jet lagged but good to be back in Bergen

I had the strangest experience yesterday, my first morning waking up in Bergen.  I woke up, and, for a good 2 minutes, I thought I was in San Diego.  It was one of the most bizarre things.  I thought I was downtown and needed to move my car out of a meter so I wouldn't get a parking ticket.  What?!  I was wracking my brain to figure out where I had even parked.  Wow, wow, wow.  Needless to say I had a good laugh at myself when I realized I was in Norway. 

It's good to be back.  How can you not smile upon arriving to this?

True, sun would be better.  But, Bryggen (above) never gets old to me :)  And, I'm now living in 'Sentrum,' or city center, two blocks from it- yea!  Bryggen is also where I catch the bus every morning up to school.

And, the business school kids are so hip here in Norway.  Check out the new street art installation at my school for the program '...... capitalism?'  As the lead line asks 'what happens when you mash an elitist academic institution like the Norwegian School of Economics with the anti-authoritative counter-cultural street art movement?'  Check out more here

Classes are under way and I'm feeling pretty well settled in.  Is it bad I'm already getting stressed about the semester?  I think I'm going to go with some classes that I somehow feel intimidated by (hello Corporate Finance) but really just need to buckle down and make it happen because I'm sure I will learn a lot.  And, you know me, I somehow never like to make it too easy on myself.... 

I've already spent over $50 at the grocery store and feel like that's gotten me nothing more than bananas, nectarines, a few rolls, breakfast cereal, milk, herring (yea to be back in Norge!), cheese, lettuce, almonds and carrots. Mom and Dad, I promise I will put together well balanced and nutritious meals but you know how the prices go.  

And, if you've ever talked to me about food in Norway, you've most likely heard about Norwegian carrots.  I still maintain they are the best carrots I've ever tasted.

my new flat.... working on decorating

Today is typical rainy Bergen.  But, yesterday was lovely and sunny.  I even wore open-toed shoes and a skirt.  This is pretty big deal and rather clearly defines me as 'not being from Norway'.  I reveled in every minutes of my foot freedom.  And, I have to enjoy my golden tanned legs from the summer since in a few months time I will be back to pasty white.  *sigh*

A photo from yesterday as I walked home from the bus stop....

That's the update from Bergen for now.  It's been great to re-connect with friends and meet some new people.  I'm living with 3 Norwegians this semester and they welcomed me warmly upon my arrival.  We are having a flat dinner tomorrow :)

klemmer!

lisa liv