lisa o live in Bergen

my Bergen debut this Friday (Fredag)

2 whole hours.  Yikes and fun!  Also, a lot of friends from school and Bergen adventures are coming- very special for me!  

Did I mention I tried cross-country skiing last week?!  It's aweeesome!  I totally dig it.  Too bad the season's almost over but I'm hoping to get a few more outings in before the semester is over.  The positive is I was able to purchase the whole set (skis, binding, boots and poles) for almost half the normal retail price because it's the end of the season.  A good investment for next year, and, hopefully, some good friends I can keep with me as reminders of my time in Bergen (wherever in the world I end up).

Alright, off to run through a presentation for 'Design and Deregulation of Electricity Markets' tomorrow- a summery of a paper on large scale wind integration analyzing some optimization and simulation models.

hugs,
lisa liv

tra la la

A new little something I worked on last night...

You Will Stay by LisaLiv

happy international awesomeness day!

My friend Jon Martin and I walked into class with some fabulously positive shirts on today. Documentation could not be passed up.  Should you ever need some positive affirmations, you know were to come:

Li also really wanted to be in the photo :)  Also, of fun note- the pearls are from my Mom and the pendant is from Grammie Olson.  The t-shirt is celebrating Kevin Carlberg, my dear friend Genna's cousin who passed away from cancer, and, the cardigan is very similar to my wonderful friend Camille's.  I love that so many of the things I brought with me to Norway have special memories and meanings. 

And so, I tip my hat to you, awesome friends and family.  Let's celebrate our awesomeness by continuing to do awesome things.  It's through awesome acts, in addition to nice normal goodness, that we will continue to make positive contributions to the world.

Awesomely Yours,

lisa liv  

tgif

Happy Friday to you from a rainy Bergen.  The great thing about Fridays is it's grøt day on campus. Grøt is a traditional Norwegian porridge and it's yummy There are a few different types and Rommegrøt (cream) and Risengrøt (rice... like rice pudding) are served on campus. I've learned it is typical for families to eat grøt on Saturday and eat it with savory complements like meat. I ate it for breakfast once and my Norwegian hallmate laughed at me (in the nicest of ways). Note to self- though it looks like cream-of-wheat, it's not a breakfast item.


I've been feeling particularly good this week. I believe it's because everything seems to moving in a positive direction. Hopefully the trend continues :) I'm trying to be proactive and keep on top of things since April is going to be busy and will be here in no time.  


I was reading through a paper on Transaction Cost Economics (ah, just when I was close to shaking the nerd label by my last post about beer, I shot it all to pieces) and found this inspiring concept I've been trying to keep in mind from Oliver E Williamson (if I recall correctly, a Bruin- ugh): 

the Carnegie Triple- be disciplined, be interdisciplinary and have an active mind.  

Also, a reflection on feeling particularly special this semester since getting some really nice things in the mail. *Gasp* hand written correspondence?! My parents have sent a few things which is always a lovely surprise and very appreciated. And, three friends have sent cards and one included chocolate and another included a CD- holy wow! A shout out of gratitude to Tina, Erik and Wayne. I know it takes time to get to the post office and takes a little extra dough to send things to Norge.

This is not me fishing for more mail, promise :) This is as much a personal reminder as a call. Let someone know you're thinking about them sometime. It's a detour from our regular routine and takes a little extra effort but makes such an impact.

Ha en god helg!

lisa liv

everyday life

Well hello there.  Nothing too new and exciting here but I thought I would share a few more things about my 'normal' times here in Norway.

As I've mentioned before, it's overall more expensive here (but, reminder- there's no tuition for school).  The conversion is generally 6 NOK (Norwegian Kroner) to the US dollar.  1 cup of coffee on campus is 10 NOK... almost $2.  Ok.  A latte at Narvissen (like a 7-eleven) is 20 NOK.... $3.50.  Hmmm.

I've always fancied myself a good shopper and I've found the good buys here.  A can of tuna is still $1 at 6 NOK.  But, I don't get fresh chicken or beef anymore.  Though, frozen chicken breasts work out just fine.  And, we get lots of fish options here!  Yum!

