I was looking for Singlish groups on facebook, cos being in Norway makes you think Singlish is sooo damn cool. Not really becos it sounds cool, but really, Singlish is a much better language than English. Why? Well, it has scientific backings. I took a psycho-linguistic course and the course says that English, has too much grammar, and too little vocabularly, thus leading to severe inefficiency in communication.
Consider: "Later when I go back home, I will get something bad from my parents"
And: "Later I go home, I will kena from parents"
See.. Shorter, easier, faster.
English: "I feel good. He is good" --> What the diff man?
Singlish: "Shiok! He is zai"
See, we have different voacbulary. In English, everything is good, good, and good. In Norway, there are Canadians, Americans, Australians, Europeans. You hear the word 'good' so many times, you get so sick of it.
I can go on forever.
And then I chance upon this facebook group that says "Singlish!"
And I click on it, to my horror, I understood nothing in it.
I looked at the members, and they are all Sri Lankan people.
Is Sri Lankan Language called Singlish? Wth. Can u guys be more original.
And then I looked at the wall, to see if there's any real Singlish there.
None.
But I saw, the latest wall post, an Italian Girl wrote: "Hi, I am from Italy. I need to do a research on Singlish - the english of Singapore, for my university paper."
No one replied.
Then few days later, she post again on the wall "I am willing to trade my msn so that you can talk to me in Singlish"
I bet all the Sri Lankan men, will reply her this time, trying to get it cheap and easy with her.
Its a stereotype I know, but in Singapore, when you attend beach parties, alot of them end up in the police station, because of molesting some girls. Haha. So can u blame me for stereotyping them?
And anyway, in case some Sri Lankan guy bluff her, and cause her to screw up her research paper,
I clicked on her, and wrote her a message:
If you want to learn about Singlish, dont join that group. There are no Singaporeans in that group. That group is a bluff. The group information is not in Singlish - I think its in Sri Lankan language.
Join this group instead: Se Habla Singlish
This group is authentically Singapore English.
Trust me, Im from Singapore. I just joined this group too. I was searching for Singlish groups to join, because I am currently living in Norway and I will stay there for 7 months, so I missed Singlish.
Im not being self-righteous. But can you imagine, your entire research paper gone, just because some horny guy across the computer decides to mess your mind up?
Friday
Thursday
Last night, a Congo neighbour introduced himself. And he wanted to guess which cty I am from. He said "China"
Me: No.
Him: India
Me: (wtf, he's stupid or what)
H: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
Me: (srsly, he IS stupid or colour blind)
H: Nepal, Philippines
H: Korea.
Me: That's closer. As u can see friend, IM FAIR SKIN (and i pointed at my hand)
H: Indonesia (I JUST SAID IM FAIR IDIOT!) Vietnam
I got so fedup with him, I stopped getting fed up and decided to make some fun out of him. He gave up and I insisted that he continue guessing so it starts to tickles me instead.
Next thing, he asked Gandesh to move the chair to another side so he can cook. I was thinking there's enough space to cook. Ganesh had to carry the chair to the other side of the table. Enough of him, we cldnt continue our conversation. So we started speaking in Malay to bitch abt him, in front of him. Its my 1st attempt at conversing in Malay.
Checkup Melayu. Yini ahbang, bodo seh. Saya tabulek tahan. Saya ta checkup yini ahbang.
(Speak Malay. This brother, stupid man. I cannot stand him. I dont want to speak to him)
But I cant converse anymore w Ganesh in Malay. I dont learn Malay in schools.
Me: No.
Him: India
Me: (wtf, he's stupid or what)
H: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
Me: (srsly, he IS stupid or colour blind)
H: Nepal, Philippines
H: Korea.
Me: That's closer. As u can see friend, IM FAIR SKIN (and i pointed at my hand)
H: Indonesia (I JUST SAID IM FAIR IDIOT!) Vietnam
I got so fedup with him, I stopped getting fed up and decided to make some fun out of him. He gave up and I insisted that he continue guessing so it starts to tickles me instead.
Next thing, he asked Gandesh to move the chair to another side so he can cook. I was thinking there's enough space to cook. Ganesh had to carry the chair to the other side of the table. Enough of him, we cldnt continue our conversation. So we started speaking in Malay to bitch abt him, in front of him. Its my 1st attempt at conversing in Malay.
Checkup Melayu. Yini ahbang, bodo seh. Saya tabulek tahan. Saya ta checkup yini ahbang.
(Speak Malay. This brother, stupid man. I cannot stand him. I dont want to speak to him)
But I cant converse anymore w Ganesh in Malay. I dont learn Malay in schools.
I moved again. This time to the highest level.
And what I half-suspected was right. The noise from above, wasnt because of the neighbour above. Its just a building syndrome. I had it in Singapore, I had it in 3 different rooms here. Im at the highest level, there is no one living above me. Yet, I still hear footsteps, opening of taps and water rushing from the ceiling. And. Things dropping onto the ceiling. I read on the internet that it is called "marble-dropping phenomenon". Its a new term, coined by some Singapore team investigating this. So it is true.
Ganesh thought I was crazy and hearing things. But when he came up for dinner, at one point, I drew his attention to it. It was a loud marble dropping sound from the ceiling. So I am not hearing things. I am just more sensitive to it.
And last night, it was so cold. I wonder if the cold is due to this new room having a small heater or due to the fact that its the highest level. My old room is level 7 and it was really really really warm. It has a large heater, but sometimes, the heater is totally off and I still cant feel cold. Now, I have my heater on and its so cold. Its only 2 more floors up.
I was told that a building warms up in levels. So the higher levels get more heat. So when I was 7th floor, it was warm. But does that mean also, that heat escapes near the top level? So now Im at the top level, it should be v cold. :((
And what I half-suspected was right. The noise from above, wasnt because of the neighbour above. Its just a building syndrome. I had it in Singapore, I had it in 3 different rooms here. Im at the highest level, there is no one living above me. Yet, I still hear footsteps, opening of taps and water rushing from the ceiling. And. Things dropping onto the ceiling. I read on the internet that it is called "marble-dropping phenomenon". Its a new term, coined by some Singapore team investigating this. So it is true.
Ganesh thought I was crazy and hearing things. But when he came up for dinner, at one point, I drew his attention to it. It was a loud marble dropping sound from the ceiling. So I am not hearing things. I am just more sensitive to it.
And last night, it was so cold. I wonder if the cold is due to this new room having a small heater or due to the fact that its the highest level. My old room is level 7 and it was really really really warm. It has a large heater, but sometimes, the heater is totally off and I still cant feel cold. Now, I have my heater on and its so cold. Its only 2 more floors up.
I was told that a building warms up in levels. So the higher levels get more heat. So when I was 7th floor, it was warm. But does that mean also, that heat escapes near the top level? So now Im at the top level, it should be v cold. :((
Wednesday
The cheapest bread is in ICA. omg, cant believe I spent 21Kr each time on bread in rema. When Ganesh told me ICA has same size bread for 7Kr i din believe him. Today I went to ICA, and yes, hiding in the corner, is one bread that costs 3 times less. I need a Malaysian to help me find cheap bread. I need a Macedonian to tell me "Tillbud" means discount. Maybe I shld go ICA more now. Went to ICA just now since like 2 months. Realise that their Tillbud is really DISCOUNT.
Man. Unbelieveable. And ICA has items on "Euro Shopper" which is utterly cheap.
5 Sasauge for 10Kr.
1 Loave of bread for 7 Kr.
1 bunch of Brocolli for 10 Kr.
1.5 liter of Orange Juice for 10 Kr.
500g pasta for 10Kr.
1 whole cooked chicken for 50Kr.
1 whole salmon for 55 Kr.
I will not spend more than this on food.
Man. Unbelieveable. And ICA has items on "Euro Shopper" which is utterly cheap.
5 Sasauge for 10Kr.
1 Loave of bread for 7 Kr.
1 bunch of Brocolli for 10 Kr.
1.5 liter of Orange Juice for 10 Kr.
500g pasta for 10Kr.
1 whole cooked chicken for 50Kr.
1 whole salmon for 55 Kr.
I will not spend more than this on food.
Sunday
THINGS THAT MAKE ME SUPER HIGH AND HAPPY!
NUMBER 1: RICE! RICE COOKED IN RICE COOKER!!! :))))
Ganseh came up for dinner today and had rice. From the look of it, I suspect it was rice cooked in rice cooker! Its u know, handsome, pretty looking rice. Rice that doesnt stick together like glue. Fragrant, hard rice :))). I asked to try some. I had 1/4 of a spoon of it and I WAS SO DAMN HIGH!!!! I CANT STOP SMILING AND LAUGHING :)))). MAN. EVEN HE THINKS IM MAD. He said " u look so pathetic ". You bet I am. I never had rice since I came. Ok. I had some. Cooked by the german neighbour in a POT, and the belgian tourist. You know rice cooked in a pot, is so sticky like glue. And it takes bad, it doesnt have the fragrance. So When I ate it, I was sooo happy.
Daddy ask me why I did not eat rice here. I said pot cooked rice is disgusting. He wanted to DHL me a rice cooker. Some europeans, dont even know what a rice cooker is. They have always cooked rice in a pot. For that, it seems like they are some 3rd world country when it comes to cooking.
Ganesh then decided to cook me 2 cups of rice from his rice cooker and brought it up for me. IM SO DAMN HAPPY :))). And he said he has a China neighbour who brought her rice cooker from China. And if she let him use hers, he can lend me his rice cooker!! :))).
AND.. many europeans were surprised that I cooked my vegetables, like lettuce and cabbage. They said "YOU COOK UR SALAD?"...... -_-"
Number 2: MILO POWDER MAKES ME SOO HAPPY.
You cant find milo here. Not at all. Im so afriad that my milo powder packs will run out soon. :(. If you mail milo powder packets to me here, I will be soo Happy :))
Europeans see my milo packs and say "what is that?!?!"
Seriously, they need to travel to the East, to see the fabulous food there :)
We have what you have, and we have what you dont have. HEHEHEH
Ganseh came up for dinner today and had rice. From the look of it, I suspect it was rice cooked in rice cooker! Its u know, handsome, pretty looking rice. Rice that doesnt stick together like glue. Fragrant, hard rice :))). I asked to try some. I had 1/4 of a spoon of it and I WAS SO DAMN HIGH!!!! I CANT STOP SMILING AND LAUGHING :)))). MAN. EVEN HE THINKS IM MAD. He said " u look so pathetic ". You bet I am. I never had rice since I came. Ok. I had some. Cooked by the german neighbour in a POT, and the belgian tourist. You know rice cooked in a pot, is so sticky like glue. And it takes bad, it doesnt have the fragrance. So When I ate it, I was sooo happy.
Daddy ask me why I did not eat rice here. I said pot cooked rice is disgusting. He wanted to DHL me a rice cooker. Some europeans, dont even know what a rice cooker is. They have always cooked rice in a pot. For that, it seems like they are some 3rd world country when it comes to cooking.
Ganesh then decided to cook me 2 cups of rice from his rice cooker and brought it up for me. IM SO DAMN HAPPY :))). And he said he has a China neighbour who brought her rice cooker from China. And if she let him use hers, he can lend me his rice cooker!! :))).
AND.. many europeans were surprised that I cooked my vegetables, like lettuce and cabbage. They said "YOU COOK UR SALAD?"...... -_-"
Number 2: MILO POWDER MAKES ME SOO HAPPY.
You cant find milo here. Not at all. Im so afriad that my milo powder packs will run out soon. :(. If you mail milo powder packets to me here, I will be soo Happy :))
Europeans see my milo packs and say "what is that?!?!"
Seriously, they need to travel to the East, to see the fabulous food there :)
We have what you have, and we have what you dont have. HEHEHEH
Friday
Sledding. I delayed sledding for some time. First, I thought of going with chase and pau gang. Then nerea and valentina gang. Then, I usually didnt go in the end, bcos they asked me haphazardly. In the end, I went to Munch Museum with Anne, Anna and Peter on sat, and sledding with them on sunday.
Anne was making fun of me being crazy as usual. But never will I imagine, downhill sledding to be so dangerous.
I trusted the circuit to be safe. This was Norway, a developed country. I expected it to be as safe as sg. If it was thailand, like karting in thailand and indonesia, I would go slow, fearing my life. This time, I didnt brake. I thought you werent suppose to anyway, there's no brake on a sled. And once, almost crashed into a tree. The next time, I went straight for the pole, I thought the Norwegians had some safety barrier. So I was prepare for a safe crash. Next thing I know, bamp, I flew off the sled. I tried to get up bcos it was really dangerous lying there in the circuit, but I cldnt. I cldnt walk. I rolled to the side, held my held and wallowed in pain. Some sledders went past. I hoped no one crashed into me. At that speed, I think i'll die if someone did. I never expected to end up with a broken leg. And now, it could only get worse. I dont know what will happen to my leg next. The scan is going to take damn long. I might need a surgery to be able to walk properly again, I fear.
Anne was making fun of me being crazy as usual. But never will I imagine, downhill sledding to be so dangerous.
