Oslo Daily Photo

Paris, je t'aime!

2010-08-16T16:19:00.003+02:00

It's with mixed feelings I'm leaving Paris.. I'm very happy to come home to my family and friends, but I wouldn't mind staying here longer. As of tomorrow I will continue my daily photo posting from another blog, Eiker Daily Photo, and I hope everyone who has read and followed my Oslo Daily Photo blog (and Paris Daily Photo for these six weeks), will continue to read and follow my new Eiker blog. I would like to say thanks for all the comments that you have left, it makes me happy to know people enjoy my photos! Today's photo isn't very different from millions of other photo's of Paris, but I had to blog it as my last Paris daily photo. I love this photo and I love this city!

André Citroën

2010-08-15T22:17:00.004+02:00

I'm posting today's photo after recieving it from my mum who wanted me to reccomend Parc André Citroën. It's situated by the Seine in the 15th arrondissement, on the former Citroën automobile manufacturing plant. It's an excellent spot for running or just taking a stroll, as it got "everything." The parc has mix of small paths hidden in forestlike areas, open squares with fountains and small waterfalls. Today's photo show a few of the wooden sunbeds one might find comfortable enough to rest on after a work out session or on a summer day. The André Citroën Parc also includes six theme gardens, where every garden is associated with a metal, a plant, a day of the week, a state of the water and a sense. For example, there is The Silver Garden, associated with silver, the Moon, Monday, rivers, and sight. I have not yet been in this parc myself, therefore I am very curious to see how these six gardens look like, and as I'm leaving Paris very soon, a visit to this parc will have to be on my to-do-list for my next trip to Paris!

Métro

2010-08-14T15:22:00.002+02:00

After six weeks I have become fairly well acquainted with the parisian métro. As the third longest métro in Western Europe, the parisian métropolitain has got 213 km of rails and over 300 stations. The average distance between the stations are 300 metres. The parisian métro contains of 16 lines, where the trains on five of them are driven on rubber wheels, whilst one line is fully automatic operated. The first métro line opened in 1900 (Line 1), the last line 98 years later (Line 14). The longest line is 22.5 km long and has 38 stations (Line 7). Every day the parisian métro transport 3.9 million people, which is just one million less than the amount of people who lives in all of Norway!

Feeding Frenzy

2010-08-12T23:21:00.002+02:00

I'm pretty sure I know enough french to understand that this sign which says "Si vouz aimez les oiseaux, ne les nourriturez pas" translates into "If you like the birds, do not feed them." I therefore find it a bit ironic that this little boy and his mum, which you might see crouching down on his right, chose just this spot in Parc Montsouris to feed the birds yesterday afternoon

Comme c'est curieux!

2010-08-11T18:02:00.004+02:00

What a culturel afternoon I had yesterday! First, I went to a photography exhibition at Monnaie de Paris, the Paris Mint, with photos by Willy Ronis. The exhibition marks the centenary of his birth and show, amongst a few of his well known photos, many previously unknown works. Read more about the exhibition here. Afterwards, some of my classmates and I went to Théâtre de la Huchette in the Latin Quarter. As you can see in today's photo, it's a tiny little theatre. I don't think it holds more than maybe 60-70 people at the time. Every day, Théâtre de la Huchette show two plays by Romanian/French playwrighter and dramatist Eugène Ionesco: "La Chantatrice Chauve" (The Bald Soprano) and "La leçon" (The Lession). Yesterday we saw both plays and we all really enjoyed them. As Ionesco is one of the most famous playwrighter in the style "Theatre of the Absurd" I had many good laughs and I highly recommend going! Follow these links for Théâtre de la Huchette and Eugène Ionesco

Tree hut

2010-08-09T22:14:00.003+02:00

Today I'm taking you from the exterior to the interior of Centre Pompidou, showing you how it looks like from the inside and out, through the bearing structure and technical installations. The tree hut you can see is part of one current exposition Centre Pompidou is offering at the moment. It is by Japanese-born artist Tadashi Kawamata, and you can read more about it here

Pompidou

2010-08-08T22:01:00.002+02:00

Once upon a time, two architects wanted to design somthing different, something that would break with the traditional parisian facades, buildings and architecture in general. The architects, Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, recieved much criticism for these ideas and the building that arose from them. In 1977, Centre Pompidou were finished, although one could say it didn't look finished, having all its bearing structure and technical installations on the outside. By now, it seems like the parisians have grown used to their modern looking museum/library. I took this photo of Centre Pompidou last night, and only having seen it in daylight before, I quite like it by night

Monsieur Pique!

2010-08-07T17:53:00.004+02:00

With only one more week here in Paris, I have spent my Saturday afternoon doing what I love: Wandering around little streets, popping into every shop I find interesting and when my feet gets tired, relax in a little park or garden. Today I started in Parc de Bercy, did some shopping in Bercy Village and finished off with exploring the streets around the Marais area. That's where I met Monsieur Pique, the proud guardian of this art gallery/shop

Room with a view

2010-08-06T14:23:00.002+02:00

Earlier I told you my dream of living in Paris started in Place des Vosges. An addition to the dream is that it would have to be a room with a view. Like this for example: The view of Paris from Butte Montmartre

Paris Plage

2010-08-02T23:23:00.003+02:00

Every summer for the last 8 years, the Seine's Rive Droit, right bank, and the highway along it has been transformed into a beach. One can argue whether or not it's A BEACH, but everything is relative. Paris Plage stretches from Le Louvre until Pont Sully, which is about 3.5 km. Read more about it on it's homepage

Bright colours

2010-08-01T10:02:00.004+02:00

As today's theme is bright colours, I chose this photo taken in one of the many art galleries in the Arcades surrounding Place des Vosges in Marais. This square is so beautiful. I love the red brick houses that surrounds the square, and it was here my childhood dream of living in Paris started!
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Abbesses

2010-07-31T08:11:00.005+02:00

Thanks to Eric Tenin's blog I have now (yet) another favourite street in Paris. His daily photo from two days ago took me to Rue des Martyrs, and yesterday afternoon I found myself wandering up the street. It is full of boulangeries, pâtisseries, second hand shops and small cafés and bars. At the top of the street, right by the metro station Abbesses, where the amount of tourist increases, I found this staircase covered in colorful graffiti. The staircase led me to the top of Butte Montmartre and the museum Espace Dalí Montmartre (www.daliparis.com), which is also a favourite of mine

Buskers

2010-07-30T15:36:00.004+02:00

Today's photo is taken right in between Paris' two islands, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis. Not only situated in the middle of Paris' tourist area, Île de la Citè is also geographic and historic centre. Ponte Saint-Louis, the bridge that connects the two islands is a popular spot for buskers, and a perfect spot for nice views of the French Renaissance style inspired Hôtel de Ville, which houses the office of the Mayor of Paris

