Econs lecture is tough. I only skipped one lecture to bergen and flam and its so tough.
Really really want to take the course on criminology, which is a masters degree course :(.
SHOULD I JUST DROP MY BLOODY SOCI COURSE SINCE I GOT ANOTHER COURSE WHICH IS ON EAST ASIA and i might just understand it better since im an asian, ie, have an easier time here. (and since i took se1101 e b4, and i've nv taken any development course b4). Yea I think I should. Cos the soci course seems really bad.
Went to international coffee hour. Seems like alot of people are gone. And alot of new faces. Then to the international welcome party at sogn with ludek, anne, anna, and peter, and anna's visiting german friend, jenna. It was bad. Like the host was bad. Her english was bad. And she plays lame games and stuff. And then we were just there, hoping and waiting for free pizzas... and to find out eventually there was None. Only a wrap (with only vegetables, beans, and onions inside). I had 2. Should have taken more home. So that I can save on 1 meal at least. or half a meal. (Which costs alot here).
Then went to building 48, where anne, anna and peter stayed together, on the same floor (how great is that!). Their kitchen is nothing compared to mine in terms of 1st impression. Mine had a bed, 4 fridges (wtf), tv and big table and basically huge area. But stayin there for a while makes me like their kitchen so much more. They have a mircowave, a toaster (2 perfect tools), a coffee maker (not that i fancy much), and it was CLEAN, SMELLS good, COSY, good lightings and really really homely.
Home.
Tmr. To the World of Edvard Munch Museum. And Damn I didnt sign up for it. There was no space, but wth, I'll just go. Meeting Anne, Anna, and Peter outside rema1000 at 11am.
I actually like it when we dont have to depend so much on mobile phone. Like Old times. Good Old times.
Friday
Thursday
Was mugging in the morning when Joseph rang me.
Then I told him to use skype. It's like the first time he used it and he was so excited about it.
This course isnt easy. Its called Economic globalisation and regional development and I wonder why its under the sociology department. Anyway, whatever is taught there is quite obvious. Just that they put it into 'chim' terms and words. Like agglomeration. Which simply means the area of urbanise influence of a developed city, including the city.
Lecture was unbearably boring. I swear. I never had a worse lecture in my life. Poor english wasnt the only problem. The lecturer never once looked at the class. All he did was stare at his screen and walk forward and backwards, which is utterly distracting. Poor english is alright if he could at least complete his sentence and have some coherent thoughts. But no. I took out my laptop and started to see the course requirement. And I was very dissappointed. This course seems to require alot. Like class presentation, whatever. However, there were only 5 seminars, which is a good thing. And peer evaluation, which is what I hate most, even in NUS. And here, I expect very bad evaluation, cos honestly, im not here to attend classes. Damn.
During the break, I left the lecture. Thinking of what to do, I decided to get to the IT lab, which is 1 train station away, at Forskingsparken. And my wireless is done.
Then I was faced with a dilemma. Should I drop this insanely boring lecture course, with ridiculous grading system. And take the philosophy course instead, which I might have greater interest in. I was thinking that perhaps, it wasnt for no reason that I was registered with the philo course, when I did not sign up for it. But then, I started to read the requirements and there was like 16 seminars. Out of which I need to attend at least 5 for the 1st 8 and 6 for the next 8 or something like that. Given the amount of unpredictable time I would spend travelling, I figured that it would be a safer bet to stick to this economics/sociology course.
Went home. And now, I realise that I had to eat regularly, instead of starve. So I ate again at 4pm and then at 8pm. Which is really a record here in Norway. It seems like no one eats like this here. But who cares. Im from Singapore. That's how I eat there. I just need to buy cheaper food like instant noodles here.
And b4 I came back, I actually went to Blindern Athletica to ask abt the skis again. There were no skis again. Its cheap. For 75 sing dollars you get to rent skis for the season. Who would want to return so soon after renting? To make their money's worth man. Maybe its not such a bad thing that I didnt manage to rent the skis after all.
Cos... This was what happened (Singapore time).
At night, I was mugging, then chase and ludek called. They were going to the party at 46 and wanted to drop by. I knew abt the party on fb, but wasnt invited. Party isnt for me to get free beers. Its for me to get free pizzas and chips and get more knowledge/ info from their conversations about trips and stuff.
Over at my kitchen, told Chase and ludek about my crazy trip. Chase said "why u do that buddy? could have gotten urself killed". Lud acknowledged. This time, I took it more seriously. I mean, its one thing to think that Im the only one who dared to attempt those things compared to the other sgreans. I mean, I always think that sgreans are too comfortable and safe and lack a sense of adventure. But then, such an advice coming from a canadian (who survived countless -30 degrees) and a czech (who served the military for 5 years), I think its time to take my ventures cautiously. Lud was like "if you're gonna do it again. dont be alone. cos u might just faint and whatever and if there wasnt anyone else, u might just die".
Chase is going to tromso. Way above the artic circle. Lud has a better plan. He wants to go ABOVE the North Kapp. And my eyes instantly grew bigger. Darn. I just cant resist a good adventure can I? Yes. Lets go shall we lud? But not so soon, cos its like -60 degrees there now. Summer? Then we can see the midnight sun in its full glory.
Night. Tmr's a long day.
8-10 econs lect
10 - ? Go make Norwegian ID
4-6 international coffee hour
6-8 internation student housing welcome party at amatoren
The rest of the time, please mug.
God bless.
Then I told him to use skype. It's like the first time he used it and he was so excited about it.
This course isnt easy. Its called Economic globalisation and regional development and I wonder why its under the sociology department. Anyway, whatever is taught there is quite obvious. Just that they put it into 'chim' terms and words. Like agglomeration. Which simply means the area of urbanise influence of a developed city, including the city.