I trusted the circuit to be safe. This was Norway, a developed country. I expected it to be as safe as sg. If it was thailand, like karting in thailand and indonesia, I would go slow, fearing my life. This time, I didnt brake. I thought you werent suppose to anyway, there's no brake on a sled. And once, almost crashed into a tree. The next time, I went straight for the pole, I thought the Norwegians had some safety barrier. So I was prepare for a safe crash. Next thing I know, bamp, I flew off the sled. I tried to get up bcos it was really dangerous lying there in the circuit, but I cldnt. I cldnt walk. I rolled to the side, held my held and wallowed in pain. Some sledders went past. I hoped no one crashed into me. At that speed, I think i'll die if someone did. I never expected to end up with a broken leg. And now, it could only get worse. I dont know what will happen to my leg next. The scan is going to take damn long. I might need a surgery to be able to walk properly again, I fear.
Tuesday
The Belgian Tourist.
I was frustrated that the cheapest chocolate in rema1000 was sold out, and they did not bother to replenish the stock. And although I was very tempted to buy the slightly more expensive ones, budget remain my main priority. So I resisted.
2 days later, the Belgium tourist arrived.
He brought me a gift, to show his appreciation that I let him stay in my room. And it was non other than famous Belgium chocolate. Although it was factory-made (the home made ones were better), it was so good, I opened, tried one bit, and finished the whole row before I knew it. There was one more bar though. :)).
And he provided some good food. Pizza and coke on day 1, chicken, carrot and rice on day 2. It provided me much relieve from the mundaneness of my daily cooking (salmon + spagetthi).
This is Tom. A school drop-out in Belgium. He didnt know what to do with his life, so he took up a job in a farm for 6 months in Norway, just above lillehamar. Its only 3 months and he wants to go home to Belgium, because farm life is crazily lonely. Except for a gay farmer, he has no one else. I hope he doesnt turn gay as a result, or worse, screw the farm animals. Occassionally, he travels to Oslo, not really to travel, but because he is so lonely, he needed some social life. He spent 3 days with me, and was amazingly glad to meet someone else other than the gay farmer. So instead of touring crazily like most tourists, he prefer to walk around, and spend time in my room, chilling, asking me about Singapore, and listening intently to my Singapore stories and Singapore culture. At the same time, he was the perfect guest. Because of my broken leg, and my new phatom neighbours, I had practically little social life. So I welcome him to live with me. The broken leg makes me home-sick, so being a good listener of my Singapore stories, showing him Sg pic & videos, fills some void of home-sickness. He also spends his time meeting up with online friends in Oslo. He will go back to Belgium in May. So maybe, I will see him in Belgium in June.
I needed to go to the city, so we spent time walking around. In this cafe, we saw these people outside, putting ACDC (whats that?) clothes on the floor, trying to sell them. I wonder why some ang mohs are so stupid. Who would buy them? U just put clothes onto the dirty floor. Floors here arnt even half as clean as Singapore, and winter makes the floor wet, dirty wet.
Even pasar malam in Sg, has a mat below the clothes.
Tom and I, are the only 2 guys I presume, that travel around Oslo, without a transport pass. So we avoided taking the buses, and took only trains and trams, and hope that no one comes checking. After 3 days, we are testament that you dont need to buy a transport pass, in Oslo. I have survived without it for 3 weeks already.
2 days later, the Belgium tourist arrived.
He brought me a gift, to show his appreciation that I let him stay in my room. And it was non other than famous Belgium chocolate. Although it was factory-made (the home made ones were better), it was so good, I opened, tried one bit, and finished the whole row before I knew it. There was one more bar though. :)).
And he provided some good food. Pizza and coke on day 1, chicken, carrot and rice on day 2. It provided me much relieve from the mundaneness of my daily cooking (salmon + spagetthi).
This is Tom. A school drop-out in Belgium. He didnt know what to do with his life, so he took up a job in a farm for 6 months in Norway, just above lillehamar. Its only 3 months and he wants to go home to Belgium, because farm life is crazily lonely. Except for a gay farmer, he has no one else. I hope he doesnt turn gay as a result, or worse, screw the farm animals. Occassionally, he travels to Oslo, not really to travel, but because he is so lonely, he needed some social life. He spent 3 days with me, and was amazingly glad to meet someone else other than the gay farmer. So instead of touring crazily like most tourists, he prefer to walk around, and spend time in my room, chilling, asking me about Singapore, and listening intently to my Singapore stories and Singapore culture. At the same time, he was the perfect guest. Because of my broken leg, and my new phatom neighbours, I had practically little social life. So I welcome him to live with me. The broken leg makes me home-sick, so being a good listener of my Singapore stories, showing him Sg pic & videos, fills some void of home-sickness. He also spends his time meeting up with online friends in Oslo. He will go back to Belgium in May. So maybe, I will see him in Belgium in June.
I needed to go to the city, so we spent time walking around. In this cafe, we saw these people outside, putting ACDC (whats that?) clothes on the floor, trying to sell them. I wonder why some ang mohs are so stupid. Who would buy them? U just put clothes onto the dirty floor. Floors here arnt even half as clean as Singapore, and winter makes the floor wet, dirty wet.
Even pasar malam in Sg, has a mat below the clothes.
Tom and I, are the only 2 guys I presume, that travel around Oslo, without a transport pass. So we avoided taking the buses, and took only trains and trams, and hope that no one comes checking. After 3 days, we are testament that you dont need to buy a transport pass, in Oslo. I have survived without it for 3 weeks already.
Sunday
Bergen Part 3
I said goodbye to the Penguins, who seem to live good lazy peaceful calm lives inside their cage - what else do you need other that great company of one another?
Just outside the aquarium, there's a soccer pitch and I saw some guys playing soccer there, in winter. So I stopped to watch them play, while eating my another mat-pakke. Realised that those guys were really really really GOOD. The dribble with ease and had so much craft and good play. Little wonder why Europe plays better soccer than Asia.
Walking down, I realised that I probably need something else to eat other than Mat-Pakke. And I am rather paranoid about running out of Mat-Pakke. So I stopped by Kiwi, and shopped for the cheapest biscuit. The 'digestive biscuit' is probably the cheapest one, so I bought it. Asked a couple of people in the supermarket what is there to do at night in Bergen, introducing myself as a tourist. (Since almost every shop I see closed at 4pm, cept the supermarkets). Realised that Bergen Norwegians speak really really BAD english, or no english. They told me that the center of Bergen has some shopping places. Not a fan of shopping, but since there's no where else to go, I decided to see the shopping night of Bergen. By foot, I got there. The way there was great. Simply follow the harbour of peaceful water. Reached there and it was... Disappointing. You call this a shopping district ah. I think people's park also better man. So I walked more. Till a junction, I saw on my left and right, some great architecture. Decided to turn right.. and arrive at this..
Asked a passer by what this is. Its like their theatre. And again, a pale comparison to esplanade, still it has its unique side. It was really dark there. So I stopped by some light to get a reading of the map, and realised that I couldnt get a clear mind of it. So I asked a passerby where I am, and it only confuses me more. So I walked, followed the road which seems so wrong, because the road points to somewhere like "Stavanger" which is another town.. And there's v little people here.. only highways and cars.. could I be on my way to getting lost?? So I asked another passerby who was really really glad and determined to help, but it only confused me more. Eventually, I continued that road and before long, I knew I was lost.. I followed a lady in front into some dark housing, and realised that some less central areas of Bergen, have some really really cramp houses. The path in between the houses were like only 2 metres. Anyway, decided not to venture into that area because it was too darkk. So I continued down the road, not knowing here I was. Opened my map and read while I walk. Realised I was walking beside the sea and towards the port. And there was no one. The occassional guy running past me brought relieve and comfort that this path isnt that ulu. After like getting lost for 1 hour, on my bagpack, I finally reached my destination. And I was secretly pleased with my map-reading ability to take a huge detour back (even though thoroughly disappointed that I got lost at 1st, simply cos I orientated that map wrongly). So, finally, I reached the museum (And I realised later, that if I walked the right way, I could get to the museum in 10 minutes). -_-.
So here I was. Outside the museum, which was closed already.
Walking down further, I saw this, which awed me.
Its a really really beautiful church.
As I continued down, I saw the lake of Bergen, which was really beautiful from the mountain top, and peaceful looking at night. In the day, you realised that it is overrated, and nothing more than a big pond, which is inferior to the old pond in toa payoh centre. (Pic below).
Stopped a tent, and that was when Peter Molnar called me. He asked me what time I would reach his place. IDK. IDK how far he stays. I said like 9?
He: "Have u eaten?"
Me: "No"
He: "Ok I cook dinner for you"
Me: "Erm, but I didnt buy anything for u"
He: "NONO. I cook for you. You dont have to buy anything"
And because I have such a terrible time understanding his accent, he got a China guy to talk to me, believeing that I am better at Chinese instead. So the China guy got the phone, started talking in Chinese, and I told him to speak in English instead, bcos his chinese was too fast. HAHA. I decided that Peter was too nice, and it wasnt really nice to go there empty handed. So I looked for a supermarket, bought a huge pack of chips and coke. And took a bus to his place. I didnt realised that his place was sooo damn far from Bergen center. Buses are really expensive. Thankfully, Bergen card covers transport cost.
When I reached, I walked up the slope and was trying to look for some signs. And then a man shouted at me from far "Excuse me. Are you going to Hatleberg?"
Me: "Ya. But Im a tourist. I dont know where it is, so I cant show u"
Him: "Hatleberg is that building. I saw you on the bus asking for directions"
Me: "OH!"
Finally, I met Peter Molnar. Below is him. A Slovakian, studying his Masters. He actually bought a piece of Salmon and cooked it for me. He was so nice, he prepared so much food for me.
He: "I have this, this, this and that. Because we come from different parts of the world, IDK what u like or dont like"
Me: (Speechless.)
He: "U want some vegetables?"
Me: (I tot he prepared it somewhere, so I said ok)
Then he took out alot of vegetables and started to boil it. I was really really touched/impressed. Although by vegetables, he meant beans (orange, yellow, green)
Because I walked so long the whole day, I was soo hungry. So I ate and ate and ate and ate. :)).. And.. He DID NOT accept by gift of chips and coke, because he dont eat/drink them (What! I nv heard of anyone who doesnt eat chips/coke)
He looks like a perv at first sight. But he was really nice. He took me for a walk around the area, and I had a really good conversation with him. Several phone convo with him b4 that, made me think that its impossible for me to understand his accent, and him mine. But only 5 mins into our walk, I could understand his accent perfectly, and him mine. He took me to his university, which looked good. Its Norwegian school of Economics I think. And since he is a Masters (or PHD) student, he had access card. So we sneaked into the uni and he showed me the view from a high ground. Then he took me to the seaside which was really really gorgeous, and told me that he had many beautiful memories here, with past international students. Unfortunately, he slipped on the rocks and fell clumsily and ended up with a bleeding hand, which he was utterly bothered about. We cut short our stay there, bcos he was too disturbed by the little blood in his hands.
(I wished I could take a better night pic. I realised my cam's suppose to take quite good night pics, but I am unable to find the shutter speed option.)
Went back to his room. Previously, I read his online profile that I could only sleep on the mattress, unless I am jessica alba. This time, he was damn nice. To offer me his bed, and him on the mattress. I couldnt accept it. So I declined. (At night, he stepped on my specs gg to the toilet and almost broke it. TMD). He said if the next day was good, he would bring me out on a bicycle and show me around. It was mixed feeling, cos I planned my trip the next day. But since he was so nice, and I was curious what he could show me, I accepted. But he was such a pig, he woke up so late the next day, he didnt bring me out, and even my plans were delayed and almost spoiled (bergen only opens to tourists from 11am - 4pm)
I woke up, but he prepared such a good breakfast, it was easy to forgive him.
He "Do you eat egg?"
Me "Yes"
He "How many?"
Me "Oh u mean ure gonna cook for me? No its ok I just eat bread"
He "No its ok I cook for u"
Me "Erm. 1?"
He "Ok that means u can eat 2 eggs."
So he cooked 2 egg. I had potato, baked bread, egg, vege, dunno what else for breakfast. The best breakfast so far in Norway. And what did he eat? Orange for breakfast. I cldnt believe that he cook all those just for me. He didnt even eat my coke or chips.
So I took off, borrowed his bicycle and took off.
On the way on the bicycle.. Good way to travel.
Alot of Norwegians rode past me. It seems like its Bergenians normal way of commuting. They go really really fast on the road. Too fast. Even though there is a bicycle track. Its not safe. I stopped by the 2 castle again, thinking that since its on the way, I shld spend like 10 mins visiting its interior (which I missed yday). So I parked my bicycle under the no parking sign (haha) and went for the nearest castle. The door didnt open. (Which made me feel stupid, because later, at the tourist center, I was told that this door doesnt open, but the next castle does. I assumed that both were closed on saturday winter). $%#%. So I hurried on my bicycle, and wanted to catch the 12pm show instead of the 3pm show, so that i will have the rest of my time for other places.
2nd time to the acquarium. This time, I took a picture of the very pretty building outside of the gate.
I rushed so much, I ended up in the acquarium panting. But I managed just in time, to catch the feeding show.
The seals was suppose to go up the stairs and catch some ball, but according to the zookeeper, it refused today (lame excuse).