Pine

2010-07-27T17:56:00.003+02:00

In the beginning of my stay in Paris I wrote about Jardin du Luxembourg, how it's my favourite spot for lunch on a sunny day. I am a little embarassed to say that even though I have been in Paris many times, I have not really visited that many parks and gardens, only because I kept going back to Jardin du Luxembourg. Since then I have spent some of my afternoons and weekends exploring other green lungs in Paris. Of the numerous parks and gardens in Paris, I still have a "few" left to see before I've seen them all. So far I am very surprised that all the parks and gardens are so different to each other. Not all of them has, what is for me a characteristic Parisian style, with the fountains, statues and flowers like Jardin du Luxembourg or Jardin de Tuileries. Today's photo is taken in Parc Montsouris, in the 14th arrondissement. What I like the most about this park are all the trees, in particular the pine trees that reminds me of home, and by reading about the parc I learnd that there are about 150 species of trees and shrubs growing there

Fancy a beer?

2010-07-26T23:36:00.002+02:00

Fancy a beer? And not the usual one? My tip is this Belgium beer bar in 19 Rue Sufflot, close to the Panthéon. It's called La Gueuze and serves at least 40 different beers. I like "La fin du monde" (The end of the world), "Bière du dèmon" (Demon beer), "Cochonette" (Piglet) and "Judas"

A cat's life

2010-07-22T10:40:00.003+02:00

There has always been so much talk about the thousands of dogs that live here in Paris, and especially about their dirty business they leave behind in the streets, I have completely forgotten about all the cats! That was until I saw this petit chat in Jardin du Luxembourg some days ago. Having this park as you outdoor playground, this really must be a cat’s life!

Same same but different

2010-07-19T23:12:00.003+02:00

Another sunset over the Seine, but from another angle. I took this photo on France's national day last week, while I was waiting for the fireworks. It's taken on Pont Mirabeau in the 15th arrondissement. I love the blue colour of the sky and the reflection off the buildings on the right. It's very different from yesterday's sunset, yet it's the same city and the same river. I'm also gonna refer to an old post from this blog (you can see it here) where I find myself in the philosophical corner, if that expression works in English. I describe how you can experience a whole different world if you take time to stop and look back to where you came from. In this case, if you view the Effel Tower from different angles and parts of Paris, the experience can be quite different

Sunset

2010-07-18T22:34:00.001+02:00

A beautiful sunset over the Seine. Today's photo is taken on Pont Louis Philippe, a bridge that connects Rive Droit, the Right Bank, and the island Ile Saint-Louis

Exploring

2010-07-17T19:01:00.002+02:00

I love exploring areas, places and parks in Paris I have never visited before, except for the getting lost part. Today I got lost in Gare de Lyon, trying to find my way out. When I finally saw daylight, I also saw these photos scattered around the front of the station. According to this webpage, the world-renowned photography festival "Les Rencontres d'Arles," based in Arles, are spreading the festival to six stations across France, with Paris Gare de Lyon as one of them. Read more about the festival on this webpage www.rencontres-arles.com This exhibition of photos in front of landmarks also reminds me of the open-air exhibitions that takes place in Oslo in front of the City Hall every now and again. This is something I posted a photo of earlier. You can see that daily photo here

White facades

2010-07-16T22:00:00.003+02:00

Today's photo show a typical parisian facade, as almost every house/facade in Paris are white. I specially enjoy the view from Montmartre and the basilica Sacré-Cæur for this reason, Paris just looks so white from there. This photo is taken on Île de la cité, one of the two islands on the river Seine, on Place Dauphine, a street and square shielded from the noise from the heavy trafficated streets along the Seine. It's a very cosy and quiet place with a few restaurants and bars not far from the busy tourist centre around Notre-Dame and Saint-Michel, worth a visit!

When in Paris..

2010-07-15T20:49:00.002+02:00

..do what the Parisiens do. Go jogging in a park. This is one of the most Parisien things I know about. No matter the day, no matter the time or no matter the weather, you are bound to see several Parisians running in the park. I might be here for 6 weeks, but I'm not on holiday so I need to keep exercising, which in this case mean joining in on these guys

Wow

2010-07-14T19:44:00.004+02:00

Today it's Bastille Day, France's National Day. Forget about the military parade that goes down the Champs-Elysées in the morning. Go instead to one of the two Parisian Operas, Palais Garnier or Opera Bastille for a free matinée. I went to Palais Garnier, and even though the queues and the wait was long, it was worth it. Not only was the ballet show "La danseuse de Degas," by choreographer Patrice Bart, really good, the Opera house itself was breathtakingly beautiful. I got more and more mesmerized the further inside I got, and the whole experience was perfect when I saw Marc Chagall's roof painting. Wow! Read about the show here

Mission failed!

2010-07-13T22:52:00.003+02:00

Oh, how completely different today's post and photo is, compared to how I planned and hoped it would be. Tomorrow is Bastille Day, or France's National Day, so tonight and tomorrow night, several fire stations around in Paris are hosting big parties, called "Bals des Pompiers de Paris." I had one mission for tonight. That mission was to go to one of these parties, have a drink and take a photo of one smoking hot firefighter. They are, as I have read somwhere, seen as major sex symbols here in Paris (and I won't argue that!). Anyways, I chose the fire station close to Église Saint-Sulpice in the 6th arrondissement. The queue you can see on today's photo is about 1/5 of the whole line of people waiting to get in. I probably don't need to say I wasn't up for that, no matter how sexy the firefighters. But what I need to say is: Mission failed!

Viva España, again

2010-07-12T20:14:00.002+02:00

You might not believe me when I say I'm no big fan of football, since today's photo is the second football related photo on this blog in just a few days. But I just had to see the World Cup Finale. Again I spent the evening at Trocadéro, with good friends and wine. Yesterday the crowd got even bigger than it did last Wednesday for the semi final, so we kept a little in the back. That turned out as a good idea, as people managed to push down fences and find their way through the barriers and into the Fifa Fan Fest area. Crazy football fans!

Libraire

2010-07-08T22:22:00.003+02:00

Just a quick post today! I think this libraire, bookshop, has a really smart solution to show off books outside the shop. This is a bookshop at Place de la Sorbonne!

Viva España

2010-07-07T23:01:00.003+02:00

Today I spent the evening at Trocadéro, amongst thousands of football fans. I'm no big fan myself, but I came along and hoped Spain would win. Which they did, after scoring a goal in the 73rd minute. As Trocadéro is my favourite spot in Paris to view the Eifel Tower, this was a perfect spot to view the last semi final in open air. I love the colours of the sky behind the tower at sunset from this angle, and together with the atmosphere from the crowd a minute after the scooring, I think this makes quite a nice photo for today!

