Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Back from Oslo
Before posting photos and getting into the concert, I have one oddity to point out: Agnostic Front was on our plane to Stavanger. I am not sure how I recognized them, since my tastes lean more toward Springsteen. We were flying Norwegian Air-- a budget carrier where the taxi ride to the airport usually costs more than the airfare. Then again, I would expect nothing more from a bunch of overgrown punks.
Monday, July 07, 2008
The bike route
We took the alternate route rather than the tunnel--- it was actually marked as a bike route.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Turned 40 Today
The subject line says it all. I had a wonderful birthday. It was our quiet day home before heading to Oslo for the Springsteen concert tomorrow. I won't wax philosophical about turning 40, other than to say life just keeps getting better and better. In my life, my 20s were rather lost years, 30s were about meeting my wife and getting married, and 40s look to be all about kids. Anyway, I am in good shape, and 40 is the new 20, or something like that.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Nap duty
Julian is napping, so I am stuck on a sunny terrace. Everyone at this hotel has either young children or is retired. Of course Julian sets the agenda around here.
European vacation
We arrived at our hotel around midnight, which is way beyond Julian's bedtime. We settled in and Julian slept well. This morning we awoke to a beautiful cloudless day. At breakfast I realized there were only foreigners here. By lunch I realized half the people working here were Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish. I took Julian down to the kid pool. The view off in the distance was a bit disorienting. The scrubby hills or mountains looked like the view back home. Of course we don't have quite as many palm trees. In a way i feel like I am living a clichè. On the other hand, there is good reason clichès are what they are. This is a good life. Last comment: this is posted from my phone. True to my word, i did not bring my laptop.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Heading to Mallorca
We leave for Spain today. Somehow I envision that the hotel will be overrun by Norwegians and Swedes, since it is something of a cliche to vacation there. I will be without a laptop--- which is a bit scary, but I really need to unplug for the week. I have been working late with remote meetings almost all week. I deserve a break.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Classy bonfire
There is all sorts of wet wood beneath the classy looking pallets. We were nearly smoked out of the park, until they dumped several liters of gasoline on the mess. Julian had a very fun time. Somehow, it managed not to rain. The sun even made an appearance.
Lucky kid
Lise purchased four lottery tickets from the Lion's Club and won two prizes. This is simply amazing luck. On May 17th I believe we had a hundred losing tickets. Julian picked out a European Championship "football" that was picked up in Austria last week. Lise grabbed a backpack.
Up at the farm
We stopped up at the farm for the midsummer's night activities. "The farm" is a city-run park for kids featuring all sorts of animals, including this rather gaudy peacock.
Crushing mass of humanity
A leftover London photo from my phone. There were people everywhere. The air was as polluted as it is in India.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Gatwick Ordeal
OK, ordeal might be a bit strongly worded, but our return flight from London was delayed by more than two hours last night. As scheduled, we were to arrive back in Stavanger shortly before midnight. As it was, it was after 2am. With such a late arrival, there were no taxis, which resulted in a 40 minute wait. I made it home around 3am. There was a big hole in the clouds, showing a brightly lit sky. I did not sleep well, and what little sleep I managed was interrupted by the garbage truck. I ended up rolling into work around 11am. All in all, I have been lucky with my travels. Still, it is quite bothersome when a one and a half hour flight is delayed by two hours-- and at Gatwich, no less. There was so much construction noise that my ears are still ringing.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
In London
I am back in London for the week. I hate to admit it, but this is a pretty cool city. The hotel I am staying in is over-run by Norwegians and a bus load of Swedes. I found it odd that some of the same passengers (total strangers) on my flight from Stavanger ended up staying at the same hotel. Weird coincidence.
I am amazed at all the commuters on bikes--- and how crazy things are with all the buses and taxis. I will try to take a few photos, but with this work thing, who knows.
