I think I’m finally starting to adjust to my new reality. One that’s 6-9 hours ahead of nearly everyone I know. I still don’t really know many people here, and unfortunately, everyone on my team is quite a bit older than I am. Some of them have been on this project since 1985 (that’s right, I was 7 when they started building this product).
My first task here is to find an apartment. I have an appointment on Monday morning to see a place that’s just outside the city. It’s walking distance to the office and overlooks Oslo Fjord (that’s right, it’s on the water… nice). I had kind of wanted to live inside the city, but this might be a pretty good deal. And I can always hop on a train and be in the city in a matter of 10 minutes, so not a big deal.
So what’s the first week been like? Well, the office building that we’re in is pretty nice. Troux actually only purchased 1/2 of Computas: the products division. We still share the building with the consulting side of the company. But everyone seems to congregate at lunch as if it’s one big company. I still really don’t even know who works for which company.
My office is not too big, but certainly larger than my cube in Austin. I have a window that overlooks… well… the other half of the building, so that’s not great. I might move to a new office if one becomes available on the side that faces the road. The only bad thing is that people seem to congregate right outside my window to smoke… so I feel a bit self conscious sitting and working while they’re smoking. Maybe I should start smoking. Would be a great way to meet people… okay, maybe not.
Today was my first day to actually get out and see some of the city. I have to say, Oslo is really beautiful. The harbor area is about a 10 minute walk south of my hotel and it’s amazing. Lots to see. I’ve also lots of statues around the city. Kind of a cool thing. The harbor is actually Oslo Fjord. From Oslo, you’re sort of looking down the length of it. Off in the distance, you can sort of make out the shore stretching off on the left and right of the water.
Afterwards, I headed over to the fortress. It sits on top of a little hill that overlooks both Oslo and the Fjord. The fortress was used as an interment camp during the second World War by the Nazis. I spent 30 kr (about $5) to see the “Norwegian Resistance” museum. Very interesting. Then some shopping near Oslo Central Station. There were a TON of people out shopping and enjoying the afternoon. I didn’t really find anything to buy, but I did have a nice time looking. I even ducked into a pub for a pint before heading back to the hotel for a well deserved nap.
Tomorrow… Lillehammer to watch some skiing!
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