Carefree cooling off

2010-07-06T22:34:00.004+02:00

It's hot in Paris, and hotter it will be! While some people are worried about a new heatwave hitting town, this little girl in pink, cooling off in a fountain in front of École Militaire, seems to be very carefree!

Les fleurs

2010-07-05T05:22:00.004+02:00

One of my followers commented on my post yesterday asking where all the flowers in Jardin du Luxembourg were. To be honest, I didn't notice or think about that my photo yesterday from the garden was one without all the beautiful flowers they use to have in their flowerbeds. The photo i posted yesterday was taken last week, when I was here in Paris for a quick two-day meeting. I guess the gardeners have been busy since then. Compare yesterday's flowerless photo to today's photo I took yesterday. It's the same flowebed, just from another angle!

Jardin du Luxembourg

2010-07-04T09:39:00.004+02:00

One of my favourite things to do when in Paris, is to have lunch in the Luxembourg gardens. The park is the garden of the French Senate which is housed in the Luxembourg Palace you can see on today's photo. Jardin du Luxembourg is the largest public park in Paris (22.5 hectares), its located in the 6th arrondissement and not too hard to spot on the Paris map. There are still places in the park I have never been, like l'Orangerie, where lemon and orange trees take shelter from the cold or Rucher du Luxembourg, where bees have produced hunny centuries. I think today is a perfect day for lunch in Jardin du Luxembourg!

Place de la Sorbonne

2010-07-03T11:37:00.004+02:00

First of all I have to say I don't have much background knowledge of Paris and its buildings, squares, monuments etc, but as this 6 week long stay will be my 9th time in Paris I do know my way around in the city so some extent. This "new" Paris Daily Photo blog will be more of a means for me to show you the places I already have been and love, and new places i will pass through and most definitely love as well! Today's photo is of a square or place where I'm sure I'm gonna spend a lot of time sitting in the sun, cool down in the water from the fountains and do some french class homework. This is Place de la Sorbonne in the Latin Quarter, in front of La Sorbonne, the historical house of the former Univeristy of Paris

100 reflections of Oslo

2010-07-01T22:10:00.005+02:00

From this blog's very first post in February, I have today posted exactly a 100 pictures from Oslo! With this I will end this Oslo Daily Photo blog. I have not grown tired of this daily habit, the only reason for me to stop posting pictures from Oslo is because I have moved from the city and back home to my hometown. I will continue posting daily photos from my municipality, Eiker, in a new blog although this blog will not be up and running until 15th of August. From tomorrow and for the next 6 weeks I am a Parisian!! I urge you therefore to keep following this blog for a Paris daily photo, until mid August, when I hope you will follow me to my new blog and see many beautiful pictures from my little hometown! Please stay tuned!! Not forgetting about theme day today, I have chosen to give this month's theme "reflections" a wide interpretation. As reflectins can be representations or images I will mention again that today's picture is the last in a series of one hundred photos, images, representations or reflections of Oslo. The building you can see in today's photo is the Oslo Opera House. It was finished in April 2008, after about 5-6 years of building. In just one year, the Opera House had 1.3 million visitors, making it one of Oslo's most popular tourist spots. It's roof is open for the public to walk around on, giving some nice views over Oslo, and in summer time the roof is also used as a concert venue.
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

En helt vanlig dag i helvete!

2010-06-29T22:13:00.005+02:00

In one staircase at national theatre trainstation you can find these displays. They show quotes from plays at the National Theatre together with it's title, when it's on and who acts in them. When I was commuting to university, I used to come up these escalators every day. I remember very well one play and its quotes. Ole Anders Tandberg's dramatization of the writer Tor Ulven's texts, the play "En helt vanlig dag i helvete" translating into "An ordinary day in hell" has stuck with me. Every time when I came up the escalators, feeling crappy after an hour of commuting and tired from not being able to sleep on the train because it was either packed with travellers and I had to stand the whole way, or I had to prepare something for university, I just read the quotes and especially the title, which made (and still does) for some reason so much sense to me. It was just another ordinary day in hell! I just regret I never got around to see the play, I think I would've liked it!

Tartar of trout

2010-06-28T22:11:00.003+02:00

Now I realise I haven't had enough to eat tonight, because I get really hungry looking at today's photo. I dined out at a restaurant at Aker Brygge some days ago, having tartar of trout for starters. This resturant serves only seafood and are open only during the summer season. The food was superb! It's name is well chosen, "Solsiden" (the sunny side), since there are perfect views over the Oslo Fjord and the sunset. On their webpage there is a link to a video travel report made for the CNN, where the restaurant is mentioned. Watch it here

Golden Gay Time

2010-06-26T19:53:00.005+02:00

Of course I forget to bring my camera along on the day you can spot queer people (some of them taking a huge step out of the closet) almost on every street corner in Oslo. I could have called today's photo "Snapshot on Queer Day", but choose to call it Golden Gay Time, remembering my student days down under, cooling down in their premier gay city, Sydeny, with an ice cream bearing the same name. That's when I learnt gay also means happy! Managed to take this quick snapshot with my camera phone, you might be able to see the ladyboy in the background, if not, at least the gay flags in the wind. Such a shame I was in a hurry and to shy to ask the ladyboy for a close up..

Botsen

2010-06-25T22:49:00.004+02:00

After a few days abroad, I'm back blogging! Today's photo show the wall surrounding, and part of, Oslo Fengsel (Oslo Prison), populary called "Botsen" The prison was constructed between 1844 and 1851, designed by the architect Heinrich Schirmer (Schirmer has also designed, in cooperation with the architect Wilhelm von Hanno, several other prisons and churches in Oslo and around the country). Botsen was the first prison in Norway to be built after the "Philadephia System," where the inmates were strictely isolated in order for them to regret their crimes. Botsen was expanded in the 1900's and had, on its most, 223 inmates. In 1975 it became a part of Oslo Fengsel. Oh, and by the way, earlier I have posted a photo from the entrance/exit of the prison, see it here

Rhododendron

2010-06-20T19:06:00.004+02:00

Summer is here and the flowers are in full bloom. I find these rhododendrons, especially in this purple colour, very beautiful. Today's photo is taken in Slottsparken, in front of the Royal Castle.

To skate or not to skate?

