No(r) way! You've got to be kidding me!

Whew!  What a relief! I ended up staying in the hostel in Oslo one more night to I could relax, shower again, calm down a little and hang out with some travelers. 

The funny thing about Oslo is there are so many people trying to immigrate.  It must be very hard trying to move to a country that is SO EXPENSIVE! The US dollar is alright compared to NOK but everything is expensive even in NOK.  I personally picked up the vibe about being very conscience about what you spend your money on there.  Maybe it was just me though. 

Anyhow, there were a couple cool people living at the hostel while looking for jobs and housing. None of them seemed to know exactly how they ended up there but were determined to make things work out. I tip my hat to them!

Beside that there isn't much else to say. Here are some photos from my last couple days in Oslo.

A normal sandwich in Oslo and house roasted coffee.  My absolute favorite place in town, "Gründerløkka".

Come here kitty, kitty! - I was later told that this is the square you used to go to get drugs.  Good one!

I *had* to visit the Opera house! So what if it was 4 am!

Sunrise on the Opera House roof with a cool German and this Seagull we called "Paul".

After watching the sun come up I went to sleep and shower.  Then, off to Gründerløkka one more time for a $26 sandwich and coffee from another planet! ... and the train to Tønsberg! Woohooo! 

I was very excited to visit Tønsberg. Looking at the map it seemed to be a little fishing type town right along the coast which happens to also be the oldest town in Norway. A sweet change from Oslo. Hehe! 

These are from Tønsberg:

Hehe! "Farts" Hehe!

My new, cool, cozy residence! :)

Adventure I: 

The second day/night we went skating and biking with Clara, the "nanny dog".

It's that-a-way!  ^, >  I had never actually seen one of these.

Adventure II:

Chanel art exhibition about northern women at Verdens Ende

It's a bird! It's a plane! ... It's a flying banana.

Drinking viking juice,  (Mjød, made from honey) at sunset at Verdens ende (the world's end).

Golden Holga @ Verdens ende! - Thinking of my brother Timmy!

How did I not know this was a BLUE moon at the time?!

Pretty freaking spectacular considering!!!

No one else was even shooting this. I feel blessed and astonished!

Adventure III:

Tonsberg Festning (fortress)!  It was built in 871 and resisted attacks from the Danish and 1,000 Norwegian soldiers. Neat-o!

It was quite windy. Good experience!

Opening the door to the Fortress' church!

Grass roofs! Nice! - It's still a restaurant in the summer time. I missed it! :/

I decided to paint some one else's sketch.  This is the first layer. We'll see what it looks like when it's done.

Yum yum, cheesecake! - From Jordbærpikene cafe (the strawberry girl)

So I guess you guys can see I've been relaxing and enjoying the nature here in Tønsberg. I quite enjoy it here. I guess I will be staying another seven days to spread some love and laughter.  :)

Then I should be off to Bergen, Norway.....




 For now I'm off to the marina via bicycle!


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Oh yeah!! I almost forgot to give a shout out to all the hits on my site from Russia via some twisted "adult social network". I'm not sure how a link ended up there. I'm slightly disgusted and not available. Hah!

Better than a Rollercoaster!

Sheesh!  This weekend was crazy! Friday was great! (That was my hitchhiking day when everything went super smoothly!)

After meeting up for a beer we went to my new home and cleaned things up a bit.  Me and my new host were expecting two random German girls last minute.  We finished that and I checked in with Gothenburg and LA to let my mommas know I was ok, and obviously, wrote my last post.  You'd think these things go fast but they're actually quite time consuming.  By then the girls were just about to arrive.  They brushed their teeth, crashed, woke up the next morning and split. The next day we went for breakfast at this cool local diner with a neighbor.  It was nice and relaxing.  Plus! They had a "pissior".  I guess I forgot to mention that the bathroom at the place I was staying at was being remodeled.  I was aware of that when I signed up.....

Fast forwarding on: I had a relaxed day and caught up on my sleep then we were supposed to go to a free Manu Chao concert.  That didn't happen because I went to central station by myself then felt very weird as a solo white girl and I had just finished exchanging my cash to NOK.  So, I decided after 30 minutes of walking around looking for wifi to call my host that I would walk back home. I got lost twice. Once in one direction, then I somehow skipped over where I was supposed to be and ended up too far the other direction.  I found myself in this beautiful, steep, hilly, green, flowery park. I climbed to the top where they had a little cafe.  It was there that a random gentleman called Paul asked me for directions. After explaining that I didn't speak Norwegian he explained that he was going to a free concert that *wasn't* the Manu Chao concert.  I asked if it would be rude if I followed, he said no and off we went!

