Tacos

Another day of classes, but it was really exciting. The weather was actually beautiful today and probably the only warmth we’ve had so far. I was so happy when I woke up with the sun shining through my windows. I couldn’t wait for a day like this to come, and now it’s here!

I made tacos for my friends, which seems pretty normal, right? Well, they’ve never had a taco in their life! I was so surprised and shocked. So, we bought the ingredients and started cooking. Once it was time to put the spices into the meat, my friend started freaking out because it was so spicy. She just wasn’t used to that “extra kick”. It was so fun seeing their reactions when they opened their mouths and took their first bite. They loved them and probably can’t wait to have them again. We’ve already started planning for tonight’s meal: Mac ‘n Cheese. They’re going to love it. 🙂

I finally took some pictures of the campus. It really is a nice place with both modern and old buildings.

My awesome new friend! 🙂

The beautiful Tamila

Fabulous Food

Another day in Oxford! Today was a day of exploring and searching for restaurants. It took my friends and I over half an hour just to find a restaurant that was open as late as 8 pm. We were starving for some real food (not chocolate like we’ve been snacking on like crazy). We found a perfect restaurant with deliciously cooked food. I choose to have a pulled pork burger with fries and coleslaw. I know it’s not the healthiest meal ever, but it sure tasted good.

It was so beautiful wandering through the streets. The sky was beautiful with colorful clouds and the sidewalks were open with not as many people. The buildings awed me yet again with their unique architecture and ancient facade.

Now, it’s 12:45 am, and I still haven’t finished my chemistry homework! Even though it’s super fun staying in Oxford, there’s still a lot of work to finish. 🙂

Exploring Oxford

Today’s been a busy, busy day! I kicked off the morning with some amazing English breakfast, whilst conversing with new, delightful people. It’s so diverse here with people coming all the way from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, etc. I feel like I didn’t come far at all. With only a two hour flight away, I can’t say that it’s that impressive coming from Norway. England and Norway are basically neighbours.

Right after my delicious morning meal, everyone was gathered into a huge auditorium (huge in Norwegian standards). We were updated on what was going on and what OSC really does. The speaker was so excited, but strict, telling the boys in the back to sit upright and constantly asking us to quiet down.

After that hour long session, everyone gathered around the office wall to see what classes they were going to have. Yes, we have classes, and yes we’re assigned homework. My first class was TOK (Theory of Knowledge) and I was beyond excited. I love being analytical and critical about the world and how we as individuals perceive things. The whole TOK lesson was basically about our 5 main senses and how we perceive the world. How do humans see the world compared to dogs? Fun fact: dogs see less color (scientifically proven) and can hear higher-pitched sounds than humans. Other fun facts: Pigeons can see 340 degrees (so basically everything around them without moving their heads), moles have more sensors in their nose than in an entire human hand, bees can taste with their legs! Imagine that! Tasting something with your legs. I’m glad I can’t do that, just image what it would taste like wearing jeans everyday. 🙂

We also learned about optical illusions and how they can trick the mind. We saw how our brains eliminate words that don’t make sense, and interpret it in a different way. For example, if a card flashes by very fast with this written on it: Once in a a lifetime, we wouldn’t even notice the extra “a” in the sentence. Why? Because it doesn’t make sense with that “a”.

We discovered later in the lesson that the teacher hid some interesting objects in the room. It took the class almost halfway through the lesson to notice that the teacher’s tie was wooden. Yes, it was literally made out of wood! Then, we noticed that his clock was ticking anti-clockwise! That’s even stranger. Imagine looking at a clock going the opposite way. It just makes you feel uncomfortable, because it just isn’t natural. Anyway, I thought his class was really fascinating.

Next class was math, and it was super fun (if you enjoy math). I learned what this is: ! Which is so cool. I also met some really nice people. Soon after that, was lunch. Out of the three choices, I chose a chicken breast that was nicely marinated and cooked just perfectly. The vegetables on the side were spectacular.