Lecture was unbearably boring. I swear. I never had a worse lecture in my life. Poor english wasnt the only problem. The lecturer never once looked at the class. All he did was stare at his screen and walk forward and backwards, which is utterly distracting. Poor english is alright if he could at least complete his sentence and have some coherent thoughts. But no. I took out my laptop and started to see the course requirement. And I was very dissappointed. This course seems to require alot. Like class presentation, whatever. However, there were only 5 seminars, which is a good thing. And peer evaluation, which is what I hate most, even in NUS. And here, I expect very bad evaluation, cos honestly, im not here to attend classes. Damn.
During the break, I left the lecture. Thinking of what to do, I decided to get to the IT lab, which is 1 train station away, at Forskingsparken. And my wireless is done.
Then I was faced with a dilemma. Should I drop this insanely boring lecture course, with ridiculous grading system. And take the philosophy course instead, which I might have greater interest in. I was thinking that perhaps, it wasnt for no reason that I was registered with the philo course, when I did not sign up for it. But then, I started to read the requirements and there was like 16 seminars. Out of which I need to attend at least 5 for the 1st 8 and 6 for the next 8 or something like that. Given the amount of unpredictable time I would spend travelling, I figured that it would be a safer bet to stick to this economics/sociology course.
Went home. And now, I realise that I had to eat regularly, instead of starve. So I ate again at 4pm and then at 8pm. Which is really a record here in Norway. It seems like no one eats like this here. But who cares. Im from Singapore. That's how I eat there. I just need to buy cheaper food like instant noodles here.
And b4 I came back, I actually went to Blindern Athletica to ask abt the skis again. There were no skis again. Its cheap. For 75 sing dollars you get to rent skis for the season. Who would want to return so soon after renting? To make their money's worth man. Maybe its not such a bad thing that I didnt manage to rent the skis after all.
Cos... This was what happened (Singapore time).
Yewluck
meri
3:04amMeri
hey!
3:05amYewluck
do u know where i can rent or borrow skis?
blindern ran out of skis
i need it for 2 weeks for the ski course
3:06amMeri
hmm... i can check around a little :D
maybe i have some at home.
3:06amYewluck
oh my
thank you so much!
3:06amMeri
;)
3:08amYewluck
i only need it for 2 weeks
3:08amMeri
ok
what shoe size do u have?
3:14amYewluck
about UK size 7
3:14amMeri
uhm
3:14amYewluck
small feet
3:14amMeri
what is that in eur.?
maybe my ewuipment would fit u just fine then?
i have a 7 too!
just checked
3:15amYewluck
yea!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------At night, I was mugging, then chase and ludek called. They were going to the party at 46 and wanted to drop by. I knew abt the party on fb, but wasnt invited. Party isnt for me to get free beers. Its for me to get free pizzas and chips and get more knowledge/ info from their conversations about trips and stuff.
Over at my kitchen, told Chase and ludek about my crazy trip. Chase said "why u do that buddy? could have gotten urself killed". Lud acknowledged. This time, I took it more seriously. I mean, its one thing to think that Im the only one who dared to attempt those things compared to the other sgreans. I mean, I always think that sgreans are too comfortable and safe and lack a sense of adventure. But then, such an advice coming from a canadian (who survived countless -30 degrees) and a czech (who served the military for 5 years), I think its time to take my ventures cautiously. Lud was like "if you're gonna do it again. dont be alone. cos u might just faint and whatever and if there wasnt anyone else, u might just die".
Chase is going to tromso. Way above the artic circle. Lud has a better plan. He wants to go ABOVE the North Kapp. And my eyes instantly grew bigger. Darn. I just cant resist a good adventure can I? Yes. Lets go shall we lud? But not so soon, cos its like -60 degrees there now. Summer? Then we can see the midnight sun in its full glory.
Night. Tmr's a long day.
8-10 econs lect
10 - ? Go make Norwegian ID
4-6 international coffee hour
6-8 internation student housing welcome party at amatoren
The rest of the time, please mug.
God bless.
Friday
A conversation during international coffee hour.
I said something (cant rmb)
Thomas: "John. thats not the way. If I want to get more girls, I need to be... whatever"
Me: "well, you might attract a different kind of girls"
Thomas: "Haha. well. im not interested in that kind"
Han: "Are you guys having your own social life without us?"
Anne: "Why?"
Han: "Cos We are buddies. Im a buddy (ogl) I dont want you guys to have a social life without us"
Me: "Without you u mean"
Han: "Yes, so you gotta tell me and ask me for permission whatever parties you attend"
Anne and Me: "Cos u're the hierest (highest) buddy" And its funny, cos we just learnt that word hierest
Me: "Are you even a buddy (ogl)?"
Han: "Well, yes."
Me: "Where's your red buddy shirt? I've nv seen u in one"
Han: "Well. I lost it"
Chase: "Your a LIAR!"
Me: "You are not a buddy! You just like being with international students right"
Han: "shh"
Anne: "We are going to this party next week. So Han, can we have your permission? (sacarstically)"
Han: "well"
Me: "Do you want a formal letter of permission, with ur signature?"
Han: "thats not necessary. well, techincally if im invited u can go. but if im not, then its not nice"
Me: "HAHAHA. u're just feeling left out"
Han: "No Im not. Its for the safety of you guys"
Anne: "Ok so can we go?"
Han: "well. now that u tell me. yes."
I said something (cant rmb)
Thomas: "John. thats not the way. If I want to get more girls, I need to be... whatever"
Me: "well, you might attract a different kind of girls"
Thomas: "Haha. well. im not interested in that kind"
Han: "Are you guys having your own social life without us?"
