Downtown Dallas

Sightseeing in Dallas is not like sightseeing I've done in any other city. Dallas is so big, and so spread out, and the public transportation is not very good. Without a car you're not likely to see a lot of Dallas, and walking around in downtown Dallas this time of year is like going for a walk in an oven. But Janina and I decided to try, we were supposed to go to the Old Red Courthouse museum for the history of Dallas, and to the JFK 6th Floor museum at Dealy Plaza, where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in '63. We didn't do either. That is, we went to both, took some pictures from the outside, and went walking around the city instead. We found beautiful little park, called Thanksgiving Square, with an adorable little chapel. We walked up and down the three main streets: Main, Elm and Commerce, but Dallas doesn't function like other, big, European cities I've been to; Downtown doesn't have great shopping and big pedestrian streets. It has museums, some churches, some parks, a few restaurants, and a lot of office buidlings. I'm sure we would've enjoyed the downtown tour much more in spring or autumn, when it wouldn't be so hot, you'll have more energy to walk and look around, although I have the impression there's not that much to see. People work downtown, not a lot of the Dallas population live there. So all the malls, the boutiques, the grocery stores, the theatres, most of the restaurants, and the insane amount of nail salons, are all set in uptown, or the neighbouring communities that all belong to the county of Dallas. What is funny downtown though, is noticing the contrast between the areas and buildings that are part of old Dallas, and what has been built with oil money these last decades. Here are some photos from downtown Dallas:






And you've probably heard the expression "Everything's bigger in Texas". I don't know if this is true, but it certainly goes for the thunderstorms:

There and back again..

Time has passed quickly the last 10 days, the first few of them I spent meeting new people, experiencing the nightlife of Dallas, and looking forward to 2 things: Janina's arrival, and our trip to Colorado. Janina came Sunday evening, we picked her up at 6pm (this was by the way my 8th time in an airport in 2 weeks), and got her settled in the backhouse with me. We passed the time from Monday til Wednesday visiting the Nasher Sculpture Garden and the Dallas Museum of Art, shopping, and packing. Thankfully, the plan of us being 5 people and 2 dogs in one car driving the entire 13 hours in one day, was changed at the last minute. In stead of leaving Thursday morning, Wednesday evening only 4 people and 1 dog got in the car, and headed off to a little place called Creede, Colorado. We stopped in Amarillo, Texas for the night, at the Quality Inn, slept 5 hours, ate low quality breakfast, and continued on our journey. The landscape changed as we left Texas behind, more rolling hills, more green. Creede, Colorado is technically at the base of the Rocky Mountains, 8852 feet above sea level (ca. 2700 m.), and as we drove in to Wason Ranch around 5 Thursday evening, we could only marvel. Surrounded by mountains, and the Rio Grande running right by the house, which was gigantic. We were 8 people in total: me, Janina, Mary Grace and Jeff, Brittney and Jonathan, Ann Elise and her brother Andrew. And still there were 2 beds extra. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 big living areas, a big kitchen, a pool table, ping-pong table, poker table, a big porch practically on the river, and not another house as far as you could see. And on top of this, it was a gang of lovely people, and we had more than enough Bud and wine for everyone. And as if there wasn't enough to do at the house (like being beaten at ping-pong), we managed to squeeze in some out-door activities too: we went to a shooting range just by the property, and those wild Texans teached us scared Europeans how to use a gun. Some went golfing, while 4 of us went river rafting down Rio Grande. The ride was about 2,5 hours long, and Janina and I, Brittney and Jonathan chose to paddle, so we had quite the little excercise going 10 miles (16 km) down the Rio Grande. It was fun, and a good way to see some beautiful scenery. I was also determined to go on a long hike, but put it off til Sunday. That was a mistake. First of all, most of Saturday night had been spent playing beer-pong. Second, it was raining. But, nothing can stop a stubborn Norwegian, so I got up at 8.30am, and climbed mountains, almost fell down mountains, nearly started avalanches, was close to tears at one point, tried to cross the river, failed at crossing the river, and walked back defeated and had to have them pick me up, after 3 hours. But all in all it was fun, and good for me, America is really the true home of fast food. We also got to spend some hours in the town of Creede itself, which is nothing like I've ever seen. About 400 people live there all year around, and our rafting guide told us that during summer and tourist season, that number increases to about 2000. We were meant to go see the rodeo Sunday afternoon, but it had been cancelled, so we decided we'd rather go see the indoor one in Fort Worth next weekend.