Not long after that, we had another meeting in the auditorium. This time about the IB diploma and it’s benefits. We also saw a very interesting movie that’s most likely worth your time to watch: Shift Happens

Next was our last class of the day, mine being English. Wahoo! The English teacher was very nice and enthusiastic and I just learned so much in that one lesson. First off, we analyzed the famous painting “The Scream”, by the famous Norwegian Edvard Munch. It’s one of the most popular paintings in the whole world.

From the website: http://totallyhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/The_Scream.jpg

Yes, it’s very horrifying. The painting just carries so much emotion.

Later in the lesson, we did some analyzing of literary texts. Nothing out of the ordinary.

After that amazing lesson, our photo hunt began. We had 6 stops to go to (in groups) and take pictures of ourselves proving that we were actually there. We walked all around the city of Oxford, and explored the “new” area. There were so many university buildings: colleges, research centers, halls, etc. Most of them being a part of the University of Oxford. The buildings were just spectacular with their rustic, ancient facade. They must’ve been hundreds of years old.

University Park

So green

Town

University building

Amazing university buildings…

I had the time of my life exploring Oxford. The buildings were so ancient and reminded me of Hogwarts. I was so filled with curiosity that I wanted to go look in all of the colleges and buildings to see what it was like inside. I had my chance when we passed by a research center. We peered through the glass windows and saw that the scientists were experimenting with gloves covering they’re hands and white suits draping over their bodies. It was so fascinating and just plain cool.

After a long day of walking, it was finally time to do my homework. Most of it was thinking outside-the-box and being both critical and analytical. It was tough at times, but all it really was, was to state what we thought about different things.

Soon, I went to grab some delicious Domino’s pizza with my new, awesome friends. We had to walk for like 15 min to get to the restaurant, but it was totally worth it. Domino’s makes such great pizza. We hailed a taxi and were driven all the way back to the college (thankfully). The pizza was spectacular and it was so fun being with my new friends.

So, that’s a wrap. Tomorrow’s going to be another busy, but very interesting and exciting day.

Traveling, Wandering, and Exploring

I’ll have to admit that my plane ride today was the first I’ve taken by myself, and I didn’t get lost! I’m very proud of myself. Everything was straightforward and easy to find. There were even some OSC people waiting for me. With the help of a very nice lady (Cathy?), my new Swedish friend and I made it to the university. We did hit a few bumps on the road (we couldn’t find an OSC instructor, but once we found him we waited for like half an hour for a taxi), but everything went fine. We registered ourselves and got our room keys. Then, all of a sudden, I found myself in my new room. An actual Oxford Uni room. I have the best view in the world (the backside of a building), and I’m happily enjoying my nice, quiet room.

After settling in, I went to go meet with other curious students. We were guided to a room with tables and sheets of paper lying everywhere. After a few handshakes here and there, we sat down. The instructors said we were having a math placement test, and in my head I’m like, No, I didn’t get to study for this! Haha, but it went fine. It’s just to place us in the right classes.

When the teachers were collecting the papers, they were also calling out everyone’s names. All I could here coming out of the instructor’s mouth was a bunch of chzrs, and ghts, and ghfoskjgbksg. I didn’t understand a thing! There were so many different names and nationalities, it was insane.

Soon, it was time for some delicious food. There were three different choices of courses, but once I saw the salmon, I went for it. It looked so good, and it really was delicious. It was perfectly cooked with a nice sauce to top it off. With some vegetables added to my plate, I was as happy as I could be.

Once we were finished, we had a tour of the college we’re staying in (St. Antony’s). It’s not that big, it’s actually quite small. There are some very nice, old buildings, but I’m living in one of the modern buildings. I’m sorry to say that I don’t have any pictures yet, but I’ll be adding some later in the week.

OSC is truly fun with so much going on. There are so many activities to be a part of and so much to see. There are many more colleges within Oxford that I have yet to explore. I can’t wait to do that soon, but right now it’s ten at night and I can already feel my eyelids slowly sinking. Luckily, I won’t be suffering from some serious jet-lag!

Well, that’s it ladies and gentlemen. I’ll keep you guys updated in the days to come.

I’ve Made It!

I’m happily settling in my new room at Oxford University!

