SALG means SALE ;)

     Seeing as my orientation begins on Monday, I decided to take the weekend and go to Downtown Oslo. After the trek to the T-bane, I rode into Oslo Central Stasjon from where I went out to explore. Being the scared Islander that I am, I went to the closest (and most familiar) store I saw: H&M. I know, I know, big whoop, right? I went in and had a heart attack; not at how much everything fit (yes, they do carry sizes that fit little 'ol me in Norwegia!) but at how much everything was. Shit gurl, everything was in the hundreds. By this time I wasn't used to the Kroner NOK system so it was terrifying. After that I went to the nearby mall where I bought a rain jacket that fits perfectly. After a nice chat with the woman at the Information stand, she told me that the IKEA bus picks up for free to the Ikea in Furuset. I set out of the building as this was about 4 blocks away. I couldn't find my way again downtown but saw a bus stop sign with the IKEA symbol on it so I figured I was at the right spot. Ikea is still Ikea but here, everything is in Norwegian. It was nice holding up the line with my ID and being constantly referred to as "Amerikansk"! :) Ah, the exoticism of my American Passport. 

After that I cam back to downtown where I wrote this post. The walk over was hilarious. I heard Don Omar's "Conteo" and of course, I sang along. Walking through the various stores I heard Jason Mraz, Girlicious, and Basshunter. It was awesome! It's funny to see at the U.S. imports as well as what would be termed as Western influences ( by this, I mean American). I mean the Sex in the City movie trailer was playing on a giant screen at the entrance to the By Porten Shopping center, which goes to show the at Sarah Jessica has the international clout to be in Nordic space. 

All in all, Oslo is a beautiful city that has kept its old world charms (old buildings, parks and public spaces) and adapted, modernized and improved to accommodate its globalized direction. Vast in expanse and light in density, I didn't have a problem moving around the city limits. Well, except when I was lugging around a large IKEA tote!

Til my next adventure, 

Se deg neste gang! (See you next time!)