Alagaesian

In Bergen, the month of May is characterized by summer-like weather in spring (if we’re lucky) and drunk kids in red or blue jumpers. 

Those finishing highschool (vidergående) all take part in the scandinavian tradition marking the end of youth education and the start of more responsibilities perhaps.  But for 1 month or so, they celebrate the last days of carefree lives with more irresponsible partying with booze and insanely crazy deeds which they tick off their list and, once accomplished, gets a pin on their jumpers or hats.

I saw some literally crawling across the square last year supposedly crawling from the mountain to the meeting point.  Also some russ getting on a random car on the street and off on the other door.  I think part of the list is drinking a number of bottles of beer in 24 hours which you can only survive if you manage your drinking and sleeping time wisely. 

The tradition is supposed start on 1st May but the russ or just eager to start partying.  Last Saturday, coming from my own party, i tried to get a cab home at 3am.  As usual, once you stay out that late, you encounter a loooong taxi queue (not that there are few taxis, on the contrary there were a lot.  There’re just too many people out boozing.) and start cursing why you didn’t leave earlier.  I stayed in the queue for almost an hour and got to see a lot of interesting stuff.

Drunk kids singing out loud, blowing their whistles as if they need to announce their presence, red vans and buses with loud music blasting from their ‘awesome’ speakers.  I would assume that the drivers weren’t drinking… the allowable alcohol level for drivers here is close to 0. 

Technorati Tags: bergen, russ, norway

After a week of cold winter-like weather, and another week of rain and fog – we finally have a sunny forecast for the weekend.  And it’s gonna stay like that as far as we can read from the papers (indicates only until Monday)…

So I am now planning on doing some spring cleaning on the weekend – have to clean up those windows since I haven’t touched them for a year now.  Plus finish up on some gardening. 

In anticipation for the good forecast, also bought a garden chair for my balcony where I can sit / lie down, drink iced tea and read a good book while enjoying the breeze and the view.

I booked my flight tickets last night… not for my summer holiday though.

It’s for my christmas holiday.  This christmas I’ve decided to go back to Canada.  I’ve been wanting to go back to Calgary for years, especially to the small town up in the mountains called Banff.  First time I saw the town, I told myself that one day I’m gonna live in a town like that.  And here I am in Bergen, surrounded by mountains.

My only concern was Calgary has a nasty winter temperature which can go down to -20 Celcius – an incident that happened in 2004 I believe. 

I bought my tickets a bit early… ok waaay early… while they are still on the cheap side.  It’s USD 1140 return, just about the same price I paid for my Egypt flights. 

Technorati Tags: banff, calgary, canada

Time flies fast… I just realized that it has been more than a week since I last posted in my blog.  Work has been keeping me busy lately, that I didn’t have the energy to do much in front of my laptop when I get home late from work. 

When I arrived back from my holiday, I was greeted by summer-like weather.  14 degrees Saturday and then 18 degrees on Sunday last week.  And out of the blue, came snow and freezing temperatures on Wednesday! 

The sun was out early today, temperatures at about 10 degrees perhaps by mid-day.  Thought it was a perfect time to go to the Hagesenteret (Garden Center) to get things for some spring gardening.  I don’t really have a garden, just a balcony and some tulip bulbs I bought from Holland.

After about 20 hours of flying and waiting in airports, I arrived in Bergen at 11 pm Friday night.  I’m normally up and about this time on a Friday but I was exhausted from my holiday. 

My holiday was relaxing for the first week and quite hectic on the second week.  It’s good that I had the sense of flying back on a Friday so I still have the weekend to swing back in to non-holiday mode. 

Another up side is we were welcomed by Bergen in a nice sunny 14 degree – spring time climate.  Saturday could’ve been a beautiful day to walk around the mountains but instead I spent the good part of it in bed. 

I haven’t unpacked yet, it seems that I will try to delay this until… who knows.

This shot was taken at around noon time in Boracay, Philippines during Easter. 5 hours later, the place would be packed, and at night it would even be more packed if at all possible.

Not only is the place for beach lovers, it is also for party-goers. Nightlife is great! Despite the rain showers at night, ironically, people would start getting up on their feet when it started to rain. Wet n wild partying as they say.

The white sand was cool even with almost cloudless skies. Must’ve been about 28 / 29 degrees but the wind breeze kept us cool. The water was a good 25 degrees. Couldn’t ask for anything more… definitely the best beach i have been to.

Apart from partying and laying on the beach, water sports also abound in Boracay. Me and some friends went on jet skis, island hopping, and sailing. Given more days there I would’ve tried parasailing as well… Maybe next year.

Technorati Tags: boracay, beach, philippines, easter, holiday

After some 2 hours flight +  5 hours wait + 12 hours flight, I finally landed in Manila to a warm and humid 30 degree welcome. 

I always like stopping over in Amsterdam Schipol Airport.  A lot of things to see and buy – I bought 3 dvds and some books.  When i got tired of walking around, the lounge area has a perfect view of the tarmac where i can read my book, listen to my ipod or doze off.

Manila airport wasn’t so bad as I had expected it will be.  Either that or because I was fast enough to get to the immigration lines so I got to short queue. 

I have started planning out my get togethers with some friends and will be continuing this probably until next week.  I had also lurched myself into a shopping spree despite the jet lag (bought some things for my trip to the beach tomorrow).

I’m loving the sun; but the warmth I haven’t really adjusted to yet. 

I’m meeting some folks for lunch.  I missed the filipino food and will get some more later!  Shit i really had to go back to the gym.