Conclusion of the feeding show - thoroughly overrated. Singapore Birdpark/Zoo owns it handsdown. I start to think that Sg has higher standards of tourism places than most places. Thomas the german told me he went to Sg's botanical gardens and loved it. I was shocked. Maybe now, I feel less shocked.
On my way to the row of museums, I saw some strange statues. This is the same place as the theatre (pic above). Its just that this is in the day.
I cant rmb what the building behind is called.
This is the Bergen lake. Well I call it a pond. It looks pathetic during the day, except for some pigeons and seagull.
I was at the lake, reading my guide on the museums and deciding which the go, bcos I dont have time for all of them. So I decided to go into one of those. It was BORING. so no photos. Then I read on my guide about the Aladdin-like castle, which the ferry leaves at 2pm to some island. So I raced my bike to the harbour, asked a few passerby who knew nothing about the ferry. The tourist center is just beside, so I went in, and to my utter dissappointment, the ferry to the Island only works in summer (slack shits, its not like the water is frozen)
The Habour.
So I ended up at the Bergen Fish Market, which, according to Bergen guide, is a Must-See place. And it was, similary, utter dissappointment. Basically, the photo below was it. It is just another Singapore Wet Market. I have one behind my home in Sg. And a few more in toa payoh. What the hell makes this a tourist spot, other than the fact that it sells fresh seafood and ok, I admit, good seafood, rather they are just good looking king crabs and stuff. A seller gave me a tiny shrimp to try, and it was really sweet.
The Norwegian crab, which is a hybrid of crab and prawn simply.
Next, I decided to give the castle interior a skip (which is a pity), and head for the museums (which I regret, except for 1 museum). The ship museum was utterly boring. IDK y I spent 40 mins there. (was suppose to be 20mins only) and the other museum was also not just boring, but the was Eerie, esp the area where they have tons of different kinds of Christ crucified on the cross, and the whole area was dark. After spending sometime there, you feel like all the Christ on the cross is staring at you. Damn gross.
Eventually, I almost ran out of time (why does Norway have so many museums and Bergen, so tiny, has like 10 museums) And I went to the last one, which was, comfortingly, VERY interesting. I was greeted with this, and was told that the elephant head and all the skeletons was real. Everything is this museum is real and preserved.
This shark is real. When there was no one around, I poked its eye.
This is the skeleton of the Blue Whale. This one was so awesome. Please only visit this museum next time u go bergen. Ignore the rest shitty ones.
This museum is owned by the uni of Bergen. B4 I left, I talked to the staff (since its 4pm and everywhere else in Bergen is closed) He said the students of the uni comes here free, and they do their research here. The animals and bones are collected by the profs for their research. Cool.
I decided to make a trip to the science center. Last stop I told myself, and it closes at 6pm (shockingly). I rmbed the tourist center says the buses to science center doesnt function on saturday (norwegians, everytime, u amaze me w ur slackness). So I looked on the map, and realised that there's a shortcut there. Took the shortcut, throught the garden and pond which was very nice.
The science center was UTTERLY DISAPPOINTING. I cant say anymore. Its like a kids playground. Nothing scientifically interesting. Singapore Science Center owns this one a million times. The only thing nice I did there, was to ride on this bicycle 360 degrees up and down. I left, and on my bicycle, I cycled to other landmarks on the map, like the cathedral, Bergen center (call it Bergen Center, its worse than Toa Payoh Center). Eventually, its so disappointing, and there's no more landmarks in Bergen for me to see. So I called and met up with Hui Xiang.
Then, I decided to make full use of my Bergen card (I still cant make up my mind, whether it was money well spent. Bergen card for 48 hours is like 53 sing dollars. I took 2 bus rides, visited 5 museums, 4 of which sucked, went to acquarium twice, science center, and in total, it all adds up to be worth it, but the utility I get from these places is not that great).
Anyway, I decided to go up the Mountain which I climbed the 1st day. This time, I will take the train up and down, bcos my card gives me 1 free ride. So I saw the night view of Bergen. Initially, it was quite cloudy as it was drizzling. So I was pissed, bcos the clouds blocked my view. After a while, it was better. So here's the night view. It isnt that impressive. The big hole in the center is the lake. Other than that, that's the whole of Bergen, which I practically covered every inch of it twice.
I went down, and cycled back. The way back so Terrible tought. I spent most of the time pushing the bicycle bcos the way back is upslope. It was raining, the highway wasnt that brilliantly lighted. I crossed the highway on my bike (danger 1), bcos I was too shag to push it up the bridge (I had too much faith in Norwegian drivers. On clutches I was almost banged down twice. Now I realise, they are as bad as Sg drivers, even worse). Then I followed the bicycle track which mysteriously disappeared halfway. So I rode on the road, insanely, hoping that I will get on track b4 any car comes (worse, there was barricade on my left, which means if there's an oncoming car, I cant siam to safety). Then a bus came, I thought it would go straight, then I realise its turning my way to the busstop. There was no way I can avoid it. It flashed its light at me, but I cant turn back. And it jammed its brakes and stop in front of me. The driver opened the door and yelled at me in Norwegian. But I was too shag to care in the rain. I realised I could have died, bcos as I squeezed my bike through the bus and the barricade, I realised there was really no space to move. I managed to squeeze past the bus and then thankfully, back on the bicycle path. (Which mysteriously joined back, and perhaps bcos I was suppose to cross another small bridge b4). So I continued my way, mostly pushing the bicycle and cursing in the rain. It took me 20 mins to get to Bergen. And, it takes me 1 hr to get home. Peter Molnar was worried about me, so he called me twice. But eventually I made it. And I was never as shagged, and it reminds me everything or army shagness. I collapse on the kitchen sofa, and finished 1 whole litre of Coke. And Peter left me a slice of Pizza, and I ate alot of other stuff.
It was saturday night. So there's tons of party in the building. Peter did not like parties. He is the 1st Ang Moh I know, that dislike parties.
Damn shag and tempted to sleep, but I need to make that there's bus to the train station tmr morning. So I dragged myself with Peter, to the bus stop, to check the timing, and ask people about bus timing. I already booked a train ticket to Flam, and meeting the NUS engineers in the train station at 730am. Collapse and slept.
Just outside the aquarium, there's a soccer pitch and I saw some guys playing soccer there, in winter. So I stopped to watch them play, while eating my another mat-pakke. Realised that those guys were really really really GOOD. The dribble with ease and had so much craft and good play. Little wonder why Europe plays better soccer than Asia.
Walking down, I realised that I probably need something else to eat other than Mat-Pakke. And I am rather paranoid about running out of Mat-Pakke. So I stopped by Kiwi, and shopped for the cheapest biscuit. The 'digestive biscuit' is probably the cheapest one, so I bought it. Asked a couple of people in the supermarket what is there to do at night in Bergen, introducing myself as a tourist. (Since almost every shop I see closed at 4pm, cept the supermarkets). Realised that Bergen Norwegians speak really really BAD english, or no english. They told me that the center of Bergen has some shopping places. Not a fan of shopping, but since there's no where else to go, I decided to see the shopping night of Bergen. By foot, I got there. The way there was great. Simply follow the harbour of peaceful water. Reached there and it was... Disappointing. You call this a shopping district ah. I think people's park also better man. So I walked more. Till a junction, I saw on my left and right, some great architecture. Decided to turn right.. and arrive at this..
Asked a passer by what this is. Its like their theatre. And again, a pale comparison to esplanade, still it has its unique side. It was really dark there. So I stopped by some light to get a reading of the map, and realised that I couldnt get a clear mind of it. So I asked a passerby where I am, and it only confuses me more. So I walked, followed the road which seems so wrong, because the road points to somewhere like "Stavanger" which is another town.. And there's v little people here.. only highways and cars.. could I be on my way to getting lost?? So I asked another passerby who was really really glad and determined to help, but it only confused me more. Eventually, I continued that road and before long, I knew I was lost.. I followed a lady in front into some dark housing, and realised that some less central areas of Bergen, have some really really cramp houses. The path in between the houses were like only 2 metres. Anyway, decided not to venture into that area because it was too darkk. So I continued down the road, not knowing here I was. Opened my map and read while I walk. Realised I was walking beside the sea and towards the port. And there was no one. The occassional guy running past me brought relieve and comfort that this path isnt that ulu. After like getting lost for 1 hour, on my bagpack, I finally reached my destination. And I was secretly pleased with my map-reading ability to take a huge detour back (even though thoroughly disappointed that I got lost at 1st, simply cos I orientated that map wrongly). So, finally, I reached the museum (And I realised later, that if I walked the right way, I could get to the museum in 10 minutes). -_-.
So here I was. Outside the museum, which was closed already.
Walking down further, I saw this, which awed me.
Its a really really beautiful church.
As I continued down, I saw the lake of Bergen, which was really beautiful from the mountain top, and peaceful looking at night. In the day, you realised that it is overrated, and nothing more than a big pond, which is inferior to the old pond in toa payoh centre. (Pic below).
Stopped a tent, and that was when Peter Molnar called me. He asked me what time I would reach his place. IDK. IDK how far he stays. I said like 9?
He: "Have u eaten?"
Me: "No"
He: "Ok I cook dinner for you"
Me: "Erm, but I didnt buy anything for u"
He: "NONO. I cook for you. You dont have to buy anything"
And because I have such a terrible time understanding his accent, he got a China guy to talk to me, believeing that I am better at Chinese instead. So the China guy got the phone, started talking in Chinese, and I told him to speak in English instead, bcos his chinese was too fast. HAHA. I decided that Peter was too nice, and it wasnt really nice to go there empty handed. So I looked for a supermarket, bought a huge pack of chips and coke. And took a bus to his place. I didnt realised that his place was sooo damn far from Bergen center. Buses are really expensive. Thankfully, Bergen card covers transport cost.
When I reached, I walked up the slope and was trying to look for some signs. And then a man shouted at me from far "Excuse me. Are you going to Hatleberg?"
Me: "Ya. But Im a tourist. I dont know where it is, so I cant show u"
Him: "Hatleberg is that building. I saw you on the bus asking for directions"
Me: "OH!"
Finally, I met Peter Molnar. Below is him. A Slovakian, studying his Masters. He actually bought a piece of Salmon and cooked it for me. He was so nice, he prepared so much food for me.
He: "I have this, this, this and that. Because we come from different parts of the world, IDK what u like or dont like"
Me: (Speechless.)
He: "U want some vegetables?"
Me: (I tot he prepared it somewhere, so I said ok)
Then he took out alot of vegetables and started to boil it. I was really really touched/impressed. Although by vegetables, he meant beans (orange, yellow, green)
Because I walked so long the whole day, I was soo hungry. So I ate and ate and ate and ate. :)).. And.. He DID NOT accept by gift of chips and coke, because he dont eat/drink them (What! I nv heard of anyone who doesnt eat chips/coke)
He looks like a perv at first sight. But he was really nice. He took me for a walk around the area, and I had a really good conversation with him. Several phone convo with him b4 that, made me think that its impossible for me to understand his accent, and him mine. But only 5 mins into our walk, I could understand his accent perfectly, and him mine. He took me to his university, which looked good. Its Norwegian school of Economics I think. And since he is a Masters (or PHD) student, he had access card. So we sneaked into the uni and he showed me the view from a high ground. Then he took me to the seaside which was really really gorgeous, and told me that he had many beautiful memories here, with past international students. Unfortunately, he slipped on the rocks and fell clumsily and ended up with a bleeding hand, which he was utterly bothered about. We cut short our stay there, bcos he was too disturbed by the little blood in his hands.
(I wished I could take a better night pic. I realised my cam's suppose to take quite good night pics, but I am unable to find the shutter speed option.)
Went back to his room. Previously, I read his online profile that I could only sleep on the mattress, unless I am jessica alba. This time, he was damn nice. To offer me his bed, and him on the mattress. I couldnt accept it. So I declined. (At night, he stepped on my specs gg to the toilet and almost broke it. TMD). He said if the next day was good, he would bring me out on a bicycle and show me around. It was mixed feeling, cos I planned my trip the next day. But since he was so nice, and I was curious what he could show me, I accepted. But he was such a pig, he woke up so late the next day, he didnt bring me out, and even my plans were delayed and almost spoiled (bergen only opens to tourists from 11am - 4pm)
I woke up, but he prepared such a good breakfast, it was easy to forgive him.
He "Do you eat egg?"
Me "Yes"
He "How many?"
Me "Oh u mean ure gonna cook for me? No its ok I just eat bread"
He "No its ok I cook for u"
Me "Erm. 1?"
He "Ok that means u can eat 2 eggs."
So he cooked 2 egg. I had potato, baked bread, egg, vege, dunno what else for breakfast. The best breakfast so far in Norway. And what did he eat? Orange for breakfast. I cldnt believe that he cook all those just for me. He didnt even eat my coke or chips.
So I took off, borrowed his bicycle and took off.
On the way on the bicycle.. Good way to travel.
Alot of Norwegians rode past me. It seems like its Bergenians normal way of commuting. They go really really fast on the road. Too fast. Even though there is a bicycle track. Its not safe. I stopped by the 2 castle again, thinking that since its on the way, I shld spend like 10 mins visiting its interior (which I missed yday). So I parked my bicycle under the no parking sign (haha) and went for the nearest castle. The door didnt open. (Which made me feel stupid, because later, at the tourist center, I was told that this door doesnt open, but the next castle does. I assumed that both were closed on saturday winter). $%#%. So I hurried on my bicycle, and wanted to catch the 12pm show instead of the 3pm show, so that i will have the rest of my time for other places.
