You know who your true friends are; they take you to and pick you up from the airport! Thanks Peter for Tuesday’s sendoff.
I just was cleared for the Global Entry pass, which means that I was able to go through the Premium line for TSA pre-check. Boy, is that slick! Take things out of pockets and heavy jackets off, but otherwise, no messing with laptops, the zip lock back of liquids, or futzing with shoes. I didn’t get the benefit of my new carbon-fiber travel belt that doesn’t need to be taken off because there is no metal! I was through the line in perhaps 3 maybe 4 minutes! Then, I had an existential crisis; would Gandhi do Global Entry and pursue privileges? Maybe I’ll have to take my Gandhi poster off my wall in shame (Oh that’s right, it already came down for packing. Perhaps an omen!)
The plane was half full in the back on the way to Amsterdam, so that means I had two seats to myself. It means a little more relaxation and a little more room, but I did wonder if contortionists sleep better on planes! I did get a bit of sleep, but I also watched the documentary “He Named Me Malala.” Oh, I my heart resonated with the advocacy for girls education. Anyone who knows of the powerful stories of the MaaSAE Girls School is passionate about girls education. My years there as a volunteer teacher transformed my life–including starting the path of my PhD journey.
It was a beautiful flight out with mostly sunny weather. Have you ever seen the wind farms from the sky?
I always love watching the flight into Amsterdam, because everything seems so neat and tidy. This time it was magnified by the colors of tulips in the fields. The connection to the next flight was tight, but I made it.
My seatmate inflight to Stavanger was very quite. She did say thanks when I offered her a piece of gum for the ascent, but that didn’t stimulate any more conversation, so I continued to read my book (Fernando Segovia’s Decolonizing Biblical Studies). He’s on my defense committee. After reading more of him, I realize what a Providential match he is for my defense (also called a “disputation”!!!).
Rebecca, my former landlord and current PhD coordinator, picked me up from the airport. I feel so blessed to have two offers for pick up and three offers for housing while I’m here. Rebecca’s was the first invitation, and I’m actually back at the home I stayed in for 6 months last year.
So, it it is pretty comfortable. I know where the towels are and where the things are in the kitchen, etc. I’m staying in the guest room, which housed our guests when we lived here: my sister Elenn, niece Erin, and friend Scott (a former co-worker of Norwegian heritage who has family in the area).
I had a cup of tea with Rebecca, as we talked about preparations for the defense. Then I went for a long walk to do some errands and get out to beat the jet lag. I had to get cash from my bank and found out that it moved. So I checked with the tourist office to find out its new location.
I bought a 7-day bus pass. I went to the post office and mailed my Norwegian tax form (so simple) to confirm the taxes I paid on my research fellowship, and I bought some post card stamps. I bought a voucher to put money on my Norwegian SIM card (a pay-as-you-go plan). My Norwegian SIM card is still valid after 9.5 months, but my Tanzanian SIM card was cancelled before the 8 month mark. Don’t tell Anya, but I bought her some of her favorite goodies, including cola-flavored jello! I did stop by a grocery store to pick up a few things. No problem with my ATM card, even after no activity for 9.5 months. (Norway is not quite cashless but most purchases are done with a debit card with chip and PIN).
It is great to be back. I know my way around (except for the bank). At one point, I was walking down the sidewalk with a silly grin. (That’s totally not Norwegian!)
I kept walking most of the afternoon.
There is a great hill behind this house with a view of downtown Sandnes, the Gandsfjord, and way up north to the snow covered mountains!
The sun was shining, so I tried to get as much sun on my skin to help with resetting the circadian rhythm. It was warm enough to be in short-sleeves in the sunshine–though I did just walk up the hill.
I had dinner with Rebecca and her husband Vidar. Their daughter suggested a quintessential Norwegian meal of salmon, boiled potatoes with sour cream, and cucumber salad. But then their daughter wasn’t able to join us. We had a great meal and talked about books we’ve read and immigration issues. They shared their stories from their time getting to the Berkeley, CA, area last year (we had them over to my in-laws condo in the Monterrey Bay for a day too) and some complications they faced. So, immigration can be complex at times.
So, I’m safely here, and with a lot of walking, I made it to 7:00 pm the first night. Let’s see when I wake up!
Travel tip: When putting tubes into your 1-liter zip lock bag, trim the corners. The rounded edges are less likely to poke holes or damage your plastic bag.
With blessings,
Beth