my education in norway

Ooftah. Lots of posts, I know. There are just so many things to say on separate topics. Hence, my multiple postings in an hour. 

'Ooftah'--Let's start with that. I am now in Bergen, as mentioned. I am staying with my relatives. I said 'ooftah' the other day, and one of people I am staying with was utterly amazed that I said a Norwegian word. I told her it's Minnesotan too. Or, at least it's only Minnesotan because of the Norwegian immigrants. She absolutely loved it. We figured out that we use the word in slightly different cases. 

My great great grandfather (I think) came over to Minnesota. He and his brother came over together. Let's call my great great grandfather A and his brother B. Brother B decided to moved back to Norway, while Bro-sef A decided to stay. 

From lineage A, I am brought to life. The family I am currently staying with calls Bro B their great grandfather. If bro-sef A decided to go back to Norway, I wouldn't be typing this..because I wouldn't exist. Thanks Khristian! (that is actually A's name). 

But seriously, I have had an amazing time here with my family learning about my Norwegian roots. It's been very educational. Jorill and Paul (who I am staying with) have a wealth of knowledge. And not just about the family, but about the world and obviously particularly Norway. 

I swear Paul was secretly assigned to be my professor for the week. He and I have sat in front of GoogleEarth (his best teaching tool) for hours on end. He has introduced me to many parts of Norway. Including where Khristian is from (Rake, which in America he used as his last name, only changed it to Rachie--my Grandma Groth's Maiden name). Are you confused yet? It's okay, you don't need to remember anything of my ancestry, I don't know anything about yours. 

Paul is an accomplished photographer. He has thousands upon thousands of pictures! And, they are very beautiful. Many of them are on GoogleEarth, as well. I love how much this family likes to teach and talk about Norway. It's the best kind of family to stay with, because they are not annoyed to ever re-explain anything to you, they love it. 

I must come back to Norway.