Anne: "Why?"
Han: "Cos We are buddies. Im a buddy (ogl) I dont want you guys to have a social life without us"
Me: "Without you u mean"
Han: "Yes, so you gotta tell me and ask me for permission whatever parties you attend"
Anne and Me: "Cos u're the hierest (highest) buddy" And its funny, cos we just learnt that word hierest
Me: "Are you even a buddy (ogl)?"
Han: "Well, yes."
Me: "Where's your red buddy shirt? I've nv seen u in one"
Han: "Well. I lost it"
Chase: "Your a LIAR!"
Me: "You are not a buddy! You just like being with international students right"
Han: "shh"
Anne: "We are going to this party next week. So Han, can we have your permission? (sacarstically)"
Han: "well"
Me: "Do you want a formal letter of permission, with ur signature?"
Han: "thats not necessary. well, techincally if im invited u can go. but if im not, then its not nice"
Me: "HAHAHA. u're just feeling left out"
Han: "No Im not. Its for the safety of you guys"
Anne: "Ok so can we go?"
Han: "well. now that u tell me. yes."
Tuesday
Bewildered
You just want people to notice you.
Admist this really really horrible sea of caucasians and stuff, despite being above average in social status already (since im invited to lots of party), its still not the same. They talk about europe and stuff ALL the time. And the only time they talk to you is "is asia like this too?"
Next. really Important.
Why do every international student stay in Sogn or Kringjsa? I read in tons of articles online that its because it is cheap.
However, I have always ALWAYS been able to search for MUCH cheaper housing than those.
Even the housing website itself has Schultz gate as the cheapest and it is in town somemore.
What on earth is going on I wonder. Am I a genius? Do I use a different internet all the time? Are they blind?
It seriously puzzles me. And right now, I feel no need to follow the student body anymore since i am rather familiar with this state. And I have been cooking my own meals and know how to cook already, thus, I do not need anyone else to cook for me. Thus, I will try to move out. To a cheaper place.
And I dislike my czech neighbour who is rowdy and bitchy and noisy.
Admist this really really horrible sea of caucasians and stuff, despite being above average in social status already (since im invited to lots of party), its still not the same. They talk about europe and stuff ALL the time. And the only time they talk to you is "is asia like this too?"
Next. really Important.
Why do every international student stay in Sogn or Kringjsa? I read in tons of articles online that its because it is cheap.
However, I have always ALWAYS been able to search for MUCH cheaper housing than those.
Even the housing website itself has Schultz gate as the cheapest and it is in town somemore.
What on earth is going on I wonder. Am I a genius? Do I use a different internet all the time? Are they blind?
It seriously puzzles me. And right now, I feel no need to follow the student body anymore since i am rather familiar with this state. And I have been cooking my own meals and know how to cook already, thus, I do not need anyone else to cook for me. Thus, I will try to move out. To a cheaper place.
And I dislike my czech neighbour who is rowdy and bitchy and noisy.
Perhaps it is all fated. Yday I went to Kringjsa AGAIN to ask if they are other units available. The reply: we are full now, please come back next week / month. Then this morning, ju and ally went to ask and they were given 2 units together with syl and sy.
You know what,
Fuck you Oslo. I resign. Its fated that I will be stuck here, poor and alone.
You know what,
Fuck you Oslo. I resign. Its fated that I will be stuck here, poor and alone.
Monday
Yesterday yesterday.
The day when the snow and ice melts. For some reason. Meri said in the evening that Jan is a crazy month. Sometimes you get very cold and then you get zero or even above zero degrees. Which was what happened yesterday I suppose. You wake up and see green grass and basically colours, instead of a whole patch of everything white. And I remember just 2 days ago, it snowed over the night and in the morning I woke up to see everything white. Cars are all whitle and stuff.
Went to the Sognsvann lake today. I realised it was the same lake that I went with Erik and gang 1 week ago. Just that we walked from our hostel to the lake then. This time, the UiO people took the T-bane to the last stop. Thus, I realise that it is so easy to walk in Oslo. I walk like say 7 train stations in 2 hours. Well, the mountain was always not that easy. But I didnt realise that with the ice melting.. Gosh. Everywhere is slippery really really slippery. It was quite bad already with some snow. At least the snow gives you some friction. Now its all ICE. All the paths are ICE and melting ICE. Everyone is just trying to balance themselves and I wonder how are we gonna walk a few km like this. And you see people slipping and falling and falling and falling. Only the Norwegian, local indigeneous folks love the ICE. The kids just run and skate on ice - without skates - with their whatever sports shoe. So I tried it myself. Wasnt as good as them, but it was fun. Saw a couple of people going into the melting lake with shoes, no skates and playing around. Decided to go in. And when Carmen and og saw, they joined me. It was much fun, except that your shoes, socks and pants get wet, because there is a few cm of water level as the lake melts. But skating without skates is quite fun really. Especially with such a huge lake and splendid view.
Then saw my og and friends walking towards my direction. Since I was late by 10mins, didnt manage to join them. And realised that I was walking in the opposite direction from them.
Would really love to go there with my huge plastic bag and cushion in it to slide on the ICE! But I need a man preferably to go with, to catch me lest I am heading towards a tree at high speed.
