My flights went well and I was able to check my bags all the way to Bodo, so I did not have to deal with them until customs in Oslo when I needed to re-check them. Once I arrived in Bodo I made my way to the bus/ferry station where I spent 2 hours until the 9pm bus arrived to take me to my destination (my options for getting to my destination were either a 3pm bus, 4pm ferry, or 9pm bus, but since I did not land until 6pm, I only had one option this time). The only tricky part about the 9pm bus is that it is due into the Ornes ferry dock at 11:15pm, the same time that the ferry is scheduled to leave for the nearby towns and islands. If I missed this ferry I could go to the last bus stop, but it would be 30 minutes away from the base compared to the ferry dock which is only 10 minutes away and I was being met at the ferry dock. Luckily since the bus driver knew I needed to take the ferry and that I had no clue what I was doing (it was pretty obvious since I showed him a printed piece of paper with the information of where I needed to go on it that Kristina, an American staff member here sent me), he called ahead to the ferry and asked them to hold it for 5 minutes until we arrived. Once on board the ferry I showed my trusted piece of paper again saying that I needed to go to Vassdalsvik and was told to get off at the first stop. Everyone here speaks great English and are helpful, which is great considering my pronunciation of these places is not even close to being correct.
I spent the weekend resting and getting to know a few of the staff members that are currently here, as well as the families of the staff members that are visiting for the summer. I have also been eating well. Here at the base the tradition is to have granola, yogurt, bread and cereal for breakfast, make a sandwich during breakfast time to have later for lunch, and then to have a big meal for dinner. The first night for dinner we had leftovers which consisted of pigs in a blanket, nachos, salad, and blueberry cobbler. The second night was chili with biscuits, salad, and jello with fruit. And last night was a Dutch meal of meatballs, potatoes, and vegetables.
Yesterday I borrowed one of the bicycles from the base and rode the mile and a half into town to visit the supermarket. The supermarket is not very big (maybe the size of a bigger 7-11 or QT), but does have toiletries, laundry detergent, notepads and food and is very nice. I also spent a little time yesterday walking around and taking pictures, so be sure to check those out - click the picture of me with a camera in the upper right hand corner to access my photo album. I have also included a few pictures of my room. Below is the view from my bedroom.
Many blessings to all of you. If you are reading this and you do not get my newsletter, but would like to, please leave me a message letting me know, so that I can add you to the list.