2010-06-19T21:56:00.005+02:00

Today's photo gives a view of Oslo's City Hall, although I'm not going to consentrate this post on the building and its history. The City Hall is a very popular spot for skaters to meet and practice. Every day, at all times, there are skaters outside the City Hall. I have been curious to whether the skaters are "accepted" there, whether the City Hall stairs, of all places, is a desired place for skaters. For as long as I can remember, there has been discussions in the media or in local communities whether or not skaters are welcome. After a quick search online I found an article on the subject. A few years ago, it actually existed an agreement between the skaters (Norwegian organisations for skatboarders) and the Oslo council, saying the skaters were only allowed to skate in front of the City Hall after office hours. This agreement was kept for a few years, before the skaters started to skate there at all times, as they do today. Prior to this agreement, the skating at the City Hall stairs had been illegal for over ten years. Today, a balance between the passers by's safety and the skater's use of public sphere plays a role in accepting the skaters as a part of the City Hall stairs and place.

Bella Italia

2010-06-18T22:37:00.003+02:00

At Holmenkollen last weekend I spotted this kiosk/souvernir shop. You might be able to see the word "Troll" carved into the wood above the entrance, being the shop's name. As a souvernir shop at a major Norwegian tourist attraction, I find it a bit ironic that the kiosk has taken on a very Norwegian (and Scandinavian) name, "Troll", as well as selling Italian ice cream (you can see the ice cream sign, "Bella Italia" on the left).

Cats

2010-06-17T12:24:00.004+02:00

As a cat person, I had to take a photo of these two cats I spotted in a window at Tøyen. Although I really like cats, especially in the pose these cats are in (as a teenager I even wanted a tattoo on my hand(!) of a cat in this posture), I am somewhat questionable to having cats in a big city. Only because many owners keep them inside, and if they take them outside, its in a leash. Even though these cats looks happy and healthy, I can't help ask whether or not they are allowed outside to hunt the big city giant mice (read: rats)

Slottsparken

2010-06-16T21:54:00.002+02:00

Two months ago I posted a photo of the north-western end of Slottsparken, the park surrounding the Royal Castle. See that photo here, and compare it to today's photo, which is taken almost on the same spot. Then I stood facing the suburbs of Majorstua and the shopping street Bogstadveien, today I was facing the centre of the park. Look how green it is! My hayfever must have been kind to me this season, so far I haven't had too many problems with it. Knock on wood.

Trancher

2010-06-15T11:27:00.003+02:00

Slow food served fast, is the restaurant Trancher's slogan. This place have got only one main dish; entrecôte. You then choose a side dish from a mix of vegetables, then a sauce. Simple, and really good! Having travelled through Argentina and eaten their famous steaks for dinner almost everyday, this restaurant is a perfect place to dream and pretend I'm back travelling. Check out trancher.no for more!

Holmenkollen Ski Jump

2010-06-14T16:26:00.003+02:00

Finally, I have been to "Kollen" to take a look at the new ski jump. As I wrote on its official opening day (read the post here) Holmenkollen has been torn down and rebuildt. The brand new steel construction looks very stylish and a lot more modern than the old Kollen. There is still quite a bit of construction work going on up there, although the Ski Museum are open as normal. For more detailed information about the new hill, check out Oslo Municipality's webpage on the subject www.holmenkollen.oslo.kommune.no

Recharge

2010-06-10T22:07:00.003+02:00

I skimmed through the newspaper the other day, and I remember some headline about the worlds largest parking/recharge space for electric cars opening in Oslo somewhere. I didn't dwell upon this news for too long, until I suddenly saw this car park on my way to work today. I got a feeling this was the new recharge area I briefly read about in the news, since this car park has never been here before. And, I was right. On June 7th, the world largest municipal charging station for electrical cars was opened at Aker Brygge. It was celebrated by a parade of 69 electrical cars driving from the City Hall to the charging station. The station can hold up to 50 cars, where they can recharge their battery for free. On the same day, a national database for all the charging stations in Norway was opened by our Transport Minister. So, if you find yourself travelling through Oslo in an eco-friendly way, you can easily find a perfect little spot to stop, and recharge here!

Island hopping

2010-06-07T23:42:00.003+02:00

As I wrote a few days ago, it took only 20 minutes by ferry to get to one of the little islands in the inner part of the Oslo Fjord. The ferry stops on several of the islands, so in fact, Oslo offers a possible island hopping in summer time if you're up for it! Today's photo is from the island Gressholmen, which offers a nice view of the city. The tiny little white dot you might spot on the hill in the back, is the new Holmenkollen Ski Jump! To see timetables for the Oslo ferries and public transport in general, check out www.trafikanten.no

Egon's Exit

2010-06-06T21:32:00.004+02:00

One of my best childhood memories are watching the Olsenbanden movies on television with my family on Saturday evenings. Olsenbanden, that can be translated into The Olsen's Gang, were a series of comedy movies from the 70's about Egon Olsen and his two buddies, his gang. They were three amateur criminals, in every movie trying to put to life one of Egon's remarkable plans. In every movie Egon describes the plans as solid and waterproof, and the plans might have been just as waterproof and solid as Egon predicted, had these three mates not been born with such huge amount of unluck each. Every movie starts with Egon finally being released from prison, with his two mates happy, waiting for him outside. Every movie ends with Egon being caught by the same persistent and vindictive police officer, and put to prison. Today's photo is taken approximately at the same place Egon's mates waits for him on his prison release. The red brick building you can see in the end of the road is in fact a real prison. It is Oslo Kretsfengsel (Oslo Prision), division A, known as Botsfengselet or Botsen

Summer Sunset

2010-06-05T18:01:00.006+02:00

My schoolmates and I celebrated the start of summer holiday the other day, with a trip to one of the islands in the inner part of the Oslo Fjord, only 20 min away by ferry (the ferry, by the way, is a part of Oslo's public transport system Ruter, making it easy and affordable). After a long and relaxing afternoon and evening, filled with barbecue, ball games and countless mosquito bites, we took the last ferry back into the city, with today's photo as our view!

Photography in the public sphere

2010-06-04T21:35:00.005+02:00

Every now and again, there are photo exhibitions on display outside the City Hall. The exhibitions are for everyone who walks past, either it is Oslo citizens on their way home from work or tourists taking a stroll along Aker Brygge. Some years ago, one exhibition was Yann Arthus-Bertrand's "The earth from above" photos, and a few months back, the exhibition was hosted by Norway's Blind Association in cooperation with 18 of Norway's best photographers. The exhibition was called "More than nothing" and the photos portrayed was the photgraphers interpretations of how visually impaired see the world. The exhibition at the moment might be a tourism commercial for Spain, showing beautiful photos from Spanish cities. Regardless what exhibition is on, I like taking the time in a busy weekday, walk along Aker Brygge with all the tourists and enjoy good photography.
For more great photography, check out Yann Arthus-Bertrand's work

City park life

2010-06-02T18:34:00.004+02:00

Summer is offically here! Weather reports says it will be sunny and over 20 degrees all week! Good thing I'm on holiday! A mix of being busy studying for my exams and having trouble with uploading photos on the blog, is the reason I haven't posted photos every day this week. Hopefully my mac will stop playing up soon, so I can go back to my daily blogging. I took today's photo yesterday in the south end of the parc Frognerparken at Majorstua. Where else to go in a big city on a summer's day than the park?

