FINALLY, the day has come to which I can visit Norway after years of fantasizing and planning. I'm on the train to Frederickshavn connecting from Aalborg, Denmark. So far it's a beautiful sunny morning and I hope it will be in Oslo as well. I'm happy to be leaving, the time has come but I will certainly miss Denmark.
I made it to Frederickshavn without a problem and also to the Stenaline ferry - Wow, this ship is HUGE. I didn't think it would be this big inside. I'm chillin' in the cafeteria, a perfume/cosmetic superstore is behind me and grocery store is in front of me.
The time is 2pm and an announcement has just been made saying that the ferry wouldn't be arriving to Oslo until 8pm. So not to sound like an ingrate or anything but I don't know which is more annoying, a 10-11 hour boat ride or a boat ride with thousands of running, screaming children. This ferry has 5 children for every single adult, I can't stand it. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I'm having lunch now, salmon w/ rye bread, delicious Kopparberg pear cider, and sour gummies. I feel like a real viking now.
I found a warm spot outside on the deck, in the sun, one of the few times when I like direct sunlight shining on me. It's so peaceful sitting out here by myself away from everyone inside the ship, watching the water, the scattered but surreal clouds on the horizon, listening to indian temple music, I think about my family and friends from back home. Norway in a few hours :-)
I hope to get out of this trip as much as I put into it. I romanticize about it. Something is calling me, I'm not sure what but I've answered it. For the sake and lively hood of my creative en devours, my passions and soul, I am as open and receptive as I'll ever be. If I don't meet Ulver, that's fine. On the other hand, if I do meet them, well, I don't know..I'd die I think. They are my #1.
I'm here to awaken my soul, I've been not so good to myself, destructive even, ignoring my practice. I don't want to waste it all away, I want to bounce back and create music as powerful as my idols. Maybe I want to move to Europe, perhaps I'd like to start school again, who knows what will happen but I've already made my goals a reality, and now I see it. I think I have the strong will and the experience to set things right and to start a successful career for myself, all I need is worldly knowledge.
The sunset was mesmerizing as we pulled into the Oslo Fjord, I took many photos. Only 30 minutes left until we dock. I really can't take the throngs families here on this ship, there is a bazillion kids on this boat and they're all obnoxious and annoying. I'm concerned about my lodging tonight, I'm so very tired and unsure about the best accommodation for the price.
Well I finally made it ! took forever to get out those doors but once I did I made haste towards the inner city and looked around for a hotel that looked somewhat budget friendly. I chose SentrumPensjonat which seems to be the cheapest out of everything else here in this town. It's like a rickety old mansion house, kinda creepy and cold. But I like it here, it has a lot of character.
I took a quick walk up through Karl Johanns Gate, up to where the Slottet stands and walked back down again, noticing the nightlife and the people, this town really reminds me of Boston at night. It's premature to say this but I think I could handle this city, get a great job and go from there. I would earn enough money that would easily be 2 or 3 times worth more than American money. If I could just get the balance right between music, bartending and school, that'd be perfect. Three times a charm for school, I might be able to finish this time, and I would love to be taught some real formal lessons in Norwegian language so I can be as fluent as the locals.
Well I think it's time for bed now, I check out at 12pm. I got much to do tomorrow and plenty of places to see, gotta check out those viking ships!!
ta ta !
