Tuesday, 21st October, 2008

After the regular attendance at the office, we joined the speaking session of the Language classes at KIA. It was fun to talk about different aspects of Norwegian life in this class under the strict condition of using norsk words and phrases for the conversation. Tuesdays, the norsk classes are meant to be a speaking practice day. Immeadiately after, we were invited to join the regular Laget meeting with the guys from Agder University. We were informed that this meetings were held every fortnight. This was an evening of Praise and Worship and some speech. Well, the main speaker of the day was Mike,an American guy who had also been to Nepal some time ago. He was a awesome speaker not only in the sense that he was very good with his presentation and language but there was also a great depth in the message he delievered. I saw a big spark in his speech. He also took some time to share his feeling and realities about his trip to Nepal , particularly his observation about the negative influence of the western eduction system was very realistic and I could easily relate to it because I have been involved with the education system in Nepal as an English teacher for myself. On one hand it is good that you have been educated in the western education system as you possess the knowledge by the means of which you are exposed to Global issues and in a state of communicating in the most commonly communicated medium of language in the world. But on the other hand English education has turned out to be a necessary evil without which it has been a real chalenge to find a good job for an average nepali guy. I am myself an evidence to this case. Besides, the western education system has robbed new generation from thier actual ways of following thier cultute and tradition and injected this fancy rock, pop and hip-hop culture that looks very alien to the neplese culture. After the touching speech of Mike,it was me who was supposed to speak. Although it was not easy to speak after such a marvelous speaker like Mike, I had to make my best efforts to draw the attention of the audience who were the students and members of the student Laget at the University. It was equally challenging to maintain time for my speech as I had to consider to be short enough so as to provide enough time for the next speech to be delievered by Bishnu.

Despite of the considerations I had to go through, I managed to be good enough sharing my testimony to this realy interested audience. After the speeches of three speakers in the same meeting, it was like more than boring to the participants, it was quite inevitable to have some games after the speeches. Purposedly , these games were included in the program for a cause. This was something that was a new experience for me and Bishnu as the representives of NBCBS from Nepal cause we never had this kind of activities. We were playing some games in the middle of the meeting and even more shocking thing was that we had to pay some nominal charges to be a part of the game. Undoubtedly, the games were very exciting and unique and the attraction of the day was the lottery that was to be reaveled at the end of the day. We did'nt understand why these people were extracting so much money from the participants who were more than happy to offer as much more money as possible. Then all of a sudden we had a speech from the manager of this event about the purpose of having this kind of meeting. Actually it was a kind of fund raising meeting to collect fund to support a missionary worker in the muslim world. Then we felt very inspired to have been a part of such an event. And all the questions and curiosities about the program was quite to me. It was really commendable to do such a thing for a good cause.

Monday, 20th October, 2008

A Day of many Activities.

Started the day with regular Bible study and Prayer at the office and continued on planning about the week program.Then followed the norsk classes.Its getting exciting because we are learning new words and expressions every week.Besides, this time has been an oppertunity to meet new people coming from many other nations wishing to learn norsk. We get to have new faces almost every week. The feeling of knowing more norwegian than the new comers make me feel better and encourages to learn more and more.......

ACTIVITIES UPDATE!!!!!!!!

19th October, 2008(Sunday)
singing with the KIA CHOIR
It was Sunday,day of Shabath for all the christians in Norway. But I did not go to the state church at Lund like usual. We had a speacial appointment with KIA choir team. This was the day when we were supposed to perform at one of the churches in Kristiansand with all the songs that we had been practising on monday evenings! It was a pleasure to sing along with the team. Not only that, I also played drums(bongo) in some of the songs which was really a lovely experience. There was a good variety in the songs we performed. Our songs included some english songs,

an African song( in swahili), and Norwegian songs. It was like dreams come true for me to sing the praises of God in such a variety of languages. I strongly remembered the verses from Psalms that says, 'All ye people of the world sing praises to the Lord!"