Weird art

2010-05-31T22:36:00.001+02:00

A very weird sculpture at Oslo Central Station. I am somewhat amazed and amused to see what our goverment chooses to spend their money on

Calming coffee

2010-05-29T19:32:00.002+02:00

In February I wrote about a very nice coffee shop not far from our university and how the girls in my class and I go there before our exams to calm our nerves down with an espresso shot or two. Well, yesterday we had an exam, and at 9am we met for a coffe hopefully to calm ourselves down. Not sure it worked. We'll find out in June when we get our grade.. The earlier post on this cool coffee shop/cocktail bar, you can find here

Traces of old

2010-05-27T20:11:00.005+02:00

I like this photo with its traces of old. I like to see the trace of an old building on the brick wall, I get curious and want to find out what building used to be there. I have tried to interpret the words on the wall, only being able to read the bottom one. It says "farvehandel" meaning paint shop. Further than that I didn't get. This photo is taken in the old town, and here is another photo of an old buliding in the same suburb

Turtledoves?

2010-05-25T17:48:00.004+02:00

Random photo of two people on a bench under pink, beautiful trees. It's not the most romantic photo, although it could have been!

Eurovision Fever!

2010-05-24T22:42:00.006+02:00

The madness has begun! Yesterday, they took Oslo by storm, walking the pink carpet in front of Oslo's City Hall where the opening party was held. Yes, I'm talking about the Eurovision Song Contest! Today's photo is taken from the Eurovision Village at Rådhusplassen (City Hall Square), where all the crazy fans can get all the official merchandise! Who doesn't want to be ready for the first semi-final held at Telenor Arena tomorrow or the Grand Final on Saturday!? www.eurovision.tv

Break!

2010-05-23T15:53:00.004+02:00

In need of a break from my studies (I've got three exams due this week!!) and some fresh air, I decided to go for a little walk around Aker Brygge and Akershus Fortress. Today's photo is taken right next to the fortress wall, on the fortress ground, overlooking Aker Brygge (here is an earlier entry from this area). On a day like this, sunny and warm, I wish I could do like all the other people around me: Relax on the grass in front of Akerhus Fortress, with good friends and perhaps a glass of wine!

Construction work

2010-05-22T23:17:00.006+02:00

Not far from Oslo Central Station and the Opera House, the suburb Bjørvika goes through major construction work. Today's photo is from one the platforms at the central station, with some view over the construction area. The plans are to remove the highway from ground level and into a tunnel, creating space for a waterfront promenade with the Opera House as the centre. A few museums, including the Munch Museum, will be moved to the area, hotels and apartment buildings will be built. This is said to draw 15 000 new inhabitants to the area and about 20 000 new job opportunities. The Oslo Central Station will also undergo major changes, making it the most modern central station in Europe when finished. Also, what will be the main artery when it comes to pedestrian traffic, is soon finished; a 125 million kroner (app. 20 million dollars) footbridge crossing the promenande (not sure if I want to know to total price tag to this project). Everything is said to be finished by the end of 2011, and it will be very interesting to see the new city in the city! For more information on the construction plans, check out bjørvika development

Nationaltheatret

2010-05-21T22:32:00.002+02:00

Today's photo is of Nationaltheatret, our National Theatre, that opened in 1899. The bulding, designed by the architect Henrik Bull, is situated in the centre of Oslo, close to Karl Johan and the Royal Palace. In 1983, the bulding was protected by the Cultural Heritage Act. The theatre houses three stages, Hovedscenen, Amfiscenen and Malersalen. An external scene, Torshovteatret, situated in the suburb of Torshov, is the theatre's forth scene. The National Theatre's ensemble is the leading ensemble in Norway, and only the very best, nationally and internationally, are invited to realize the artistic program. At the time being, these are some of the plays on the National Theatre's repertoire; Ingmar Bergman's Fanny & Alexander, William Golding's Fluenes Herre (Lord of the flies), Henrik Ibsen's Et dukkehjem and Bertolt Brecht's Galileo. For more information, check out nationaltheatret.no

Hay fever season

2010-05-18T22:14:00.002+02:00

If all the trees getting greener isn't enough for the poor allergic, these flowers at Stortorvet probably does the job! For another photo of the flower market at Stortorvet, click here

17. mai

2010-05-17T07:47:00.012+02:00

Today is our national day! Today, 196 years ago, our country's constitution was signed at Eidsvoll. Today, our whole country comes to a standstill, as everyone is celebrating this festive day. What usually happens on our national day is that all the school children, some of their parents and others who want to join in, walk in a parade, with brass music, through the streets of their city or town. In my home town, where I celebrate the national day every year, there are games for the kids at the local school afterwards, before the adults head off to the local pub for a pint, an ice cream or just a chat. Later in the afternoon, and if the weather permits it, there is usually a dinner at some family member or friends house, like a barbecue. In bigger cities, like Oslo, people gather in parks, where there are concerts and tivoli fun. Also in Oslo, the parade with all of Oslo's school children goes along Karl Johan street and up to the Royal Palace where our Royal Family stands on the balcony and waves to the people. Follow this link to see a few photos from the parade in Oslo and Karl Johan.
As I am not in Oslo today, I chose to post a photo today of the outfit that people wear on 17th of May. If you thought the celebration of our national day stops with "just" a parade, you're wrong. We also have a national dress, called bunad, that we wear on special occasions. That is, those who don't come to the horrific realisation on 16th of May, that the bunad does not fit anymore!!! As you can see on the photo, the dresses have different colours and embroidery. This is because they symbolises different regions in Norway. Usually people choose their bunad after what region their family comes from, or where they live. (Check out this page for more pictures and information on our national dress)
A fun fact before I finish; We have our own bunad encyclopedia, making it able to learn more about the different dresses and the region they come from. As one region have many different dresses, this encyclopedia can be very handy!