I am amazed at all the commuters on bikes--- and how crazy things are with all the buses and taxis. I will try to take a few photos, but with this work thing, who knows.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Shopping
It was quite surreal watching Julian's grocery selection today. Random does not even begin to describe it. Grapes were OK--- he likes grapes. But four bags of mashed potatoes? A pre-mixed salad? Endless bags of peanuts? And worst of all, he kept pulling my beer out of his basket.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, June 09, 2008
Back In Norway
I arrived home mid-day on Saturday--- just in time for our block party. We have very cool neighbors--- most of them, at least. The weather has been excellent; sunny and in the 80s. I am still quite jet-lagged. Traveling east, this means that I am up very late, and have grave difficulties waking at a normal time. I took the day off today and hung out with Julian most of the day. It is very clear that he understands what I say- even if it is in English. When I ask him to do something, he usually does it. We have been living life outdoors this summer. I love it.
Next week I work in London. I am not thrilled about that, but it could be worse. At least I am close to home. The first time I visited, I thought London was one of the coolest cities I have been to. After several trips, my attitude is "not again." I should have a good time, though. We will be with a Argentinian colleague. By default, English will be the primary language.
I have been biking daily, trying to get back in the swing of things. Yesterday I encountered an odd situation. I was biking along the E39 on the way to Figgjo. I believe it may be illegal to bike on the highway there, but I am not sure. I was on a multi-use path when I saw all sorts of mountain bikers. I then noticed they had race numbers on their jerseys. I thought they may have been carried over from the North Sea race which is around this time of the year. These bikers were riding like maniacs-- on a path shared with children, pedestrians, etc. I was caught up in a bunch of them, and as I had to slow due to heavy bike traffic, some bozo passes and almost takes me wheel out. I was a bit angry, so I passed the entire lot of them after we cleared an underpass. It was smooth sailing, biking alone. It wasn't until I hit Figgjo that I noticed it was the Jadarhusrittet. It must be a semi-serious race if it is that easy for me, a non-participant, to pass everyone in sight. I headed the opposite direction of the race course toward Klepp. Had I known there was a race, I would have chosen a different route. It is a wonder someone doesn't get seriously injured on an open course like this.
Next week I work in London. I am not thrilled about that, but it could be worse. At least I am close to home. The first time I visited, I thought London was one of the coolest cities I have been to. After several trips, my attitude is "not again." I should have a good time, though. We will be with a Argentinian colleague. By default, English will be the primary language.
I have been biking daily, trying to get back in the swing of things. Yesterday I encountered an odd situation. I was biking along the E39 on the way to Figgjo. I believe it may be illegal to bike on the highway there, but I am not sure. I was on a multi-use path when I saw all sorts of mountain bikers. I then noticed they had race numbers on their jerseys. I thought they may have been carried over from the North Sea race which is around this time of the year. These bikers were riding like maniacs-- on a path shared with children, pedestrians, etc. I was caught up in a bunch of them, and as I had to slow due to heavy bike traffic, some bozo passes and almost takes me wheel out. I was a bit angry, so I passed the entire lot of them after we cleared an underpass. It was smooth sailing, biking alone. It wasn't until I hit Figgjo that I noticed it was the Jadarhusrittet. It must be a semi-serious race if it is that easy for me, a non-participant, to pass everyone in sight. I headed the opposite direction of the race course toward Klepp. Had I known there was a race, I would have chosen a different route. It is a wonder someone doesn't get seriously injured on an open course like this.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Tourettes
Please don't judge me as being sensational. I really couldn't make this stuff up if I tried, and I was on the phone with an old friend who overheard a portion of the following events. I was waiting at the gate of the Minneapolis airport when I heard a dog barking. I looked around, and noticed it was a man, reading a book, with his head down--- absorbed by the book--- barking. It was a highly realistic bark of a small to midsized dog. I was a bit taken aback. A young girl and her mother were seated directly opposite this character, observing him closely.
The barking occurred several times, although considerable time elapsed between episodes. When it occurred, there was no self-consciousness to it whatsoever. The man acted like it had not even happened.
So here is where the story gets truly bizarre: the man started barking. Immediately behind me, I hear more barking--- this time from a real dog in a carry-on doggy/kennel suitcase. The barking man looked around--- almost offended, as if someone were mocking him. Indeed, it was the real thing this time. Very strange.