After 5 days of fun, relaxation and the feeling of time standing absolutely still, it was yet again time to spend a LOT of time in the backseat of a car. 5.07am Monday we were on the road and on the way back. This time we drove straight, stopping only a couple of times, and were back in Dallas 6.30pm. Isn't it weird how you can be completely exhausted from sitting still all day? I'll be going to sleep soon. Or read.. Oh, and I got into school! I am as of August 09 officially a student at NTNU, I start in 2 weeks!

Here are some pictures from Colorado:

A night at the movies

The Inwood Landmark theatre in Dallas is a unique one. Instead of the boring, barely comfortable seats you find in normal theatres, here they have remodelled the entire first floor screening lounge into a living room. In the Living Room auditorium they have couches, loveseats, chairs and ottomans, as well as LoveSacs. If you're quick you can pick up a blanket on your way in. You can order drinks there, chill in your LoveSac with your blanket and a bottle of wine. It is amazing to me that I haven't seen this anywhere else, it's by far the best way to see a film! So even if Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince hadn't been amazing, last night would at least have been comfortable.


I'm a huge fan of the Harry Potter books. I love the story, love the books, like the films. I just don't like Daniel Radcliffe. You'd think you'd see some improvement in his acting after almsot a decade in the game, but no. Love Rupert Grint, though, he's hilarious. But the movies will never be comparable to the books, so I just take them for what they are, and this is a good one. Dark and scary as it should be, but at the right times it was so funny. I had a great time watching it.

Tonight I'm going with Mary Grace to her fabulously gay hair dresser, have dinner and drinks at the house, and then go out. Looking forward to it!

Don't be a drag

I got up at 8.30 yesterday to beat the worst heat and go for a jog. 15 minutes and I was drenched, but it felt good. Me and Mary Grace went to Bed Bath and Beyond to buy pillows for her bed, she and Jeff are moving to their new place in August and there's a lot to be done. Dallas is different from anywhere I've ever been. Everything is so spread out, and if you don't drive, you're not likely to go anywhere. Of course I haven't been downtown Dallas yet, I am in American suburbian heaven. Oh, and I had my first night out in Dallas yesterday. Mary Grace's parents came home (the nicest people you'll ever meet by the way), and we all (me, Mary Grace, her parents John and Ann, Jeff and Ann Elise) went to a restaurant called Mi Cocina for Mexican food. Or Texican, as John called it. Turns out, what I have been calling spicy all these years is nothing compared to what they're used to here, but the fajitas were delicious.

Anyway, we had some drinks with dinner, John and Ann went home, and we figured we'd go to a gay club and see a drag queen show tonight. Jeff needed some persuation, also known as alcohol, and once he'd tricked a friend into coming with us, he was on board. So Chris comes to join us, we have some more drinks, and head off to the weirdest show ever. These guys are more feminine than I could dream of ever being, and they mime and dance and wiggle their way around the audience to collect tips. And they were of course all over Jeff and Chris. It was hilarious. Best part is, we're going back, Janina is going to want to see this when she comes.

Tonight the plan is to see the new Harry Potter movie. Can't wait. Enjoy the pictures, I have more for those interested ;)

Goodbye to New York, Hello Texas!

The end of one adventure, the start of another. I am currently in Dallas, Texas, and it is insanely hot. Right now it's 101 fahrenheit outside, or 39 degrees celsius. I love it though, what puts me off is the airconditioning everywhere is set to so cold that you'll freeze stepping inside, I guess it takes some getting used to. Mary Grace lives in a beautiful neighbourhood, in a big house, and I have my own backhouse in their back yard. They (Mary Grace and Ann Elise) picked me up at the airport, and I met Jeff (Mary Grace's boyfriend) and Taz (her Pomeranian, he's a retard, but adorable). Before I went to sleep, we drove out to the country club where Mary Grace and Ann Elise's families are members and had dinner there.