Oslo Sentralstasjon

2010-05-15T16:10:00.003+02:00

If you are ever going to Oslo, you will at some point find yourself in front of this building. This is Oslo Sentralstasjon (Oslo S), Oslo's central station. Its located in the bottom of Karl Johan Street, making it the most central station in Oslo. Here, train, buses, metro and trams meet, making Oslo S the largest station in the country, as well as the most traficated station, with 150 000 travellers per day

Politihuset

2010-05-14T13:46:00.004+02:00

At Grønland, very close to the center of Oslo, Politihuset (the police house) looms on top of a little hill, surrounded with green grass on one side and Oslo Fengsel "Botsen" (Oslo Prison) on the other side. This building is the Oslo Police headquarter, has been since 1978. Over the police radio, units based at the headquarter uses the callsignal "Fox" or "Foxtrot"

The canopy

2010-05-13T22:29:00.004+02:00

Right in front of the Nobel Peace Center at Aker Brygge (you can read an earlier post about this building here), this huge installation, the canopy, can be seen. It is design by the architect David Adjayes and made by Norsk Hydro (a Norwegian global supplier of aluminium and aluminium products) and recycled aluminium. The canopy is an artistic interpretation of the world map without borders, as borders are often the reason for conflict. Instead, the map is shown through a series of dots that represent places where the most people on the earth lives. According to the Nobel Peace Center's webpage on the subject, the canopy marks the start of Adjayes vision of a Nobel Peace Center as a world without borders, a place where the deliberate use of colours, sound, light and images will motivate and inspire the visitors to reflect on peace, war and conflict solving

I wish I was a cat

2010-05-12T09:38:00.003+02:00

so I could sleep all day!! This week I've really been struggling to get up in the morning. This is my neighbour's cat. I usually find it sleeping by my door or in the middle of the staircase, like on this photo

In bloom

2010-05-11T21:34:00.003+02:00

Not only do I love trees, I love when trees are in bloom! In Paris this weekend, there were trees everywhere in purple bloom. It was so beautiful! Here in Oslo, the trees still have a little to go before green, however I walked past this purple tree on my way home today. Perfect photo for today!

Rhyme

2010-05-10T22:46:00.003+02:00

Found this verse on a building in Oslo's old town. Makes perfect rhyme in Norwegian, not so much in English.
"Thank you state for shelter and food; prison, isolation, anxiety and hate"
I think it is a very depressing rhyme, highlighting and describing a situation and feeling in our society we don't tend to talk much about

Visit Norway!

2010-05-09T21:46:00.006+02:00

Beating the cloud of ash and closing airports just barely, I'm back home in Oslo after a long-weekend on holiday. The city I have been in, is not only my favourite city in the world, after Oslo of course, but also the city where Eric Tenin posts his daily photo's from. (His blog was by the way what inspired me to start this blog) Yes, im talking about Paris!! Therefore, I am going to deviate from the rules just once, and post a photo taken in Paris about Oslo and Norway. I have to admit, I felt a little proud being Norwegian when I walked past these commercial ads in the parisian metro. It does look really beautiful, doesn't it?!
For travel tips, check out visitnorway.com and visitoslo.com
Also, regardless if you have seen his blog already, or been in Paris a thousand times before, check out Eric Tenin's blog at www.parisdailyphoto.com

Multicultural Oslo

2010-05-05T20:55:00.005+02:00

After two incredibly busy days, I'm back with a photo for today! Today I chose a photo of a very colorful building. The largest muslim community in Norway is the World Islamic Mission Norway, counting 6000 members. This is their mosque, known as Central Jam-e-Mosque or World Islamic Mission

Bus shed

2010-05-02T23:45:00.003+02:00

Today's photo isn't very interesting, and there is not much to say about it. It is just an ordinary bus shed with colorful commercial ads on it, great for killing time whilst waiting for the bus

Theme Day & Labour Day

2010-05-01T10:43:00.004+02:00

Today is my first theme day, and I decided that I wouldn't try to interpret today's theme "statues" more than necessary. As it is Labour Day today, my mum said I should post a photo of the statue of Rudolf Nilsen. Rudolf Nilsen is a Norwegian poet, known for his poems characterized by class struggles that occured in Norway and Oslo in the 1920's. For this, he is considered one of Norway's most important poets representing the workers.
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Gold

2010-04-30T21:56:00.003+02:00

This will be the last photo from my excursion in our Parliament Building, I promise. This is a photo of the roof in the White Hall, pretty nice!

Russeknute

2010-04-29T23:20:00.005+02:00

When I came across these leavers in Karl Johan this afternoon, I just had to take a photo of them for today's post. This is just another example of the (stupid) things they have to do. Walking on all four from Oslo central train station (Oslo S) to the Royal Castle (about 1.5 km) gives you, not only lots of bruises, but also a shoelace to tie in your cap's tassel

Domus Media

2010-04-28T10:18:00.004+02:00

The yellow buildings you can see on today's photo are two of the three old university buildings surrounding the University Square. The three buildings, named Domus Bibliotheca (on the left), Domus Media (in the middle) and Domus Academica (on the right outside the photo), are all a part of the University of Oslo. They were designed by Christian Heinrich Grosch and was completed in 1852. This make them the oldest university buildings in Norway. Today it is the University of Oslo's Faculty of Law and its students that houses these buildings.
The statue in the forground of today's photo is a statue of Ludvig Holberg, a famous Norwegian writer. It may look like the statue is a part of the University Square, although it is not. Between the statue and the university buildings and square, goes Karl Johan, Oslo's main street. The statue of Ludvig Holberg is actually erected next to the building that is Nationalteathret, the National Theatre, which is what I had my back against when I took this photo

Foam party!

2010-04-27T22:52:00.005+02:00

As spring arrives, and the month of April passes by, more and more young people can be spotted in red baggy pants running around town blowing whistles. This phenomenon is the Norwegian "Russefeiring" (the high school leavers party), which basically is three weeks worth of partying all day and all night long. It starts in the end of April and lasts until the 17th of May, on our national day. Along with the red pants, a type of hat or cap belongs to the leavers "uniform." The hat/cap has a very long tassel where you can tie stuff to it. The things you tie on the tassel represents different (stupid) tasks you have done, like drinking 24 beers in 12 hours or eaten a big mac in 30 seconds. After a quick search online I found the leavers official website with an overwiev of all the tasks. I couldn't find "Pour dishwashing liquid into a fountain" but this fountain outside the Nationaltheatret (the National Theatre) has got the leavers 2010 written all over it.
These are the tasks www.russ.no

Svartemarja

2010-04-26T23:07:00.002+02:00

My favourite museum to visit when I was a child was the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology. It was the only museum that managed to catch my attention for more than a few minutes at the time. I remember I loved running around looking at and playing with all the cool stuff they had on display. A few months back and for the first time since I was a child, I visited this museum again. Most of it was as I remembered, althought some things had changed. The section that had old bikes, cars, locomotives and airplanes on display were just the same. Today's photo is of one of the cars, one of Oslo's first police cars. In 1922 the Oslo police department bought their first three cars. They were nicknamed "Svartemarja" or "Black Mary" by the people in Oslo.
Check out www.tekniskmuseum.no

