helene, and Cathrine!

8/26/2009 Just an Ordinary Onsdag (Wednesday)

So this week has been full of pointless meetings and talk about dorm life. A few of the students are starting to feel more comfortable speaking with me. I know probably 25 or so of the 90ish students here. Tomorrow we are starting the Blikjenttur trip. It will consist of Thursday and Friday, taking a bus/ferry to a cabin. Then Friday we visit Trollstigen and Trollvegen which is going to be awesome for me because this was one thing that I did not get to see that much of when I was here in May. We saw the mountain but we saw it from the bottom, we will be up on top of it this time. So it will be like a mini 2 day vacation! I went to the gym tonight and played some soccer with Europeans... yeah, that was great, so I talked them into playing some basketball. I taught them some of the fundamentals and it was pretty fun to play with them. They were eager to learn and asked lots of questions. I also went for another swim in the ocean, the water was 16 degrees celsius today. But I will be gone for the next two days and won`t have my puter so when I come back I should have lots to talk about and some awesome pictures, I hope the weather cooperates.

ETL

8/25/2009 Emblemsanden Trip

Today was a fun day. It started out with the typical workout in the morning, breakfast, then some meetings, then lunch. But after lunch it got fun. The whole school walked to Emblemsanden, which is kinda a little beach/park area. They have 4 sand volleyball nets and some open grass to play soccer. We also played this South American game with this little thing that has a feather and kinda a ball thing on one end that you hit with your hand and you pretty much play volleyball with it. But we played volleyball and this other game for nearly 4 hours. We also grilled out, had some salmon on the grill... others had hotdogs (not for me). One thing about Norwegians playing volleyball... they kick the damn ball around everywhere (I think they think its soccer) but oh well. It`s weird because when we were playing, I was thinking, "ok we need to communicate who gets the ball and whatnot", but when there is a bit of a language barrier, that makes it even more interesting. I have learned to count from 1-12 in Norwegain, learned my colors, and a few other random words so I am getting there. After the volleyball games, Mathias and I jumped into the ocean for a quick refresher swim... it never gets old, swimming in cold water and being surrounded by snow topped mountains.

8/23/2009 Class Hike and Cliff Jumping

Today all the teachers and students hiked up Hogkubben. It took alittle over and hour to get to the top where we were given lefsa or something like that, its flat bread with butter, sugar and cinnamon in it, quite good, and coffee of course. When we got back, Mathias and I went for an ocean bathe which is on video at the bottom, and sorry it`s the wrong way... There is no way for me to rotate it, so just tilt your head to the right to see it the correct way. Jumping off that rock was the highlight of my day. Fun stuff. PS - 16 Boys and 75 Girls attend this school.



Another panoramic view ontop of Hogkubben. Can`t get enough of these.



This is a photo of all the students and me ontop of Hogkubben. I am in the front left down there somewhere.



Ottar pointing out the different mountain peaks in his nice red shorts.



This is me jumping off a 25ft cliff or so into the ocean water which was 14 degrees celsius. Mathias I and went for an ocean bathe after our hike.

8/22/2009 Students Arrive and THE CHALLENGE

So today the students started coming to Borgund. I started the moring outside meeting and greeting. I did a few tours with students and their parents, in English of course, and they didnt seem to mind. The language barrier can get frustrating at times but for the most part people seem to help me out. Then we split up into the different classes (Australia, Sor America, USA, and Afrika). I went to the USA class and explained alittle about Winona and when they come to MN what it will be like. After that the staff had to serve dinner to all the students and parents. Not the funnest thing... I absolutely hate working with food, it grosses me out. After that we had a large gather in the gym, sang some songs, introduced all the teachers and staff as well as all the different classes. Then I attempted THE CHALLENGE. The hike up Hogkubben, or shall I say the sprint up Hogkubben. (dad this is the mountain right by Borg, the one that we went all the way to the top and signed in at. So like I said before the record is 24 minutes. My first attempt was this evening and it took me 26min 4sec. Im close... I think in a few more tries I will get it. I am extremely sore though now... we also get to hike to the top of Hogkubben again tomorrow with all the students. Thats all, its 10.37 pm now and I need to go to bed.

ETL

8/21/2009 THE CHALLENGE

So today at lunch Marlin, Helene and Ingveld brought to my attention that Andreas (stip from last year) ran up Hogkubben in 24 minutes and ran back down in 14 or so minutes.... my goal before I leave Norway is to run up Hogkubben in less than 24 minutes... I know its like 415 meters above sea level which is roughly 1200ft above sea level and in the photos below, but I am not sure how far on the ground I will be traveling. I walked up there in about 40 minutes yesterday and was not in any big hurry soooo I am hoping I can beat 24 minutes. Ill keep you updated on my times or time because once I reach less than 24 minutes, I am not running up that mountain again.

