Alison is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and is currently on exchange at the University of Bergen, Norway.
May 20,2005
Hello everyone,
This is my final installation of my updates from Bergen; I will be returning to North America in less than a week. To say that I am eager to arrive home and hesitant to remove myself from this community are each understatements. I am making plans and reasons to return to Scandinavia, this Northern haven of socialist democracies, while I also can't wait to smell the New Brunswick lilacs, begin work at the University, get back on my pottery wheel, and step foot in front of my family and friends.
I have two six hour examinations to prepare for over the next three days; needless to say, my mind is devouring task after task. Lists and agendas of great length are passing through my time and wrangling the most out of every moment. I have learned so much in each class that I can't imagine trying to summarize it all in only six hours, on one question. As I said to a friend earlier, 'the band plays on; it is my responsibilty to make up the lyrics and maybe the dance movies too'.
I had the pleasure of celebrating the Jubilee, 17th of May, the Norwegian National Day of Independence, in Bergen. The cobblestone streets were under the feet of the whole of Bergen at once. Many people wore the traditional Norwegian costume, called a "Bunad". It was like stepping into the middle ages; there were finely embroidered, metal accented cloaks and flowing wollen gowns all over the city scape. The parade was sounded out over all of Bergen, with the drums and hoorays of a very proud, flag waving people. I was trying to think of what would be the Canadian traditional costume. I will either find out, or make up one this July 1st.
It is sunny, the birds are singing, my books are waiting (not for much longer) and I am happy to have shared these months with you via email. They were made possible with support from: The UNB Saint John Study Abroad Program, the UNB Saint John Student Services Department, the Political Science Scholarship from Sandra Irving and the rest of my friends and family. Please let me know how you are and what is happening in your summer plans.
Until then,
Alison Gayton
Studying for Exams
Norwegian National Day of Independence
April 22,2005
Hello Friends,
It is with great anticipation that I write this latest edition of my update. I will be returning to the land of Saints at the beginning of June. I miss my home land as much as I now enjoy each day in Bergen. The days have been sunny, the people have been happy, the air is sweet with messages of spring. The fire alarms still go off all the time, at Fantoft.
I had the chance to visit a workshop in Bingenheim, Germany, called Lebensgemeinschaft. Thank God for 'Ryan Air'! I stayed with my friend Therese, whom I met in Japan at the International Workshop for Ceramic Artists in Tokoname. We reminisced over videos from our summer and she showed me around central Germany. We also made some bowls for tea and did a few raku firings.
Her workshop is the most organized and effective that I've seen. I learned so much! Therese also told me lots about the organizational structure of German craft guilds, which has inspired me to study it for my up coming thesis. We also went to Frankfurt's first japanese pottery exhibit, 'Faszination Keramik'. Some familiar works were present as well as new pieces to puzzle over.
I also visited a friend in Southern Germany. Through a ride sharing web site, I traveled along the autobahn in a silver 2005 Volvo station wagon, with a navigational screen at 180km/hr. It was surreal. Anja showed me the Black Forest, the Munster Cathedral, and more. I met her in British Columbia in 2001.
I look forward to returning to the fair region of New Brunswick. I've met so many strange and fascinating people. What is the spring like in your neck of the woods?
Pottery Workshop, Lebensgemeinschaft, Germany
Japanese Pottery Exhibit, 'Faszination Keramik'
Munster Cathedral
March 23, 2005
Hello friends,
Here is the latest transmission from my sojourn to Bergen, Norway. Folks, the weather has been wacky, just like New Brunswick. We bulit a big snowman and slid down Floyen mountain. It was worth the physical repercussions. The snow is light and the air is moist, not frozen. The tulips are trying to make a run for it. I hope Spring is taking your land by the hand and walking slowly down a melting trail. Now it is really sunny with a smooth breeze.
I have been marking papers for my fellow students, it's been going well. I enjoy the process. I encourage anyone to help others who are writing in your native language, it helps sharpen your skills, sets a good example for your country, shows you what your peers are up to, tells you about other languages and it is a challenge to the mind.
School is going well. The more I learn about the structures of social democracy, I form more questions about its relationship to cultural development, especially in our post everything society. The questions have no answers, just road signs, so far. I am adjusting well to this Bergen, Norway, though I miss my home and all of its endowments, you being among them.
Until next time,
Alison Gayton
P.S. I am officially on the latter half of this trip. The time has been splashing by.
Alison Working, in Bergen, Norway
Floyen Mountain
February, 2005
Hi Everyone,
Something special happened the other night. My Neighbor burned her late night supper so much that the brand new, high tech fire alarm system went off, for hours. I was asleep, so I grabbed my mug, keys and a red hoody, then began the trek outside, shaky, visibly a little irritated. I live on the 7th floor of the G block; there are 1500 units at the hostel. Comfort, my food burning neighbor, came out and said that everything is OK, go back to my room, but I had a hard time hearing her over the screaming alarm. Once, she cooked a Nigerian treat for me called "chin chin" and it was really good.
I went down to Klubb Fantoft, where a two-person acoustic cover band was playing such songs as "American Pie" and the Britney Spears classic, "Hit Me Baby One More Time". The place was packed. I got some nice photos of the firemen.
My classes are going really well. I'm learning about monetary and fiscal policy and the importance of autonomy in institutions. I watched a Japanese potter, Takaeshi Yashudo, demonstrating different techniques for throwing largish vessels. I discovered the miraculous music selection of the public library. I have found so much new hip hop material; you will have to listen to my show on CFMH when I return. I begin volunteering at the Bergen Student Radio station and at the Amalie Skraums Hus next week. Did I tell you that I am editing people's essays? If you are one of my instructors, know that I am armed with a style guide. I hope you're all doing you’re doing fantastic things. I miss all sorts of strange things, mostly smells.
Until then,
Alison Gayton
Norwegian Firemen
Japanese Potter, Takaechi Yashudo
Bergen Public Library, Bergen, Norway
January, 2005
Hello Friends,
This is a miniature update on my Norwegian adventures in Bergen.
I hope things are going well in your neck of the woods. I am enjoying my classes here, the Political Science Department is diverse and helpful. The language is a little
complicated, especially the three new vowels:ø, æ, å, but it sounds like a song.
I'm still looking for some Scandinavian hip hop. People in Bergen are often seen wearing rubber boots, but never sunglasses. The people are beautiful and fashionable, even in rubber boots. The streets are often cobblestone and slick with rain. Crows have splashes of gray and the wind is sometimes fierce. I like it here, but I look forward to returning to Saint John.
Photos by Alison Gayton in Bergen, Norway
