First Impressions

What is it like to move a family to a foreign country?  Almost as bad as getting divorced.  Seriously though, it has been a roller coaster ride of logistics, apprehension, and saying goodbye mixed with a vague sense of excitement for the future.  The girls and I worked our tails off in the final hours packing, cleaning, getting the house ready for our renters and putting our many affairs in order.   Somehow it all came together in the 11th hour or in Norway they would likely say the 23rd hour.  We are grateful to all of our friends who helped with dinners, wine, packing, fixing, moving, storing, and the many words of encouragement.  Make no mistake, we will be happy to see you all again in summer 2012 Rhode Island or sooner if you can visit.

One of the reasons I chose Norway was the sense of culture similar to Denmark, my work colleagues at NTNU, good schools, and the rule of law.  Having traveled a bit around the world, and having lived in Miami where the power went out nearly every day, I really wanted to feel safe and secure in our new home and know that I was actually renting a "real" house and car with electricity and modern facilities.  The girls almost believed me when I said that we would have an outhouse and have to bring in water from a well for our morning baths.  Turns out we have a beautiful home up on the hill above Trondheim with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and even a treehouse.  The girls each have their own rooms all lined in light wood paneling and very scandinavian in furniture design.

Aside from finding the house, getting inside and unpacking, we have also made a trip into town to get bus passes for the girls' school, the Birralee International School,  and to purchase cell phones.  Again with the rule of law thing, but the  Norwegians won't give you a cell phone contract unless you have a resident number (which I don't have yet) or can prove that you are renting a house and are employed.  All towns today apparently have McDonalds, not that we would eat there.  We enjoy a nice Norwegian pølse, that's a hot dog, or a sandwich with skinke and ost (ham and cheese). 

Well we have to head out to the great outdoors today and see some nature and all of that.  As the saying goes, when in Trondheim...