The End

Woo! It has been an exhausting, yet thrilling ride here in Norway. Unfortunately, the journey comes to an end this morning. I should be getting some rest but I haven't posted on the blog for awhile now and it seems fitting that we close it out the right way. Norway was an amazing experience and I have nothing but love and appreciation for our hosts who were simply amazing. There's no other way to put it, they were extraordinary! Over the past couple of days, we had opportunities to go visit the classes that our studens are taking, got to do a company visit in Kongsberg, go to Oslo for a day and tour the city and have a night cap at the opera, then we ended with Norway in a Nutshell. There's so much natural beauty in this country. I can honestly say that I am truly blessed to have experienced this adventure with the students, professors, faculty and staff of HBV and with my boss. I have tons of pictures but they truly cannot describe the beauty of this place. So much to see, so little time. The hiking was intense but the ends justified the means. I always enjoy the saying 'it's not about the destination, but about the journey.' It certainly ringed true on this site visit. Alas, back in America tomorrow and to go back to work. Norway, you will always have a place in my heart.

Signing out my end of the blog,
Junior

Making it to Honefoss

So my bag ripped.

But we made it to Oslo.

Apparently there is a ton of Country spirit with Flags everywhere.

This is what it looks like at 4 in the morning. The sun likes to stay out here.

Beautiful scene 

So we made it to Honefoss. The scenery here is just amazing.So many colors on all the buildings, and everything is so green. Definitely out of Lubbock, Texas. Yesterday was an exhausting day with all the traveling that we had to do to make it to our destination. I went to sleep pretty early but I woke up extremely early at 4AM! Right now, I am taking it all in. I'm a pretty lucky guy and hopefully I will be able to post pics after our hike today Ringerike.

Airport weight

As a traveler, I already made my first mistake. I was 4 pounds over on my check-in baggage. The few for four pounds is???? Take a guess. It was $200!!! Naturally, I packed really light on my carry-on so fortunately I was able to stuff some jeans and shoes and was able to get down to 49.5 pounds. We'll see how it is like when I am returning.

One Day More!

Latest post on the Huffington about Norway!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/05/naeroyfjord-arendelle-frozen_n_5431285.html?utm_hp_ref=travel

Countdown to Norway

I can't believe that we are leaving for Norway on Saturday!!! After a fruitful but exhausting week in San Diego, CA for the NAFSA conference it feels rather daunting to turn around and travel again so soon. However, I couldn't possibly be more excited to have the opportunity to see our students who are currently on the program!

When I think of Norway I think of things like this... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/18/kjeragbolten_n_5309354.html

Hikers in amazingly beautiful places but doing things that make my stomach churn like hanging over the edge of a cliff!!! I hope to take my own crazy picture while we are there!

Tonight, I have to pack!!!

-Valerie

Getting ready to go abroad. Exciting, first blog. Should be fun, get to see our former graduate assistant Tine in her country.