Went back to eat lunch/dinner (whatever its called. Norwegians eat lunch at 4pm or 5pm latest)
At night, met with Meri and Ida's og. Was planned to go to bla (pronounced blor, cos the a has a circle on top which my english keyboard doesnt have). But it opens at 9pm. So they went to some pub to drink. Man. The beer is expensive la. 58 Kr. And I dont like to drink anyway. Then after that, they went to another pub - billabong - which is much cosier. Realise that its normal for restaurants and pubs to have an underground chamber which is really cosy. Beers here are cheaper. 42Kr. Since everyone bought something, and im not sure if everyone has to, I bought a beer. Was asking what's the cheapest but no one knows. Eygptian guy was the only one who drank coffee. It was really hard understanding his english and Im absolutely sure he cant understand mine either.
And then the topic of tuition fees came up. Vellentina was telling us that Italy is now protesting against paying tuition fees. But I said that since Italy's paying to tuition fees is based on class and income level - higher income pay more - isnt it like fair already. And she tried to explain that it has implications of the whole education reform in her really limited and bad english. Thus I understand not anything thereafter (the few Italians that I met all dont speak much english). Then when vellentina went to the toilet, Chase (canadian) said that he finds it ridiculous that Europe doesnt pay tuition fees and protest against paying. He said "if you dont pay for your Uni education, you wont value your education. People here are like partying everyday and dont value their education as much". Oh well.
I reflect on this. And seemingly, it is true. If you pay for it, you work harder on it. Like I didnt value my jc education as much, only when I start attending tuition and paying for it, then I start to work hard. In uni, I try to work hard. And when I realise that I pay 50 bucks an hour to NUS, I start to pay attention in lectures, no matter how shitty it is, it seems important.
Well. I guess the debate on tuition fees will be forever. But lest you have no money to pay for education, come europe.
Went to bla, which is a night club. They dont check ID man. Just walk in and walk around until some bouncer comes along and ask "how old are u?" and u say "22" and he stamps ur wrist. So lenient. The band in the night club is really REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD. and they are not made up of young punks, but OLD people. Old and middle to old age people, all wrinkles and balding. But they are sooo good, they've been playing for yearS.
At 1130pm, the international students decided to go home cos they were afraid that they would miss the last T-bane. Taxis here are crazy. Thomas paid 60 sing dollar for equivalent of Bishan to Orchard Road. But that was on New Year though.
And this is quite hilarious because all the Norwegians that know the way are still in the club. And the internationl students are walking around aimlessly trying to find their direction, all in a big gang. Marta was so prepared to sleep on the streets and she was complaining "I just paid for the most expensive beer ever. I had 3 beers. Almost 200 Kr gone. Dont remind me. In Poland, for that amount of money, I would be drunk on the floor already. And there's no cheap food in Norway u can find at night. Im hungry and broke and homeless. Why did I even leave Poland? Ok good thing is, its way less colder here. It was -26 degrees when I left Poland"
Right. I followed the gang till we reach UDI. And since I came here b4 (im already here for 2 weeks compared to the rest for 1 week only), I know my directions. But the gang follows the gang and all of them lives in Kringjsa except me. I diverted from them halfway and non of them followed me. I was walking towards Gronland station. At 12 am, alone in an empty foreign town with scattered punksters around. And was a little worried that something might happen to me and wondered if I should have stuck with the gang instead. Realise that they could be walking to Oslo S station instead. So I quicken my footsteps to Gronland and on the way, the wind was so strong, for a moment I thought I would be blown. My footsteps actually went backwards at certain times cos the wind was really really strong.
Eventually, reached home safe and sound! Lesson learnt. Gronland is a delabitated station. Secluded and its tunnel is sooo long. Its not safe at all. Just walk a few more steps to Oslo S if its too late next time.
Was so tired, lied on my bed and slept with the lights on, clothes unchanged. Slept til an amazing 10.30 am.
The day when the snow and ice melts. For some reason. Meri said in the evening that Jan is a crazy month. Sometimes you get very cold and then you get zero or even above zero degrees. Which was what happened yesterday I suppose. You wake up and see green grass and basically colours, instead of a whole patch of everything white. And I remember just 2 days ago, it snowed over the night and in the morning I woke up to see everything white. Cars are all whitle and stuff.
Went to the Sognsvann lake today. I realised it was the same lake that I went with Erik and gang 1 week ago. Just that we walked from our hostel to the lake then. This time, the UiO people took the T-bane to the last stop. Thus, I realise that it is so easy to walk in Oslo. I walk like say 7 train stations in 2 hours. Well, the mountain was always not that easy. But I didnt realise that with the ice melting.. Gosh. Everywhere is slippery really really slippery. It was quite bad already with some snow. At least the snow gives you some friction. Now its all ICE. All the paths are ICE and melting ICE. Everyone is just trying to balance themselves and I wonder how are we gonna walk a few km like this. And you see people slipping and falling and falling and falling. Only the Norwegian, local indigeneous folks love the ICE. The kids just run and skate on ice - without skates - with their whatever sports shoe. So I tried it myself. Wasnt as good as them, but it was fun. Saw a couple of people going into the melting lake with shoes, no skates and playing around. Decided to go in. And when Carmen and og saw, they joined me. It was much fun, except that your shoes, socks and pants get wet, because there is a few cm of water level as the lake melts. But skating without skates is quite fun really. Especially with such a huge lake and splendid view.
Then saw my og and friends walking towards my direction. Since I was late by 10mins, didnt manage to join them. And realised that I was walking in the opposite direction from them.
Would really love to go there with my huge plastic bag and cushion in it to slide on the ICE! But I need a man preferably to go with, to catch me lest I am heading towards a tree at high speed.
