The "Fårikål" event

The very first week we had to elect three ministers in a very civilised, democratic manner... The first one is the so called "Minister of Shopping" and its task is to make sure the non-Norwegians get to know everything on where they can buy food that is a little less Norwegian or, in other words, a little more spicy and exotic mainly to be found at Grønland here in Oslo. The second minister is the "Minister of Physical Activity" making sure we all get enought exercise...hehe (did I mention that I have been to the gym this week?...). The last one but very important one is the "Minister of Culture" who is in charge of being updated on what's happening in Oslo as well as suggesting ideas for activities to get to know the Norwegian culture.

Having said that I can start to tell you about the "Fårikål" event at Heidi's place. Heidi is our Minister of Culture. She invited us all for a very traditional meal at her house in the eastern part of Oslo. "Fårikål" means lamb in cabbage and that is basically all there is too. Well as a real Norwegian you will have some potatoes going with it though ;o) It is a very typical dish served mainly in the fall here in Norway. Sorry didn't take any pictures of the food...

Waiting for the Fårikål

After the delicious meal Sam, Heidi's husband who is from Nigeria, suggested we could do some dancing. He is a musician himself and played some very nice, reggae-like, soulish music...I think its obvious we had much fun!

Mekonnen trying to demonstrate some traditional Ethiopian dance ;o)

Part of the dancing was that the ones who had some traditional dances from their home country could show it to the others so everyone could join. For those of you who wonder what dance I showed...keep wondering ;o)

Dancing to African music...very much fun!

This picture actually has a story going with it but is kind of hard to explain here. Ask me in person and I will explain...

Lisa, Aiko, Johanna and me

Some of the girls in my class. Especially Lisa and Johanna I have become good friends with here. It's too sad they are only here for an Erasmus semester...

Lisa, Sam, Mekonnen, Adolphos, Namrata

Sitting on the balcony enjoying the beautiful weather. Clear blue sky and sunshine even though it was a bit chilly...but we all have to turn into real Wiking-Norwegians now to get prepared for the winter ;o)

Saheer and Johanna

It's a great group of people that's for sure!

A little culture side note which I found to be very funny... One of the girls was seriously asked for her bride price ;o) I just had to laugh so hard...Well even though she is in a relationship she was considered to still be available because she isn't engaged or married yet. This is luckily not how it works in Norway hehe... I guess you can see how class discussions can turn out to be very interesting and extremely unpredictable ;o)