First snow

The first snow I've seen this autumn/winter is now falling down outside my office window. Snowboard season is approaching...

Impatient Norwegian cinema audience

I just saw the movie Volver by Pedro Almodóvar, which has been on my "to-see"-list all since Stephanie recommended it a long time ago. And it is indeed a nice movie! Shame I don't understand Spanish though, 'cause then I'd understand more of the nuances.

Another thing that troubles me a bit is the impatient Norwegian cinema audience: after some two hours of emotional twists and turns, the wast majority of spectators jump out of their seats and almost run for the exit, the lack of overhead illumination being the only reason they slow down.

Sometimes I really wish I never left France...

Preparing for winter

Torstein in the boat

After what turned out to be an amazing Friday out with colleagues, featuring a lot of drinks and dancing like never before, Saturday sported a full day of downrigging and lifting the sailing boat ashore. Although I was a little bit reduced after a late night out, the day went by at comfortable pace and even the long-feared final positioning of the crib on land became a trivial event.

With the boat safe ashore, I began thinking through what else needs to be done before I am ready for winter, and I realised that my bike is still at the workshop! I should stop by and bring it home - and have it swap positions with my snowboard.

Frightening Fritt Vilt

Living lovers...

Thrilling and frightening, Norwegian motion picture Fritt vilt made the whole audience jump, and in part scream, throughout most of its one and a half hour of playing time. The opening was expectantly calm and nice with a joking dialogue and wonderful snowboard-scenes, but just as the five snowboarders found shelter in an abandoned hotel, the movie audience started off every time a corner came up. I must admit that I sat tensed up in my seat most of the time, and even now, an hour later, adrenalin leftovers are still circulating my vains. So, if you're in Norway and appreciate a nice shock every now and then, this may be just your kind of movie.

Has Paris gone Texas?

Yesterday's dinner at Paris Texas in Oslo makes me wonder if the people running the place indeed have. Whereas earlier dinners have taken place in a crowded restaurant characterised by excellent service and delicious food, yesterday was totally different.

Almost empty, the waitress lacked the joyfulness, calmness and ease of her predecessor, and although nice and tender my duck was served with red cabbage totally lacking the refinement of the bird. And although drinkable, the wine wasn't much of a recommendation for the orange sauce, which by the way barely tasted of orange.

I hope Arnljot came out better with his fillet of beef, and enjoyed this year's birthday present from me.