The Icing

I arrived here in Oslo on Monday. Since then, I've been busy with the logistic and bureaucratic steps required when moving to a different country. I've hung out with some Fulbright colleagues; waited for my luggage to arrive (one day late); shopped at Ikea for sheets, towels, and a comforter; found the closest grocery store and post office--and renewed my exercise regime with a walk in the park (literally).

Yesterday, I registered with the police and also with the Folkeregister (to get a national ID number). For each of these steps, I had to find the correct location, take a number, wait, and finally have very efficient state employees help me with the paperwork.

As a reward for being patient with the process, I allowed myself to go to the Munchmuseet when I was done. This wasn't planned--when I got off the subway at Toyen (where the Folkeregister was), a sign informed me that the museum was nearby. I quite happily searched it out once I was done and really enjoyed it, especially the exhibit on the Scream and Madonna, Munch's most famous pieces. This exhibit had many different versions of each work in a variety of media. I especially enjoyed learning about the Madonna figures with their combination of eroticism and religious meaning. Another piece that I found intriguing was "The Voice/Summer Night." Be sure to check out this link to see the painting. It's dark and moody mitigated somewhat by the promise of small streaks of light.

Munch's work typifies a more despairing view of life that can be quite evocative. His figures are often faceless and alone (he even titled several versions of two figures "The Lonely Ones"). I wonder if Munch's work expresses a Norwegian sensibility of some sort??? In any event, I hope that my understanding of Norwegian culture deepens over the coming months.

For now, though, I am exploring this city. I walk its streets, gaze at the fjord from the harbor near my apartment, acquaint myself with my new neighborhood, and look into people's faces, familiarizing myself with a place that will, I'm sure, become home to me.