Danish Festing and Feasting

Denmark for the holidays was a time for family and feasting.    We had lots of wonderful dinners, snaps, and lots of fun with the large family.  We had 35 people for Christmas luncheon on 26 Dec. 

COPEHNHAGEN:  Tivoli, mermaids, shopping, food

ODENSE - great food, hay roofs, horses, and Hans Christian Andersens house

Sus and Bent -- masters of the kitchen

With Moster Kisser, Tina and families in Tivoli

With mormor

Ida with the youngest member of the family Fenja

With Moster Christina and thatched roof

Melita in Odense

my danish cousins

Very excited by Han Christian Andersen's house

 Christmas luncheon -- skål with snaps

Happy Winter Solstice!

The solstice has arrived and we aren't completely insane...at least we seem as "normal" as ever.   The sun rises around 10:30 am and sets around 2:30 pm (14.30).   The sky colors are fabulous with lots of oranges and purples (taken at 14.30 today).  I even saw a rainbow today. 

Solstice in Trondheim glowing orange and purple



Our house and Christmas tree



On a challenging note, we spent the evening at the hospital with my mother who managed to catch lung infection/pneumonia here in Trondheim.  Please send Tove lots of love, healing thoughts and energy! She seems to be responding to antibiotics and will hopefully make it to Copenhagen on our flight tonight without too much distress.  The whole Danish family is waiting for us with limousine service to escort mom and dad to Odense.  The girls and I will stay in Copenhagen for two nights, see my moster Kisser, cousin Tina and her children, visit Tivoli, and pick up my sister Christina on 24th before we head west to join the rest of the family for Christmas.



Regarding socialized medicine, the doctors and nurses were very friendly and helpful, and even good looking, which is particularly good for Tove ;-)  The visit only cost us roughly $60 -- the wonders of socialized medicine.   Parking costs nearly as much as the hospital though.  I'm assuming they want you to bike to the hospital  with your spike tires, like the average Trondheimer does throughout winter.



God Bless Us -- All of Us



Before Tove fell ill, we managed to make it to the girl's Christmas parties and I attach some video and photos of their fabulous acting/singing skills.  This was actually their first play with speaking parts and they both did really well.  Melita had only a few lines as Tiny Tim, as one of the tallest people in her class, which culminated with "God Bless Us." Indeed!  Annaliese had many lines as narrator, fairy godmother, and evil stepsister in a retelling of Cinderella where she chooses a humble jam maker instead of the vain prince and lives happily ever after.  All provided good fun and holiday cheer.



One of the most beautiful Norwegian Christmas songs:  Se Ilden Lyse.

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 Finally, I leave you of a photo of mom and dad with Kjell and Unni, long standing friends of my parents from Minnesota who now live in Trondheim.  Lots of stories and past memories were shared.



Mom and Dad with Unni and Kjell Hagemark-- trust me they go way back



Well,that's all the news that is fit to print.  Merry Christmas, stay tuned.  Trondheim has a very famous boy's choir the Nidarosdomens Guttekor.  We saw their holiday concert at the cathedral and it was powerful!  Check them out on youtube.

New Arrivals, New Activities

Mormor and Morfar have arrived all the way from Minnesota -- what a lovely treat.  They are just in time for Christmas concerts and to see Trondheim decked in winter white.  With their jet lag, they only have1-2 hours to actually "see" nature.  I tell them "yes, we have to get outside, the sun is out." Dad argues that in fact he hasn't seen the actual sun here, but I explain that "the sun is out" means that the sun is above the horizon, whether or not it is obcured by clouds.  

Annaliese cruising in woods

When out skiing in the white snow, everything glows and my eyes see a very bright landscape.  When I take a picture, however, the camera shows twilight and I get surprised.  The human eye with rods and cones processed by the human brain is a much better optical sensor than any of my spectrometers in the lab.  It automatically adjusts  the gain settings to maximize the observed light.  Here are some photos of skiing with Annaliese and some of my healthy outdoorsy  norwegian friends.