Immediately after the church service, we walked back to Deth's apratment as he invited us to have dinner with him. He made great efforts to prepare some Loa food coz he knew the we nepali guys liked spicy food so much. Needless to mention that almost all
the Asian foods are spicy. We were four guys, Bishnu, me, Deth and a Bolivian friend named Torribio. We devoured the food as we were both hungry and the food was so good to resist any longer. After that we agreed to watch some movies in the home theater which was quite amazing. we watched nearly 3 movies at which one of the norwegian roommate of Deth was quite surprised.
17th October, 2008(Friday)
FEAST AT KIA

This was a night of mixing up ,eating, chatting and socialization. Kia had invited many international students who had been associated with KIA in one way or the other. It was a night of good meal which was chicken curry and rice, one of my favourites costing only 30 Kroners per person. Although the food was worth much more but it was charged less so as to include many people from different cultures and having them interact with each other was the main purpose of the occasion. Atleast, I exploited this oppertunity by talking to many people varying from Americans to Arabs, Asians to Latin Americans etc. we had a great evening.

After the food and socializing it was the time for some fellowship with God. Yes, we had decided to attend a Youth Service at one of largest Free chuch of Kristiansand, Filadelphia. In fact, I was longing for a fellowship which had to be pentecostal and free to worship in the way we worship. And this was the right place for me. Everthing was as good as we had expected. The Youths were humble and very down to earth in the ways of worship and fellowship. I truely had a Blessingful night there.!!!

16 th October, 2008(Thursday)

A meeting with Songdalen Ungdomsskole Group.

Here we met a bunch of Middle school students who were engaged with the Laget activities in thier school. It was again the lunch break that was utilized to meet as a group and carry on with the Laget work at school. This teenagers were quite shy to have us in their group. As usual I and Bishnu were there to speak about ourselves and christianity in our country. It was interesting to be with them as I felt like I was with my own High school students back home. Our Boss Bendict was good enough to facilitate and introduce us to the group.

15 th October,2008 (Wednesday)
Cheers!!!!! It's Nepali Food Day!!!!!! Yes we came up with the idea of having Nepali food with the staff at Laget and thus started our adventure of serving nepali cuisine to the norwegians. Bishnu and me, were more than excited to get a chance of showing our skills of preparing spicy chicken curry and rice. The aroma of spices had filled the office in such a way that anyone who entered the office could smell it and ask what's cooking??? Thank God the food is not too hot!!!!!!!

October 14th, (Tuesday)
A visit to the Katta University Laget student Group
I, along with Bishnu were invited to speak to the Student Group at Katta. Helena, the staff from Laget office escorted us till the place where we were given almost 10 mins each to share our testimonies to some 30-40 students from senior high school who were meeting once in a month in such gatherings for Laget activities during their lunch break. I was quite impressed to find these young people using even their lunch break to promote Laget and spread the beautiful message to the unreached.

Then in the evening we were at Kristian's place to participate the fortinightly bible study with the group that we first met in kristian. Yes this is a senior University Laget Group which is quite devoted about exploring bible for the hidden truth of salvation and joy. Now that its been the second week its feeling very familiar to me. So, I could easily find myself mingling with the group without any hesitation and starting to share about my views about the alloted biblical text. We have been well accepted in the group. I have nothing but deep respect and best wishes to this group.

OCTOBER 13TH (MONDAY)
The first working day of the week, the day for planning about what we are going to do during the whole week at Laget. Also a day alloted for bible studyand group prayer as agreed by all the staff at the office. Indeed, we are having a great time with the bible study part as we are focusing on the chapter of Acts from the new testament and applying Inductive Bible study method which is quite exciting!! Besides that we sit together in prayer with many topics in lists to pray for. I am loving my work at Laget.

Then we have Norwegian Language classes starting at 3:30 till 7:00 in the evening. Then follows the KIA Choir. Yes, I am very proud to be associated with KIA, an intercultural organization that ephasizes on intercultural understanding through different programs, The choir team being one of them. This KIA has been so inclusive that people from many countries have joined and love to hang around in the language classes and choir practice together. Infact, this is the place where I feel very cozy coz I can see many other people different nations coming to Norway like us and trying to get along in the new place and culture.

