Operas to Ice Bars

Jens made us breakfast this morning, trying to offer us all sort of Norwegian food. He had bread for us to spread with raspberry jelly, Nugatti - similar to Nutella, and a couple cans of stuff that smelled and looked like cat food. One was liver and the other was Mackerel - a type of fish. We also had flat sunflower seed cracker type things with cheese - something I remember having in Finland. 


After breakfast we caught the tram to the Opera - one of the most well know architectural buildings in Oslo. Adam and I kept thinking Jens said it was an Oprah house and were very confused why she would have anything in Norway! The architecture of the opera allows you to climb up a slant to the top for a great view of the city. It was so windy up there! 

The Opera

Walking up the slope

Hanging with Jens at the top

After the opera we met up with Mads after he spent the morning with his mom and walked over to the fortress, which Jens told use had never been conquered. 

Next stop was a hand statue Adam had heard was supposed to be a must see. It ended up being way smaller than expected, but it sure was fun making fun of Adam for thinking it was this great giant statue. 

Next we walked through downtown past the Parliament building to the Palace in hopes to catch their changing of the guards. We stopped at a convenience store first and were given two free ice cream cones on the street right outside! Loving the free stuff when we're such a tight budget. Mads had us try Solo - a Norwegian drink similar to Fanta but with more orange taste - that apparently is in the process of being introduced into the United States. Once we reached the palace we were lucky enough to be just in time for the changing of the guards. We didn't see much action, but we enjoyed seeing the differences between London's and Oslo's traditional outfits. 

Jens had a big exam the nest day so he let Mads take us to our next destination - the large and famous Norwegian ski jump. Beautiful train ride up to the jump and a breathtaking view of the city. They had just hosted the world cup at the jump so the stands around it were in great condition. A lot of construction was going on but we still wandered around to find picturesque views of the city. We also took pictures next to a random troll we found among the trees.

Holmenkollen

We spent about an hour there before heading down and meeting Jens at his school for a quick tour while Adam and Jens rated the girls. We decided to take a break and eat at Jens' parent's house for supper. We took a bus up one of the largest hills in Oslo and walked through a futbol park - that hosts the biggest futbol tournament in the world - according to Jens - to get to his house. He told us that unlike Iowa, Norwegians tend to keep to themselves so he didn't any of his neighbors. Jens' house was clean and modern and had amazing paintings by local artists. His parents were incredibly hospitable and communicated in good English. They had dinner ready shortly after we arrived so I didn't have long to take in their amazing view. For dinner, Jens' mom Anna Maria made us potatoes and meatballs and gravy with purple sauerkraut and a cranberry like sauce for the side, as well as delicious sweet pickles I devoured. We chatted about college, our future plans, life in the states, and where Jens' dad, Stein, had traveled. For dessert we had delicious tortilla like pastries with something sugary inside - similar tasting to a doughnut but a million times better. She also served us ice cream and strawberries. We owe her a huge thank you for such amazing food! Jens' parents then went back into the kitchen to smoke cigars while we hung out, too full to move. Shortly after we said our thanks and good byes and took one last look at the amazing view.

On our way to our next stop we passed an exercise group - the "green people" - with an instructor that pushed everyone to their limit. 'Green exercise' is the term used to describe getting active while simultaneously being exposed to or interacting with nature. Once back in the city we went to visit one of the oldest building in Norway, Old Aker Church. It is believed to have been erected by king Olav Kyrre in 1080 as a church for all of Vingulmark. 

After the church we walked through a park and then back to Jens' place where we had a quick rest before heading over the an ice bar. I was a lot bigger and more intricate than the one I went to in Finland! We got a free drink out of ice cups and spent about 45 minutes in there - we left a tad earlier than allowed because the terrible gloves were making our hands too cold. 

Too bad it was frozen into the wall

Since Jens had his big exam in the morning we headed back to his place. On the way we said good bye to Mads at the train station and then picked up some Norwegian candy. Got my favorite - Daim - and Jens gave us an assortment of some of his favorites. Most were the black liquorice they love over here that I can't stand so I stuck with my Daim.

Saying goodbye after too quick of a visit