1 Liter of milk (approx. 1/4 a gallon) is 14 NOK or $2 and change.... have you ever seen milk for $8 a gallon?!  6 eggs are 22 NOK... yes, almost $4.  And, my very favorite-

Beer!  This beer cost me 27 NOK.  (1 NOK I get back if I bring it back to recycle).  Let's see, that's about..... $4.50 for this beer?!  As you can see, its larger than our normal American standard can.  But still.  And, it's not even a good micro-brew for that price :(  (no offense Rachel, I know you like Heineken!)  So, if you see me drinking a lot next time I'm home, now you know why ;)  Kidding.  And, let's not even talk about wine.  Well, ok, let's.  You can't buy it in the grocery store (nor can you buy hard alcohol).  And, the very cheapest bottle at the Vinminolopet is 90 NOK.  I'll let you do the math on that one.

A few more funny things.  Our bananas come from Costa Rica too.  Surprisingly enough- not that much more expensive.  Probably around $2 a bunch.

Whew, I'm glad to know this orange is 100% orange.  (appelsin= orange.  confusing. yes)

That's all for now friends.  I should have some things up from the Oslo trip towards the end of the week. It's the world skiing championships in Oslo right now and the country is all a-dither (too bad our trip just missed it).  I'm getting into the spirit too- go Norway!  (and America!  Lindsay Vonn took gold in the Super G.. yipeee!)

Cheers with my expensive beer,
lisa liv

status: kid in a candy store

We've had 3 sunny days in a row.  I feel a crazy sunshine infusion in my energy level and outlook- on a clear day you can see forever.  And oh how pretty Bergen is when it's sunny!  I was fortunate to be able to attend the International Masters trip to Oslo at the end of last week.  I'll post some pics from that soon but today's some shots of every day life.  Otherwise it looks like I just travel.  Which I don't.  But, again, I acknowledge how blessed I am to able to hop around the globe, or, at least western Europe for the time being.  And, I reiterate, January was hard being so dark.  Below, behold me and my blue 'artificial sunlight'....

Somehow I ended up with two 8:00 am classes this semester.  What?!  Do they even schedule them that early in grad school?  Yes, they do.  Add insult to injury- it's already hard to get out of bed.. why not just make it as hard as possible with 8:00 am classes.  Geeeeez.  Anywho, that usually means I'm done in class around 2 pm every day.  And, since it's been clear and sunny, I'm jonesin' to run outside.  I like to run to keep in good physical shape.  But, in Norway I'm also really enjoying running because it's always in beautiful nature- on trails, ups and downs, clean air, and little waterfalls cascading down the mountain.  It's so peaceful and a great way to recharge.  Note how I don't say anywhere here it's warm :)  It's still around 0 celsius if not slightly below (geology lesson- clear skies means no cloud cover to hold in heat therefore it's colder).  So, I've collected the appropriate sporty gear to keep me warm.  Check it out

Running in San Diego- shirt or tank top, capri pants, thin cotton socks, shoes, hair in a pony tail and ipod.  Maybe a hat if it's sunny.  

Running in Norway- shirt, long sleeve shirt, neck gator, jacket, spandex pants, regular socks, shoes, beanie or wrap to cover ears like above, gloves, hair in pony tail and ipod.

Norwegians are a very active people.  I've mentioned before how they like to 'train' or run, hike, ski, or some other outdoor activity involving the mountains.  Being at the business/econ school we get lots of company visits and they cleverly cater the swag give away to the audience.  I've never used swag as much as I do here.  Note the 'band cap' in the above pictures.  Free.  And I think of Statkraft every time I run.  I have now collected 3 of these things....

1. In the package 2. It's like a long tube 3. You layer it up

The back even tells you all the ways you can 'band' the cap

There are many ways to make a cap but the way I'm wearing it is the 'cool' way... obviously :)  I'm so 'in the know'.   And, since we are on running swag, there's one more good running give away.  Since the days are short in the winter, it's important to have something reflective on in the dark.  So, companies make 'slap bracelets' that are reflective and also have their company logo.  I'm currently advertising for Statkraft or DNV on any given day.  

Ok, time to get back to internship applications.  I'm currently working on securing a good summer opportunity where I'll continue to grow and apply what I'm learning.  It would also be fabulous if it paid since I need to pay for one more year of studies!  Please send positive thoughts into the ether for me.  The wild thing is not knowing where I'll be this summer.  I could be anywhere from Bergen, Stavanger or Oslo, Norway to DC, Houston (oil companies) or somewhere in California.  It is very exciting- it would just be nice to be able to make some plans.  Oh well, practicing patience and enjoying the freedom of dreaming.

in gratitude for sunshine, family and friends,

lisa liv 

And I'm back.