Getting along with people

This is the family that has been real kind and generous to us. Yes, Pastor Hans Jorund and his wife Ellen Magrethe from Lund church have left no stones upturned to make sure that we feel welcome and homely at Lund church.Unlike some other members who don't even tend to notice that there are some new faces in the church, this family has been very hospitable to us opening their doors and having us in their Koslig house to have some meals with them. This family is the true example of model christians and family for sure! Thank God that atleast there are some people in Norway who take great interest in turning back to people(strangers) and sparing their time in exploring the possibility of having some kind of exchange!!! GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY!!!!!!!!

$###~GETTING ALONG IN KRISTIANSAND!!!!!!!!

A shot at one of the two bridges that connects kristiansand to Lund. The glimpse of Lund in the backdrop.

Posing for a shot nearby the apartment I live in.

Our first meeting with the Local Laget students from the Kristiansand University. These guys are awesome! Very committed towards their work and group. The first impression of a bible study with norwegian students was a wonderful experience. Looking forward to have more quality time with them!!!!

Walking around the Kristiansand University, one of the largest in kristiansand with Helena, the staff of Laget.

Observing the artworks created by some of the students of fine arts faculty.
The frontal view of the Universtiy.

Bye Mandal,,,, Hai Kristiansand!!!!!!!

It's been long that I have not blogged for some time. But now I am fully loaded to expose my expressions and the thoughts are about to explode. If I don't express myself than the burden of so many impressions would drive me crazy. My first day of arrival at kristiansand was pretty impressive. The traffic and crowd near the bus station due the vehicles and people boarding down the big ship at the port nearby reminded me of the traffic and crowded kathmandu(capital of Nepal) and the memories ok homeland creeped into the mind. I was quite delighted to see the similarity and felt like I was back home. Benedict, our contact person here at Kristiansand was readily available at the bus station to recieve us without any inconvenience. In no time we were at Benedict's house to have dinner as a welcome treat which was appreciable.Immeadiately after, we visited a youth choir nearby Benedict's father's place which was our first attendance in youth activities at Kristiansand.Soon we collected some basic stuffs and food needed to start our lives at the new place.Then, we were at our apartments unloading our luggage from Benedict's car and finding our own place to live. Thus follows our life at Kristiansand, our stuggle to come along with the new impressions,to get along with people and places......!

Hey Guys Shyam cooking in the kitchen!!!! can you believe????

Yep! after all ,you get to live on your own and who would miss a chance to cook your own indegenous food and taste some Nepali dishes.

A trek to a nearby mountain in Kristiansand with our first Student friends from the Kristiansand University.

A big opening on the rock atop the mountain that looked like a well. The interesting thing about this well was that it was believed to be a big vessal for cooking used by the so called mythical giants who were supposed to exist in the past according to the folk tales in kristiansand.

NEPALESE CUISINE

Nepalese cuisine is quite simple and has had many influences during its development. As with most things in Nepal, the cuisine varies according to ethnic groups and castes, depending on ingredients available and affordable. Indian, Chinese and Tibetan flavors and aromas can easily be detected in Nepalese meals although Nepal's cuisine maintains its own flare. Nepal's climate has made it possible for the country to grow crops such as rice, lentils, wheat, corn and potatoes.
Whilst Nepalese cuisine is somewhat basic, it certainly does not lack in flavor, making extensive use of spices and flavorings such as ginger, garlic, coriander, pepper, cumin, chilies, cilantro, mustard oil, ghee and occasionally yak butter. The staple diet of Nepal's population is Dal (lentils), Bhat (rice) and Tarkari (curried vegetables). Beef is typically not eaten in Nepal for religious reasons. Local liquor, tongba and thon (rice beer) are popular drinks in Nepal. Let us take a closer look at some of the delicious foods of Nepalese cuisine.

SNACKS/APPETIZERS
Choyla – roasted or grilled spiced meat, typically accompanied by liquor.

Kwati – bean soup eaten at festivals.

Sekuwa – grilled meat such as chicken, mutton, duck or wild boar.