In the midst of all of this, I was upgraded to first class. Free.
The barking occurred several times, although considerable time elapsed between episodes. When it occurred, there was no self-consciousness to it whatsoever. The man acted like it had not even happened.
So here is where the story gets truly bizarre: the man started barking. Immediately behind me, I hear more barking--- this time from a real dog in a carry-on doggy/kennel suitcase. The barking man looked around--- almost offended, as if someone were mocking him. Indeed, it was the real thing this time. Very strange.
In the midst of all of this, I was upgraded to first class. Free.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Rochester
My father is fine, as expected. I flew into Minneapolis yesterday evening. The flight was uneventful, other than that someone either shat their pants, or had a bad medical condition involving flatulence. It was an effective appetite suppressant, but it was possibly the most unpleasant environment I have ever flown in. My brother was awesome-- and picked me up at the airport. I made it to Rochester before shuttle would have shown up. Big thanks!
I really don't understand the "Mayo Clinic," since there really isn't much of a Mayo. Rather there are all sorts of medical buildings with different names, different hospitals, etc. I think somehow they are mostly related, and the whole economy seems to be tied to the medical industry. This place is sort of like a tourist trap for sick people.
The hotel I am staying in is like a flashback to India. The proprietors appear to be Indian or Sri Lankan, and the decor is rather Indian. I also feel the heat and humidity of the midwest, which reinforces the effect. I have no complaints. The bed is comfortable, the room is big, and I have payed more for parking in city hotels than the nightly rate here.
I awoke at 4 am and watched TV. There is nothing like jet lag to start the day.
I really don't understand the "Mayo Clinic," since there really isn't much of a Mayo. Rather there are all sorts of medical buildings with different names, different hospitals, etc. I think somehow they are mostly related, and the whole economy seems to be tied to the medical industry. This place is sort of like a tourist trap for sick people.
The hotel I am staying in is like a flashback to India. The proprietors appear to be Indian or Sri Lankan, and the decor is rather Indian. I also feel the heat and humidity of the midwest, which reinforces the effect. I have no complaints. The bed is comfortable, the room is big, and I have payed more for parking in city hotels than the nightly rate here.
I awoke at 4 am and watched TV. There is nothing like jet lag to start the day.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Updates
I have been a bit lazy about posting lately. I attribute it to a few factors. For some reason, my postings drop off before I take a trip. Next week I had back to the US for seven days.
US Trip
My father is receiving a kidney transplant-- from a donor cousin. It is a truly generous gift. From my perspective, it is a pleasant departure from some of the other medical procedures my parents have been through. This is a quality of life improvement, rather than a life-saving operation. In other words, people generally "want" to have a new kidney (more than they want bypass surgery, for example).
Other Travels
I am somewhat apprehensive about my return from the US--- as my visa expires this weekend and there is a huge backlog at UDI. A year ago they very nearly didn't let me board my return flight, since I had no return ticket TO the US. This hiccup was created by the NWA ticketing agent--- not some government official. I believe NWA uses advanced psychological testing to screen for only the meanest, most stubborn individuals.
On a different note, I have heaps of frequent flier miles. I looked paying for an economy ticket, and using my miles for a business class upgrade. The trouble is, this only works for full-fare ticketing-- and full fare costs nearly as much as a cheap business class ticket to begin with (and the flight selection was severely limited for being able to upgrade).
I don't see any way I will make it to India before summer. I have been asked to go to London for the better part of a week in mid-June. A week later we will vacation in Spain, and then it is off to the Bruce Springsteen concert in Oslo, where nearly everyone we know will be (including a few American friends). Julian will stay with his grandparents on Kvitsøy during that trip.
Biking
I cannot remember the last time it rained. Lise informs me that it has been over a month. I have been biking to work daily-- on my fixed gear. I remember when I resurrected it, after nearly abandoning it due to all the hills here. I even tried out a 17T cog to make things easier. After the winter when I was forced to ride fixed while the mountain bike was on the disabled list, I believe I have adapted to the hills quite well. Not only have I been riding the 16T, but I am contemplating using the 15T. I believe the 14T is safe--- I could barely use that in Minnesota.