ETL

8/20/2009 Hike Up Hogkubben

So today I had the day off. I worked out in the morning like usual but then at 2 Anne-Lise and Anders (another teacher) took us into town to buy some wool clothing for hiking and camping trips... I have enough of that but this stuff was cheap and a Norwegian brand so I bought some. When we got back to the school around 4:30 or so I decided to hike up to Hogkubben, which the following pictures are of. I have been there before in May with my dad but I wanted to go back up and just check it out again. On Sunday we also go up there with all the students so I`ll be doing it again here in a few days. In about and hour or so we are all going to Lars`s house for dinner so I should go get ready. The students start coming tomorrow so I am really excited for that because the work and fun really begins!




Proof that I actually did make it to the top of the mountian... dad and I were here when we visited in May.



Another panoramic view of the mountians and fjords surrounding me... this one is taken up higher on the mountain... which is called Hogkubben. (I just realized today I can do panoramics so it was my new thing for the day)



Panoramic view of Borgund and the Aalesund area... this is up on a mountain right behind the school... awesome place!



Three months later and dads enitials are still in the table.



ETL

8/18/2009 Took Some Pics Hiking Around

Just takin in the view.



Down by the water (dad, this is where we went and sat down by the water and just watched the water and mountians)



Renault Clio... We drove a Clio in Iceland... but this one is old school.



This is me and the great view behind me... (Dad, this is up by where Ottar took us with is car, except I walked up there this time)



This is a pic of the fjord here by Borg... I was walking up a mountain this afternoon, the clouds finally cleared up.

8/18/2009 Nothing Exciting Has Happened

So I would just like to update you all that the last few days has been pretty laid back. Alot of information and meetings getting ready for the kids to come at the end of this week. The most exciting thing that has happened is that I can see blue sky today. I believe that is the first time I have seen blue since I have been here and today will make it a week of being here. We did have thunder and lightening last night as well. So that rivals in excitement with the blue sky thing. So next week we will be doing some "get to know everyone" activities, some hiking and wandering around Aalesund and then the week after we are doing a 3 day hike and camp two nights up to Mt. Slogen. So stay up to date. Oh last night, the stips, and I, and all the stips are girls might I add and Oystein (a male student/stip) played fotball (soccer) in the gym. They are good. If I were to play soccer back home I would suck... but then put me in a gym with European`s playing soccer, I dont stand a chance. Although I did score two goals. They did admit that I could beat them in basketball though. Floor hockey was pretty even. I felt like they actually compete and have fun... sometimes in the US girls dont really try and they just walk around (not all but some). Well, I think I am going to go enjoy the sun and find something outside to do.

ETL

8/15/2009 Sukkertoppen and Ocean Bath

This Picture is me swimming in that cold water with beautiful mountains in the background... 2 minutes walk from Borgund.



This video is me doing a back flip into 14 degree celsius ocean water... really cold!





When Willy took this photo on top of sukkerttoppen (sugar top), he said, show this to your mother so she knows we are taking good care of you. Except he said it in a Norwegian accent. From Left to Right - Charolette, Marlin, Vibeke, Cathrine, Ingveld, and Helena.



On top of Sukkerttoppen. The city of Aalesund is behind us.



So today Willy and Anna-Lisa took the stips and I into Aalesund and up to the top of Sukkerttoppen. When we got to the top we talked about what our schedule would be like when the kids come next week. We also had hot chocolate and cookies up there. It was a good "get to know ya" day. We then went into the city of Aalesund and Anne-Lisa took us out for ice cream. So I got to see alot of the surrounding area today. When we got back, the girls invited me to their flat and made a great dinner. When we were done with that we went for a "bath" in the ocean, which is seen in the pics and video. I guess once a week every week (including December) they and I will go down to the ocean for a quick swim and jump off the dock. Im having lots of fun and enjoying every moment.

ETL

8/14/2009 Again... Took Some Pics

This is down by the water which is a short walk from the school.. 10 minutes or so.




Reiseskolen I Alesund means traveling school of Alesund... we took this bus to Molde and it was completely packed.



I was writing in my blog up in the office as all of a sudden the sun shined in my eye... but it was still raining but took this photo of the sun and the rain from the office.




This is my pad... single room studio flat... living room, kitchen, bedroom are all the same.