2nd time to the acquarium. This time, I took a picture of the very pretty building outside of the gate.
I rushed so much, I ended up in the acquarium panting. But I managed just in time, to catch the feeding show.
The seals was suppose to go up the stairs and catch some ball, but according to the zookeeper, it refused today (lame excuse).
Conclusion of the feeding show - thoroughly overrated. Singapore Birdpark/Zoo owns it handsdown. I start to think that Sg has higher standards of tourism places than most places. Thomas the german told me he went to Sg's botanical gardens and loved it. I was shocked. Maybe now, I feel less shocked.
On my way to the row of museums, I saw some strange statues. This is the same place as the theatre (pic above). Its just that this is in the day.
I cant rmb what the building behind is called.
This is the Bergen lake. Well I call it a pond. It looks pathetic during the day, except for some pigeons and seagull.
I was at the lake, reading my guide on the museums and deciding which the go, bcos I dont have time for all of them. So I decided to go into one of those. It was BORING. so no photos. Then I read on my guide about the Aladdin-like castle, which the ferry leaves at 2pm to some island. So I raced my bike to the harbour, asked a few passerby who knew nothing about the ferry. The tourist center is just beside, so I went in, and to my utter dissappointment, the ferry to the Island only works in summer (slack shits, its not like the water is frozen)
The Habour.
So I ended up at the Bergen Fish Market, which, according to Bergen guide, is a Must-See place. And it was, similary, utter dissappointment. Basically, the photo below was it. It is just another Singapore Wet Market. I have one behind my home in Sg. And a few more in toa payoh. What the hell makes this a tourist spot, other than the fact that it sells fresh seafood and ok, I admit, good seafood, rather they are just good looking king crabs and stuff. A seller gave me a tiny shrimp to try, and it was really sweet.
The Norwegian crab, which is a hybrid of crab and prawn simply.
Next, I decided to give the castle interior a skip (which is a pity), and head for the museums (which I regret, except for 1 museum). The ship museum was utterly boring. IDK y I spent 40 mins there. (was suppose to be 20mins only) and the other museum was also not just boring, but the was Eerie, esp the area where they have tons of different kinds of Christ crucified on the cross, and the whole area was dark. After spending sometime there, you feel like all the Christ on the cross is staring at you. Damn gross.
Eventually, I almost ran out of time (why does Norway have so many museums and Bergen, so tiny, has like 10 museums) And I went to the last one, which was, comfortingly, VERY interesting. I was greeted with this, and was told that the elephant head and all the skeletons was real. Everything is this museum is real and preserved.
This shark is real. When there was no one around, I poked its eye.
This is the skeleton of the Blue Whale. This one was so awesome. Please only visit this museum next time u go bergen. Ignore the rest shitty ones.
This museum is owned by the uni of Bergen. B4 I left, I talked to the staff (since its 4pm and everywhere else in Bergen is closed) He said the students of the uni comes here free, and they do their research here. The animals and bones are collected by the profs for their research. Cool.
I decided to make a trip to the science center. Last stop I told myself, and it closes at 6pm (shockingly). I rmbed the tourist center says the buses to science center doesnt function on saturday (norwegians, everytime, u amaze me w ur slackness). So I looked on the map, and realised that there's a shortcut there. Took the shortcut, throught the garden and pond which was very nice.
The science center was UTTERLY DISAPPOINTING. I cant say anymore. Its like a kids playground. Nothing scientifically interesting. Singapore Science Center owns this one a million times. The only thing nice I did there, was to ride on this bicycle 360 degrees up and down. I left, and on my bicycle, I cycled to other landmarks on the map, like the cathedral, Bergen center (call it Bergen Center, its worse than Toa Payoh Center). Eventually, its so disappointing, and there's no more landmarks in Bergen for me to see. So I called and met up with Hui Xiang.
Then, I decided to make full use of my Bergen card (I still cant make up my mind, whether it was money well spent. Bergen card for 48 hours is like 53 sing dollars. I took 2 bus rides, visited 5 museums, 4 of which sucked, went to acquarium twice, science center, and in total, it all adds up to be worth it, but the utility I get from these places is not that great).
Anyway, I decided to go up the Mountain which I climbed the 1st day. This time, I will take the train up and down, bcos my card gives me 1 free ride. So I saw the night view of Bergen. Initially, it was quite cloudy as it was drizzling. So I was pissed, bcos the clouds blocked my view. After a while, it was better. So here's the night view. It isnt that impressive. The big hole in the center is the lake. Other than that, that's the whole of Bergen, which I practically covered every inch of it twice.
I went down, and cycled back. The way back so Terrible tought. I spent most of the time pushing the bicycle bcos the way back is upslope. It was raining, the highway wasnt that brilliantly lighted. I crossed the highway on my bike (danger 1), bcos I was too shag to push it up the bridge (I had too much faith in Norwegian drivers. On clutches I was almost banged down twice. Now I realise, they are as bad as Sg drivers, even worse). Then I followed the bicycle track which mysteriously disappeared halfway. So I rode on the road, insanely, hoping that I will get on track b4 any car comes (worse, there was barricade on my left, which means if there's an oncoming car, I cant siam to safety). Then a bus came, I thought it would go straight, then I realise its turning my way to the busstop. There was no way I can avoid it. It flashed its light at me, but I cant turn back. And it jammed its brakes and stop in front of me. The driver opened the door and yelled at me in Norwegian. But I was too shag to care in the rain. I realised I could have died, bcos as I squeezed my bike through the bus and the barricade, I realised there was really no space to move. I managed to squeeze past the bus and then thankfully, back on the bicycle path. (Which mysteriously joined back, and perhaps bcos I was suppose to cross another small bridge b4). So I continued my way, mostly pushing the bicycle and cursing in the rain. It took me 20 mins to get to Bergen. And, it takes me 1 hr to get home. Peter Molnar was worried about me, so he called me twice. But eventually I made it. And I was never as shagged, and it reminds me everything or army shagness. I collapse on the kitchen sofa, and finished 1 whole litre of Coke. And Peter left me a slice of Pizza, and I ate alot of other stuff.
It was saturday night. So there's tons of party in the building. Peter did not like parties. He is the 1st Ang Moh I know, that dislike parties.
Damn shag and tempted to sleep, but I need to make that there's bus to the train station tmr morning. So I dragged myself with Peter, to the bus stop, to check the timing, and ask people about bus timing. I already booked a train ticket to Flam, and meeting the NUS engineers in the train station at 730am. Collapse and slept.
I told my family and relatives of the AMAZING amount of money that I saved! I saved like 500-700 Sing dollars compared to what NUS estimated that I will spend monthly. I was so proud of it!
My family and relatives say, "Can you please spend more money? Dont think of saving money too much. Just buy what you want, if its not too expensive."
WHat!?
My family and relatives say, "Can you please spend more money? Dont think of saving money too much. Just buy what you want, if its not too expensive."
WHat!?
Friday
After argueing with Ganesh about Singapore and Malaysia, and about our history, in front of the Angmohs, I feel so proud of Singapore, and Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
We were part of Malaysia. Malaysia wanted the Malays to be 1st class and Malay to be the main language. We didnt want that. They kick us out. We are an Island, A city, A country. No resources, no oil, not even water. Malaysia said we'll come back begging for them, if not we'll die. LKY cried. And then become determine to build Sg. Today, we are the 9th most expensive City in the world.
Sri Lankan guy commented: "In 19__s, LKY came to Sri Lanka. He said 'I want Singapore to be like Sri Lanka. A great country'. Now, Sri Lanka wants to be like Sg" --> LKY is Zai. Damn cool can. I never realised how cool he is until I live here. Norwegians are utterly RICH. That's because they have OIL. They depend so much on it. Singapore. An Island. A country. A city. People are generally curious abt how Sg become so developed and rich, in a region of poor under-developed countries, and we dont even have WATER (dont talk abt oil), while every poor cty ard us have water.
Angmohs ask: "No resources. An Island. A country. Where did you get your money from?"
IDK. IDK. IDK really. Can someone enlighten me please?
HOWEVER, after meeting the 2 Bhutan guys (wtf, there is such a cty in Asia?) I searched on the internet and realised that the Happiest Country in Asia is Bhutan. They are seriously Villagers can. The Masters degree students from Bhutan lives in villages can. Damn. You dont need money to be happy. Seriously.
Norway is the most expensive cty in Norway, but Norwegians arent happy people. Infact, it is Denmark that tops the list of Happiest countries in the world. And sweden is not far behind. So, despite Norway, being the richest country in Europe, its scandinavian counterparts, are much happier than them.
And Ganesh the Malaysian, has much to boast about in this sense. Because Malaysia ranks tons higher than Sg in the Happiest World Ranking. I admit. Sgreans need to chill more.
We were part of Malaysia. Malaysia wanted the Malays to be 1st class and Malay to be the main language. We didnt want that. They kick us out. We are an Island, A city, A country. No resources, no oil, not even water. Malaysia said we'll come back begging for them, if not we'll die. LKY cried. And then become determine to build Sg. Today, we are the 9th most expensive City in the world.
Sri Lankan guy commented: "In 19__s, LKY came to Sri Lanka. He said 'I want Singapore to be like Sri Lanka. A great country'. Now, Sri Lanka wants to be like Sg" --> LKY is Zai. Damn cool can. I never realised how cool he is until I live here. Norwegians are utterly RICH. That's because they have OIL. They depend so much on it. Singapore. An Island. A country. A city. People are generally curious abt how Sg become so developed and rich, in a region of poor under-developed countries, and we dont even have WATER (dont talk abt oil), while every poor cty ard us have water.
Angmohs ask: "No resources. An Island. A country. Where did you get your money from?"
IDK. IDK. IDK really. Can someone enlighten me please?
HOWEVER, after meeting the 2 Bhutan guys (wtf, there is such a cty in Asia?) I searched on the internet and realised that the Happiest Country in Asia is Bhutan. They are seriously Villagers can. The Masters degree students from Bhutan lives in villages can. Damn. You dont need money to be happy. Seriously.
Norway is the most expensive cty in Norway, but Norwegians arent happy people. Infact, it is Denmark that tops the list of Happiest countries in the world. And sweden is not far behind. So, despite Norway, being the richest country in Europe, its scandinavian counterparts, are much happier than them.
And Ganesh the Malaysian, has much to boast about in this sense. Because Malaysia ranks tons higher than Sg in the Happiest World Ranking. I admit. Sgreans need to chill more.
Weird Day
Today is a weird Day.
Firstly, I slept badly, I texted valentina at 5am that I wont be gg sch, so she dont have to wait for me at my void deck at 730am. I asked her to reply, which she didnt, so I assume she didnt get the msg. And at 7am, I realised that my noisy neighbour upstairs would be making lotsa noise and I wont be able to sleep, so might as well go lecture. So I met val at 730am. Went school, and we were the first in the lecture room. I actually paid quite full attention to the lecture. Alexandria came to talk to us. (Its weird alr).
Then I saw Peter, whose hair style changed to unimaginably (i think ugly). I was googling Danglish in front of him, and he said he's embarrassed by Danglish (Danish +English) and claims he doesnt know how to speak it (I definitely know Singlish). Peter, Anna, and Anne isnt going for Internation Coffee hour, which is a big turn off. Well, Anna's bf is visiting her from germany, so they had to help her bake a cake and tmr's vday.
I checked my email, and the course which i dropped, the tutor replied and said "Do you happen to be from NUS? I was there for exchange in 2006!".
And I realised that 2 person wanted to couchsurf my room at the same time. I had to reject the more polite and nicer guy, but realised that he's from Israel! How cool! (Damn, can I feel bad rejecting the other person cos he came first. So I had to reject him, but I would love to practise and learn more hebrew). And the Israel guys speaks Mandarin, and wants to improve his Mandarin.
Then I attended my FIRST east Asia class, after missing 4 weeks of class (bcos I just decided to take this course) And realised that the course only has like 10 people. And they are damn zai. They know more about china, confucianism than me. My lecturer is presumably from Czech Republic, but he speaks Norwegian, and extremely proficient in Korean (He was typing on the screen and using youtube in Korean language and he speaks Korean to the Koreans in class, Norwegian to the Norwegians in class), and English. He talks and sounds like a girl, and he's chinese accent is strange, which means I felt like laughing throughout. But later, I realised his lesson is thoroughly intriguing and interesting. Its especially good to see how much passion and knowledge he has in East Asia. And everything that he was teaching was just soooooooooo interesting, I cldnt fall asleep at all! (I didnt believe East Asia was sooo interesting!)
Did you know?
China was actually a Christian country?
The Jesuits from Europe came and evangelised to the Chinese government. They were extremely educated and skilled people (they invested thoroughly in education, they were experts in mathematics, philosophy, astrology etc) They mastered Chinese, got themselves Chinese names, blended in, impressed the whole of China with their thinking and skills, and convinced China that there are other kingdom and lands beyond China (Chinese thought the world was only as big as China), and managed to convince them that the true Confucianism came from Christianity, and that "Shang Di" is actually the God of the Bible. So the Chinese complied the "Tian shu" which was actually Christian writings of the Bible by the Jesuits. The whole of China was Christian. The Jesuits occupied official posts.