Alu Tama – potatoes with bamboo shoots.

Chatamari – flat bread made from rice flour with or without toppings (meat, vegetables, eggs, sugar). It is similar to a pizza.

Sukuti – spicy dried meat that is roasted with a charcoal fire.

Takhala – type of cold meat soup.

Momo – dumplings stuffed with minced meat which can be steamed or fried.

Gundruk – soup made out of dried, fermented green vegetables.

Sel – rice flour ring dessert.

Wo and Bara – a lentil flour patty which can be accompanied by a meat or egg topping. Typically used in rituals or at festivals.

MAIN MEALS
Dal – a lentil soup made with black, red or yellow lentils. Served with rice.

Bhat – steamed rice.

Sag – green vegetables which are served with rice. Consists of spinach with mustard greens.

Tarkari – curried vegetable broth. Recipes vary greatly.

Masu – spiced or curried meat (usually chicken, mutton, buffalo or pork) with gravy. Served with rice.

SAMBALS
Sanya Khuna – a jelly type relish made from a fish soup. It has a salty, spicy flavor.

Achar – a pickle that is either sweet, spicy or sour. There are many recipes for achar. Popular achars are made with potato, tomato, radish and coriander.

DESSERT
Juju Dau – a delicious creamy curd.Dahi – tasty yogurt or curd.Sikarni – curd with dried fruit added.

DRINKS
Tongba – hot water is poured into a pot of fermented millet. Tongba is best drunk with a straw of bamboo.Rakshi – local liquorThon aka Chhyang – fermented rice beer.

NEPAL- At a glance

Country profile: Nepal


With its ancient culture and the Himalayas as a backdrop, landlocked Nepal has long been the destination of choice for travellers in search of adventure.

Overview
Until Nepal became a republic in May 2008, the country had been under the sway of an hereditary monarchy or ruling family for most of its known history, largely isolated from the rest of the world.

AT-A-GLANCE

Politics: Historic elections in April 2008 led to abolition of centuries-old monarchy
Economy: Civil strife wrecked the economy and Nepal is dependent on aid; tourism is a key foreign exchange earner

Political History
A brief experiment with multi-party politics in 1959 ended with King Mahendra suspending parliament and taking sole charge.
Democratic politics was introduced in 1991 after popular protests, but it was extremely factionalised with frequent changes of government. The last king of Nepal, Gyanendra, twice assumed executive powers - in 2002 and 2005.
Meanwhile, Maoist rebels intent on setting up a communist republic waged a decade-long campaign against the constitutional monarchy.
The rebellion left more than 12,000 people dead. The UN said 100,000 people were displaced. Its envoy said the use of torture by government forces and rebels was routine.
When King Gyanendra's direct rule ended in April 2006 the rebels entered talks on how to end the civil war. A landmark peace deal was agreed in November and in early 2007 the Maoists joined an interim government.
The Maoists withdrew from the government in September, demanding abolition of the monarchy. Parliament agreed to this condition in December, and the rebels rejoined the government. The Maoists emerged as the largest party in parliament following elections in April 2008, and the monarchy was abolished a month later. A new Maoist-dominated government finally took office in August 2008.
Nepal has been at odds with neighbouring Bhutan over the repatriation of thousands of refugees living in camps in Nepal. The refugees - Bhutanese of Nepalese descent - fled violence in their homeland in the early 1990s.
With the world's highest mountain, Everest, and spectacular scenery and wildlife, the country has great potential as a tourist destination. But its environmental challenges include deforestation, encroachment on animal habitats and vehicle pollution in the capital, Kathmandu.
Most of the population depend on agriculture.Foreign aid is vital to the economy and Nepal is also dependent on trade with neighbouring India.

Facts
Population: 28.2 million (UN, 2007)
Capital: Kathmandu
Area: 147,181 sq km (56,827 sq miles)
Major language: Nepali
Major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism
Life expectancy: 63 years (men), 64 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Nepalese rupee = 100 paisa
Main exports: Carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, grain
GNI per capita: US $290 (World Bank, 2006)
Internet domain: .np
International dialling code: +977

(courtesy:BBC)

My Photos!!!!!!

