Matthew in Norway: Summertime in Bergen

Benedicte and I are now at her family home in Bergen, the second largest city in Norway. Their beautiful home is about a 30 minute drive through tunnels and across a big suspension bridge from the city. Its on an island called Sotra about ten meters from the ocean; literally their backyard runs into the sea. The neighborhood is a peaceful group of island homes of all different colors; red, yellow, white, green, blue. The view from her house out onto the little neighborhood fjord makes an American feel like he is spending thousands of dollars to be at a gorgeous summer vacation spot. Benedicte has many many fond memories of growing up here that I am excited to learn about, I also am excited to begin my own memories here.

Yesterday, I went out to the sea on a row boat. A family member of hers has a few boats and said I could use them whenever I want. I have been dreaming of having a kayak here for the last few months, but a rowboat will work just fine. Arvid, the owner of the boat, and I went out and explored. We rowed to an island and got off and hiked. I learned what a blueberry bush looks like, so in a few weeks when they are ripe I can go experience picking them. From what I know, most Norwegian kids grow up picking these tasty little berries. We also fished, didn’t catch much, but he didn’t take me to the spot where he has caught several in the last few days. He showed me some places to get good clams and shellfish and he taught me a little about which ones are the best and how to get them. While Benny has work five days a week this summer, I will be needing to keep myself occupied, so among studying Norwegian, helping paint the house, doing other chores to help out, I will also be exploring the nearby ocean on that wooden rowboat.

We took the train back from Oslo to Bergen so that I (and Benny) could see more of what Norway looks like during the summer. It was beautiful. One thing I really like is how colorful the buildings are painted, in the city and out in the country. All the little cottages are colorful, even when miles and miles from the nearest city.

On June 28th, 2012, yes this weeks, Benedicte and I are getting married. We are going to the courthouse to do it. Her mom and dad will be there, along with her best friend for her witness and her brother for my witness. Once we are married we can apply for a permanent residence visa for me so that I can find a job and start working. Normally this would be a process consisting of only a couple of weeks, but because Benedicte is a student we must involve the immigration department here in Norway, UDI. UDI is known to take FOREVER on everything and anything. So we honestly do not know when I will be able to start working. Next summer we will have our big wedding, with guests and her white dress. She will change her name then and we will buy rings then. We are very excited about this.

We have an amazing support system here in Bergen with her large, loving family. Back in Oslo we also have a good support system with her many many friends, both single people and young married couples. It seems like we were surrounded by couples who encourage us and whom we can share our relationship with. We definitely do not feel like we are alone in this drastic life change. We are ready to spend the rest of our lives with each other, and we want every loved one to be a part of it.