Tussilago Farfara

2010-04-25T15:06:00.002+02:00

Just a quick post today, with a photo of one of the first flowers you can spot in spring time, the Tussilago farfara. In Norwegian its called Hestehov and in English Coltsfoot

Sky

2010-04-24T22:24:00.003+02:00

If you walk up along Akerselva, a little river that runs through Oslo, you will at some point come across this house. I call it the cloud house (skyhuset), its "residents" calls it the skyskraper. The skyskraper houses several cooperating media, commercial and entertainment companies. This is their homepage www.skyskraper.no

Ibsen Sitat

2010-04-23T15:15:00.002+02:00

The very famous Norwegian playwriter and poet, Henrik Ibsen, lived his last years in Arbins gate, here in Oslo. In 2006, the hundred year anniversary of his death was celebrated in Norway. Amongst a lot of things happening, one of the more permanent celebrations was the art project Ibsen Sitat (Ibsen Quote) by the Ibsen Foundation, www.ibsen-foundation.org This project took to engrave quotes from Ibsen’s plays and poetry into the pavement, all the way from Ibsen’s old flat in Arbins gate, along his daily route to the Grand Café in Karl Johan. As a way to involve people in this project, Ibsen Foundation opened up for everyone to choose their favourite quote and tell why they like it. Then the they would pick out the quotes that would be engraved. Today’s photo is of one of the quotes I really like: ”Sagen er den, ser I, at den stærkeste mand i verden, det er han som står mest alene” Translated, this would be something like: ”The fact is, as I see it, that the strongest man in the world, is he who stands most alone” This quote is from ”En Folkefiende,” one of Ibsen’s plays, and was sent in by by Marthe Abrahamsen. Here is her story behind the quote. Read more about the project at www.ibsen-foundation.org and www.ibsensitat.no

Toilet Scribbles

2010-04-22T21:24:00.003+02:00

It is interesting how much stuff being written inside the cubicles at public toilets. At university there is plenty of people, which means there will be plenty of thoughts and meanings scribbled down. I am no big fan of Twilight, the movies, but seeing this the other day made me chuckle. "Because of Edward Cullen I will never find a man who will make me happy" I especially enjoyed what someone have added in red, "Pathetic"

Eidsvollsgalleriet

2010-04-21T08:49:00.004+02:00

Another photo from inside the Parliament Building. People on the excurtion with me must have thought I was over the average interested!! This photo is taken in a room called Eidsvollsgalleriet (Eidsvoll's Gallery). The room has 22 paintings on display, all of them portraying important representatives that was chosen to take part in the founding of Norway's constitution on the 17th of May 1814 in Eidsvoll. Hence, the name of the room

Untuned Bell

2010-04-19T17:47:00.004+02:00

On the tram the other day I noticed a long wooden poster-wall at Tullinløkka, a little square in Oslo. It was covered with lots of colorful posters, and I decided to walk back past it to see if I could get a cool photo for the blog. When I got there I quickly found out that the poster-wall is part of an art project by KORO (art in the public sphere) and the artist A K Dolven. You can read more about the project here
Quickly explained, Dolven has taken the 1,5 tonnes bell that once was removed from Oslo City Hall because it was out of tune with the other 48 bells, and installed in the air at Tullinløkka. If you step on the pedal on the ground underneath it, it will sound again. I have to admit, I neither stepped on the pedal nor tilt my head back to look at the bell, due to a bright shiny sun and a slight headache, but I took my time to study the poster-wall. Since Tullinløkka used to be a central meeting place in Olso, used for public gatherings and manifestations, the project of Untuned Bell wants to reclaim the area’s history. On the poster-wall people are given the chance to air their opinions and draw attention to matters they find imporant. As you can see, it is covered with children’s drawings and notes, political posters and exclamations, old news paper articles, even graffiti. ”Untuned Bell calls each individual to make a sound for the untuned, and to voice their opinion about the general attitude towards deviation from norms that exist in our world.” You have until the 31st of May! Read more about KORO on their web pages www.koro.no

Flower market

2010-04-18T20:23:00.004+02:00

Today's photo is of the flower market at Stortorvet, a little square in the centre of Oslo. In the background you can see the spire of Oslo Dome Church. The church is in fact re-opening today after three years of repair and restoration

Skiføre

2010-04-17T17:55:00.004+02:00

There is this shop I sometimes find myself in, not because of the clothes they sell, but because of all the little trinkets they have for sale in the room furtherst in. The other day I suddenly was in this shop again, standing amongst pieces of lavender and mint soap, bath salt, ceramics for the kitchen and other design pieces. Then I noticed something I haven't seen there before; Even further into the shop, they've opened up a set of doors leading to another huge room, which serves as a gallery. I walked in and got mesmerized by the paintings there, almost all of them depicting Norwegian winter landscape and for a second I found myself starting to miss winter.. I especially liked the painting I'm posting today. I haven't managed to find any decent web pages that says anything about the artist, I only have a phamplet from the shop. But, he must be mentioned, his name is Kjetil Haaland

Friday equals beer??

2010-04-16T12:52:00.003+02:00

Finally its Friday, and as my fellow students and I recieved our monthly student loan a few days ago, this particular Friday equals beer! So I thought this photo was a suitable one for today. Ringnes is Norway’s largest brewery and has a 130 year long history. The brewery was established by the brothers Amund and Ellef Ringnes in 1876. Today’s photo is of the entrance of what used to be Ringnes’ brewery. The beer production was moved from this building to a new and more modern brewery outside of Oslo in 2001. Today, this is the site of Ringnes' main office. Read more about beer and Ringnes on www.ringnes.no

R&R

2010-04-15T16:22:00.008+02:00

Surrounding the Royal Castle, Slottsparken is one of Oslo's many green lungs. It connects Oslo's main street, Karl Johan, with the western suburbs. Today's photo shows the north-western end of the park, where the street Hegdehaugsveien starts, only to continue into Bogstadveien further west, which is one of Oslo's major fashion shopping street. Take the metro to Majorstua, work your way down towards the city centre along Bogstadveien, shop till you drop, and Slottsparken is the perfect spot for some r&r aftwards

White Hall

2010-04-14T19:37:00.002+02:00

This is the red White Hall inside the Norwegian Parliament Building. This is where the 169 representatives/members meet for discussions. The Parliament Building was designed by the architect Emil Victor Langlet, and inaugurated March 5th 1866. As well as the building itself, Langlet also designed the White Hall. He was inspired by Norwegian nature, the pillars are made from Norwegian oak, and he used motifs from Norwegian Stave Churches/Medieval Wooden Churches

"SKRIK"

2010-04-12T22:05:00.002+02:00

This is the view of Oslo from the road to Ekebergsletta. This view was the inspiration behind the landscape in what probably is the norwegian painter Edvard Munch's most famous painting "Skrik," painted in Berlin in 1893

Hokus Pokus

2010-04-11T20:25:00.002+02:00

In Oslo's old town, Gamlebyen, there is a skate park with a legal graffiti wall surrounding it. Its not just the flowers that comes out in spring, yesterday a girl was there painting the walls with graffiti and a numerous of skaters enjoying a nice day out

Spring is here!