I'm starting to feel like me again.  January was an ok month but a hard month.  I like to chalk January up to a test of mental and physical endurance.  I imagine long dark winters seem more normal year after year but wow.  Hello.  I've lived in SoCal my whole life.  January was a whole new ball game.  Days are short but the hardest part was the overcast.  It never really felt like daytime.  Light hours were a perpetual 3pm.  I won't go on and on, you get the idea.  And, when one did want to go outside to enjoy some daytime, each step felt like it could be the one to bring you too your bum with all the ice on the ground.  I've never been so happy to have a gym membership.  Running on the hamster treadmill kept me sane.


In any event, I made it.  And how quickly the days grow long!  Now the day rises at 8:24am and sets at 5:22pm.  Just a month ago the sun was setting at 3:30pm.  Crazy how that whole earth rotation in relation to the sun thing works.


So, if I'm weathering (ha, unintended I promise) the winter.... I have to take some time (and capital... econ talk, I'm a nerd) to enjoy the great parts about winter-time... skiing!  A couple of friends from my program and I headed to Voss last Sunday for a day on the mountain.  My companions in adventure below are Gunnar from Sweden and Øyven from Norway. Feeling sentimental, I went for skiing on my first ever mountain time in Norway. It's my roots. Not only family wise but it's what I learned first as a tyke. And it was wonderful- I can't remember the last time I was in so much powder. And soft powder! I mean... not that I fell.... ok, maybe I did :) Hey, I had to get my skiing knees back, right!

'welcome to the mountains'

fresh snow!

Other than that, classes are underway and keeping my busy. I did head out to a 'jam session' at Vamosse last Monday night and play a few songs which felt great. One of my goals is to do a few more music things here in Bergen this semester (which shouldn't be hard considering I really didn't play out at all last semester. tear). But, they don't really have 'open mics' like they do in the US. Don't get me wrong, there's lots of music here. In fact, people seem to be very supportive of live music. But, I have to figure out how to get my foot in the door. Always the way in a new market I suppose? The nice thing about open mics is it's a good place to meet people and network with other artists (in addition to trying out new songs, getting nerves out on new songs, etc). Hmmmm, new strategies in the works.


That's me in a nut shell. Life is good. I continue to feel very fortunate to have these life opportunities. I hope this post finds you well and check back soon. I'm sure to have some more stories and visuals.


hugs to keep you (and me) warm,
lisa liv

Hello from Holland!  Some good friends from the music community in San Diego are here in the Netherlands touring for 3 weeks and I had to take the opportunity to visit.  A place to stay, a country I've never visited, some music and good friends- sounds great to me!  And it's been fantastic.  The Dutch people are warm and welcoming.  And, it's fun to connect with old friends outside of our normal environment.  Gregory, Josh and Sky had shows Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon.  Each has been special in it's own respect but yesterday was particularly so being in the chapel of a monastery.  I didn't know quite what to expect for the weekend and I've had a total treat seeing little towns,  flat landscapes, abundant waterways, bleak vistas, narrow roads, old music halls and tulips.  I love tulips.

Today was a day off and we've been hanging around Schrool (sp?) and we took a bike ride into 'town'  Gregory and I biked while Josh jogged.  Here's some photos of our afternoon adventure.  Tonight the kind couple who own the house and live next door, Anna and Paris, are making us dinner.  Yum!

downtown Schrool

a little video from my phone camera......

Check out Gregory Page's music at www.gregorypage.com

Tomorrow we will spend some time in Amsterdam and then I fly back to Bergen, Norway tomorrow evening.

Hugs from Holland,
lisa

The days grow longer. 

We actually had light until after 5pm today- amazing.  The last few days have been clear skies and sunshine.  A real pleasure.  I will never take the sun for granted again.  Well, I’m sure I will, but, at least I will be slightly more conscientious and thankful moving forward.