I took Julian out for a ride in the trailer over the weekend. I am a more confident in the trailer, and went on a longer off-road ride (on gravel--- not single track). Julian slept through the entire ride, which offered quite a workout (1300 feet of elevation, pulling a kid). He didn't look comfortable, but I assume he wouldn't be able to sleep otherwise. The following morning he tried to crawl into the trailer as I was preparing to bike for work. He must enjoy it at least somewhat.
Graduate School
I believe spouses of graduate students should receive an honorary degree. Lise pointed out that I will statistically live longer (since she is smarter). Regardless, she is doing exceptionally well, although we will all be happier when finals are finished. She will be working as a researcher for a summer job.
Julian
One of the perks about graduate school is that I am "forced" to spend more one-on-one time with Julian. He is not yet a year and a half old, and only speaks a few words, and yet is the funnest person to be around. He now takes my hand and tries to lead me wherever he wants to go. He picks out the food he wants. I spend as much time with him outdoors as possible, and am fascinated as I watch him explore the world. It is amazing how interactive someone who is pre-verbal can be. I really hate the thought of leaving him for work travel.
House Painting
It needs to be done this summer. I am dreading it. Enough said.
US Trip
My father is receiving a kidney transplant-- from a donor cousin. It is a truly generous gift. From my perspective, it is a pleasant departure from some of the other medical procedures my parents have been through. This is a quality of life improvement, rather than a life-saving operation. In other words, people generally "want" to have a new kidney (more than they want bypass surgery, for example).
Other Travels
I am somewhat apprehensive about my return from the US--- as my visa expires this weekend and there is a huge backlog at UDI. A year ago they very nearly didn't let me board my return flight, since I had no return ticket TO the US. This hiccup was created by the NWA ticketing agent--- not some government official. I believe NWA uses advanced psychological testing to screen for only the meanest, most stubborn individuals.
On a different note, I have heaps of frequent flier miles. I looked paying for an economy ticket, and using my miles for a business class upgrade. The trouble is, this only works for full-fare ticketing-- and full fare costs nearly as much as a cheap business class ticket to begin with (and the flight selection was severely limited for being able to upgrade).
I don't see any way I will make it to India before summer. I have been asked to go to London for the better part of a week in mid-June. A week later we will vacation in Spain, and then it is off to the Bruce Springsteen concert in Oslo, where nearly everyone we know will be (including a few American friends). Julian will stay with his grandparents on Kvitsøy during that trip.
Biking
I cannot remember the last time it rained. Lise informs me that it has been over a month. I have been biking to work daily-- on my fixed gear. I remember when I resurrected it, after nearly abandoning it due to all the hills here. I even tried out a 17T cog to make things easier. After the winter when I was forced to ride fixed while the mountain bike was on the disabled list, I believe I have adapted to the hills quite well. Not only have I been riding the 16T, but I am contemplating using the 15T. I believe the 14T is safe--- I could barely use that in Minnesota.
I took Julian out for a ride in the trailer over the weekend. I am a more confident in the trailer, and went on a longer off-road ride (on gravel--- not single track). Julian slept through the entire ride, which offered quite a workout (1300 feet of elevation, pulling a kid). He didn't look comfortable, but I assume he wouldn't be able to sleep otherwise. The following morning he tried to crawl into the trailer as I was preparing to bike for work. He must enjoy it at least somewhat.
Graduate School
I believe spouses of graduate students should receive an honorary degree. Lise pointed out that I will statistically live longer (since she is smarter). Regardless, she is doing exceptionally well, although we will all be happier when finals are finished. She will be working as a researcher for a summer job.
Julian
One of the perks about graduate school is that I am "forced" to spend more one-on-one time with Julian. He is not yet a year and a half old, and only speaks a few words, and yet is the funnest person to be around. He now takes my hand and tries to lead me wherever he wants to go. He picks out the food he wants. I spend as much time with him outdoors as possible, and am fascinated as I watch him explore the world. It is amazing how interactive someone who is pre-verbal can be. I really hate the thought of leaving him for work travel.