Paul

This concert was in the middle of a community botanical garden where they had freshly picked and squeezed apple juice, soup made from homegrown ingredients, organic "green" coffee, a compost and the bathroom as a pile of dirt.  So, Paul's friends were to play in a hot air balloon and the theme of the concert was "love in the air".  It was SO COOL!

He was a lot of fun!

The making of the soup..

Who thought of that?!  Great idea! (Once they got it figured out.)

Sunday morning was rad too! My host had a date with this sweet girl in the morning.  They came home later, cooked some delish food and practiced their swing. I mean!!!... COME ON!  Who does that?!!  I loved every minute of watching them dance in the living room.  

I can tell she is very incredible.

Sunday night I was supposed to leave Oslo and go dog sit for this random lady on CouchSurfing. Some thing about the way she invited me, or that she didn't use the "CouchRequest" even after I mentioned it, or that she said she was too busy to pick me up from the buss stop after I explained that I had Wally the 50lb backpack with me, or that I missed the buss and she said it was "too late" for her to pick me up, or, or, or...... SOME THING didn't seem right!  I guess when you travel YOU MUST listen to your gut.  I don't know if "she" is up to something weird, like turning little girls into soup or if she is just weird.  After sitting at the bus stop for 2 hours waiting for the next bus I decided I wasn't going to get on it.  Why did she want me to walk all the way to her house, not once but twice? Again, CSers don't act like that in general.  Maybe I'm paranoid but I rather be smart then soup!

It was now 1:00 am, dark and I had been told some weird things about being out at night.  I guess it's like that in any city though.  I saw three girls camping out in the station.  I decided to break the ice by offering them a cigarette which is like GOLD here. $1.00 a cigarette, basically.  We played cards for hours since the security guards wouldn't let us sleep. Let me tell you; they are ON TOP OF THINGS!  I'm sure you can imagine a place like a small terminal that is open all night for one bus. They knew where everyone was and exactly what they were doing. The guards would let everyone else sleep but as soon as the last one (me) tried to go to sleep they would come tell us to sit up. I guess it was for our own good.

This is a very smelly me + wally in the bathroom. Cute eh? - Yes mommie! When I grow up I want to be a bum! 

6 am rolled around, I still hadn't slept. I had no plan, nowhere to go and I hadn't showered in three days. I told myself if I find a hostel I may check in to find friends, a shower, a place to sleep and some comfort. Of course that's what happened.

So here I am! I'm very happy to be clean, safe and alive but emotionally and physically DRAINED!  I kinda feel like "I want my mommie" right now. Ugh!

... at the Hostel using their internet.

I may have a place in Tønsberg tomorrow.  We'll see where the wind blows, who knows!

Heck yes! Two thumbs up!!!

Ma-ma, Pa-pa, Christian and Anna with the mandatory funny party hats!

The last few days in Gothenburg were nothing short of spectacular! "Ma-ma" decided we *must* have a crayfish party, kräftskiva, before I leave since it is that time of year! So an unheard of Wednesday night would do the trick! I think the photos speak for themselves, so that I'll let them do.

There was another plate and other goodies too! Heineken is a must too!

Puss puss! (Kiss kiss)

Crayfish is one of his favorite foods.

Ha! I love candid photos! Ma-ma is so cute!

Thursday "Ma-ma" brought in her home made glogg a Swedish drink they have around Christmas time with peeled almonds and raisins.  Afterall we needed to be prepared to see Veronica Maggio at the Liseberg!  This was a wind "cold" day and glogg was perfect! We missed Veronica, but who cared! It was my last night in town anyway and my "sister" had school in the morning.   (I didn't get a photo of the glogg, sorry.

Here's a photo of jacket shopping instead. I must prepare for colder weather!
Notice there are bathing suits in the background? I guess I'm a California girl after all.
Everyone else still thinks it's pretty warm while I'm buying winter coats.

WELL!!.... Friday was incredible!

The goal today was to find my way out of Gothenburg and somehow end up in Oslo.  I spent the whole night packing and cleaning my cottage.  Just when I thought I was going to be able to fall asleep I realized that my "momma" would be waking up soon for work and I hadn't said "bye".  I popped out of bed and made my last pot of delish "Fagerlund" coffee.  We had a small good-bye fika and nailed out the plans of taking a buss to North-Western Sweden.  From there hitch hiking should have been much easier since it's out of Gothenburg central and a lot of Norwegians go there to buy food and liquor since it's much cheaper in Sweden.