Went back to eat lunch/dinner (whatever its called. Norwegians eat lunch at 4pm or 5pm latest)
At night, met with Meri and Ida's og. Was planned to go to bla (pronounced blor, cos the a has a circle on top which my english keyboard doesnt have). But it opens at 9pm. So they went to some pub to drink. Man. The beer is expensive la. 58 Kr. And I dont like to drink anyway. Then after that, they went to another pub - billabong - which is much cosier. Realise that its normal for restaurants and pubs to have an underground chamber which is really cosy. Beers here are cheaper. 42Kr. Since everyone bought something, and im not sure if everyone has to, I bought a beer. Was asking what's the cheapest but no one knows. Eygptian guy was the only one who drank coffee. It was really hard understanding his english and Im absolutely sure he cant understand mine either.
And then the topic of tuition fees came up. Vellentina was telling us that Italy is now protesting against paying tuition fees. But I said that since Italy's paying to tuition fees is based on class and income level - higher income pay more - isnt it like fair already. And she tried to explain that it has implications of the whole education reform in her really limited and bad english. Thus I understand not anything thereafter (the few Italians that I met all dont speak much english). Then when vellentina went to the toilet, Chase (canadian) said that he finds it ridiculous that Europe doesnt pay tuition fees and protest against paying. He said "if you dont pay for your Uni education, you wont value your education. People here are like partying everyday and dont value their education as much". Oh well.
I reflect on this. And seemingly, it is true. If you pay for it, you work harder on it. Like I didnt value my jc education as much, only when I start attending tuition and paying for it, then I start to work hard. In uni, I try to work hard. And when I realise that I pay 50 bucks an hour to NUS, I start to pay attention in lectures, no matter how shitty it is, it seems important.
Well. I guess the debate on tuition fees will be forever. But lest you have no money to pay for education, come europe.
Went to bla, which is a night club. They dont check ID man. Just walk in and walk around until some bouncer comes along and ask "how old are u?" and u say "22" and he stamps ur wrist. So lenient. The band in the night club is really REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD. and they are not made up of young punks, but OLD people. Old and middle to old age people, all wrinkles and balding. But they are sooo good, they've been playing for yearS.
At 1130pm, the international students decided to go home cos they were afraid that they would miss the last T-bane. Taxis here are crazy. Thomas paid 60 sing dollar for equivalent of Bishan to Orchard Road. But that was on New Year though.
And this is quite hilarious because all the Norwegians that know the way are still in the club. And the internationl students are walking around aimlessly trying to find their direction, all in a big gang. Marta was so prepared to sleep on the streets and she was complaining "I just paid for the most expensive beer ever. I had 3 beers. Almost 200 Kr gone. Dont remind me. In Poland, for that amount of money, I would be drunk on the floor already. And there's no cheap food in Norway u can find at night. Im hungry and broke and homeless. Why did I even leave Poland? Ok good thing is, its way less colder here. It was -26 degrees when I left Poland"
Right. I followed the gang till we reach UDI. And since I came here b4 (im already here for 2 weeks compared to the rest for 1 week only), I know my directions. But the gang follows the gang and all of them lives in Kringjsa except me. I diverted from them halfway and non of them followed me. I was walking towards Gronland station. At 12 am, alone in an empty foreign town with scattered punksters around. And was a little worried that something might happen to me and wondered if I should have stuck with the gang instead. Realise that they could be walking to Oslo S station instead. So I quicken my footsteps to Gronland and on the way, the wind was so strong, for a moment I thought I would be blown. My footsteps actually went backwards at certain times cos the wind was really really strong.
Eventually, reached home safe and sound! Lesson learnt. Gronland is a delabitated station. Secluded and its tunnel is sooo long. Its not safe at all. Just walk a few more steps to Oslo S if its too late next time.
Was so tired, lied on my bed and slept with the lights on, clothes unchanged. Slept til an amazing 10.30 am.
Wednesday
Why should I return to Singapore
In most part of Europe, Norway, germany, sweden, denmark, I dont know where else, but seems like alot of places, they have free education until masters
I was so damn upset b4 I came here cos the masters degree in Nus is like 60,000! Fuck man. I wldnt pay that even if I got the money. Plus the opportunity cost and u know, i can never earn that amount back in my life. So its totally not worth it. And I thought my dreams were gone, got so upset.
And then I came Norway, met a Singaporean who graduated in engineering in Nus and is now studying Masters in not engineering but psychology in Norway. Its so easy to get into a Masters programme here, just take some prereq courses. And the Masters is FREE! And after that, they get paid so much more working in Europe than in Sg. What the hell.
In short, study lesser (lesser years even), work lesser, party more, get paid more. Tell me sing city. What makes u so attractive? To a student at least.
I was told. Average Norwegian earns 10,000 sing - take home pay after taxes. Study much lesser, earn much more. And best - dont need to pay for studies. My sec best friend desmond once calculated - did you know, the tuition fees you're paying to Nus means that you pay about 30 dollars and hour to the lecturer in Nus. What. For such a lousy lecture? Oh and speaking of 30 sing per hour, today I realise, the part-time sales girl at the shopping mall gets paid 30 sing per hour.
And the opportunities in Europe are so many. My ogl wanted is studying Psychology in Oslo. 3 years all it takes. And then she wants to take Masters in Psychology and Economics combine. They dont have it in Norway. So she goes to Denmark. And its so near Norway as well. She's actually going to Denmark next week just to inquire about the programme and then come back. Its also really cheap to get to Denmark. And the Masters programme is again, Free. Its soo awesome. If only Malaysia and Indonesia are like Sweden and Denmark.
Some europeans take few years off after their JC to tour europe. Air ticket from Norway to germany can actually cost as low as 18 sing.
I remember a friend remarked over lunch "u know, the girls in my proj group, took 1 year off their study. To work and stuff. Nowadays, sgreans good life hor. Can even take break off studies."