But then, rome had to ka po. The Vatican came, and started to hate the Jesuits, believeing that they were losing their Christian faith. So the pope decided to ban Catholism and Christian practices in China, that mixed with ancestor worship and sacrifice. The Jesuits tried to explain that the Chinese did ancestor worhsip and sacrifice as part of piety, but they do believe in Jesus. But the Vatican did not allow that, wrote to the Chinese imperials, and angered the Chinese so much, that Christianity was banned in China.
Omg. I can go on more and more. It was so interesting, i just kept taking down notes.
And then, the Angmoh sitting behind me, I overheard his convo with this China girl. He has a gf in Taiwan. He speaks perfect Chinese. He loves Beijing and wants to live there.
Next, I went to International Coffee Hour. W/o Peter, Anna, and Anne taking care of me, its a bit weird, but its ok. I MET A MALAYSIAN THERE, who was very intellectual. And we started to talk about Singaporea and Malaysia. And make jokes about each other. He couldnt believe that my general knowledge was that bad (IT ISNT OK!) cos he tot Sgreans are all super smart. He studies medicine in Aussie for 3 years already. And he DOESNT have a stinch of Aussie accent. (Carmen was there for 10 months and have Aussie accent). And he takes amazing pride in owning a Singaporean in general knowledge. And I could speak my Singaporean accent and speed! :)). And I realise, no international people understood what I am talking about, even though its english, cos its too fast. (We speak VER VER FAST)
And I met another Asian looking guy, asked his name, which I cldnt catch, and ask him where he was from. And he said "Bhutan" I was like wtf, where is that. Seriously, have any of you heard of Bhutan before?
Me: "Bhutan. Its a country?" (The Malaysian just BLOODY cant stop laughing)
He: "Yes"
Me: "Where is it?"
He: "Its btw India and China"
Me: "I thought India and China are pretty far apart?"
Ganesh the Malaysian (I cant believe John)
And I didnt even know Bhutan had a capital. And apparently, alot of Bhutan people come to Sg to study. Do you guys know about that?!?!
And there's only 2 Bhutan people in Norway.
And one of them is very very sociable, going ard and making friends, and telling them about Bhutan.
I tried to smoke the other Bhutan guy, much to the utter amusement of Ganesh and the other Bhutan guy (laughing like hell, and this time, the angmoh have no idea why the Asians are so entertained)
Me to the other Bhutan guy: "U're from Bhutan?"
Him "Yea
Me "ur capital is Thimphu?"
Him "Yea"
Him "The other guy told u right"
Me (SHIT LA. I tot i can impress u)
On the way back to Sogn, at the bus stop at majostuen, a tall guy suddenly walk towards me and said "your leg, what is wrong with it?"
Me: "Erm."
He: "Is it broken? Which part of it is injured?"
Me: "Knee"
He: "Where in the knee?"
Me: "Meniscus"
He: "Jesus heals. I tell you. Jesus heals"
Me: "Ok"
He: "can I pray for you?"
Me: "Ok"
He: "can u do something that cause you pain?"
Me: "What?"
He: "I just want you to do it. And show you that Jesus heals"
Me: "Erm. No."
He: "Just do it."
Me: "Ok, this hurts abit"
He: "Ok, Now I pray for you... in the name of Jesus, meniscus be healed"
He: "now try again. Does it still hurt?"
Me: "Erm. Ya"
He: "I pray for you again... in the name of Jesus... Does it still hurt? Try to do something u cant do before"
Me: "Erm. No. I wont do it"
He: "Do it. To show that Jesus works"
Me: "Erm No. But Well its a little better"
He: "Its a little betteR? ok I pray for you again"
All these while, all my friends were watching. And then the bus came.
He: "You need to get on?"
Me: "Yes"
He: "Ok i pray for u again.. in the name of Jesus, by completely healed."
This is like the 2nd time in the week that this happened. once in wednesday, once today. And I could almost felt like its the same person really. Tall, with same accent and tone.
Ganesh stays in the same building as me. Cool. Hope to have a travelling buddy and Singlish buddy.
Firstly, I slept badly, I texted valentina at 5am that I wont be gg sch, so she dont have to wait for me at my void deck at 730am. I asked her to reply, which she didnt, so I assume she didnt get the msg. And at 7am, I realised that my noisy neighbour upstairs would be making lotsa noise and I wont be able to sleep, so might as well go lecture. So I met val at 730am. Went school, and we were the first in the lecture room. I actually paid quite full attention to the lecture. Alexandria came to talk to us. (Its weird alr).
Then I saw Peter, whose hair style changed to unimaginably (i think ugly). I was googling Danglish in front of him, and he said he's embarrassed by Danglish (Danish +English) and claims he doesnt know how to speak it (I definitely know Singlish). Peter, Anna, and Anne isnt going for Internation Coffee hour, which is a big turn off. Well, Anna's bf is visiting her from germany, so they had to help her bake a cake and tmr's vday.
I checked my email, and the course which i dropped, the tutor replied and said "Do you happen to be from NUS? I was there for exchange in 2006!".
And I realised that 2 person wanted to couchsurf my room at the same time. I had to reject the more polite and nicer guy, but realised that he's from Israel! How cool! (Damn, can I feel bad rejecting the other person cos he came first. So I had to reject him, but I would love to practise and learn more hebrew). And the Israel guys speaks Mandarin, and wants to improve his Mandarin.
Then I attended my FIRST east Asia class, after missing 4 weeks of class (bcos I just decided to take this course) And realised that the course only has like 10 people. And they are damn zai. They know more about china, confucianism than me. My lecturer is presumably from Czech Republic, but he speaks Norwegian, and extremely proficient in Korean (He was typing on the screen and using youtube in Korean language and he speaks Korean to the Koreans in class, Norwegian to the Norwegians in class), and English. He talks and sounds like a girl, and he's chinese accent is strange, which means I felt like laughing throughout. But later, I realised his lesson is thoroughly intriguing and interesting. Its especially good to see how much passion and knowledge he has in East Asia. And everything that he was teaching was just soooooooooo interesting, I cldnt fall asleep at all! (I didnt believe East Asia was sooo interesting!)
Did you know?
China was actually a Christian country?
The Jesuits from Europe came and evangelised to the Chinese government. They were extremely educated and skilled people (they invested thoroughly in education, they were experts in mathematics, philosophy, astrology etc) They mastered Chinese, got themselves Chinese names, blended in, impressed the whole of China with their thinking and skills, and convinced China that there are other kingdom and lands beyond China (Chinese thought the world was only as big as China), and managed to convince them that the true Confucianism came from Christianity, and that "Shang Di" is actually the God of the Bible. So the Chinese complied the "Tian shu" which was actually Christian writings of the Bible by the Jesuits. The whole of China was Christian. The Jesuits occupied official posts.
But then, rome had to ka po. The Vatican came, and started to hate the Jesuits, believeing that they were losing their Christian faith. So the pope decided to ban Catholism and Christian practices in China, that mixed with ancestor worship and sacrifice. The Jesuits tried to explain that the Chinese did ancestor worhsip and sacrifice as part of piety, but they do believe in Jesus. But the Vatican did not allow that, wrote to the Chinese imperials, and angered the Chinese so much, that Christianity was banned in China.
Omg. I can go on more and more. It was so interesting, i just kept taking down notes.
And then, the Angmoh sitting behind me, I overheard his convo with this China girl. He has a gf in Taiwan. He speaks perfect Chinese. He loves Beijing and wants to live there.
Next, I went to International Coffee Hour. W/o Peter, Anna, and Anne taking care of me, its a bit weird, but its ok. I MET A MALAYSIAN THERE, who was very intellectual. And we started to talk about Singaporea and Malaysia. And make jokes about each other. He couldnt believe that my general knowledge was that bad (IT ISNT OK!) cos he tot Sgreans are all super smart. He studies medicine in Aussie for 3 years already. And he DOESNT have a stinch of Aussie accent. (Carmen was there for 10 months and have Aussie accent). And he takes amazing pride in owning a Singaporean in general knowledge. And I could speak my Singaporean accent and speed! :)). And I realise, no international people understood what I am talking about, even though its english, cos its too fast. (We speak VER VER FAST)
And I met another Asian looking guy, asked his name, which I cldnt catch, and ask him where he was from. And he said "Bhutan" I was like wtf, where is that. Seriously, have any of you heard of Bhutan before?
Me: "Bhutan. Its a country?" (The Malaysian just BLOODY cant stop laughing)
He: "Yes"
Me: "Where is it?"
He: "Its btw India and China"
Me: "I thought India and China are pretty far apart?"
Ganesh the Malaysian (I cant believe John)
And I didnt even know Bhutan had a capital. And apparently, alot of Bhutan people come to Sg to study. Do you guys know about that?!?!
And there's only 2 Bhutan people in Norway.
And one of them is very very sociable, going ard and making friends, and telling them about Bhutan.
I tried to smoke the other Bhutan guy, much to the utter amusement of Ganesh and the other Bhutan guy (laughing like hell, and this time, the angmoh have no idea why the Asians are so entertained)
Me to the other Bhutan guy: "U're from Bhutan?"
Him "Yea
Me "ur capital is Thimphu?"
Him "Yea"
Him "The other guy told u right"
Me (SHIT LA. I tot i can impress u)
On the way back to Sogn, at the bus stop at majostuen, a tall guy suddenly walk towards me and said "your leg, what is wrong with it?"
Me: "Erm."
He: "Is it broken? Which part of it is injured?"
Me: "Knee"
He: "Where in the knee?"
Me: "Meniscus"
He: "Jesus heals. I tell you. Jesus heals"
Me: "Ok"
He: "can I pray for you?"
Me: "Ok"
He: "can u do something that cause you pain?"
Me: "What?"
He: "I just want you to do it. And show you that Jesus heals"
Me: "Erm. No."
He: "Just do it."
Me: "Ok, this hurts abit"
He: "Ok, Now I pray for you... in the name of Jesus, meniscus be healed"
He: "now try again. Does it still hurt?"
Me: "Erm. Ya"
He: "I pray for you again... in the name of Jesus... Does it still hurt? Try to do something u cant do before"
Me: "Erm. No. I wont do it"
He: "Do it. To show that Jesus works"
Me: "Erm No. But Well its a little better"
He: "Its a little betteR? ok I pray for you again"
All these while, all my friends were watching. And then the bus came.
He: "You need to get on?"
Me: "Yes"
He: "Ok i pray for u again.. in the name of Jesus, by completely healed."
This is like the 2nd time in the week that this happened. once in wednesday, once today. And I could almost felt like its the same person really. Tall, with same accent and tone.
Ganesh stays in the same building as me. Cool. Hope to have a travelling buddy and Singlish buddy.
Thursday
Chocolate
I crave for chocolate. After eating only 1. I struggle to decide to buy 1 chocolate. The cheapest one is sold out in the super market. Apparently, the cheapest one is better than anyone is Singapore. But then again, it could be, the fact that I delayed gratification for so long, even if it isnt good, it'll seem heavenly to me - just like my cooking (i kid really.)
This month, im on budget. After paying my rent for 2 months. Next month, my rent will be super cheap. Because they promise to compensate me. (I moved to cheaper room this month, but had to pay the month's rent for the more ex room, bcos I lived there for 1 week). So I expect to pay the least rent, next month, in the whole of Norway :).
Lud says he spends 3000 Kr a month on food. He's always complaining abt money ahead of everyone else. Still spend so much.
I spend less than 1000 Kr a month on food. Which explains, why im skinnier than before. HAHA.
This month, im on budget. After paying my rent for 2 months. Next month, my rent will be super cheap. Because they promise to compensate me. (I moved to cheaper room this month, but had to pay the month's rent for the more ex room, bcos I lived there for 1 week). So I expect to pay the least rent, next month, in the whole of Norway :).
Lud says he spends 3000 Kr a month on food. He's always complaining abt money ahead of everyone else. Still spend so much.
I spend less than 1000 Kr a month on food. Which explains, why im skinnier than before. HAHA.
Wednesday
Good thing today.
I walked out of Blindern athletica building and a guy approach me, talking in Norwegian. I wanted to just walk off, but then I said "I cant speak Norwegian"
He: "oh ok. well.."
I seems like he's trying to tell me something, cos normally they would just dont care abt u after that.
He: "There is a meeting about meaning of life and Christianity"
Me: "Ok"
He: "Its at this building. 7pm tonight."
Me: "well, i dont think i can attend. I hurt my leg, so i gotta rest"
He: "well, you still can attend if u want. Well, you know that Jesus heals"
Me: "Yea Im a Christian already"
He: "Oh u are. Yes. I tell you. Jesus heals. I've seen it with my eyes. many times. There was this toe of someone...."
Me: "Yes i know that"
He: "Can I pray for you?"
Me: (seeing that he's so fervent) "ok"
He: (bent down, laid his hand on my knee, and prayed for me)
He: "How is it? Check it. Is it healed?"
Me: (Wah this guy seriously got faith leh) "Yea, it feels better"
He: "Can you do things that u cant do before?"