We finished our fika, I showered and through on my old acquaintance the backpack....  Hmmm, Wally. Yes, Wally.  My travel companion should have a name right?

So off we went!  I had planned on taking the buss right around the corner.  Instead, I got a ride from "pa-pa" to the central station.  We had one last cup of (terrible) coffee and I jumped on my buss.  A-las!, Sleepy time! I found the last row of seats in the back of the buss since this one had *three* and Wally and I cuddled the whole way to  Strömstad.

I made sure to wear the fake wedding ring for hitch hiking.

I woke up a bit groggy and confused.  I wasn't sure which way was north or where the freeway was, or where the "toilet" was. I was ready to conquer this day and my fears! I picked up 50lb Wally and headed.... that way.  I figured if I found wifi I could use my phone for a map and figure out where I needed to go. I walked a few hilly blocks and made a left. Yes! A Pressbyan another two blocks down! They always have free wifi! With the help of that and road signs I know new where I was going.  Now, to find a toilet. Sheesh! With Wally it was going to be hard/akward. Just as I was thinking that I looked over my shoulder and there were two ladies heading toward the restroom. I was going to wait for them to come out so it would be free but they couldn't figure out how to get in.  Fem (5) Kronor it was. Naturally I let the older ladies go first. Then I got inside and there was no place to hang Wally.  I guess this means he's not coming off my back.  That was interesting! I'm glad I have mega viking muscles in my legs!

So, off to the freeway *I guess*.  It was so beautiful in Strömstad! There was no rain (thank goodness) only cloudy blue skies, birds, sun and an amazing little fishing town.  I really wish I could have found a babysitter for Wally.  23 kilo is a lot to carry around. Plus, I needed to find a ride before the sun went down.  Off I go!

On the walk to the freeway

I walked a bit then decided to make my sign, attach it to the back of my bag and keep walking.  It was quite hot considering.  So I went to a gas station to buy a map of Norway in case some freak accident happened.  There I sat for a bit with my sign since there was quite a lot of traffic. It seemed like a bad spot after all. Okay, freeway on ramp I go. There an older lady stops me to tell me there is a ferry that will take me to Tonsberg.  The second best destination for only 100 kronor.   Nope! I'm determined!

My first hitch hiking sign!

I continue walking uphill and parallel to the freeway in the direction I want to go.  After walking half a mile or so I find this cute Norwegian girl on a bicycle. I asked her if I was going in the right direction.  She seemed a bit confused but answered, yes, go straight in Norwegian. (I could tell by her body language.)  Then she saw the sign on my backpack and tried once again, a bit harder to give directions. I asked about how far.  She said "not too far about 20 minutes. 20 mins with a big bulky backpack, uphill on a super sunny and quite warm - beautiful day! By this point I was already starting to feel slightly fatigued and I wasn't sure what would happen once I picked up the first ride. I was determined! So, off I go again.  I continued maybe 100 yards before a motorcycle stops.  He looks at me wondering what I'm doing so I stick out my thumb.  He then pulls closer.  He seemed genuinely worried that I needed a ride.  The thing is: I have Wally!! I ask him if he thinks he can fit in on the bike. It seemed impossible.  He seemed to think it was possible.  Then he asked how much it weighed.  50 lbs, about 23 kilo.  Well, that might be too much he replied let down that he couldn't help.  Just another 20 ft there was a van with a guy eating pizza stopped in this little driveway.  The guy approaches that guy next thing I know I have a ride!  The guy on the bike is happy, i'm happy and the guy eating pizza is going to Oslo right now and has to be there by 5pm for school.  How perfect!

My ride was amazing! We talked about Sweden, Norway, the US, food, nature, geography hockey and economics. Since we made good time he was going to drop me off at my destination.... where ever that was! We get into the middle of town where he thinks i'm going.  He asks directions with no luck on where I'm actually supposed to be.  Not even with the help of another girl's iphone. So, he needs to get to school and I don't want to keep him.

Anna requested I grab a photo of him for her curiosity.

I jump out of the van, rearrange my junk and turn the corner. There: is a guy who looks EXACTLY like the person who's place I'm supposed to stay in.  I think to myself, "self: this is too good to be true!" I let my shyness take over and I decide to find wifi so I can call him. A block away I find wifi.  Yes, OF COURSE that was him! I go back and join him and his two friends for a beer and that is how my ride from Gothenburg to Oslo ended. How incredible, RIGHT?! Stay tuned! More to come from Norway soon!

