Norway - the start

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Finally, I've arrived at the start of my trip. My description of Norway would be ... WHITE. I didn;t see the runway through the fog, then gradually, my first views were white, white snow. The cold is breathtaking, literally and I suffered while walking around yesterday. Today, I'll be wearing nearly all my clothes. It's only around 4 degrees but there's an icy breeze. I don't know how people cope in -22 degrees in Russia and Canada. Crazy!!!

Oslo is a beautiful, friendly place. I'm headed to some of the favourite tourist spots today - walk on the Opera house, the National Gallery to see Edvard Munch's "Scream" and obviously the Nobel Centre. I'm not sure if I'll fit in a Norwegian boat or Kon-Tiki museum. I've got to leave for the main meeting at 4ish.

Found another person going to the PPD too. She was waiting at the airport for a pick-up, got hold of the hotel who put her through to me. Luckily, my broken french worked to get her here and today we'll head out to the conference hotel together.

Truthfully, not missing the cellphone at all! Not missing the work. But missing my siste's birthday braai in25 degree weather. Aargh!

Cheers

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Comments

[Kerry]

Enjoy
Hey Nix, glad to hear you've arrived safely, I'm glad I'm not you - I DON'T do cold :-) Hope you get to see the Northern Lights while you're there. My dad saw them and says it is an amazing sight to see. Glad for the blog, will be great to keep up with what is happening. Enjoy Kez

[Tracy]

Hi my friend So glad you are there safely and that this exciting year has begun. Also super excited that its the start of the countdown until you arrive on our doorstep ;-) On second thoughts I think you should definately plan on being here October/ November time, if 4' is having you wear all your clothes, then January's sub zero temps with seriously negative wind chills is not going to be for you :-) Have fun, looking forward to lots of travel updates. When do you get to Pakistan? Going to keep my eyes out for you on skype. Lots of love Tracy

[BG]

Hi Nikki Good to hear you have arrived safely at your first destination! Can't belive you are actually off on your adventures... we will miss yu and glad u have the blog up and running. take care of yourself in all that snow. Tons of love from us all.

[Robyn]

Missing you
Sp pleased that you have arrived safely and I'm not surprised that you've already got a touring buddy. We all missed you at the braai yesterday. I'm going to miss you so much during this year, so are the girls. Love R

[Jeanne]

Glad you're safe
Hey Glad to hear you made it!!! Even if your summer was cut short. I hope you took your camera with a memory card or two with lots of space! Sterkte en ek hoop jy kry nie te koud nie ;-) J

[Christina Spot]

Hellooo
Oooh that sounds chilly. Walking "on" the Opera house will certainly be an interesting experience;) Enjoy the sight seeing and the briefing - what an awesome new adventure. love C

[Katy Schlebusch]

what fun!
Hey there Nix It sounds like your adventure has started with a bang and a shiver! I HATE the cold, so can't imagine how I'd cope there. Didn't know you had the secret skill of French :-) Was the Scream worth seeing - I think that painting is amazing. Keep us posted and enjoy Kt

[Nic]

Awesome stuff
Looking froward to hearing more, fellow traveller

[Rorie McCall-Tomlinson]

Hello from sunny Cape Town!
Hi Nikki, It's such a pity you're not here in Cape Town! I'm here for two weeks as my Nana passed away, so it's such a pity you're not here... However I do understand you can't wait in CT for the rest of your life awaiting my return so all is forgiven! The start of your travels sound like fun and do keep us updated.... We've just had a new tenant move into our house and weirdly he's an MSF Doctor. From the sounds of things he works for them fulltime. He's been in Bolivia for the last 3 years and is now here although can't really commit to any sort of long lease as he never knows when he's going to be posted elsewhere. I think his wife is hoping they'll be here for a good while! Take care! Rorie