After two weeks of gloom and darkness, my friends Bea, Kevin and I decided we were hiking- with the weathers blessing or not.  We couldn’t handle being cooped up any longer.  We decided to hike up Floyen, a popular Bergen mountain and well-maintained path/trail.  It was sprinkling but we all have good gear so we were good to go.  Until (Dad, stop reading here and go to the next paragraph), upon reaching higher altitudes, the trail became completely ice covered.  There is railing so we decided to keep on going up.  We’ve all hiked this trail many times before and knew what to expect.  Still, a dicey decision but… come on, we are young and invincible right?  While we did have some good laughs slip-sliding around, we thankfully didn’t have any falls on the ice (or worse yet, off trail).  I’m so glad I have my Keen hiking boots!

School is picking up.  And, just before class work gets all consuming, I’m heading off to Amsterdam for a long weekend.  My good singer/songwriter music friend Gregory Page has some recent successes with music released in the Netherlands.  So, he and his band are touring for 3 weeks.  I’ve never been to Amsterdam and figured a fun reason to get there.  Sights to see by day and music to enjoy by night- magnifique.

Singing with Gregory Page at Lestats in San Diego on Jan 5, 2011

Momentary Thoughts:

My hallmate Paul has never had a piece of pie, a whole pie, anything pie related.  It’s true they don’t have pies here but I was flabbergasted.  So,  will bake a pie for him at some point this semester.

Two new hallmates- an Italian guy and a Spanish guy.  They are fun and love to cook- did I mention they made me salmon dinner one night in return for some live music?!  Heaven.

There was a Dad grocery shopping with his two teen sons today and it was really sweet- after sports practice or something.  A nice demonstration of the egalitarian society.  Men teaching guys how to grocery shop, what a concept.  

My Mantra- from my hallmate Paul

Off to pack my bags,

lisa 

And I’m back!

After a wonderful month at home with family and friends I’m back in Bergen for my 2^nd semester of studies.  It’s not hard to think about where to begin with my most recent observations- the darkness.  Fortunately the days are getting longer.  Currently the sun rises at 9:15am and sets at 4:26pm.  Not horrible but it’s been so overcast I’ve hardly seen the sun since I returned.  We’ve had snow which turned to ice.  I’m practically ice skating to school.  I’m trying to take it in stride and chalk this one up to ‘good life experience’.  But man it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning and some days my energy is zapped.  Thank you Erik and Stefi for the ‘artificial sunlight’ for Christmas to fake my body into believing I’m getting more sun exposure then I am.  Ahhh technology.

From San Diego Jan 6, 2011

to Bergen Jan 9, 2011

Many wonderful days in San Diego over the holidays which made leaving a little harder this time around.  I’m thrilled and thankful to pursue life opportunities and adventures, but, it was a real pleasure to be home in SD.  Thanks to Mom and Dad for taking care of me and making it a true ‘vacation’.  Thanks to Erik and Stefi for the best Christmas present…. Baby Dane, not the artificial sunlight (though it’s good too).  Thanks to my wonderful friends for fun times down south and up north SD.  And, thanks to the super SD music community for continued support and creative opportunities. 

A few great memories-

Lestat's Show Jan 5th with James Albers on bass

Beach walk at LJ Shores with Mom

Irish New Years with Camille and Genna

Proud Papa and Grandma with babyDane

Erik, Stefi and baby Dane Dec 21, 2010

   

I’ve now wrapped up week two of classes and I’m sticking with these classes for the time being (allowing myself to drop one if it all is a little too much):

Alternative Energies in Physical and Economic Perspectives

Land Use and Natural Resources

Design and Operation of Deregulated Electricity Markets

International Economics

Distribution Channels and Business to Business Marketing

Norwegian 2

So far, interesting stuff!

That's all for now.  I *promise* to post more frequently this semester.  

Hope the year is off to a great start for you all.

hugs,

lisa

PS. On a philosophical note- Arriving back was a bit more of a shock to the system than arriving in August.  I didn’t have the survival things to consume my focus- where am I, grocery store, getting around, etc.  I realize how different my life is here.  My life now appears to me more Jeckle & Hyde.  Neither is better or worse, both are wonderful and full.  Just different.  Sunny and pleasant to cold and dark, car mobility to walking and bus mobility, busy social calendar to more free time, flip flops to close toed shoes, big city to small city, over committed to not, sugary foods to fish.  Life's reflections.