And I was thinking. Ya lo. good life hor.
Haha. u nv know what good life is until you come here.
Lastly, the ccas here are so much cooler than in Nus.
The psy soc is actually working with Elizabeth Loftus - the famous on false memory - and in contact with the government over the psychology happenings in Norway, what should and should the government not do. Oh my.
The university actually owns museums in the city, some of which are world renowned, like the Viking Museum full of archeology excavations.
Right. Period.
Tuesday
Monday
Sunday
Day 6
-->
Went to Viking and Fram ship museum today. And only to realise at night when we met up with farridus that I can actually enter the Viking museum for free. Sucks. I even showed the counter lady my pass which says UiO and she said “35 kr pls”. On the comforting side, the museum isn’t that expensive. 35 kr is like 7 sing.
Anyway, the Viking and Fram museum was quite something. Vikings has such tremendous culture, history, and tradition. It’s quite amazing reading on the excavation and such. Seeing the tools they use, their sculptures and most importantly, their original ships excavated. Their ships seriously looked like ghost ships. I guess that’s why cartoons always portray some sort of viking ghost ships and viking ghosts.
Fram museum, I felt, had much more to offer than Viking museum. And it costs less. 20 kr – 4 sing. Its all about 1 ship – the Fram. The ship that travelled to the North pole and South pole. And the original ship was really really very well preserved. You can even enter the ship, look at the ship cabins and it was really cool – the olden days inside the cabin. There was even a chamber used to keep the dogs that they use for dog sleigh when the reach the polar ice. And to make things more real, they lock the chamber up and played lots of dog growling sounds from inside. Fram was certainly good. Around the ship, the museum has polar bears and seals and birds and the mountain ox. I thought they were all fake as its just some static creature. But on careful examination, I suspected that they were actually once-live polar bears and like, killed and preserved. Their eyes was so life-like, you can see the details of the eye-ball and stuff and it reflects such light, you can hardly believe its not real. Moreover, their fur really felt so real and was so thickly massed! So I asked Erik, and he said they are real. “you can check the polar bear’s fur. They have a layer to black skin underneath the fur if it’s a real bear” We checked and really did saw the layer of black skin.
They even have the original coat made of seal’s fur worn by this explorer!
They even have the original coat made of seal’s fur worn by this explorer!
Next stop, take bus 30 back to national threatre stop, to the national gallery museum. Just after we stopped, we saw police car, police vans and just more and more police man storming past to the castle. I was wondering what’s going on. Maybe the King and Queen are coming back? Erik said perhaps there’s a protest. So we walked to the road that leads to the entrance of the castle. And yes, there was a mob down the street, advancing towards the castle. Was really a huge mob. Haven never seen a protest like that in my life because Singapore simply ban such stuff. Told Erik that I’ve never seen such a big protest before and he said “well, u probably see this every 2 days here. The other day it was quite bad. I think it turned violent and some people started burning stuff”. Right. And then I asked what protest could it possibly be. Erik said “maybe the Israel-Gazza thing” I said “what? What had Israel gotta do with Norway?” Erik: “No idea. But you can protest or demonstrate about anything. Just get a few more people that wants to do that, walk down the streets, and you’ll find more people joining you” As the mob gets closer, I saw with my eyes those banners and it was indeed the Israel-Gazza thing, and the mob is obviously anti-israel. It has banners that says “Stop Israel” and the crowd chants “Burn down Israel! Burn down Israel” There were even little children on their parents shoulders. For a moment, I was overcame with emotions and could possibly have almost teared. Such hatred towards the Jews is neverending. The Jews can never seem to experience peace, never seem to be left alone, WHEREVER they are. Imagine you’re a Jew living in Norway. Would such a mob frighten you?
At night, I on-ed my ipod and there was this song “Rejoice O Israel” by Adeline gan. Listened to it and was rather overwhelmed. I mean, I know the situation is severe and I really feel for them. The Jews will forever be persecuted (according to the bible), until the day the nation sings “Beruth haset Adoni” (blessed be the name of the Lord). But to experience the protest made my affections towards the tiny nation deeper and richer.
“Shalom Jeruselum, peace be within your walls, Messiah will come. He’ll wipe away your tears and pain. Rejoice, daughter of Zion. Shalom Jeruselum, Yeshua will return to reign”, sings Adeline.
I refuse to get drawn into a debate of who’s right who’s wrong. I know, Israel retaliated, but whether the extent is justified is beyond me. And all these fights boils down to religious roots. Can you believe that approx 4000 years later, the middle east is still fighting over Issac and Ishmael? Seriously, there is not too much difference between judaisers and muslims. Both you guys observe the commandments like crazy. And they are still fighting over 2 boys, 2 teenage boys who 4000 years ago, had some differences because of the mother Sarah, and the maid Hagar. Gosh. It’s a family problem. “Cast out the bondwoman (Hagar), for the son of the bondwoman shall not be an heir with the son of the free woman (sarah)”. And 4000 years later, it has become a war between nations, rather of nations against 1 nation.
This tiny nation, a race so blessed by the Abrahamic covenant yet so cursed because of their rejection of their very own God whom they worship in vain til today. A race that has won more nobel prizes than any, despite being the smallest race. A race so intelligent and successful wherever it went. A race that owns several world famous brands and industry like levis, warner brothers, just to name a few. Yet a race so hated, so persecuted, so killed. Wake up Israel, the torah has passed. There is not a single angel left in mount sinai. God and co. have shifted to mount zion. The law and commandments is fulfilled already. It’s the era of grace.