Skiing with hearty Norwegians, Heidi, Siv, Erlend, Luiza, and Annaliese

The girls have been busy with their variuos sports.  Melita won her volleyball tournament last weekend (if you can't tell her from all of the other blondes -- she is the tall one, second from the left in the back).  Way to go Nyborg!!  She practices with her team every week and actually thinks exercising that way is really fun.  So, maybe she can try out for WMS Volleyball team when we return. Also, check out her videos on youtube -- she's working towards her goal of earning $1.50 for her first 1000 views (don't worry I won't let her spend it all in one place).

Melita second from left in back row with her Norwegian VBall team

Annaliese is busy with her ski team, but felt a bit overwhelmed this last week now that they are no longer jogging and actually on skiis.  The kids here fly on skiis. Ever competitive, she was not happy be the slow one out there.  But, within 1-2 months, she will be cruising with the rest of them.   They alternate skate skiing and traditional track skiing every week.    I show a picture of a Norwegian daycare, with the cutest little tots that hang out in the woods (and note their tiny skiis in the background).  If I reincarnate, I want to come back as a Norwegian toddler in the woods all day :-)



Look Mom no ropes



Better than skiing, however, is rock climbing.  We discovered a bouldering gym nearby.  Annaliese gets to climb with no ropes at all.  Wow, that might be her idea of heaven.

I end with the first shot of Morfar on skiis - a bit shaken but not stirred.  He probably never thought he would get to skiing in Norway again, but has many fond stories.  



Many generations out exploring on skiis.  



Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

The first snow fell last weekend and blanketed the countryside with soft white hues.  Then, it all melted again.  Then it rained. Then it snowed again and bathed the ground in glowing white.  Then it rained.  Then it snowed.  Then it turned to ice.  It's a bit like Rhode Island weather only markedly sloppier.  The incredibly warm Autumn/Winter probably has more to do with my sunny personality than the North Atlantic Oscillation or ENSO cycle.

Apparently, they haven't really mastered the art of plowing here.  In fact, my road, Ovre Sverresborg, is not on the plowing schedule at all.  In the U.S., the plowers get paid by the storm and they start plowing the minute 1 cm (or as the Kansans say - 10 points) of snow falls.  Here, they must get a nice government socialistic salary and have no incentive to move the white stuff around.  My road is filled with ruts and piles of snow in the center.  Good thing I have snow tires and some Minnesota driving experience.  I've made it home ok today, but we'll see in the morning after a long cool night.  I hope the snow lasts this time though...it makes the days brighter.

Today, I went to the woods across the street with Hovland and Siv to chop down the Christmas tree for the marine station.  In the light snow, we sawed the top off of a lovely pine and dragged it down to the water's edge.  In truth, they were much better at sawing than me, but I provided good encouragement.  The Norwegian tradition is to celebrate advent with deep purple candles, tablecloths, and wait until 23 Dec. to put up the Christmas tree.  However, times they are a-changing, trees are lit, and Christmas decorations are everywhere.  I also took advantage of the special moment to cut a small tree for my house, as well.

The girls also got a little sledding in on Sunday.  Here's Annaliese cruising down the hills of Trondheim and the girls with their friend Helena. 

Next, we'll be heading out on skiis.   Stay tuned...

Christmas begins

Happy first day of advent.  The snow is falling lightly and I figured out how to light my wood stove with some store bought fire starters.  Yes, this is contrary to the man on the youtube video who explained how to light wood stoves, but he had identical perfectly shaped kindling and paper spiraled into little balls (seriously).  Fire starters or Tennbrikketer should be considered one of the seven wonders of the world.

Yesterday, we had a little visit back to our Folke Museum for some holiday events.  One of the most enjoyable parts for me was the Norwegian fiddling.  Young people playing by a fire is very inspirational.