2010-04-10T17:47:00.002+02:00

After a little rainy period, the sun is out and so are the flowers! This is a sure sign of spring and I have celebrated with an ice cream out in the sunny weather!

A different world

2010-04-09T21:29:00.006+02:00

I have been very lucky to have travelled a lot and experienced not only many different countries and cultures, but also fantastic views of mountains, lakes, beaches, waterfalls, forests etc. At some point through my travelling I realized that if I don't stop, in the middle of hiking the Inka Trail in Peru for example, and take a moment to look back to where I came from every now and then, I would not only miss out on views that could be even more fantastic than the views I had right in front of me, but I would also miss out on experiencing my surroundings and travelling in a different way than I else would. Now, wherever I am, I always take time to stop and turn around to see how the world looks like behind me. So I did the other day during the excursion to the Parliament Building. Whilst in Stortingssalen (the White Hall) when everyone was looking towards the front, I stopped, turned around and peeked out the windows. It was very interesting to get this view over the main street in Oslo, Karl Johan's gate. I don't think I've ever seen it from another angle than street level. The yellow building you can see in the far back is the norwegian castle, Slottet, and the little round square in the front is Eidsvolls Plass

Pink moss

2010-04-08T22:32:00.003+02:00

An old wall covered in moss and pink graffiti close to the Medieval Ruin Park. I like the colours and contrast between the pink and green

Frihetens søstre

2010-04-07T20:19:00.003+02:00

Today I attended an excursion to the Norwegian Parliament Building, Stortinget. It occured to me that the building is hosting lots and lots of artwork either paintings, weavings or mosaics. Today's photo is taken in the hall right inside the main entrance. It's called "Frihetens søstre" (Sisters of freedom), and it's painted by Arne Ekeland. It took three versions of this painting, painted in 1938, 1958 and 1964, before it was "approved" by Stortinget and put up on the wall in 1991. The reason for this, our guide told us, was because Ekeland was a communist, and it's not until after his death his art is appreciated

Bysykkel

2010-04-06T22:59:00.002+02:00

On my way to a friend of mine this afternoon, I noticed that they were putting the city bikes out for the season. I thought that could be something to blog, as it is a really good way for Oslo citizens to get in shape and to treat our environment a little better. It only costs 80 kroner for the season, starting today. If you are a tourist, they tell you on their web page where to go for more information. www.oslobysykkel.no

Something to do!

2010-04-05T22:13:00.002+02:00

This tip might come four public holidays too late or a few months too early, but if you need something to do on a day when everything is closed, try the Natural History Museum and botanical garden at Tøyen. This is the museums homepage, www.nhm.uio.no Today's photo is from the entrance in Jens Bjelkes gate

Happy easter!

2010-03-31T14:59:00.004+02:00

With a bright and yellow photo I'm wishing my readers a happy easter! I'm going on holiday today, so there will not be any posts until Sunday/Monday! See you then!

Cacao de Inferno

2010-03-30T21:25:00.003+02:00

If you feel like a cup of something hot and yummi, but not the ordinary espresso, latte or green tea, go to Copa Con Oro and ask for a cacao de inferno. In Latin American inspired sourroundings they'll serve you a cup of hot and spicy cacao with chilli, so thick you could almost eat it with a spoon. www.copaconoro.no

Wall painting

2010-03-29T17:15:00.006+02:00

Walking past this wall painting in Jens Bjelkes gate, I was a little too quick to snatch my photo and continue walking. I kept walking, thinking I wouldn't have anything say about this piece of art, what it portrays, who's it by etc, except for the fact that I think it looks cool. Whilst taking a better look at the photo before posting it on this blog I noticed the writing on the bottom left side, saying "by ian dent." There it was! I'm posting the link to Ian Dent's web page, and for anyone who thinks this art looks cool, this web page is worth a look! www.iandent.net

The Perfect Sunday

2010-03-28T15:52:00.005+02:00

The perfect Sunday for me is when I wake up refreshed after a quiet Saturday evening, ready for a stroll around Oslo, stopping for a coffee somewhere and browsing through antique and second hand shops and markets. Today is one of those Sundays!! Today's post is a photo from the market held every Sunday from 12pm, in the park called Birkerlunden at Grünerløkka. I have been here many times, I love walking past the stands looking at all the things and trinkets people have for sale

Creativity

2010-03-26T23:53:00.004+01:00

I have to admit that the blogs I follow on a daily basis are blogs written by very self-centered girls. And for some reason that's why I read them. Its brain-dead and funny, funny to se how they pose every day under the heading "today's outfit." These blogs were also the reason I wanted to start a blog that wasn't about me, my bad outfits and my boring life. Because I like to take photos, and because I came across this blog www.parisdailyphoto.com/ I decided I would start a blog with daily photos from Oslo. It started well, but the last few weeks I haven't been posting photos every day. I have been thinking I have lacked motivation, but I have realized that its a lack of creativity. The photo today is taken from a gallery here in Oslo, www.kan-skje.com/ where, until Sunday, a blogger called Vigdis Løbach is having an exhibition. Its when I look at blogs like hers I don't feel very creative: www.tegnelogg.blogspot.com/ and www.kunstkanskje.blogspot.com/

Twilight

2010-03-25T22:39:00.003+01:00

Taken about four weeks ago, when everything were still covered in snow. It's taken on a field at Bygdøy, the field covered with cross country skiing trails. What I like the most about this photo is the light. Some days in winter have the most beautiful twilights and sunsets

Before

2010-03-24T21:13:00.002+01:00

Today I chose to post this photo. I have already mentioned that I like to take photos of trees. Although this tree doesn't have that many long branches that tangle, I still like it. It's a quirky tree. This photo was taken, as you can see, whilst it still was snowy and the tree had no leaves. As soon as the leaves starts to grow I'll post another photo of it

Obama

2010-03-23T21:02:00.003+01:00

He was inaugurated as president of the United States on the 20th of January 2009. Only 8 months later, on the 9th of October, it was announced that he was the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner and since then the Nobel Peace Center at Aker Brygge have hosted the annual exhibition on the Peace Prize laureate. It's called "A Call to Action" and the connections between Alfred Nobel's will and Obama's work for peace are central in the exhibition. Read more on www.nobelpeacecenter.org
Today Obama signed the highly debated american healtcare bill. Some newspapers calles it history other says its Obama's first political triumph!