Me (I wldnt want to try, so I just flex my leg. It really does feel much better. Cos today I walked so much on clutches, my leg was actually hurting b4 he prayed.) "Yea, it is better, but its a little pain
He: "Its better. Can I pray for you again? And then it will be completely healed"
Me: (Wah this guy serious leh. In the middle of campus) "ok"
He (prayed for me. "I curse this pain in Jesus' name".. and strangly, in the freezing outdoor winter, I actually felt, power of warmth from his hand. Its a familiar feeling, the one that I felt always, when people lay hands on u in the name of Jesus, but this time, its better, cos its freezing outside)
I will attend. Maybe next week :). Not that interested in introductory sessions. I got work to do.
I walked out of Blindern athletica building and a guy approach me, talking in Norwegian. I wanted to just walk off, but then I said "I cant speak Norwegian"
He: "oh ok. well.."
I seems like he's trying to tell me something, cos normally they would just dont care abt u after that.
He: "There is a meeting about meaning of life and Christianity"
Me: "Ok"
He: "Its at this building. 7pm tonight."
Me: "well, i dont think i can attend. I hurt my leg, so i gotta rest"
He: "well, you still can attend if u want. Well, you know that Jesus heals"
Me: "Yea Im a Christian already"
He: "Oh u are. Yes. I tell you. Jesus heals. I've seen it with my eyes. many times. There was this toe of someone...."
Me: "Yes i know that"
He: "Can I pray for you?"
Me: (seeing that he's so fervent) "ok"
He: (bent down, laid his hand on my knee, and prayed for me)
He: "How is it? Check it. Is it healed?"
Me: (Wah this guy seriously got faith leh) "Yea, it feels better"
He: "Can you do things that u cant do before?"
Me (I wldnt want to try, so I just flex my leg. It really does feel much better. Cos today I walked so much on clutches, my leg was actually hurting b4 he prayed.) "Yea, it is better, but its a little pain
He: "Its better. Can I pray for you again? And then it will be completely healed"
Me: (Wah this guy serious leh. In the middle of campus) "ok"
He (prayed for me. "I curse this pain in Jesus' name".. and strangly, in the freezing outdoor winter, I actually felt, power of warmth from his hand. Its a familiar feeling, the one that I felt always, when people lay hands on u in the name of Jesus, but this time, its better, cos its freezing outside)
I will attend. Maybe next week :). Not that interested in introductory sessions. I got work to do.
My new place and ALOT of complaints on China and Norwegians
Why I like my new place better.
1) Its cheaper
2) It has a sink
3) Its not too big (unlike my old one)
4) Its cosier
5) It has 2 mirror. 1 at the sink and the other 3/4 body length (I think its left behind by the previous tenant)
6) It is 7th floor, all other houses are 5th floor max, and there's no building nearby
7) Which means I dont have to always hang my towel at the window to prevent people from looking into my privacy
8) It has a great view
9) This morning, I saw the Moon set. Yes. The Moon set. The moon is so low here in the morning, it was partially behind the trees.
10) I have a clean and QUIET kitchen, and small and cosy.
11) I dont need a swipe card to get into the building, which means I dont have to waste time standing in the cold, taking out my gloves, and searching for my card while my hand freeze.
12) It has an elevator.
13) It doesnt have neighbours who blasts music.
I hate China people, and still do. I cant help it. They piss me off all the time. Im now on clutches, in the snow, and Norway's doors are all so heavy. Everyone opens doors for me. Some see me from a distance and runs there to open for me. There is this China girl in my project group. Today, she was walking to the psy building. I said 'hi' to her. She said hi, then walk ahead (its really really rude, and esp in a western coutry, it magnifies your rudeness). Then she walked up the steps and towards the door. She cldnt open the door, so she tried using her card, and all the while, she didnt wait for me. I walked up the stairs. I cldnt believe why she was so stupid (She is a Masters Student btw). She needed someone on CLUTCHES to OPEN THE DOOR for her, (press the door open button). And when the door open, she walked in first. (wth, im on clutches. the least u cld do bitch). Then, she walked up the stairs to 2nd floor while I took the lift. And then she didnt hold the door to the seminar theatre for me. China people. (And she lived in finland for few years already). There's something in born in them, that makes them such lousy people. Period.
After the seminar, european students open the door for me. And I press the lift, they all came took it with me, and tried to brighten my day saying "John, u gave us a good excuse to take the lift. We take it for you". And the China girl had the heart to take the lift. And then we walked, the 2 Czech people were concern how I manage to get here through the snow. Jakub was discussing whether to walk with me, which direction is it easier for me, and it was like only 3 mins of discussion, when the China girl said "all the time u spent talking, we could have got to the train station"... Like seriously, shut your damn mouth. I cldnt stand her, I wanted to get away from her, so I said "well, im going to galludsen to take the Tram to the Social Science building. I think its easier for me. If you guys wanna walk Blindern metro, then go ahead". Needless to say, as predicted, the China decided to walk that way, and the Czech guys, decided to walk with this poor guy on clutches. Like seriously, I wonder if being slow in civilisation in economic terms actually made them, slower, in civilisation in humanity terms as well. Of all the people that helped me, non were Asians (well, except a few sgreans). Even the stupid Korean guy, that forever is praising my English (it gets really irritating), borrowed my pillow, on the pretext of caring for my leg (whats up with these Asians really. Their poverty mindset is killing me. I dont expect them to be as generous as the Westerners, but they are even stingy in their manners and acts).
So the Koreans and the China (Im refusing to use the word Chinese, because there are Chinese all over the world, and Im very sure that chinese BORN in other parts of the world are way better than China Chinese, like American Chinese, Sg Chinese, Indo Chinese) China Chinese just seems to have this socialising problem. Was speaking to a Jap girl who was here for a year. She mentioned that China always stick together, and doesnt mix around. And even this China girl who supposedly mix ard more than the others, is seriously pissing me off big time. Today, I wondered why I changed project groups to this group with this Korean, and China. Jakub was prolly the only reason. And I wanted to get out of Jana (sorry Jana its not ur fault)'s group, bcos the german girl had such bad english, dora is always having family problems and constantly flying back to Hungary, and Nerea has been absent for 2 weeks bcos she needs to go back to Barcelona to take her exam. And Jana's although every hardworking, is rather blur. So I decided to get away from them, into this stupid Asian + 1 czech guy group. I know that Jana wasnt too happy abt it (but now, she's still so nice to me, she's the 1st one to text me about my leg, so im really touched). Consolation wise, this Asian group, might be rather hardworking, I decided to just do minimal work, wayang abit, and the China girl is gonna be so picky and petty and Im just gonna let her get everything done. (Thats what China people are for. they are such workaholics, they forget about people.)
I rmbed my msn convo with my cousin:
Me: Im moving. Cant stand my noisy norwegian and czech neighbour. New China neighbour, v queit.
Him: I dont know which is worse. Noisy neighbour or China neighbour. China people will break ur leg for a crumb, even if they are rich.
Ok Im stereotyping. Im sure there are better ones out there. Maybe like 1 in a million. If you are lucky. 1 in a million is actually quite significant considering their population. Im being sacarstic.
I will yell at the next ang moh who ask me "which part of China is Sg in"
DO NOT degrade us like that. Sgreans are better humans, at least we are humans.
Seriously, someone should do some research on civilisation in economic and humanity terms and see if there's a correlation. The West civilised much earlier in economic terms, and they are better civilised, in humanly terms. The Japs civilised much earlier than the rest of asia in economic terms, im not so sure abt their humanly terms.
Anw, went to blindern athletica to try and get refund for my ski course. The lady there (the same young cutie always), said there's no refund (norwegians srsly have problems with their information sending/receiving). Thankfully, I learnt that a girl got it. So I insisted on it, and got it. Then to the Nordea bank to change my address and I saw ludek there (Thankfully! cos later I actually left my passport at the counter and ludek picked it up)
Ludek: "There's 3 counters here. I think only that woman is doing work, the other 2 counters are just bullshitting everyone that goes there and passing their time, just look at how fast the numbers jump for the other 2 counter"
Me: "Yes. That girl got my bank stuff done. I went to the guy counter, and he gave me totally different information. He said that they are not gonna mail my bank card to me, that I need to come back next week"
Lud: "Thats the problem with these bloody norwegians workers. They are just bullshitting all the time and telling u to come back next week. And next week, they tell u next week again. I hope I get that girl"
Lud didnt, and as it turns out, that guy service staff bullshitted him.
Walked towards the library, realised that the cafe big entrance was closed. Dont know why.
Me: "Maybe there's too much snow?"
Lud: "Yea, but its stupid, these Norwegians should get used to it already. I mean they have this much snow every year. And nowadays, the train and buses stop working cos they said there's too much snow, in other parts of the world, no such thing"
Me: "Yea, they have like weather forecast. They can predict how much snow, and just get ready to for me and have more machines to clear the road, they dont clean their road, and they dont clear their roads."
Sat outside the lib for lunch and coffee.
Ludek overheard what I told Szeying about the MRI scan appointment problem
Lud: "Srsly, there's smtg wrong with these Norwegians working people. Its like they hate their work or smtg. Its such a stupid problem."
Surprisingly, saw farridus. And looks like she kinda misses me. (Haha. Now you know, when ur neighbour moves out, u miss him. When he's there, u dont).
So she came over and we talked.
far: "The hospital staff did that to you?"
Me: "Yes"
Far: "I thought only such stupid things happen in germany. The germans are annoyed by germany's system. To get something done, u need to get to like 3 places"
Lud: "do u know why they close the main door to the cafe?"
Far: "Yes. Its bcos the coffee makers were too cold"
Lud: "What. Omg. Norwegians are becoming worse. They made the whole world walk one big round, just bcos 2 counter staff are cold. I mean they should have gotten used to it, or just wear more layers"
Far: "Well, this is Norway"
Me: "Seriously, it seems like all the service staffs are gods and bosses and you are like servants. They behave like that. In Sg, I would have complained and they would be fired"
Far: "well, in Norway, its like impossible to complain bad service. So maybe thats why, their service is so bad"
You people shouldnt be earning 5 times more than the average Singaporean, and just because you have oil, that makes ur average income the 2nd highest in the world. Disgusting.
And at this point, a Norwegian old man, walked past, and threw a newspaper from a far, onto the table right in front of ludek. It startled us, because that table is not meant for u to dumb ur newspaper here. And then I rmbed, the 1st day at SGO seminar, the norwegian girl who wrote her email on my book, threw my book across tables to me. I mean u can just pass me the book, its on the way out u know.
Lastly, every international students have this convo.
A: My neighbour is like phantom. I've nv seen him/her. Its like they dont have to go toilet. And after they cook, they go back to their room to eat. They dont even say hi to us.
B would reply: is he/she norwegian?
A: YES.
Not all Norwegians though. Some are friendly.
There's something wrong. With China people, and Norwegian. The whole of Europe agrees that there's something wrong with Norwegians. The whole of Asia would agree, there's something wrong, with China pple.
1) Its cheaper
2) It has a sink
3) Its not too big (unlike my old one)
4) Its cosier
5) It has 2 mirror. 1 at the sink and the other 3/4 body length (I think its left behind by the previous tenant)
6) It is 7th floor, all other houses are 5th floor max, and there's no building nearby
7) Which means I dont have to always hang my towel at the window to prevent people from looking into my privacy
8) It has a great view
9) This morning, I saw the Moon set. Yes. The Moon set. The moon is so low here in the morning, it was partially behind the trees.
10) I have a clean and QUIET kitchen, and small and cosy.
11) I dont need a swipe card to get into the building, which means I dont have to waste time standing in the cold, taking out my gloves, and searching for my card while my hand freeze.
12) It has an elevator.
13) It doesnt have neighbours who blasts music.
I hate China people, and still do. I cant help it. They piss me off all the time. Im now on clutches, in the snow, and Norway's doors are all so heavy. Everyone opens doors for me. Some see me from a distance and runs there to open for me. There is this China girl in my project group. Today, she was walking to the psy building. I said 'hi' to her. She said hi, then walk ahead (its really really rude, and esp in a western coutry, it magnifies your rudeness). Then she walked up the steps and towards the door. She cldnt open the door, so she tried using her card, and all the while, she didnt wait for me. I walked up the stairs. I cldnt believe why she was so stupid (She is a Masters Student btw). She needed someone on CLUTCHES to OPEN THE DOOR for her, (press the door open button). And when the door open, she walked in first. (wth, im on clutches. the least u cld do bitch). Then, she walked up the stairs to 2nd floor while I took the lift. And then she didnt hold the door to the seminar theatre for me. China people. (And she lived in finland for few years already). There's something in born in them, that makes them such lousy people. Period.
