Norway - Week 1

So far, Norway has been amazing.  We've been here for one week already and it's been great.  And I'd like to think that I'm progressing in learning the language, although I do find myself frustrated at not being able to track conversations when everyone around me is speaking Norwegian.  Right now, we are staying with Hanne's mom in Nes, where she grew up.

Hanne's mom's house.

The Mountain

The Farm

The field.  The grey house is Hanne's brother and family's house.

Yesterday, we went for a hike and roasted hotdogs and marshmallows with Vidar, Elisabeth, Alida, and Noah.

Vidar (brother), Alida, and Noah (niece and nephew)

Alida

Elisabeth (sister) and Noah

Me and Alida

And here's a few more random pics...

Chevy

Hanne, our niece Rikke, and I

the church

the flag

the cold

There's so much more to say about this place.  The people are very friendly, the food is good, and the language is beautiful.  It's been great getting to know Hanne's family and spending time with my new nieces and nephews...they are extremely special and I can't wait to spend more time with them.  

I'm basically on sensory overload right now and trying to enjoy my new surroundings.  Toward the end of this week we will be traveling south to our new home in Hedalen, which is a community northwest of Oslo.  Hanne starts work next week and I start language classes.  We are currently in the process of applying for permission for me to work so hopefully there will be a quick turnaround on that so that I can work soon.  

More to come next week.