The best part for the girls was the gulerotkaker (Carrot cake topped with thick cream cheese frosting...mmm).  Also some lovely thierbolute music, for those of you who recognize the instrument on our wall in the pink room at hoom.  The instrument actually can be played.  If you can ignore the background talking, the music is quite beautiful. 

Maybe I will ask Melita to do some sound editing on it.  She has been actively playing with sound editing lately and making funny sound effects for her video career.  She recently informed me that you get $1.50 for every 1000 views on you tube and seems inspired. If your video becomes an internet phenom, you can make some serious cash. 

I also met a very festive family, the "Nesset" family up on the farm.  I was their only visitor at the time and they fed me Norwegian pancakes and coffee baked over the fire.  As turn of the century farmers, they asked me whether the streets of America were paved with gold.  I told them of course and platinum too.  They have a cousin in Wisconsin, but had heard of the Boston Tea Party ;-)  When asked why I came to Norway, I said I had decided to change careers and become an Olympic skiier.  They sat stunned for a moment and then one came back and said in Norwegian "maybe the special Olympics."....we all had a good laugh.

Fun with the locals

I leave you with some photos of friends from the weekend.

Erlend and Luiza for some turkey leftovers and lots of wine

Rebekah and Oskar at the Folke Museum

 

Are we sham Americans?

Happy Thanksgiving!  I am back from my whirlwind tour of the U.S. and visits with many of you.  My numerous work obligations went well, including the graduation of another student, Kelley, who presented her masters thesis research beautifully.  Night out in Mystic with Christophe, Amelie, Craig.  The Gourmet Goddesses (14 luscious ladies) celebrated my birthday at Jane's  on 11/11/11 with a German Feast. And, I got to see Christina, Peter, Max, and Aaron in NYC for a festive night out on the town.  Christina even made a homemade "puffer" cake.  In Texas, I stayed with Molly and we presented our many compelling results on marine camouflage to the Navy and are hoping for continued funding and some more nights out dancing to live music with rockin' "Team B." Whew!  Thanks to Brad for taking care of the girls in Trondheim during my absence -- they had a blast I'm told.

Back in lovely Trondheim, we are celebrating a quiet Thanksgiving together.  I'm cooking up a storm, only now realizing that my "American" girls have never tried pumpkin pie before.  I feel like sham Americans at best.  They normally opt for the many more compelling options at Heidi and Dan's pie fest (like chocolate bavarian cream) or Teddy's knockout pecan pie.  I brought back some pumpkin filling, ground ginger and cinammon in my enormous bags and a big and small pumpkin pie are now bubbling away in the oven.  I took a leap that "Viking melk" is in fact evaporated milk and that cardamom can mimic cloves.  Keep your fingers crossed because I plan to bring the big pie to work with me tomorrow, as well as the cranberry relish and leftover turkey and stuffing to share with my Norwegian friends at lunch.

The days are becoming shorter, but filled with colors.   The sunrise starts at 8:40 am and it takes over an hour to rise above the hills.  Just lovely.  It is nearly dark when the girls get out of school.  The photo below shows our house and the girls making toast after school in the twilight.  Think of us  this Thanksgiving up in our cozy house high up in the hills of Trondheim.  We are thankful for the opportunity to be here, make new friends, experience a new culture, and share some of our culture with the people here.  And, maybe even try pumpkin pie for the first time :-)    



The view from office in the morning!

Schooling in Norway

I met with the girl's teachers at school this week and it was eye opening.  The girls are both failing every subject, except English, and are very disruptive in class with their loud outbursts.   haha... They both scored well beyond their age in the British Assessment tests and seem to like their classmates and teachers.  The only request from both teachers was that they raise their hands and contribute more in class.  Someday they will overcome the shyness gene -- just maybe. 

