On The Write Path

One week: January 24-30, 2016.

I decided to use this blog to record my weekly drivel as well as my travel-writing. Why... oh why... Because one blog is full and another doesn't work well for this. So...

24.januar.2016

Dreary day. Tricky walk on ice to Tromsø Kunstforening. It was cold inside so I didn't stay long. It's free, and close so I'll be back soon.

Sat for awhile to watch Declan Clarke's "Geist Trilogie". Mostly black/white silent film so any sound/color is startling.

Mondo Tromsø has offices here. It's a mobile bookstore art community that reminds me of ZACC. I looked quickly at the zines and other publications. I'm excited to meet them.

This is the day after I started "trouble" on-line leading to Sarah setting up a facebook group, "Scribbles".

Many of us have known each other for ten years. Odd thought. We've mostly moved on. Some folks are published. A couple have died. Some mourn the passage of others and time.

Late evening nightmare. Wrote about that elsewhere. Quite shaken. No one to call.

25.januar.2016

Dreary day. Watched "Murder She Wrote" with subtitles. Now news about Norwegian skier that injured himself. Lots of winter sports news.

Room was cleaned. Staff here at St. Elisabeths is great.

Went out. Stopped in at Blåst where they blow glass. Spoke to the three working there. One is from France, one from Mosjøen. They are making the awards for the skiing events this weekend.

Ate fish cakes microwaved with ham and butter. Good but I'm really not so hungry. Ate one pastry and some chocolate milk later. I feel bloated. Appetite has not returned.

Found out details for ski event. A bus goes there... it starts Thursday.

Stopped in at the art museum to look again at the huge landscapes. Next time? I'll grab a chair so I can sit down and gaze at my leisure.

Not a long walk back but I have no energy and it was a bit uphill. Very tired.

Took a shower before using the sauna for the first time. Not used to sharing the shower with anyone. It's been a long time since high school and college. I told myself, "get over it".

26.januar.2016

Snowy blowy.

Up early (06:35) then stressed over green-screen-of-death as my computer wanted attention but wouldn't tell me what to do. I restarted it... no problem.

Spoke with Luke and Becky from London as they sat for breakfast. I buy my own food at the store because it's cheaper. I'll need to go out and brave the whiteness of it all. 11:20 and still snowing.

Appears rainy now. I did get to the store, Kiwi, and have just eaten some risgrøt... which is like mushy oatmeal but with a rice base. Thankfully butter and some brown sugar made it palatable. Cheap, but...

The snow was lovely and the walk wasn't slippery and it also wasn't too cold. It's 15:04 and I should go out again or at least leave my room!

The Bed made me lie down. That's My Story. 'Nuff said.

27.januar.2016

A lost day yesterday. It's 00:19 and time to go to bed. Although... I spend a lot of time in bed.

Walked north along Fogd Dreyers gate. Took photos of a nest in a birch tree, of rows of houses. Went down to the waterfront. Entered the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum and took photos of Adelsteen Normann's huge realistic painting, "Fra Bodø Havn". Posted it on facebook. But... the photo doesn't capture the majesty of the painting. Took other photos as well.

By going back to the same places people recognize me. Duh...

Late night chat with Harald who was here with one of his daughters who is competing in the NM ski event.

Keycard (nøkkelkort) wouldn't open my door! It was 22:10 but fortunately someone was at the desk.

28.januar.2016

Up early. I had itchy legs and pain. Maybe dehydration?

It's a bright if not sunny day. Watched a bit of the NM ski races on television. Should go visit them.

Risgrøt tastes better with cherry jam (kirsebærsyltetøy).

Spoke to Berit on second floor. I haven't been as social as I usually am. Partly due to sleeping so much. I say hello to the folks who work here at St. Elisabeths but I need to work on my social skills.

People have been tolerant and supportive when I try to speak Norsk.

Found out that I can use the laundry for free. I'm so used to washing out by hand I forgot to ask.

Sat in sauna for a short time. Couldn't tolerate the heat.

29.januar.2016

Didn't take a nap! I'm totally worn out now though.

Talked to Heidi at Actic, a workout center in the basement. I can use the facilities... if I wish.

Day was brightened by chat with Ida and Ann at the Tromsø Kunstforening. Ida was just back from Katy, Texas. We talked about how she needs to get her American friend to visit in May. Ann and I talked about Mondo Tromsø, a group of artists.

Bought two pastries... I was feeling weak from not eating. I AM eating but not as much as usual... which is good... really good.

Managed to take a few photos. Even on days I don't do much I manage.

News here? Norway loses 33-34 to Germany in men's handball. Huge storm "orkan Tor" with winds at or near hurricane force slammed into the west coast.

30.januar.2016

A bit breezy this morning but I took the bus to Kvaløya (60 kr.) to watch the skiathlon, women's 15km and men's 30km. Took photos of women's ceremony and caught the final sprint of the men's.

Also ate a pølse (hot dog) for 25 kr. and a waffle (with brunost and strawberry) for 25 kr.

I managed to stay vertical the entire day. Not up as early as I should've; fading away and it's only going on 10... but that's better than it has been.

Nice chat with Robin from Trondheim. He works in the Actic fitness center.

I enjoyed the bus ride and managed not to fall (my crampons had issues) at the venue. The sun came out for awhile and the winds died down. We were spared the serious storm that hit western Norway.

I'll need to do more this coming week. It's my last and there's the free venues of the music fest and Sami fest.

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