Re-entry.  I'm on my way!  I head back to Bergen, Norway this Friday morning (via DC and Copenhagen) I've had just shy of a month in San Diego at home with family and friends and it's been a real treat.  A whirl-wind of holiday parties, catching up with old and new friends, playing some music and, most importantly, welcoming my new nephew Dane Thomas Olson into the world.....

... one of the hardest things to leave.

I'll get back on the posting wagon once I'm back in Norway.  Stories from the dark, cold winter!  Did I mention my brother and sister-in-law got me 'artificial sunlight' for Christmas?  For realz.

hugs,

lisa  

Sunrise, sunset.

We are in full swing of ever shortening days in the far north- sunrise around 9:30am and sunset around 3:30pm-.  But, I’m also talking about the beginning and end of this adventure to Bergen, Norway.  I’m posting from Copenhagen on my first leg home to San Diego for the holidays.  What a semester!  I’ve been inexcusably quite on this blog the past month because I was all consumed with finals which wrapped up well.  My last final was Petroleum Economics on November 25^th (how appropriate, Thanksgiving).  After that I launched into a small Herculean effort working together with a small team of American and wonderful German, Italian, French, Finish, Norwegian and Austrian friends to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for about 70 people on the 27^th.  I’ll be honest, I’ve helped with Thanksgiving but never run the show.  With the good help of Mike, another American, and friend Nancy’s turkey thermometer, we successfully baked 7 turkeys.  We also made mashed potatoes, carrots, stuffing (from scratch, no Stoffers over here), gravy, peas and an apple compote for dessert.  This is a picture of me and Thilbaud ('on Erasmus' or on exchange from France) carving up some turkeys for dinner.  I love everyone’s willingness to help.  Thilbaud was so excited about carving a turkey and ended up carving 3 of the 7.  He got all of the possible meat off that bird and had a blast doing it.  The spirit of Thanksgiving was so present in this wonderful international community.

Back to the here and now.  The last few days have been surreal.  I couldn’t help but remember my first encounter with everything around me which is now so familiar.  Grocery shopping for the first time, wandering around Bryggen, listening to the Norwegian language, etc.  It was all so foreign, literally.  I was learning how to do regular daily tasks again.  Observing, learning, trying not to stick out, taking my time to soak things in, trying to be respectful, \and slowing down.  Admittedly, I’ve sped back up a bit, you know me J

As you’ve seen from my pictures and earlier blog posts, I’m loving all of the outdoor activity of Norway and Bergen.  I find myself fitting in very well to that lifestyle.  I’ve even invested in running pants, a good jacket and a neck gator (is that what it’s called?!) so I can continue to run outside.  It’s cold but I much prefer running in nature.  Though, as is typical the world round, there are attractive guys at the gym….  Needless to say, I will never complain about it being ‘cold’ in SoCal again (ahhhh as I was shelping my rolling suitcase over fresh snow this morning to the airport bus… thank goodness for rolling suitcases).  I also find the Norwegian people to be warm , caring and inviting people.  It takes a smile and hello on my end, but, once you get them talking, they don’t stop.  It’s endearing. 

The most wonderful aspect of the whole experience is the new friends.  I feel so fortunate that the energies of the universe brought together the specific people for school and living together that it did.  It’s truly a wonderful and diverse family.  I’m thankful for cooking dinners together, spending countless hours in the computer lab together, playing cards, speaking different languages (brushing up on my Spanish and French), tearing up the dance floor together, exploring, laughing, and learning. 

I’m also thankful for learning, but that’s a whole other blog post.  I feel like I just scratched the surface this semester.  I’ve been introduced to some of the major debates within Climates Change and the many many sectors.  Abate now vs. waiting for the future (let’s talk about the appropriate discount rate!), costs and benefits, petroleum and natural gas, renewable technologies, political interests, and on and on.  Again, another blog entry once I’m home and had some time to digest it all.   Soooo much more to learn and I’m looking forward to it.

I check the clock every 5 minutes to make sure I’m not late for my next flight.  I will not miss that plane.  I’m thrilled to be heading home for almost a month.  Family friends, Christmas, a new nephew, music, and the great Pacific.  I’ve never had the opportunity to say this because I’ve always lived in SoCal- I’ll be hone for Christmas!  Yipeeeee!  You can count on me.

While I’m a slightly starving student and there are times of wondering what I’m doing half way around the world from everything I know, I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity.  Thanks to everyone who supports me.  