Dallas is very different from New York. Very. I spent my last day in NY alone, cause Mary Grace had to go back to Dallas a day earlier than me. I left early yesterday, so last day of actually doing anything was Monday. I was up at 7 am. and headed off to the Empire State Building early to beat the lines that tend to be hours long. They open at 8, and I was there five minutes before and was able to head right up to the 86th floor. The ticket was $15, but it was worth it, I was up there for almost an hour photographing the most amazing view I've ever seen. In addition to New York, on a clear day, you can also see New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut as well. Amazing. Then I went to Central Park and just walked around for 3 hours, just getting lost. By far the best way to see the park. I spent a good deal of that time photographing squirrels.

Afterwards I took a cab to Washington Square, and took a walk around the popular areas West Village, SoHo and Greenwich Village, where you'll find a lot of art galleries, trendy shops, and not so trendy shops. Especially Bleecker street is interesting. Worth seeing, but I wish I had more time, and feet that weren't that sore. I kind of wanted to see some sort of show my last night, but I didn't get tickets to Letterman or Jon Stewart, and Broadway tickets were either sold out or ridiculously expensive. And since I didn't know what I'd like to see off-Broadway, I decided I'd go see a comedy show. They sell tickets on Times Square, and I paid $15 for a 3 hour show (actually 36, they charged me 21 dollars for two bottles of beer!). The show was at Dangerfield's on the Upper East Side, an old pub where famous comedians, such as Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Jim Carrey, have performed. It was a good waste of time, it was funny, the five acts ranged from OK to hilarious.

It was almost midnight when it ended, I just went back to the hotel, tried to shove my chaos back into my suitcases and get some sleep. Yesterday was all travel, and kind of emotional. kind of sad to leave New york, but also so excited to go to Dallas to stay with Mary Grace and meeting everybody. And so far it's great, I love it here, like a second home. And everyone's so nice. Except Ann Elise's chihuahua Bowzer, he's evil.

Some New York favourites: Central Park, Circle Line boat cruise, the guide on the Circle Line boat cruise, Can't-say-no sundae at Serendipity, the view from Empire State Building, Strawberry Banana Smoothie at Starbucks, how proud people are of their city, and how awestruck the tourists are.

So much to do...

...so little time.

Dinner at Serendipity yesterday was great, but the dessert was absolutely awesome. "Can't-say-no" sundaes, the size of your head. Dangerously delicious, but we were so stuffed on the way home that we had to get a cab back to the hotel, and watched Law and Order till we fell asleep. Today was the only day we didn't have anything planned in the morning, so we slept till 10.30, which felt great. Then we went to Starbucks for coffee and breakfast, and headed off to Central Park, to just walk around and enjoy the nice weather (the rain and thunder that was promised yesterday didn't start before late, and had this morning made way for a clear, sunny sky). We ate lunch by the lake, and headed off for our 3 hour Sex and the City bus tour. It was an OK way to waste time, but I wouldn't recommend it as a way to see the city, or if you're not a huge fan of the show. But we got to do some cool stuff, like having Cosmos in Steve and Aidan's bar, visit the sex-shop where you could buy "the rabbit", and we got cupcakes at the famous Magnolia Bakery. Interesting enough, but the cupcakes were definitely the best part.

Afterwards we headed off to dinner, and today I went traditional New York style: New York pizza. Greasy, thin crusted, sloppy pizza. It was awesome.

This is Mary Grace's last night in New York with me, she flies back to Dallas in the morning, so tomorrow I'm on my own. Not that I haven't got plenty of stuff to do. Empire State Building is first on the list tomorrow. After that I'll play it by ear, maybe check out Central Park some more, which I think is my favourite part of the city. More photos coming up tomorrow.

Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Norway

3rd day in New York, and I am just beginning to grasp how long it would take me to really get to know this city. I guess I just have to settle for the typical touristy things, which is OK for a first-time visit.