  

I have a busy day ahead of me 🙂

Counting Down the Days

Today, I’ve been thinking a lot about OSC (Oxford Summer Courses), and I’ve decided to write a post about what I really feel about it. Ever since I learned about the University of Oxford, I’ve always had a dream to go there. Its ancient walls hold a history that dates all the way back to 1096. 1096! It’s literally the oldest English-speaking university in the world. There’s also been many notable alumni such as prime ministers, presidents, and Nobel laureates, and even Albert Einstein attended. It’s known for being one of the best universities in the world, ranking 3rd in the world according in Times Higher Education’s university ranking. Even famous movies have been filmed at the university like Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, and X-Men. Who isn’t curious to see what it’s like to attend Oxford?

I first heard about OSC through a friend’s friend. She said she went there to help prepare her for her IB exams. On that same day, I went home and researched the program and I just fell in love. There were programs for pre-IB, mid-IB, before exams, and for touring universities in the UK. The program takes place in numerous places such as Oxford itself, Cambridge, Harvard, Melbourne, etc. But of course, I wanted to go to Oxford.

While I was busy scrolling through the net, my eyes came across a number. That number was the price of the course. My hope basically fell apart and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to attend. Just like how it’s nearly impossible for me to afford to attend Oxford as an undergraduate. Even though I lost my hope, I continued scrolling and looking at pictures of the camp. Then, my dad came into the room.

He sat down in his comfy, TV chair, and peered at the computer screen in front of me and asked, “What are you looking at?”

“Oh, nothing,” I said as I stared intently at the bright screen.

“Really?” he said, not believing a single word I was saying.

“Well, it’s a summer program for Oxford. There are different courses you can take to prepare for IB, you know the school program I’m taking this fall.”

“Yeah, yeah. Tell me more,” he said, curious.

So, I gave him all the ups and downs of the course, but mostly the ups. I wanted to give him a positive image of the whole program. Then came the part for me to introduce the price.

“Um, it’s around 3,000 pounds ($4,650) including the room and everything…”

“Ok, well, let’s get you signed up!” he surprisingly said.

I was so shocked, but he knew how much I’ve been dying to see Oxford, and this wasn’t some ordinary university tour. This program allowed students from all over the world to live in the undergraduate dormitories, while preparing for the prestigious IB diploma program. I’ll be learning how to accomplish my classes with excellent grades. I’ll also be able to speak to the staff that work at Oxford. I can ask them all the questions I want! It’s like a dream come true. Even though, we have to dig deep in our pockets to pay for this program, it’s a once in a life-time opportunity that I just can’t pass up.

I can’t wait until I actually see the university with my own eyes. After looking through all the picture online, I’ve learned one thing. You just can’t experience everything through the internet. Looking at digital pictures doesn’t even get you close to experiencing the real thing. To actually see the whole campus, to walk along the ancient corridors, and to live in a dormitory like a real Oxford student is something special. I personally can’t wait to arrive. I still feel like it’s a dream and it won’t actually happen, but I know it’s going to happen. I’ve packed up my bags and suitcase, and I’m ready to leave. To think that my journey will start in only a couple more days, is mind-blowing.

Hopefully, the campuses are as great as I think they are. If not, I’m glad I’ll have the opportunity to actually see how it’s like. Though, I doubt I’ll be disappointed with a program like this. There are hundreds of thousands of universities world-wide that I have yet to explore. If Oxford isn’t one of them, then there’s bound to be a university that’s fit for me.

Relaxing…

Yesterday, all I did for the day was relax. I sat on the sofa and literally watched TV for the whole day. Yeah, I know it’s not healthy, but I sometimes need days like that. The only other thing I did yesterday was pick up my pets, and I’ve sure missed them. My cat seemed thrilled to be home. Once we stepped foot in our house, she purred for the rest of the day. Though, we kind of have a problem with the dog. He seems like he’s changed. He’s way calmer now, and sadly too skinny. His bones are sticking out of him, and I’m just worried he didn’t eat anything at the “pet hotel” we sent him to. Maybe he didn’t like the food, but all I know is that he’s way too skinny and he just isn’t full of energy like he used to be.

Anyway, I redecorated my room today. I hung some maps up on my walls and a poster of the Eiffel Tower. Now I only have to buy pins to mark everywhere I’ve been to in the world. I’ve also been busy coloring with my oil pastels.