Next stop, the windy city.  Then on to San Diego.  

Hope all is well with you.

God Jule!

lisa

Rainbows galore!  

I guess that's what you get when you are in a place that rains a lot.  But goodness there are a lot of rainbows here.  Good fortune?  I hope so!  Perhaps I should take a study break and go searching for the pot o' gold? Or, figuratively I've already found one :)  But, if rainbows produce gold, there's lots of it around these parts.  Perhaps that's why Norway just topped the UN quality of life report.

Sorry for the delay but finally some pictures from the couple of exciting weekend trips in the month of October.  As I mentioned in my last post, I was able to go to Trondheim as a student ambassador for NHH and got to see the area where my Norwegian relatives lived before they left Norway in 1866.  They were country folk and this is the city so I don't know if they were ever in Trondheim but it's fun to think about.  What if they were in this church too?!  Here is the Nidaros Cathedral.  Story is it was build on Saint Olaf's grave.  It is beautiful with stained glass windows and a fabulous old organ.  I lit a candle in the church for the family.

1857- when my family was in the area!

I was also able to go on the NHHS Surf Club trip to Stadt, a little place called Hoddevik-

It was a great weekend away and, yes, there is surf in Norway.  And growing stoke.  This was honestly one of the coolest places I've surfed.  Haha, yes, it was cold.  That's not what I'm getting at.  Immagine sitting in that water looking back at this-

We went out for a couple of sessions on Saturday and it was fun.  Sadly, my arms are not as strong as they should be and with all the layers, I had noodle arms.  But, with a 5mm, a hood, booties and gloves I really was not cold.  I did get out to the break and had a some fun rides.  That's really all I needed.  I was just so content taking in the splendor.  

Hoddevik has two farm houses that are converted into surfer hostels.  It's awesome!  The house we stayed in is 50 meters from the ocean and rents you all the gear you need.  So, you suit up at the house and walk on over to the beach.  I will say, the snow was a bit of a fluke.  Even Norwegians were commenting on how early the snow came.  And, of course it's gone now.  But it will return!  We arrived on Friday night by ferry.  Driving to the beach house was insane because of all the new snow and a full moon.  Surreal.  These are some of the international masters guys from NHH, a great group.  And you can see the beach off to the left

the view from our bedroom window

Now I must ready myself for a day full of studying.  Believe it or not most of my lectures have ended and I am done with finals and heading home to San Diego in just under 5 weeks.   The semester has flown by and I'm really enjoying my time in Norway.  

Hugs and Happy Friday,

lisa liv

PS. this is the refrigerator at Hoddevik.... priceless :)

Det snør! It's snowing! Pretty wild for me. I've spent a week here and there in snow but I've never LIVED in a place it snows. It's truly my little winter wonderland....

I must admit, I just received my USC Alumni Association monthly email with a link to the flikr photo page. Scanning thought the photos (mostly SC send-off photos) I had this momentary 'goodness, how did I end up here?!' All these 'kids' in flip flops and sunny smiles with the SC band surrounding them. Cardinal and gold lit up by sunny days, green trees and blue water (it's SC folks.. these events are always in some fabulous outdoor location) It made me miss the fall in southern California a little bit... cool crisp air (but not too cool), clear blue skies, college football and the descent into the holiday season *sigh*..... But, fear not, this is not a sign of building homesickness. More of an appreciation of all I've had in my life and continue to have in life. Admittedly, I'm a little out of whack with this weather... shouldn't we be cooking turkeys and singing Christmas carols right about now? Oh... ops... we haven't even donned our best witch or pirate costume yet : /

Believe it or not, I’m done with the semester in just over a month. Wow! My last final, Petroleum Economics, is on Thanksgiving of all days- Nov 25th. I’m heading home to San Diego on Dec 8th so start looking for my smiling face (trust me, the grin will be from ear to ear I’ll be so happy to see my SD peeps!) around that time.

A few highlights from the past few weeks- my friends Bea, Max, Mike, Valeria and I did the ‘7 fjellstour,’ the ‘7 mountain tour’ a couple of weekends ago. It’s about 30 kilometers and 2300 meters cumulative up. An amazing day but very hard physically. Bea, Max and I finished just as the sun went down. A fabulous memory from my first semester in Bergen (and something not many people do…. quite a feather in our cap!)




