In the land of Gary Shields

About a week ago, I had the amazing opportunity to go to Oslo for work. I've actually dreamt of going to Norway my whole life. In the third grade, I wrote a report about Norway and once I landed in Oslo, I was surprised about how much I remembered. Most important thing to know about Norway -- fjords! That's it people. Fjords. They rule. Oh, and avoid shrimp and mayonaise sandwiches. They smell terrible.

After three days of working pretty much non-stop at the conference I was in town for, Rebecca and I got to go sightseeing. We spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon wandering the city, shopping and taking breaks in gorgeous little cafes. Before dinner, we sat out at a bar in the harbor, drank wine and enjoyed the view. Then we trekked to an adorable little neighborhood and had tapas for dinner. On Sunday, we took a cruise on the fjord and visited both the Nobel Peace Center and the Munch Museum (The Scream). It was a bit cold and rainy but we still had a great day. Unfortunately, my camera seems to have disappeared so pics from the trip are forthcoming ... once Rebecca gets her film developed (yes, she has a regular, old-fashioned camera and it is lovely).

So after five days, my assessment of Oslo is that it is the northern European equivalent of Madison, Wisconsin. I mean that in a good way. It is quaint. It is beautiful. It is clean. The people are friendly. And you totally feel like you are in the U.S. The only thing separating it from Madison is a lack of bacon, beer and cheese at every turn. Also, I believe that Madison likely has better coffee than Oslo. There really is no excuse for it, but I do not believe that I've ever been consistently served worse coffee than when I was in Oslo. I actually paid for a saucer-sized bowl of coffee at 9 pm that clearly was brewed at 9 am and reheated in the microwave. Disgusting.

I'd love to go back to Norway and see more of the country. I highly recommend it ... very green, lots of water, lovely people.

Next entry ... Mama and Papa Golga in Paris!!!! They are in London as I type this (I believe just back from Bath and Stonehenge)!!!! I'm getting on a train tomorrow morning to meet them in Paris. It is going to be surreal but so much fun.