Hi All,

Hmm...I think I need to work on my photography skills (the view looked much more impressive when our the apartment owner sent us pics). This is a panoramic view from the balcony of our apartment and you can see the University in the background.

Bill bought a one month bus today for 760 NOK--over $100.00! I bought about 600 NOK of groceries, misjudging what Walter and I could carry. An intercity bus took pity on us and let us get off at the University where Walter ran up the ridge to get dad who ran down to help us with groceries. I feel better though with a stocked fridge.

I have been meeting my colleagues slowly...a gregarious 60 something professor in the English department told me about his Scottish uncle Patterson, who was mad as a hatter, went on a crazy driving escapade in London to get on the dole, but was the best uncle ever.

Went to an orientation session for international students where they cautioned us not to get lulled by the beautiful weather but to prepare for mørketid or the dark time by buying reflectors for our clothing, getting plenty of exercise, and watching for signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

There are no drinking fountains in Norway..."The water is safe here. We drink from the tap."

Every time I ask where the restroom is, Norwegians think I'm asking for a restaurant...so now I ask for the bathroom and then they look at me like why would I want to take a shower in the humanities building. ....I can't bring myself to ask for the toilet.

Bill and I are going to enroll in Norwegian classes next week!

Cheers,

Martha