And then there were 3







we did it!











Last weekend I was able to go to Trondheim as a representative for the international masters students here at NHH. It was a lot of meetings but it was also a chance for me to get to the city where the whole Olson family journey started. My great grandfather left Norway in 1866 on a sail boat bound for Canada (and then on to the states) with his mother, Ane, and siblings. What a strong woman! They sailed from Trondheim so it’s been a city of particular interest to me. Just the Friday morning bus ride from the airport to the city center was special- farmland running into the sea, mountains, trees, early morning fog- magical for me. I was able to sneak out of the meeting for a little on Saturday and go to the church which is the main thing to see in Trondheim. As a sight to see, it’s fantastic. But, for me it was overwhelming. As I surveyed the stones and old organ I was hit by this powerful sense of my history, my past. I was in a building my ancestors might have visited before they left. Am I standing where they stood so long ago?



I often joke Ane is probably rolling in her grave yelling to me ‘I worked so hard to leave, why are you back?!’ Yes dear great great-grandmother, you left a poor and declining land. But, things are very nice here for the time being. Who knows how the country will fair when the oil runs out. But, for the time being, Norway is taking care of its people and it's a land full of kind folks. It’s quite special to be back, and quite a pleasure with the comforts of fleece and polar-tec.

hugs from the snø, lisa liv

happy hiker!

PS, I know a lot of my pictures are from hiking... but it's so beautiful here I can't help but post them!  I will post some pictures from Trondheim and snow and other random things :)

Hello hello from the computer lab on the 3rd floor of NHH's main building.  It's about 8:45pm and I'm taking a little study/work break.  I have no pics to post but I'm purposfully posting to share some of my 'real life'.  Oh yes, it's fun to post pretty pictures and tell of all the fabulous adventures I'm having in Norway.  And they are great, they really are!  But, on a weekly basis, and specifically the last few weeks, I've been exploring the very exotic and exciting computer lab getting lost amongst the rows of PCs and meandering through the world wide web.  Fortunately, there's uaually a good group of companions for the journey making the lost and wandering hours not so lonesome and the victorious hours more celebratory.  When that AMPL file runs with no errors, you all want to shout 'eurika'!

Back to work.  Would anyone like to share their thoughts on the Elspot hourly energy trading market of northern Europe?  I'm all ears :)

hugs, lisa

Work, work and worked.

Dear blog readers, I am alive and well!  My absence is due to school finally kicking in and kicking my tosh.  In a good way.  While I’ve never spent so many hours in the computer lab at any school, I’ve also never been so interested and stimulated by studying and learning.  I’ve now calculated the remaining oil shelf life for Norway (somewhere around 20 years), run optimization models for the oil refining process, written on the electricity involved in water processing, transporting and heating in CA (and, by the way- this accounts for 20 percent of the states electricity use and 30 percent of natural gas use..  wowza), looked into the effectiveness of green certificates, and learned to snakker (speak) me some Norsk. 

I feel fortunate to have some great new friends from around the world.  Makes spending hours upon hours in the lab much more enjoyable and conversation around the dinner table (or wandering home from the bar) rich and diverse.

I’m currently sitting on the floor in ‘klubben,’ the on campus club/bar. (yes, the infamous ‘computer lab’ I refer to above and am sure I will continue to reference is 3 floors above me).  Bless the Norwegians, studying and drinking beer all in the same facility.  Very efficient.  So why I am I sitting on a beer covered floor?  We are queuing, (fancy way of saying waiting in line my American friends!).  This Friday evening is elections for the school council and, apparently, the party of the year (I feel like they say this about all parties).  Some of my friends and I decided we would finally queue for a ticket to one of these so called ‘best’ parties of the year.  Our reward for all the lab time. 

As mentioned, the recent weeks have been filled with school-work.  But, below are a few highlights non school related… 

Dad visited!  So great to have him see my ‘life’ in Bergen.  Though, it rained the whole time (I suppose he did get to see the ‘real’ Bergen)

Sharing some Rommegrot in the school cantine

MEBA, the council representing the International Masters student programs put together a social even for us on the coast, 'Snacks by the Sea' (ps. I was elected to the MEBA council as the Communication and IT chair)

With Bea and Vale

MatFest!  A weekend long food fest along Bryggen.