Hey again everyone! I’ve originally posted this (https://www.reddit.com/r/Norway/s/rFUSrIKv1O) here where I talked a little bit about the up and downs of living out here in Norway during a semester abroad. Some of you enjoyed the read so I thought a little update was in order since I am nearing the end of the semester with about 1-2 weeks to go before I leave Norway again.

My impressions over the last few weeks have shifted a bit, the days became shorter, it’s a lot colder now and my social life is scarcer than ever before. No more hiking, no more camping and a lot of studying. Somewhat of a winter depression has set in but it’s manageable. At this point I am both happy to be able to go home, to kiss my fiancée, cuddle my dog and celebrate christmas with my family but I’m also melancholic about leaving. Not my little student-room, or the dusty floors that for some reason never stay clean, but this country that has taught me more about myself than I could’ve imagined. So, off with the poeticism and on with the updates that some of you might be interested in!

1) Exams Exams were actually somewhat enjoyable, at home exam season is this eternal week long suffering, all professors are in a bad mood, the rules are very strict (you can’t go to the bathroom unless a overseer accompanies you, etc.) and the general tone is quite depressing. Here all the professors were in a remarkably good mood, they were helpful and even lend me a pen when I forgot mine! So that’s a great change of pace!

2) Winter It is cold. I’ve had cold winters before and I’m sure for all of you this is nothing but it feels so cold to me already, I don’t know if it’s the early morning trainings or the sun going down so soon but this feels different to me.

3) Food update I ate reindeer hot dog with some kind of berry sauce after a long run the other day and had a great chat with the server. It was the perfect thing after running outside for a prolonged time at -7 degrees and with only shorts on! The guy even told me I was more viking than him for sticking to the shorts, which honestly made my day and was kinda funny. Jokes on me though, I’m currently missing out on training after catching a cold 🤣 In other food news, I love these Kinder Santa Clauses and bought 4 of them to snack in bed yesterday (not the healthiest decision or my life) and ended up spending around 160NOK?! Does anyone know if there are stores that sell these for a better price than that?

I think these were all worthwhile updates! Hope you enjoyed the read and I’ll enjoy my last few weeks here before going back home! If you have any questions, feel free to ask!