So this is just a start, there are plenty of more pics to come than these

8/14/2009 Back from Molde

Ok, so I have had a few request on pics... I havent even had my camera out yet, it still has not stopped raining out and all the mountains and nice scenery is covered by clouds, but I promise the pics will come. Although there is one pic I guess.... go to www.pipwilson.com then click on the updated blogs square... scroll down to the 8/14/2009 blog Titled Hello from Norway. Those pics are from a team building seminar we did, and I am in the middle one where there are 3 in a row across (Im the bald one) So we had this meeting with all the Folk Schools in this area, there were 6 of them I believe that met in Molde Thursday and Friday. So it was like a mini vacation. I got to know everyone I`ll be working with along with the stips(student helper people)named Charlotte, Ingveld, Cathrine(pronounced Katrina), Vibeke, Marlin, and Helena and other teachers from other schools. We did team building activities along with plenty of meals with great food, some bible talk stuff (all in Norwegian so I had a translator namee Oyvin Sonnesyn from another school) He translated for both Pip and I because Pip ( the team building talker guy) is from England and doesn`t speak Norwegian. Oyvin also invited me to come stay at his folk school which I cannot pronounce nor do I know exactly where it is but he says its a short drive and ferry ride away. One funny thing from the trip was I went with the stips from Borgund to a meeting with all the other stips from other schools and discussed some activities they wanted to do for the upcoming year and everyone in the room introduced themselves and where they were from, when it got to me I said "Hi, my name is Eric Larson, Im from the US and definitely do not speak Norwegian" Everyone laughed then the rest of the whole hour long meeting was in Norwegian so I sat there like an idiot, although I did get a few updates from one of the Borg stips about what they were talking about. So yea, that`s what I have been up to. I still have not slept for more than 6 hours in a night yet either so tomorrow there is nothing goin on til nooner so I am pretty sure I will be sleeping in alittle. If you have comments, please leave them below, thanks.

ETL

8/12/09

Well, I made to Aalesund. It`s been raining ever since I got here. The trip was 5 airports, 4 plane rides long which took 18 hours total. I was set up in my own little apartment building just alittle ways fromt he school. I slept extremely well my first night here. It was strange because I felt more comfortable in Stockholm than I did in Chicago... whats that say about Chicago? While in the airpot in Stockholm I saw some highlights of Tiger Woods 181 yard 8 iron he shot on Sunday and everyone was just glued to the TV watching. Also, for those of you that I worked with this summer, I thought I would never have to hear Michael Jackson again.. well, I sat next to a 8 year old Swedish kid who loved MJ. I had to hear all about him and how he is STILL dead. While sitting in Oslo waiting for my flight to Aalesund, I was listening to Champaign Supernova which took me back to the 4th of July when we listened to that song on the river. It made me think about what a great summer the summer of 09 was. It started with a trip to Iceland and Norway with my dad and ended with me going back to Norway. And in the middle was the 4th down on the river which is an absolute blast. Then work didn’t even seem like work. The summer of 09 tops them all, even 05 with Cancun, roadtrip, Chicago, Memphis, and Arkansas, 06 was WE Fest, 07 was… Fastenal and lots of unproductiveness, summer of 08 was coming off PC which is hard to top in the spring and all I did was work at Menards which sucked, so summer of 09 I think takes it. Last night we ate dinner at Anne-Marits house. It was my first time in a Norwegian home. Tomorrow I am heading with some of the staff to Molde for some meetings and team building exercises. Lots of fun stuff coming up here in the next few weeks so be sure to keep up.
ETL

8/7/2009

So today was my last day of work at the Boys & Girls Club for the summer. I got alot of questions from the kids about why and where I was going. I think I will miss the kids but plan on returning when I get back to the states. The people I work with, Ariel, Shanna, Donald, Peter, Faiz, Becca, and Tyler are all awesome and I will miss them. That was the best job I have ever had for a summer, it made time fly by... even the "bad" days weren`t that bad. On my ride home tonight I was looking at the god forsaken cornfields and thinking... when my dad and I left for Iceland and Norway in May, the corn was just planted, and just sprouting when we returned 2 weeks later. Tonight, the corn is tall and has tastles on the top. I will be gone before it dries out. Normally throughout the summer I notice the corn growing but for some reason this summer it slipped by me. It just went too fast. Then when I got home, Andrew was getting ready to leave for Cali. He flies out tomorrow. I fly out Monday so after tomorrow, the next time I will see him, he will have an entire semester of college done. I still have not packed, but I have a list that I got from Bridget the other night. Maybe it will rain tomorrow as well and I can get a start on packing... most likely not, that will be for Sunday night and Monday morning. The anticipation is starting to get to me.

ETL

8/4/2009

It is Tuesday August 4th. I leave Monday August 10th. I am in my final week of work and really looking forward to heading out. I will be in Alesund Norway working at Borgund Folk School as an activity coordinatoor. I will be working with 18 and 19 year old Norwegian students. I will be traveling with them all over Norway and hopefully I can go to Iceland with them as well. This last week will be alot of scrambling and getting stuff ready to go. Question... how do you pack for 6 months? That is all for now... I will be updating this from time to time so feel free to check it out at any time and live vicariously through me while I'm on my journey through and around Norway
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ETL