We followed the protest for 1 street, before you continued to the national gallery which is FOC. The national gallery forbids taking of photographs, but you still see a lady snapping the pictures. Doesn’t matter really, because you can get all the famous paintings on the internet. No point going to a gallery to take pictures. More importantly, seeing the paintings in real life with your naked eyes is a completely different experience. It makes the paintings ten times more life-like. No joke. And you can actually observe the numerous layers of paint they apply, just to get the desire effect. Some spots, the artist applied more layers of paint to make it more life-like and outstanding (usually for foreground stuff). For the background, after they are done, some apply a thin layer to white or faint colour to make the background fade. Absolutely amazing.
Obviously, the easiest artist to spot was Edvard Munch. His style is un-copy-able and totally different. Initially, I totally couldn’t appreciate his style of painting. Its like.. so childish and yet its different and his painting seems to tell stories. Seriously, I still cant appreciate his style. The way he paints the moon and its reflection is so predictable and child-like. However, his most famous painting was just absolutely genius. And I guess, everyone in the museum wanted to see his famous “screamer”. I couldn’t remember how old it was when he drew it, but in this modern world, the screamer really speaks into the depth of everyone’s soul. Especially so as a Singaporean, where the pace of life is much faster than in norway, and because of this “hurry hurry” mentality, anxiety, emptiness and loneliness, I feel is more prevalent in sg than here. Thus, everytime I see the screamer, I see a Singaporean in the painting. No joke.
“Wild Hunt of Odin” totally took my mind away.
The painting Albertine i politilægens venteværelse (Albertine in the police station waiting room), by Christian Krohg, which caused so much controversy that the painting and book was banned, was really simple but speaks about the corrupted situation and prostitution of that era to great content. There was so much emotion depicted in the painting.
I really couldn’t remember when was the last time I attended an art gallery and enjoyed it. Having been raised in a very art family, in an old previous home full of sculptures and paintings, by a father who is an educated in the arts and is an art trainer, I was put through several stages of art lessons as a child. Though a unanimous decision not to pursue this field when I was 12. Having attended countless galleries and exhibition as a kid, pictures and paintings have become a bore to me. For the past 10 years, I have not attended any single gallery, except last year, when it was hosted by my dad and it showcases paintings by his students. Hence, I never expect to actually enjoy a gallery this much, and to attend a gallery once more.
“Wild Hunt of Odin” totally took my mind away.
The painting Albertine i politilægens venteværelse (Albertine in the police station waiting room), by Christian Krohg, which caused so much controversy that the painting and book was banned, was really simple but speaks about the corrupted situation and prostitution of that era to great content. There was so much emotion depicted in the painting.
I really couldn’t remember when was the last time I attended an art gallery and enjoyed it. Having been raised in a very art family, in an old previous home full of sculptures and paintings, by a father who is an educated in the arts and is an art trainer, I was put through several stages of art lessons as a child. Though a unanimous decision not to pursue this field when I was 12. Having attended countless galleries and exhibition as a kid, pictures and paintings have become a bore to me. For the past 10 years, I have not attended any single gallery, except last year, when it was hosted by my dad and it showcases paintings by his students. Hence, I never expect to actually enjoy a gallery this much, and to attend a gallery once more.
At night, the germans decide to eat out and not cook. I was really apprehensive about it, as you know, eating out in Oslo is the most expensive in the world. Macs alone costs 20 sing per meal. But I guess following the germans wouldn’t be that bad. After all, they know this place better than me and as I can tell for the past days, they are pretty good at saving money and going the economical way. And besides, I was so hungry as I had not eaten lunch. They wanted to go to some Japanese restaurant to eat sushi, much to my delight! But too bad, the cheap sushi restaurant was close will 5 jan. These Oslo people sure know how to take holiday and work less. Several shops close at 3pm, some earlier. The police station closes at 1pm. Right. You wonder why this city is so economically prosperous then. So we went to an Indian restaurant instead. And darn, the menu is in Norwegian. We were trying so hard to translate. I asked the waiter for an English menu and he said “It’s not that different. Norwegian is English. This is chicken, this is lamb, this is curry”… Later I found out, that in Europe, the restaurants are different from that in Asia. In Europe, they can throw you out of their restaurants if they are not happy with you, and tipping is common. Which everything sums up, bad service plus expensive (though good) food, plus tipping means the restaurants in Europe arnt really worth going. I mean, in Asia, the customer is the boss. The waiters and waitresses are of top quality, trained like a robot to serve and serve. And no tipping required. I ordered lamb curry with rice. I admit that the meal was good, or maybe because I din eat lunch and was thus super hungry. But paying 18 sing for that and tipping 2 sing is abit too ex. 10% tip. Well, for the experience in European restaurant. Faridus told me that this is one of the cheapest restaurant u can find in Oslo. Wow. 20 sing for a meal is the cheapest restaurant. Right.
At night, syl intro me over msn to this girl called esther who’s a sgrean studying in Oslo. I was asking her if I can siam the transport pass thing cos seriously, 1 week here, and no one checks train and tram ticket. Seems to me like, everyone is taking trains and trams for free. Even buses, a lot of people just enter from the back door and even if I enter from the front, the driver just glance at my pass. The exact date of expiry is too faint to see. Then she was saying then when semester starts, there will be more ticket checking. And that the ticketers are hard to spot on the train, because they’ll only tell u that they are ticketers after you board. Her friend got fined 750 kr (150 sing) on the spot. And the make it easy to pay, cash or credit. Sigh. Guess my cheap cheap thrill of breaking the law in a foreign country is gone. And saving some transport money.
Some things are really cheap here. Like bicycles (a lot of people here commute by bikes, and they sell good bikes on average because of the terrain). Handphones are really cheap compared to sg and germany. Brocolli is cheaper than cabbage. Salmon is cheaper than in sg.
