Day 1 of Norway

Day 1: June 24, 2019

            This afternoon we arrived at Logan Airport at 1430 for our flight at 1730. We waited anxiously during the three hours dreaming of our exciting three weeks to come. All twelve of us boarded the plane, and for many students this was their first time flying internationally. The airbus held 440 passengers, in a 2-4-2 seating set up.

            Two hours into the flight everybody received their dinner. The dinner consisted of bread rolls, salad, meat, rice and a dessert. Not bad for plane food! Just as we all started to doze off, we woke up to the flight attendants serving breakfast. Breakfast? We were all confused why breakfast was being served four hours after dinner and at 2100! However, at this time we had crossed international waters and European time was 0500. 

            Three long hours later after watching countless number of movies and shows throughout the 7.5-hour plane ride, we arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark. In Copenhagen, we had a quick one hour layover, just enough time to explore the airport and get ready to board our next flight. Next stop, Oslo, Norway!  

            Once we arrived in Oslo we collected our baggage’s and took the bus to Borre, approximately 1.5 hours away. The route was very scenic, however most of the students slept since jetlag got to all of us. The standard time in Norway may have been 0900, however it was still 0300 EDT. 

            When we arrived in Borre, at the student accommodations, we had just enough time to explore our living area for the next three weeks and then we were off to the University. Once we arrived at the University we received our food allowance cards, and the bus card which allows students unlimited access throughout the surrounding towns. One of the surrounding towns we explored is Tonsberg. In Tonsberg we inhaled delicious pizza and had time to explore the town. We even took a short hike to the King’s old castle which had a beautiful view! 

            However, all of the students were exhausted after being awake for 30+ hours and everybody was ready for bed, at 1500 European time. Although everyone was tired, it was stressed that we do not sleep until 2000 at the earliest, that way we can be acclimated to the time difference and get into a routine sleeping schedule. During the remaining time, all of the students went to the local convenient store to get the basic foods to last them for the week.

            Once 2000 rolled around, all of the students were out like a light, preparing for an exciting academic day tomorrow in Oslo. The student accounts have not been set up yet due to the lackadaisical summer attitude that Norwegians possess (they like their time off), so no need to panic we are all surviving without Wi-Fi, and you will hear from us shortly!

*All smiles thinking about the pizza they were about to devour* 

Leaving the airport in Oslo, heading to Borre