This is where they were walking to when I saw them.  I liked this sign a lot! "They've got... thirsty hitchhikers!"

Rain on my parade?

This might make for an awesome first #hitchhiking experience Friday! I'm glad it doesn't look like the rest of the week though! Fingers crossed!

Maybe I should consider buying some thing to cover my backpack so it doesn't get soaked! 

Wait! Are YOU headed from Gothenburg to Oslo??

To infinity and BEYOND!

My stay in Sweden has been nothing short of incredible!  I have met amazing, diligent, beautiful, open minded, super sweet and caring people here. It took me three whole weeks to find someone who I couldn't get along with in some fashion. I snorkeled with jellyfish, took a "bath" in the harbor in the middle of the night when the clouds are still visible, jogged and swam at Kåsjön fresh water reserve, picked raspberries, boated to the granite islands, rock hopped, danced into the morning, enjoyed a fresh cup of Swedish coffee and mowed a GRAND lawn. I ate: messmör, semla, Swedish meatballs, herbs and vegetables from the garden, lingdon berry, a typical Swedish sandwich, home made kladdkaka and I plan to eat the very seasonally traditional crawfish. I have learned a few cute Swedish inside joke type words, have many stories and a collection of new MUSIC! 

Now I must continue on. School is about to start for my sidekick and "mom-ma" is already back to work. 

It looks like the next step is going to be NORWAY! How? Well, that's the beauty of the next chapter of my journey. I now have one MONTH to get 8 hours away to Stockholm.  The strategy is to plan to leave Gothenburg on Friday August 24th.  Maybe there or before I can find a ride north-ish with out hitch hiking. I have spent WAY too much money here so to buy a bus ride sounds a bit lame when I have so much time to get to the next place. (I have a feeling this is where I learn patience.) I do have a tent and a sleeping bag.  If need be; I will check into my portable tent motel in the forest and use my Swedish "right to roam".  This chapter will be a good one.  I'm sure I will learn a lot.  Part of this chapter will be cutting shampoo out of my routine. After a bit of research I don't think it's necessary.  No, my hair shouldn't be greasy or dirty after a few week adjustment period. This shall be a fun experiment for me! More about that to come later....

So, YES!.. back to the plan. I now have an adventure starting October 1st from Stockholm to Germany with a fellow CouchSurfer.  We're going to do.... something..... for a few days while we get from point A to B. Then, it just so happens that there's this small thing going on... maybe you've heard of it? Oktoberfest?  Nej, I didn't think so.  Well it's supposed to be a good time.  I figured since we'll be in the neighborhood we should check it out.  So that's the agenda so far.  No plans after that, yet.  This chapter is about "one day at a time".

I'm stoked to leave Gothenburg, only because it means I get to experience Norway and the "north".  I want to meet a REAL northern Swede that makes this noise by sucking in air to acknowledge the word "yes".   And yes, there are Eskimos there.  They do kiss with their noses and live in block houses! I CAN'T wait!  

Yeah....... so that's the "plan"! Rad! :) 

I have a new hobby: trying to edit videos when I have no clue how.  Those awesome clips of "living" will be done... some time.  Ah haha!

One more thought!: Please write me a comment with some feedback.  Maybe explain how much this info sucks! Thank you. 

Here are some photos in Gothenburg from my little Hero...   

The real Ikea meatballs!

A special holiday pastry called "Semla" - It was made especially for me!

Chowing down some Semla! - Yum yummers!

Home made kladdkaka. a delish choc cake! - Also my special treat! - Sorry it's so dark.

The "Lion Stairs" on a gorgeous summer night. 4:00 am? Notice it's still light out?

Lion Stairs during the day!

Clouds? Yes, this is cloud heaven!

Ahhh..... it was another gorgeous day! Sunbathing was a must!

My new Norwegian friend!

Crazy, cute Swedes - "brother" and "sister"

Yep, another friend! Sweet pillows too, eh?

Uh oh! That's my "up to no good" face.

So..... What you're saying is, "you've never ridden a frog"?

This is how they greet the sun every morning!

World culture fair

World culture festival

Do you see the guy painting? - This is pretty typical in mid-summer.

Each mailbox has the family name.  So cute! 

The REAL photos will be coming soon!