Tmr is Sunday and I was told that ALL shops are closed. Including grocery stores. Thus, I went on my own grocery shopping. Enough of plain maggi/spaghetti. Bought a 0.5 metre long fish that they say is caught from the fjord nearby. Hah. Costs 25 sing but I can eat that for 2 weeks I estimate. Its really HUGE fish. Showed the germans my fish and they are just damn proud. Asked Ania to take a photo of the fish with me and Erik said “did u buy the fish for the photo?”. Germans have good sense of humour.
Friday
Day 5
Today, I followed the tourists again, without a single clue, where they were going. Only know that, it seems somewhere much further. To this museum, which supposedly display old Norwegian heritages replicas. (which, 1 month later, on a road trip with chase and thomas, I found authentic real, old Norwegian farm house life.)
Pretty ice flowers :)
Old houses replicas
Erik always trying to look into them.
Inside the old houses replicas, replicas of life inside them
Inside this house, I climbed this wobbly stairs to the dark unknown.
After the steps, I entered into a completely black room. Unable to see, and no one else went in, I used my camera flash to help me form a mental image of what is around me. I saw this ladder going up. I thought of whether to go up, because it is completely dark and even now, I feel shivers up my spine. I think if something happen to me, like if there's a ghost, no one can save me.
I seriously need to kick this habit of always venturing the unknown and letting curiosity get the better of me.
yes, I climbed the ladder. And trying to see with my camera flash. Im really scared that the flash will show me a ghost head instead. Its like in the scary movies.
Thankfull, there was nothing, except for a few pieces of wood.
No ghost faces. To my relie
As usual, I am forever trying to climb into places that they chained up. I need to stop this bad habit. One of the places that I climbed into looks suspicious. But I couldnt go further nor see more. Hence, I used my camera flash to try to see what's there. And to my surprise, there's a door, with some drawing and inscriptions. Looks quite occult (below).
Replica of the famous stave church
Inside the Stave Church. We were not allowed in. And no one can see what's inside. Thank God for modern technology like camera. Erik's SLR did a splendid job in showing what the eyes cant see.
Next stop, I dont know where they are going again, but just follow. So here I was, at some habour.
And then, we went to the Fram Museum, which we tried to sneak w/o paying. Its not bcos we have no money. Its bcos they didnt want to sell us tickets as they were closing. We were caught. Nothing happened. So we decided to go back to the habour and to the fjord :).
My Polar Bear is real. Its dead and preserved.
The Fram. We'll be back another day to see more of it. Now to some nature :)
Outside, the Fram, we saw this weird looking self-made boat structure.
To the Fjord :)
Sunset, water, and a kid. I heart. What a simple, innocent picture :)))
I walk on ice.
The first time I see this, I remember a good friend. Who loves rocks. You know who you are.
Did your family dump you here by the sea to die in the cold? Neh. Apparently, Norwegians arent afraid of cold at all. Even the small kids, dont seem troubled by it at all.
This swan tried to attack the kid or at least frighten it by opening its wings in an intimidating manner. I kid not. The kid ran away.
Of sunsets, swans, ducks, and the lake. Can we bask in this for eternity for forget about the city life? Of what riches and glory cant buy.
Pretty ice flowers :)
Old houses replicas
Erik always trying to look into them.
Inside the old houses replicas, replicas of life inside them
Inside this house, I climbed this wobbly stairs to the dark unknown.
After the steps, I entered into a completely black room. Unable to see, and no one else went in, I used my camera flash to help me form a mental image of what is around me. I saw this ladder going up. I thought of whether to go up, because it is completely dark and even now, I feel shivers up my spine. I think if something happen to me, like if there's a ghost, no one can save me.
I seriously need to kick this habit of always venturing the unknown and letting curiosity get the better of me.
yes, I climbed the ladder. And trying to see with my camera flash. Im really scared that the flash will show me a ghost head instead. Its like in the scary movies.
Thankfull, there was nothing, except for a few pieces of wood.
No ghost faces. To my relie
As usual, I am forever trying to climb into places that they chained up. I need to stop this bad habit. One of the places that I climbed into looks suspicious. But I couldnt go further nor see more. Hence, I used my camera flash to try to see what's there. And to my surprise, there's a door, with some drawing and inscriptions. Looks quite occult (below).
Replica of the famous stave church
Inside the Stave Church. We were not allowed in. And no one can see what's inside. Thank God for modern technology like camera. Erik's SLR did a splendid job in showing what the eyes cant see.
Next stop, I dont know where they are going again, but just follow. So here I was, at some habour.
And then, we went to the Fram Museum, which we tried to sneak w/o paying. Its not bcos we have no money. Its bcos they didnt want to sell us tickets as they were closing. We were caught. Nothing happened. So we decided to go back to the habour and to the fjord :).
My Polar Bear is real. Its dead and preserved.
The Fram. We'll be back another day to see more of it. Now to some nature :)
Outside, the Fram, we saw this weird looking self-made boat structure.
To the Fjord :)
Sunset, water, and a kid. I heart. What a simple, innocent picture :)))
I walk on ice.
The first time I see this, I remember a good friend. Who loves rocks. You know who you are.
Did your family dump you here by the sea to die in the cold? Neh. Apparently, Norwegians arent afraid of cold at all. Even the small kids, dont seem troubled by it at all.
This swan tried to attack the kid or at least frighten it by opening its wings in an intimidating manner. I kid not. The kid ran away.
Of sunsets, swans, ducks, and the lake. Can we bask in this for eternity for forget about the city life? Of what riches and glory cant buy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)