After the seminar, european students open the door for me. And I press the lift, they all came took it with me, and tried to brighten my day saying "John, u gave us a good excuse to take the lift. We take it for you". And the China girl had the heart to take the lift. And then we walked, the 2 Czech people were concern how I manage to get here through the snow. Jakub was discussing whether to walk with me, which direction is it easier for me, and it was like only 3 mins of discussion, when the China girl said "all the time u spent talking, we could have got to the train station"... Like seriously, shut your damn mouth. I cldnt stand her, I wanted to get away from her, so I said "well, im going to galludsen to take the Tram to the Social Science building. I think its easier for me. If you guys wanna walk Blindern metro, then go ahead". Needless to say, as predicted, the China decided to walk that way, and the Czech guys, decided to walk with this poor guy on clutches. Like seriously, I wonder if being slow in civilisation in economic terms actually made them, slower, in civilisation in humanity terms as well. Of all the people that helped me, non were Asians (well, except a few sgreans). Even the stupid Korean guy, that forever is praising my English (it gets really irritating), borrowed my pillow, on the pretext of caring for my leg (whats up with these Asians really. Their poverty mindset is killing me. I dont expect them to be as generous as the Westerners, but they are even stingy in their manners and acts).
So the Koreans and the China (Im refusing to use the word Chinese, because there are Chinese all over the world, and Im very sure that chinese BORN in other parts of the world are way better than China Chinese, like American Chinese, Sg Chinese, Indo Chinese) China Chinese just seems to have this socialising problem. Was speaking to a Jap girl who was here for a year. She mentioned that China always stick together, and doesnt mix around. And even this China girl who supposedly mix ard more than the others, is seriously pissing me off big time. Today, I wondered why I changed project groups to this group with this Korean, and China. Jakub was prolly the only reason. And I wanted to get out of Jana (sorry Jana its not ur fault)'s group, bcos the german girl had such bad english, dora is always having family problems and constantly flying back to Hungary, and Nerea has been absent for 2 weeks bcos she needs to go back to Barcelona to take her exam. And Jana's although every hardworking, is rather blur. So I decided to get away from them, into this stupid Asian + 1 czech guy group. I know that Jana wasnt too happy abt it (but now, she's still so nice to me, she's the 1st one to text me about my leg, so im really touched). Consolation wise, this Asian group, might be rather hardworking, I decided to just do minimal work, wayang abit, and the China girl is gonna be so picky and petty and Im just gonna let her get everything done. (Thats what China people are for. they are such workaholics, they forget about people.)
I rmbed my msn convo with my cousin:
Me: Im moving. Cant stand my noisy norwegian and czech neighbour. New China neighbour, v queit.
Him: I dont know which is worse. Noisy neighbour or China neighbour. China people will break ur leg for a crumb, even if they are rich.
Ok Im stereotyping. Im sure there are better ones out there. Maybe like 1 in a million. If you are lucky. 1 in a million is actually quite significant considering their population. Im being sacarstic.
I will yell at the next ang moh who ask me "which part of China is Sg in"
DO NOT degrade us like that. Sgreans are better humans, at least we are humans.
Seriously, someone should do some research on civilisation in economic and humanity terms and see if there's a correlation. The West civilised much earlier in economic terms, and they are better civilised, in humanly terms. The Japs civilised much earlier than the rest of asia in economic terms, im not so sure abt their humanly terms.
Anw, went to blindern athletica to try and get refund for my ski course. The lady there (the same young cutie always), said there's no refund (norwegians srsly have problems with their information sending/receiving). Thankfully, I learnt that a girl got it. So I insisted on it, and got it. Then to the Nordea bank to change my address and I saw ludek there (Thankfully! cos later I actually left my passport at the counter and ludek picked it up)
Ludek: "There's 3 counters here. I think only that woman is doing work, the other 2 counters are just bullshitting everyone that goes there and passing their time, just look at how fast the numbers jump for the other 2 counter"
Me: "Yes. That girl got my bank stuff done. I went to the guy counter, and he gave me totally different information. He said that they are not gonna mail my bank card to me, that I need to come back next week"
Lud: "Thats the problem with these bloody norwegians workers. They are just bullshitting all the time and telling u to come back next week. And next week, they tell u next week again. I hope I get that girl"
Lud didnt, and as it turns out, that guy service staff bullshitted him.
Walked towards the library, realised that the cafe big entrance was closed. Dont know why.
Me: "Maybe there's too much snow?"
Lud: "Yea, but its stupid, these Norwegians should get used to it already. I mean they have this much snow every year. And nowadays, the train and buses stop working cos they said there's too much snow, in other parts of the world, no such thing"
Me: "Yea, they have like weather forecast. They can predict how much snow, and just get ready to for me and have more machines to clear the road, they dont clean their road, and they dont clear their roads."
Sat outside the lib for lunch and coffee.
Ludek overheard what I told Szeying about the MRI scan appointment problem
Lud: "Srsly, there's smtg wrong with these Norwegians working people. Its like they hate their work or smtg. Its such a stupid problem."
Surprisingly, saw farridus. And looks like she kinda misses me. (Haha. Now you know, when ur neighbour moves out, u miss him. When he's there, u dont).
So she came over and we talked.
far: "The hospital staff did that to you?"
Me: "Yes"
Far: "I thought only such stupid things happen in germany. The germans are annoyed by germany's system. To get something done, u need to get to like 3 places"
Lud: "do u know why they close the main door to the cafe?"
Far: "Yes. Its bcos the coffee makers were too cold"
Lud: "What. Omg. Norwegians are becoming worse. They made the whole world walk one big round, just bcos 2 counter staff are cold. I mean they should have gotten used to it, or just wear more layers"
Far: "Well, this is Norway"
Me: "Seriously, it seems like all the service staffs are gods and bosses and you are like servants. They behave like that. In Sg, I would have complained and they would be fired"
Far: "well, in Norway, its like impossible to complain bad service. So maybe thats why, their service is so bad"
You people shouldnt be earning 5 times more than the average Singaporean, and just because you have oil, that makes ur average income the 2nd highest in the world. Disgusting.
And at this point, a Norwegian old man, walked past, and threw a newspaper from a far, onto the table right in front of ludek. It startled us, because that table is not meant for u to dumb ur newspaper here. And then I rmbed, the 1st day at SGO seminar, the norwegian girl who wrote her email on my book, threw my book across tables to me. I mean u can just pass me the book, its on the way out u know.
Lastly, every international students have this convo.
A: My neighbour is like phantom. I've nv seen him/her. Its like they dont have to go toilet. And after they cook, they go back to their room to eat. They dont even say hi to us.
B would reply: is he/she norwegian?
A: YES.
Not all Norwegians though. Some are friendly.
There's something wrong. With China people, and Norwegian. The whole of Europe agrees that there's something wrong with Norwegians. The whole of Asia would agree, there's something wrong, with China pple.
Tuesday
I am seriously UNIMPRESSED with NORWEGIAN's work attitude.
I called the number, they transferred me past 5 lines at least. And nothing gets done, so I emailed them. This is not the first time that they workforce has bad attitude.
Hi,
I need to book an appointment for a MRI SCAN. I have a report from Ulleval univeritetssykehus at downtown and the doctor ask me to book an appointment and then go down with the report. I was given the number 08808 to call. However, after I called, the staff over the line said that I cannot book an appointment until the doctor has faxed them my report. I called the doctor and he said he never heard of this before, and that they cant fax it over.
I DONT CARE WHAT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES needs to be done. And I need an MRI scan for my knee, so PLEASE give me an appointment.
John.
NORWEGIANS ARE DAMN BLOODY SLACK. They open shops at 11pm and close at 4pm. Sundays, no shops are open at all.
This is not the first time that your workforce stinks. At train station, ur staff printed an adult ticket for me and was so damn impatient with me. At the restaurant, ur waiter acts like he's the boss. I ask for an english menu and kena kaopeh, and I had to tip 10%.
what the hell is wrong with these people. you guys are damn damn damn lucky to have oil that makes u one of the richest country. other than that, your workforce stinks.
I called the number, they transferred me past 5 lines at least. And nothing gets done, so I emailed them. This is not the first time that they workforce has bad attitude.
Hi,
I need to book an appointment for a MRI SCAN. I have a report from Ulleval univeritetssykehus at downtown and the doctor ask me to book an appointment and then go down with the report. I was given the number 08808 to call. However, after I called, the staff over the line said that I cannot book an appointment until the doctor has faxed them my report. I called the doctor and he said he never heard of this before, and that they cant fax it over.
I DONT CARE WHAT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES needs to be done. And I need an MRI scan for my knee, so PLEASE give me an appointment.
John.
NORWEGIANS ARE DAMN BLOODY SLACK. They open shops at 11pm and close at 4pm. Sundays, no shops are open at all.
This is not the first time that your workforce stinks. At train station, ur staff printed an adult ticket for me and was so damn impatient with me. At the restaurant, ur waiter acts like he's the boss. I ask for an english menu and kena kaopeh, and I had to tip 10%.
what the hell is wrong with these people. you guys are damn damn damn lucky to have oil that makes u one of the richest country. other than that, your workforce stinks.
Bergen (23 Jan), Part 1
Went to Bergen. Its like the first time Im travelling alone. So its kinda new experience. Plus everything here is.. NOT in english.
Here's what happened:
Bought an air ticket to Bergen, from Oslo Rygge, only to realise that the damn airport is not in Oslo (oslo, u smaller than sg. Tell me why u have 3 airport under ur name, of which none of them is actually inside Oslo? ccb). The damn airport is halfway to Sweden, my flight is 8am. Asked Farridus and she says there's bus to the airport for every flight, so she checked for me and realised, there is no bus for my flight. (WHAT!!! HOW THE F AM I SUPPOSE TO GET TO THE AIRPORT BY 7AM TMR!!) Went to school. Damn lucky to bump into Ludek and Helle at the coffee cafe (lud asked her out. hehehehe.) Helle offered to help me call the stupid airline to ask. They transfered her through 7 different numbers, and I cldnt understand anything that was gg on in Norwegian. Finally she hang up and said "they told me u can take a train to Rygge Station and the last train departs at 11pm tonight." - hence, I will need to sleep in the airport.
Helle: "Yea I asked them if u can slp in the airport. Its no problem they said"
At night, I packed 12 sandwiches, cos I didnt want to spend any cents on food in Bergen, cos food is as expensive in Bergen as in Oslo. At night, I departed on my backpack, went to the train station and I was srsly unimpressed with the ticket person. Its my 1st time buying a ticket, so will u pls be more patient with me. He didnt even ask me if Im a student, so I freaking paid adult ticket. Tamade.
First time on NSB rail. Wanted to sleep. Talked to a Norwegian stranger. Asked him if there's carriage seat number and he said no. He said "u better not sleep. cos if u miss ur stop, that's it, u can end up in God-knows-which-part-of-the-country"
Finally I reached the damn station. Alighted and to my horror, its in a forest. Where the fuck is the airport? There is none I see. Its 12am. Cold. Am I gonna die? Srsly. Luckily, I saw an old couple so I asked them where is the airport. They said "u can take a bus here to the airport. It shld run frequently" Thank God, they had some sense. Its 12am, there's absolutely no one in the bus station, they checked the bus timing, realised there's no bus and Kind enough, they decided to drive me to the airport. (Well, I was touched. But really, anyone with a human heart should do that. Cos I will die in the cold in the forest, if you dont send me to the airport). The airport was a bloody 5-10mins drive from the station, which means its really far (i hate this country already). And you cant walk there bcos the path is blocked. Had a great chat with them the car and the old woman told me her relative is living in Singapore temp for work. And they just had a party with some Austrians, Swiss, whatever.
They were really nice. They took the effort to make sure the airport is open, so I can sleep there, if not they are gonna put me in a hotel. Airport is open.
Sometimes, I think my sense of weight is srsly wrong. Anne said "John, u shld just bring ur contacts to Norway, its not heavy at all" She's right. Now, I didnt bring my camera charger to Bergen and Flam. How to last 4 days sia. Plus in the cold, batt dies damn damn FAST.
Realise my backpack is only 7kg and there's 3 more kg i can put, and eventually, the airline din even weigh my bag -_-.
And so, I slept, alone, in the airport. With my new hp, Im afraid the alarm isnt as good as the previous one, so I dare not sleep to deep.
On the plane, b4 it flew, I was dozing off, at much more ease. Then I woke up time and again, to realise that the plane still did not fly. And then I realised, that the snow storm is taking its toll and the pilot cant set off. So they had to use some machines, to clear the snow, off the plane's wings and top and wherever.
Bergen Airport
At the airport, I took some guide, and spent like 1 hour trying to decide where to go. I thought of going to Peter Molnar's place, but then thought that transport there would cost, and that I could save some money and time but travelling on foot first, then taking a bus to his place at night.
Sadly, Bergen is such a damn small city, but the airport is 34353 miles away from the city (what's wrong with this country). So I had to buy and pay for a bus ticket to Bergen, tourist center.
Pics from the bus
Reached the tourist center, went in. Initially, I bought a Bergen card for 48 hours, bcos for 24 hours it was 190Kr, for 48 hrs it was 250Kr, and I thought it was well worth. And I was told that the card entitles u to free transport, which is really expensive in Norway. I thought it was well worth so I bought it, only to realise later, that people walk everywhere in Bergen, and that the most beautiful places that the Bergen card can bring you free (like the Aladdin-like castle which u need ferry+boat+bus+entrance fee+guide) is closed in WINTER. Tamade.
I dont know where to go first. They tell me there's a green bus outside which goes to science center. I din want to waste any minute of my time here, so I took a walk instead. They say there's a fish market which is famous. I decided do my own walk. A really really pretty angmoh brunette saw me on the busstop and kept looking at me, with her eyes fixed on me as I moved. Have you not seen a young Asian backpacker in ulope b4?
