Exams, coursework and end of semester parties complete, there was indeed a hint of sadness around UNIS as everybody packed up and left for home at Christmas. For me (and quite a few others) the Christmas holiday was just a welcome short break from the polar night on Svalbard until semester two began. Unlike studying back in the UK where travelling home consists of a day on trains and waiting at train stations (and a costa coffee or two) travelling to and from Svalbard provided the perfect platform for some adventure on Norway’s mainland…
On the way home Kirsteen and I spent three days in Oslo, enjoying the bright yet overcast sky and the Norwegian pancakes and ginger bread sticks at the many Christmas markets. It was a great opportunity to buy Christmas presents to accompany the “Longyearbyen 78o 13N” badges (the must have souvenir from Svalbard).
Hotel outside of Oslo, next to Holmenkollen Ski Jump
Holmenkollen ski Jump, unfortunately there was no snow so I couldn’t ski down it!
Christmas market Oslo city centre
Royal Palace, Oslo
The man himself J
After a relaxing month off for Christmas split between Wales, England and Scotland it was time to return to UNIS for semester two! On the way back to Svalbard Tromso (northern Norway) was selected as the chosen stop over destination. We spent two nights there and met up with Mathias, a friend from last semester who showed us around the town. In the evening we met up with Carl and Jordan, students who we knew from SAMS, Scotland and whom were the first students from SAMS to come to UNIS. Carl is now completing a master program at the University of Tromso and Jordan, who was in Tromso for a research cruise to Svalbard, has just started a PhD at the University of Quebec, Canada. I wonder what I will be doing after my B Sc?!
Tromso Island
Mack Beer, the best beer to drink on Svalbard
Great photos!m Keep up the good work (if you can call it that ;) )
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