Norwegian schools are quite different in atmosphere from American schools.  The kids are louder and the classes are much less strict.  Annaliese said:  "If kids did what they did today in D and T at home, they would have been sent to the principals. They were running down the hall splashing paint on each other."  I'm told that Birralee International School is more strict than the average Norwegian primary school where the kids call their teachers by first name. Also, public schools get out at a different time everyday and two days a week at 12:30 pm, whereas Birralee gets out at 2:30 pm everyday. 

The curriculum is a bit different here and they seem to foster more creativity and personal expression.  D and T stands for Design and Technology.  Yes, Ikea and the growth of Scandinavian design is not a mere coincidence.   The kids learn how to design from an early age.  Melita's class is working on making scale drawings and how to design an ergnomic kitchen. Annaliese recently built a bridge with paper triangles.  They also have religion class.  Melita's class is currently learning about Hinduism (one girl is Hindu) and Annaliese's class about  Islamism (four kids are Islamic).

Annaliese's favorite subject so far has been social studies when she learned about the Vikings.  She learned such facts as: "Karls or jarls met regularly in a Thing to settle disputes, make laws, and punish crime. All Viking ships had square sails and a steering oar in the back." Annaliese also likes science where they recently built and launched a hot air balloon that burned in flight.  Nice!  There aren't many museums with Viking artifacts here in Trondheim which focus on the later "Christianized" Norway (remember St. Olav and the Stav churches), but maybe we will try to visit some Viking museums in Denmark.  I remember visiting the Vikingeskibsmuseet in Roskilde when I was a girl and enjoyed seeing the old Viking ships.

Melita also likes science and recently finished a science fair project on worms.  "I'm writing this as a victim of wormophobia.  Worms scare me, but my science project is actually interesting.  I'm trying to figure out if the rings on a worm have anything  to do with the length of a worm. "  She  collected data where she actually had to count rings on worms and made a regression plot of length versus rings.  No significance testing on her data though -- maybe next year.  She admits that she could have been more accurate in her counting, but I'm just impressed she touched a worm.

They also have Norwegian classes and learned to say "twenty seven," which is "tjuesyv."  I can't even say it with or without spitting, but Melita's accent is very good.  The kids are mostly trilingual in class with first languages ranging from Indonesian to Russian. 

From recent party at our house with 21 people

They had a Harvest Festival here last month which resembles Thanksgiving.  Melita wrote the following poem, which she read for the school assembly.

Be thankful for the food we eat
Not everyone can afford a treat
Some people live in poverty
because of business robbery.
Even if you're depressed,
you still have the very best.
Be grateful for what you're given
because to some that would make life worth living
On Harvest Day we celebrate
the food and goodness we appreciate.

Halloween Party

The fates smiled upon us and costumes and cupcakes were ready in time for the Birralee School Parade and Party today.   With a painted wig, makeup, and lots of accessories, Annaliese was transformed into "Draculara" of the Monster Girls.

Melita, nearly a head taller than the other girls and looking a bit too barbie-like, was transformed in Malibu Barbie with a  poodle purse.    Pretty certain that I won't switch to become a red-head though.

Norwegians have only recently started celebrating Halloween.  They have some common misconceptions about the holiday. 

1) They think costumes must be scary.  When I explain that most young girls come as fairies and princesses and most boys are superheros, they look genuinely surprised.  They think a costume must be ghosts, skeletons, devils, vampires, and lots of blood and gore, which is all good in my opinion -- the scarier the better.

2) The candy they sell is unwrapped in bins like at a candy store with small shovels.  I've been wondering how to serve up loose candy to children. Do I use a spoon?  Do they reach in with their dirty hands?  The logistics baffle me.  I finally asked my coworkers.  Apparently some put the loose hard and soft candy in small bags for kids, but they probably only have a few kids coming around. 

3) In the U.S., Halloween is not considered a religuous event (at least by most) and is celebrated at public schools across the country.  But to the Norwegians, the name "Hallow" seems to imply something more akin to All Saints Day with religious overtones.