This is the nearest beach from the School in Mandal.On a fine sunny day, the beaches in Norway look like paradize on the earth.

This is the Sideview of the main building of HALD INTERNATIONAL CENTER . This is the place where spend most of our time in this acedemic year. It is a fine building with plenty of rooms that accomodates many people.

This is a traditional lutherine church in MANDAL. It is so good to attend the sunday service. It also has got a choir team that is so good. This church lies very close to the school. So, we visit this chuch every sunday.

This is a group photo of all the International Focus Students . starting from the left upper row is Janet(Kenya), Bishnu(Nepal), Karen(Brazil), Rosemary (Kenya), Bruno (Brazil), From the right lower row is Siri T. Skeie(Staff-Focus),Miriam (Uganda),Me (Nepal), Glyadis(Uganda)

Hey!!! I've got a blog too!!!!

Hi Frenz!! This is the blog Iam starting for the first time. I am feeling very good to start a blog like this and express myself. I am very thankful to Mr. Bishnu Moktan for mentoring me how to start a blog. Well! while I am writing this blog, I am staying at the Hald Internaitonal Center, Norway. Thus, I guess lots of the pictures I post will be mostly from Norway itself.

This snap was taken at Fjeltun when we had gone there for Bluetour.

THE HALD INTERNATIONAL CENTER

The Boarding School

There are two dorm buildings with 13 double rooms and 19 rooms for 4 people. All rooms have individual bathrooms with a shower and a toilet. Each dorm building has its own laundry room with washing machines and a dryer. In the main building we have a lounge with a log fire, a TV-lounge and an eating hall for common use.

Teaching areas

Most of the teaching takes place in the big meeting hall that can contain 150 students. The hall has a scene, and can in addition be divided into two smaller rooms. There is also an old and stylish teaching room in the main building, as well as some smaller group rooms.The teaching areas can be equipped with an overhead projector, a flipover, slide projector and a sound system. Most of the rooms also have a piano.

Dormitory / Kitchen

The food at Hald is renowned for being very good. The kitchen can cook for up to 150 persons simultaneously. Dishes served range from traditional Norwegian everyday food, to fancier party food. Bread and rolls are home baked!

Spare time activities

Mandal is the place for those who like fishing and swimming! The Mandal river that runs to the centre of town is an excellent salmon-filled river. Hald also has its own canoe, and the river is perfectly suited for canoeing. Nearby, sandy beaches abound, and the famous beach Sjøsanden lies only a few kilometres from Hald. The students quickly find their own favourite beach!Otherwise, Hald has big grass fields for ball games, and the place also has its own volleyball court. Mandal has many nice walking areas, both along beaches and in the woods. Many students also find their way to the swimming pool in Mandal. The computer room at Hald has free internet access for the students. The meeting hall is used in afternoons and in evenings to music and dance.

International setting

At Hald International Centre the setting is really multicultural. Of this year’s 67 students, 40 are Norwegian and 27 are international. The students come from four different continents, and 11 different countries. These countries are Norway, Serbia, Brazil, Bolivia, England, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar, Thailand and Nepal. The cultural exchange and language learning start in the course periods at Hald! As far as possible, the students share rooms with students from the country they themselves are going to.

Student activities and more

In the evenings of the course period, there is little organised programme, except Faith and Mind evenings once a week. The students themselves organise prayer and praise evenings. In addition, country evenings sometimes take place, where the students present their (placement) countries, both through food, entertainment and song. There is a common excursion / trip for all the programmes during the autumn course, and one during the spring course. In addition, the students on Fokus and Team Nettverk go on an information tour at some point during the spring course.

The town

Mandal is Norway’s southernmost town! Mandal county is embraced by three counties: Søgne in the east, Marnardal in the north, and Lindesnes in the west. Mandal is a town, and had a population of 13 844 inhabitants as of 1st January 2004. Great artists including Gustav and Emanuel Vigeland, Amaldus Nielsen and Adolph Tidemand all come from Mandal.