So I did my own walk. First sights of Bergen:
I asked like 3 passer-bys before someone finally took a decent photo for me. (Other pics were bad)
I was seduced to walking the road up, to see some houses in the slopes, without knowing I was actually climbing a mountain.
Up the slopes, I talked to a few passer-bys. Got a young female jogger to take pictures for me.
Me: "do you live here?"
She: "Yea, I lived a little lower"
Me: "Wow. This is a great place"
She: "Yea I loved it. And I jog here alot. You can see great view"
I realised that Norwegians like to take pictures for you.
They take one shot for you, and then they say "Oh this is so great! One more?"
So I always have 2 of the same shots. Out of politeness, I wasted precious space and battery.
Great view (And it could only get better)
Up the slopes, I saw this woman pushing her baby and I realised, there's a price to pay for living on mountain slopes. You made it lady.
I came to this path, and thought whether I should continue up and climb it.
Curiosity of whats behind the path, and lust of adventure, and challenge, got the better of me again. This rocky path, is harder than I thought. The uneven rocks, makes it really bad for my ankle.
Psychology has this "foot-in-the-door" theory (google it if u dont know). Its true. I first thought I'll just climb this path thats it. I never thought, I'll spend the next few hours, climbing higher and higher, until the frozen peak.
After that path up, I saw a small timber mill.
Abit more up, I saw a bench with a great view. Sat down and ate my mak-pakke.
Recharged, I continued. Here's a decision to make:
To take the gentler longer path up?
Or the steeper shorter way?
No prizes for guessing. Knowing me, I took the steeper, more challenging thrilling way up.
Halfway, I saw a track and realised that there'a a rail to the top of the mountain -_-.
Was tempted to buy a ticket up cos it was cheap (18kr) but then thought to myself that all my effort would be wasted if I just took a train up like that. So I decided to take up the challenge and climb the first mountain I ever climbed.
And up..
1/3 way through (I hope), I saw this great view.
At the edge, I realise, if I fall, I could die.
1/3 to halfway up, I met this old norwegian lady walking up. She took a lousy picture of me, but she was great company until like 2/3 up.
She walk really fast (maybe cos I had a 7kg backpack). She walks here regularly to excercise and she originate from behind that mountain in the background of my picture.
I wanted to take more pictures, so she said good luck and good bye to me.
Yes, as you can see behind her, there is a kindergarten 2/3 up the mountain. Wth.
The kindergarten:
As you can see, this kindergeten is high up the mountain. Its not snowing in Bergen, not at all, and its not cold. But up here, the paths and ground is frozen already. Its not snow, its ice.
It took me alot of effort to get behind the slide. I was curious to see whats behind it. And I saw a fence. I realised that there are kids and adults in the kindergarten and was afraid that they'll scream at my trespass. Next, I attempted to climb over the fence to reach higher ground, but was afraid that I might be trapped. An adult came out of the house, I called to him and asked if I can climb over the fence to get to the top. He said no, I have to follow the path.
I have to keep taking my gloves off to take pictures. Taking gloves off is not as irritating as finding where to put them and picking them up afterwards. I stopped, decided to get some strings and tie my gloves through my jacket, spent like 20mins when I plan it to be 10 mins.
Took this photo in the meantime.
Further up the mountain, it gets weirder.
I suspect this is a makeshift slide by some crazy teenager trying to get some cheap thrill of sliding/sledding down ice, but perhaps end up breaking his leg like me. With a terrain like this, high chance.
Now the paths are damn slippery and it gets cold.
I find it very Very weird that some patches are covered in ice (which I slipped and fell a few times), and some are just brown and green. Its really really WEIRD.
At the top, finally, I took a break.
I see you eye-to-eye, fellow mountain across.
I ate another mak-pakke here.
Shag, Shiok, lips peeling.
I was so tempted to just keep climbing whichever higher point that I see, but realise at the end that it was senseless. On the way down, I was really tempted to take the train down. So I asked a passerby how to get there and he said "follow me" And thank God I did, because the roads and slopes are so slippery cos its all frozen, even he fell a few times.
I followed him, and then felt so stupid when I realise that this mountain is a tourist spot, like the
one in HongKong- the Peak.
Followed the guy in blue to here.
And was completely awed to see this.
Asked these 2 sitting there to take pictures for me.
And nothing new, had a short chat w them, bcos they were curious where I was from and what I do.
More of Bergen, to be continued..
Here's what happened:
Bought an air ticket to Bergen, from Oslo Rygge, only to realise that the damn airport is not in Oslo (oslo, u smaller than sg. Tell me why u have 3 airport under ur name, of which none of them is actually inside Oslo? ccb). The damn airport is halfway to Sweden, my flight is 8am. Asked Farridus and she says there's bus to the airport for every flight, so she checked for me and realised, there is no bus for my flight. (WHAT!!! HOW THE F AM I SUPPOSE TO GET TO THE AIRPORT BY 7AM TMR!!) Went to school. Damn lucky to bump into Ludek and Helle at the coffee cafe (lud asked her out. hehehehe.) Helle offered to help me call the stupid airline to ask. They transfered her through 7 different numbers, and I cldnt understand anything that was gg on in Norwegian. Finally she hang up and said "they told me u can take a train to Rygge Station and the last train departs at 11pm tonight." - hence, I will need to sleep in the airport.
Helle: "Yea I asked them if u can slp in the airport. Its no problem they said"
At night, I packed 12 sandwiches, cos I didnt want to spend any cents on food in Bergen, cos food is as expensive in Bergen as in Oslo. At night, I departed on my backpack, went to the train station and I was srsly unimpressed with the ticket person. Its my 1st time buying a ticket, so will u pls be more patient with me. He didnt even ask me if Im a student, so I freaking paid adult ticket. Tamade.
First time on NSB rail. Wanted to sleep. Talked to a Norwegian stranger. Asked him if there's carriage seat number and he said no. He said "u better not sleep. cos if u miss ur stop, that's it, u can end up in God-knows-which-part-of-the-country"
Finally I reached the damn station. Alighted and to my horror, its in a forest. Where the fuck is the airport? There is none I see. Its 12am. Cold. Am I gonna die? Srsly. Luckily, I saw an old couple so I asked them where is the airport. They said "u can take a bus here to the airport. It shld run frequently" Thank God, they had some sense. Its 12am, there's absolutely no one in the bus station, they checked the bus timing, realised there's no bus and Kind enough, they decided to drive me to the airport. (Well, I was touched. But really, anyone with a human heart should do that. Cos I will die in the cold in the forest, if you dont send me to the airport). The airport was a bloody 5-10mins drive from the station, which means its really far (i hate this country already). And you cant walk there bcos the path is blocked. Had a great chat with them the car and the old woman told me her relative is living in Singapore temp for work. And they just had a party with some Austrians, Swiss, whatever.
They were really nice. They took the effort to make sure the airport is open, so I can sleep there, if not they are gonna put me in a hotel. Airport is open.
Sometimes, I think my sense of weight is srsly wrong. Anne said "John, u shld just bring ur contacts to Norway, its not heavy at all" She's right. Now, I didnt bring my camera charger to Bergen and Flam. How to last 4 days sia. Plus in the cold, batt dies damn damn FAST.
Realise my backpack is only 7kg and there's 3 more kg i can put, and eventually, the airline din even weigh my bag -_-.
And so, I slept, alone, in the airport. With my new hp, Im afraid the alarm isnt as good as the previous one, so I dare not sleep to deep.
On the plane, b4 it flew, I was dozing off, at much more ease. Then I woke up time and again, to realise that the plane still did not fly. And then I realised, that the snow storm is taking its toll and the pilot cant set off. So they had to use some machines, to clear the snow, off the plane's wings and top and wherever.
Bergen Airport
At the airport, I took some guide, and spent like 1 hour trying to decide where to go. I thought of going to Peter Molnar's place, but then thought that transport there would cost, and that I could save some money and time but travelling on foot first, then taking a bus to his place at night.
Sadly, Bergen is such a damn small city, but the airport is 34353 miles away from the city (what's wrong with this country). So I had to buy and pay for a bus ticket to Bergen, tourist center.
Pics from the bus
Reached the tourist center, went in. Initially, I bought a Bergen card for 48 hours, bcos for 24 hours it was 190Kr, for 48 hrs it was 250Kr, and I thought it was well worth. And I was told that the card entitles u to free transport, which is really expensive in Norway. I thought it was well worth so I bought it, only to realise later, that people walk everywhere in Bergen, and that the most beautiful places that the Bergen card can bring you free (like the Aladdin-like castle which u need ferry+boat+bus+entrance fee+guide) is closed in WINTER. Tamade.
I dont know where to go first. They tell me there's a green bus outside which goes to science center. I din want to waste any minute of my time here, so I took a walk instead. They say there's a fish market which is famous. I decided do my own walk. A really really pretty angmoh brunette saw me on the busstop and kept looking at me, with her eyes fixed on me as I moved. Have you not seen a young Asian backpacker in ulope b4?
I asked like 3 passer-bys before someone finally took a decent photo for me. (Other pics were bad)
I was seduced to walking the road up, to see some houses in the slopes, without knowing I was actually climbing a mountain.
Up the slopes, I talked to a few passer-bys. Got a young female jogger to take pictures for me.
Me: "do you live here?"
She: "Yea, I lived a little lower"
Me: "Wow. This is a great place"
She: "Yea I loved it. And I jog here alot. You can see great view"
I realised that Norwegians like to take pictures for you.
They take one shot for you, and then they say "Oh this is so great! One more?"
So I always have 2 of the same shots. Out of politeness, I wasted precious space and battery.
Great view (And it could only get better)
Up the slopes, I saw this woman pushing her baby and I realised, there's a price to pay for living on mountain slopes. You made it lady.
I came to this path, and thought whether I should continue up and climb it.
Curiosity of whats behind the path, and lust of adventure, and challenge, got the better of me again. This rocky path, is harder than I thought. The uneven rocks, makes it really bad for my ankle.
Psychology has this "foot-in-the-door" theory (google it if u dont know). Its true. I first thought I'll just climb this path thats it. I never thought, I'll spend the next few hours, climbing higher and higher, until the frozen peak.
After that path up, I saw a small timber mill.
Abit more up, I saw a bench with a great view. Sat down and ate my mak-pakke.
Recharged, I continued. Here's a decision to make:
To take the gentler longer path up?
Or the steeper shorter way?
No prizes for guessing. Knowing me, I took the steeper, more challenging thrilling way up.
Halfway, I saw a track and realised that there'a a rail to the top of the mountain -_-.
Was tempted to buy a ticket up cos it was cheap (18kr) but then thought to myself that all my effort would be wasted if I just took a train up like that. So I decided to take up the challenge and climb the first mountain I ever climbed.
And up..
1/3 way through (I hope), I saw this great view.
At the edge, I realise, if I fall, I could die.
1/3 to halfway up, I met this old norwegian lady walking up. She took a lousy picture of me, but she was great company until like 2/3 up.
She walk really fast (maybe cos I had a 7kg backpack). She walks here regularly to excercise and she originate from behind that mountain in the background of my picture.
I wanted to take more pictures, so she said good luck and good bye to me.
Yes, as you can see behind her, there is a kindergarten 2/3 up the mountain. Wth.
The kindergarten:
As you can see, this kindergeten is high up the mountain. Its not snowing in Bergen, not at all, and its not cold. But up here, the paths and ground is frozen already. Its not snow, its ice.
It took me alot of effort to get behind the slide. I was curious to see whats behind it. And I saw a fence. I realised that there are kids and adults in the kindergarten and was afraid that they'll scream at my trespass. Next, I attempted to climb over the fence to reach higher ground, but was afraid that I might be trapped. An adult came out of the house, I called to him and asked if I can climb over the fence to get to the top. He said no, I have to follow the path.
I have to keep taking my gloves off to take pictures. Taking gloves off is not as irritating as finding where to put them and picking them up afterwards. I stopped, decided to get some strings and tie my gloves through my jacket, spent like 20mins when I plan it to be 10 mins.
Took this photo in the meantime.
Further up the mountain, it gets weirder.
I suspect this is a makeshift slide by some crazy teenager trying to get some cheap thrill of sliding/sledding down ice, but perhaps end up breaking his leg like me. With a terrain like this, high chance.
Now the paths are damn slippery and it gets cold.
I find it very Very weird that some patches are covered in ice (which I slipped and fell a few times), and some are just brown and green. Its really really WEIRD.
At the top, finally, I took a break.
I see you eye-to-eye, fellow mountain across.
I ate another mak-pakke here.
Shag, Shiok, lips peeling.
I was so tempted to just keep climbing whichever higher point that I see, but realise at the end that it was senseless. On the way down, I was really tempted to take the train down. So I asked a passerby how to get there and he said "follow me" And thank God I did, because the roads and slopes are so slippery cos its all frozen, even he fell a few times.
I followed him, and then felt so stupid when I realise that this mountain is a tourist spot, like the
one in HongKong- the Peak.
Followed the guy in blue to here.
And was completely awed to see this.
Asked these 2 sitting there to take pictures for me.
And nothing new, had a short chat w them, bcos they were curious where I was from and what I do.
More of Bergen, to be continued..
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