It’s only a few more days until I leave for Oxford! I’m so excited! I’ll be taking my first plane trip by myself and I’ll be going to the university of my dreams. I’ll basically live the life of an Oxford student by staying in the undergraduate dormitory and meeting other inspiring students from around the world. I can’t wait to start packing my suitcase. To only think that my journey is only two weeks away, makes it so much more exciting (and nerve-wracking).

Home Sweet Home

I finally made it back to Norway! Once we drove off the ferry, I felt like I was home again. Norway is so different from all of the countries I’ve been to, and I could just feel that I was back in my home country. Norway is so green and has a much more fascinating landscape with its huge, rocky mountains and fjords. I’m glad to be back home and able to sleep in my own bed tonight.

  

Last Stop, Denmark.

Today was kind of our last day of vacation. We drove from Germany all the way to Denmark, and now we’re staying in a lovely four star hotel. The drive was a pain. I tried to sleep through the whole drive, but I just couldn’t. I was basically in the stage where you’re half awake and half sleeping, not knowing if you should be awake or not. The drive was so boring because there was nothing to see or do. Germany was flat and filled with trees, while Denmark was totally flat. There were no trees in sight.

All I did in the car was read and make some poems. I was inspired by the weather to make this one:

Once we drove up to the hotel, I was amazed. The hotel’s white buildings were very nice and well-kept. We walked into the reception and were stunned by the design. Everything was new and modern, which differentiates from almost all the hotels we’ve been to. My sister and I decided to explore the hotel, finding foosball tables, a Wii set, a billiard, an upgraded gym, a table tennis table, and a dart board. We played everything, and I’m telling you that our foosball tournament was very intense. Sadly, I lost and she claimed the victory. Though, I did get back at her in table tennis (on the Wii). 🙂

The rest of the day was spent driving in the city of Horsens and relaxing in our hotel rooms. When we were in the city, we went to go get something to eat. We walked back to the car, only to find a parking ticket hanging from the window shield. What happened here? Well, we were fined because we didn’t have a clock in our car. Yes, a clock. Apparently, in Denmark everyone needs a clock in their car to show how long they’ve been parked. The fines are huge, so if you’re driving in Denmark, buy a clock! You can get them in any gas station. We were fined a whole 600 kr (88 dollars!)

Anyway, I can’t wait to get back home. I’ve only been gone for two weeks, but I miss my house and my pets. Even though Norway has the worst summer weather right now, I can’t wait to go back.

On the Road

Another day on the road… We’re on our way back to Norway, so there’s nothing much exciting happening. Everyone is tired of traveling and I honestly can’t wait to get back home. It’ll be nice to have a homemade dinner for once. Though, I’ll miss everything. I already miss Paris and especially the Louvre. I wish I could go to the Louvre everyday and just sketch whatever I want to or read up on the history of numerous artifacts. It sure has been an awesome and life-changing experience traveling through Europe.

We drove through two new countries today: Belgium and the Netherlands. We stopped by a very cute, little town in Belgium called Brugge (pronounced Broosh). It was a totally different world compared to the city we drove from in France. There were tons of more people, lots of shops, and medieval architecture. It’s a place worth stopping by.

Later, we were in the Netherlands and also found a nice city. It was bigger than Brugge with more people and larger buildings. There were literally bikes everywhere! There were also bike roads people rode on, which also had streetlights. I found that so fascinating. It made the city feel different from all the other big cities we’ve visited.

We arrived in Bremen, Germany later today. It was around 7 pm when we checked in and found our rooms. I think we were driving for over 6 hours in total today. There was so much driving and my whole body has been cramped up. When I was done unloading my luggage, I went on an evening walk with my dad. I just needed to get some sort of exercise.

My evening with my dad was really amazing. It’ll be an evening I will never forget. There were people everywhere drinking beer and having a great time outside. We found a nice outdoor bar. He ordered a beer, while I had an icy cold Coke. We found some seats right next to a big river. We talked about the most random things, some being important. He sure made me think twice about some things 🙂 It was such a nice night.