House Painting
It needs to be done this summer. I am dreading it. Enough said.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
May 17th
We spent the holiday on Kvitsøy, all dressed up. Julian did reasonably well keeping himself clean. He is completely obsessed with balls--- has to sleep with one or two, and won't go anywhere without one. He is not even a year and a half, but I believe he is a budding soccer player.
The weather was relatively clear. We saw a few flurries on TV during the Oslo broadcast. We can still see snow in the mountains off in the distance.
Kvitsøy is a bit more family friendly for the seventeenth. A year ago my parents were visiting, and we watched a seemingly unending parade downtown Stavanger. Here, everyone was actually in the parade-- including us. Julian was not bored in the least.
Julian had a fun time. We changed him into his PJs for the ferry ride home so we could put him to bed as soon as we arrived home. He was practically bouncing off the walls--- too much cake and ice cream. He is finally asleep.
Strange Morning
I woke up to some strange fog Friday morning. It was quite a surreal vision across the fjord. For the most part, we have had nothing but dry weather for well over a week. It has been great for biking. Around Stavanger, May is considered one of the best months.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
A Real Snowblower
(Image swiped from the local paper). As the crow flies, this isn't far from here. This machine with a 400+ hp blower shoots snow 80 meters.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
OK Shape
Most of my riding has consisted of commuting, but I dug out the Look and have taken a few road rides. Over the past few years I set up a baseline time trial-- almost exactly 20 miles with over 1000 feet of elevation gain. Of course wind and traffic can come into play, but for the most part, it ends up being man against gravity. As a former flatlander, I initially reconsidered using a double chain ring, but having ridden fixed so much in these hills, it is now tolerable. The other night I went out and kept my informal TT under 1:15. Not feeling particularly inspired I rode it even faster last night. I might be a few kilos heavier than I want to be, but family definitely comes first. And besides, I am not that far out of shape. A few hill intervals and I could be riding crits---- if we had them around here.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Bike Ride with Julian
The seat is a problem: it is completely unstructured. Julian keeps slumping down. I really don't understand how this is intended to work.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Dugnad
There is a term in Norwegian called "dugnad." I have no idea if I spelled it correctly, but regardless, it means "neighborhood clean-up." It is an annual "event" where a roll-off dumpster magically appears at the end of the street, and several tons of sand are delivered to refill the sandbox/playground area. A neighborhood committee delegates who does what. This year was scheduled the two days preceding Labor Day (a four day weekend for me, this year).
The coolest thing about dugnad is that it is a great way to meet and interact with neighbors we otherwise wouldn't. We are rather plugged in to all the neighbors with young kids--- or young grandkids. Our next door neighbor has a three year old, Guro, who frequently drops by to see Julian. We have adjacent terraces, and she joined Julian for lunch outdoors today. Thinking back, we probably begun our friendship with our next door neighbors during last year's dugnad. Back in Minneapolis, the closest thing we had was following a massive snowfall, when everyone was out in the street digging their cars out. I much prefer meeting people in the spring, under less miserable circumstances.
The coolest thing about dugnad is that it is a great way to meet and interact with neighbors we otherwise wouldn't. We are rather plugged in to all the neighbors with young kids--- or young grandkids. Our next door neighbor has a three year old, Guro, who frequently drops by to see Julian. We have adjacent terraces, and she joined Julian for lunch outdoors today. Thinking back, we probably begun our friendship with our next door neighbors during last year's dugnad. Back in Minneapolis, the closest thing we had was following a massive snowfall, when everyone was out in the street digging their cars out. I much prefer meeting people in the spring, under less miserable circumstances.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Oslo Photos
Phone camera goodness--- so photo quality is a bit questionable. These are taken at Frogner Park. For those who do not know, he is the most famous sculptor from Norway. Gustav Vigeland was exceptionally prolific, having designed hundreds of sculptures--- the vast majority depressing studies of the human condition. Since the advent of Prozac, I highly doubt we will see another Vigeland.
Holmenkollen
This is a relatively small ski jump by modern standards. You simply have to see this in person to appreciate how crazy the sport truly is.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
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