Some Thoughts on Language/Lithuania. Random pair, but go with it.

Hola.

Haha. Ironic beginning.

So I am often thinking about language, because it is interesting to think about, and unavoidable when you are in the process of learning a new one.

I am now about six months into my stay in Norway. Half a year, which is exciting. I feel as though it's kind of hard to track one's own progress in language-learning (maybe because I always feel sooo bad at it?), and so I'm not exactly sure how much I've improved. I mean, I know I've improved, I can say that with some confidence. It's been a pretty crazy year as far as learning Norwegian. When I think about how little I knew when I started at Skogfjorden, for example (even after studying at PLU for two years!), it just kind of blows my mind. I havelearned a lot in the last nine months or so.

But then, sometimes I just feel like I am the worst Norwegian-learner of all time. Some of the most awkward moments in my life have occurred here, I think, when I don't have any idea what's going on...in class, at a party, during a casual conversation. Anjuli and I often talk about how awkward we are in various Norwegian social situations, and it's nice to have somebody around who sympathizes.

I just got back from Lithuania, and it felt really interesting to be there and then come back to Norway. Anjuli and I were talking about how the trip made us feel like...wow, yeah, we do sort of fit in in Norway! Not knowing a single word in Lithuanian would have probably been a serious disadvantage if we hadn't had Greta with us at all times. I mean, we know enough Norwegian to have a casual conversation with someone on the airplane. I guess we're probably doing okay.

For the record, I did learn how to say "Good evening. It is very nice to meet you. I love you" in Lithuanian. Ah yes, and also "Train station." Good for me. Train station is particularly fun to say. Next time you see me, ask me to say it for you. You will like it.

The trip, PS, was excellent...Greta had it all planned out. We saw so much of the country...even made it to the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Spit, which is a pretty interesting place. Google it! :) The capital city of Vilnius was gorgeous, at least in the Old Town, where we were. Greta's cousin Maria had a friend who gave tours professionally, and we were lucky enough to get a free tour from her. Wonderful! The city has lots of interesting history, beautiful buildings, etc.

I will give you some pictures!!!!

Baltic Sea

My favorite building in Vilnius...St. Anne's Cathedral. Oh, beautiful!

Vilnius :)

The girls! Greta, Anjuli, me!

Greta's house. Most houses were built of this grayish brick.