Dinner yesterday was awesome, and after all the walking, two glasses of Riesling had me giggling halfway through our pasta/pizza meal. We went to bed early, to get up at 7.30 this morning for the 3 hour boat tour of New York. Which was the best spent 35 dollars ever, by the way. It was a fantastic way to see the diversity of the city, and the guide was hilarious, but not in an obnoxious way. The weather was great, and with a cold Budweiser in one hand and my camera in the other I was in heaven.

Afterward we made our second attempt to relocate ourselves through the means of public transportation, (we took the subway yesterday, which was crowded, and a big disappointment compared to the oh, so fantastic metrosystem in Barcelona), this time by bus. Mary Grace had to explain the more than slightly annoyed busdriver that she obviously wasn't from here, and failed to insert the metrocard correctly. Twice. We finally arrived at the Museum of Natural History, which would have been a much better experience if: a) it was less crowded, b) the batteries on my camera weren't flat, c) our feet weren't so sore. But definitely worth a visit. Today I learned for the umpteenth time that high heels are not to be worn sightseeing. Unless you're on a Sex and the City tour bus, which we will be tomorrow.

Tonight we're having dinner at Serendipity, which is famous for it's frozen hot chocolate. Yum.

There were 312 photos on my cameras from my first 2,5 days in New York, so you'll have to do with a random selection (there are more on facebook). Enjoy! :)

Big, bigger, New York

I landed at JFK 6.30pm yesterday. Which meant it was already 12.30am to me. It took me 2 hours to get to the hotel, including a pretty scary bus ride, a good wait, and another bus ride. My first impression was the smell, it smells of french fries and exhaust. But in a good way. The second, was the size of things. It's enormous! The buildings, the crowd, the lines.. I checked in to the Millennium Broadway around 9, and met Mary Grace shortly after. So weird, haven't seen her in 6 months, and it feels so natural to hang out again. She's awesome. Feeling too hyped up to go to bed, we went looking for a late night snack, and just took a walk around Times Square. I ended up going to bed somewhere around 11.30, which would be 5.30am in Norway, but that got me synchronized to local time, and that's good, the jetlag's not going to be a problem.

Got up at 8 this morning, to go to Ellis Island and see the Statue of Liberty. On the way we saw Ground Zero. Not that you could see much, but that was emotional. We eventually found our way to Battery Park where they sell the tickets for the ferry. The lines seemed endless, but shortened surprisingly fast. When we got to the booth, it turns out there was a 1 hour wait for the ferry, and no possibility of entering the statue; the crown tour tickets were sold out until September(!). So we decided we'd skip that, and rather go on a 3 hour cruise around the whole of Manhattan tomorrow. After that we headed off for lunch, walked along Hudson river, overestimated our walkability and ended up taking a cab. Then we went to Central Park, and took a 20 minute carriage ride through the park. Not the best way to experience the park, but definitely a welcome relaxation for tired feet. While uptown we stopped by Dylan's Candy Bar, a gigantic candy store that gives Charlie's chocolate factory a fair competition.

Right now we're back at the hotel, getting ready for dinner at Ventro Trattoria, a recommended Italian place in the Meatpacking district. Pictures are coming up later, possibly tomorrow. New York is fantastic, no place like it. And the weather is great, though we're expecting some rain tomorrow evening. Too bad we're in New York, and there's no place to go shop, or any museums or shows to go to. Haha, I love it!

Tomorrow!

On Sunday, I quit my job. At 7am I was done. No more flipping burgers and serving hot dogs, no more cleaning toilets and floors. It's an absolutely amazing feeling. On Monday, my dad, my sister and I packed a lot of my stuff and went to Trondheim. We carried it all up to the 3rd floor and into my tiny appartment. Then, we went to IKEA. I looove IKEA. Now, all I'm missing is a sofa, a TV, and I wouldn't mind some extra space, but other than that, my new home is starting to become just that; a tiny home.

I go to America tomorrow. HAHAHA, TOMORROW!! I can't believe it. I'm packing, and as usual I'm packing way too much, but I'm almost ready for 4 incredible weeks. In New York I'm staying here: Millennium Broadway Hotel New York