4) No pumpkins or scarecrows or corn husks or house decorations to be found.

5) The Norwegians seem afraid of being commercialized by the U.S. and having Halloween really be officially and widely celebrated.  I have two words for them: costumes and candy.  Who can resist?  I further explain that it is also an autumnal celebration with pumpkins, hayrides, corn maizes, and, for us Westerlians, walking our kids around the neighborhood with a wagon full of cold beer.  There's fun for young and old alike.  

Give it a few more years and they will concede.  Loose candy will be a thing of the past, pumpkins will be growing in patches with grazing reindeer, and they will have mini-wrapped bars of "Kvikk Lunsj" (my personal favorite chocolate bar here) specially designed for Halloween giving.  However, I still like the Norwegian sensibility of homemade costumes.  And, everyone can agree on homemade chocolate treats mmmmm

   

Weather, what else?

We're back in lovely Trondheim and it was nice to return "home."  I really think this city is so beautiful.  My friend Rebekah in California has Trondheim weather on her phone and says it always appears to be raining here.  Smile... It was a bit of a wet week here, but the weather can change rapidly and the sun shines bright when it's out.  A few mornings have been raining, hailing when we woke up (dark and damp....brrr...), but the girls say that it has been clear when they go out for their recess.  They have two 30 min. breaks outside rain, snow, hail or shine.  I love that outdoor mentality.   In fact, that was one of the main reasons I moved Annaliese to the Montessori preschool back in Stonington, because they bundled up and played outside all winter long. 

Of course, I love hiking and the girls have been quite indulgent hiking with me on weekends.  Yesterday we took a short walk around the lake and then went to the skistua for a waffle and kannelbolle (cinammon roll) ...mmmm...  Those are melita's new rainboots from Germany, sweet.    Speaking of sweet, I'm pretty sure the concept of treats is the main reason the girls hike with me, but I'm ok with a little bribery.   Maybe one day they will actually enjoy hiking as a recreational activity.  Moreover, we always see the  most beautiful outdoorsy athletic young women on the trails hiking, running, and roller skiing.  Inspirational role models for all of us.  We also like to see the strollers with little babies tucked in for the hike.

In the hills, we found a little snow on the ground (see white in photo to right).   The mountains surrounding Trondheim are white-capped with snow and look really beautiful as well.   This all means that we are headed into Halloween season.  Yes, even though they don't really celebrate Halloween here, they do it anyway.  The school is having costume day and the girls are invited to a party.  We are working on their costumes this weekend.  Melita will be Malibu Barbie and Annaliese is still deciding on her costume.  Suggestions?

I leave you with some photos of Trondheim city, surrounding Trondheim fjord and the ferry boats crossing.   Come spring we will go "island hopping" on ferry's and enjoy the archipelago of islands more dense than anywhere in the world (or so I''m told).

big beer, big preztels, big mountains, and surfers?

We finished our last day in Munich and are getting ready to head back north.  However, I wanted to share a few more highlights from our visit here.

While drinking beer with Laura at the Englishe Garten, a band played German polka music from high up in a chinese tower and the sun shone.  After this shot, I developed severe carpel tunnel from lifting the heavy objects.   Note to all who may enter the bier garten, make sure you stretch those forearms (and the belly) well beforehand.

On the same walk, we stumbled upon the ocean of landlocked Munich and found the spot for the young and agile.  There is a standing wave in the river that surfers are now permitted to exploit.  It look pretty intense and fun to watch.

Then, we capped off our visit with a drive to the lake district, Bad Wiesee ("bod vie-zay") and hiked up a steep mountain to a chalet with food (Leberkase, mmmm) and more bier.  That's Laura's partner Karsten in front of the hütte.

And of course, when we weren't drinking bier, the ladies were sucking down champagne and prosecco in high fashion ;-)

It was BIG FUN!!  Thanks to Laura, Karsten, Isabel, and Christina for an amazing trip.