Tusen takk, Norge!

By Madisyn Thurley, Business

Alas, it is the last day of our travel course in Norway. We started the day bright and early to meet in the lobby of the Anker Hotel at 5:00 am. Moving slowly, we all boarded the airport shuttle and made our way to Oslo International Airport. After collecting our boarding passes, checking our bags, and making our way to the gate, a moment of reflection hit us all almost simultaneously. Discussing our initial impressions of one another prior to the trip, reminiscing on our favourite memories, how we will miss the luxury of Chef Andreas’ food, and the pure surrealness of how close we had all become in such a short period of time  - it was all so bittersweet. Excited to go home, yet already missing Norway, everyone was feeling a sense of poignancy.

An early morning shuttle ride to the Oslo airport

Before we knew it, we boarded our flight to Amsterdam. Greeted by clear skies, rainbows, and snow-covered peaks, the ride was peaceful. As we exited the plane, we thanked the flight crew for their hospitality and even got a picture!

Oslo to Amsterdam, with love from the KLM crew

Soon thereafter, we boarded our plane to Toronto. Despite a little bit of turbulence, we arrived safe and sound. The 8-hour ride provided me with ample opportunity to reflect upon my experience in Norway. From the lectures at Norges Idrettshøgskole (Norwegian School of Sports Sciences; NIH) and Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge (University of North-Eastern Norway; USN), a lovely guided hike and trust exercises from Glenn and Øyvind with the Den Norske Turistforening (Norwegian Trekking Association), and visits to the Oslo National Museum and Norske Folkemuseum, I can confidently say that I am impressed by Norway’s societal connections with nature, through friluftsliv, allemannsratten, outdoor education, and endless other avenues.

From Amsterdam to Toronto

Awareness of mutual impacts through the interconnection of humans and nature, the need for responsible stewardship, and the sometimes unnoticed commercialization of the environment, are ideas and concepts that I will hold with me forever, applying within my own life, as well as educating those around me. I am able to recognize the importance of acknowledging Indigenous perspectives and mindful environmental practice, and the need for preserving natural habitats for future generations, all of which emphasize a deeper connection between humans and the natural world. More specifically, Dr. Rose Keller’s research on the environmental damage caused by firepits is something I will definitely be keeping in mind when I go camping.

With tearful eyes, full hearts, and a few missing luggage, we said our goodbyes and took our final 0.5 photo of the trip at Toronto Pearson. Endless thanks to those who made this trip possible: Nipissing University, the GSO TILE Program, Norges Idrettshøgskole, Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge, Den Norske Turistforening, and Breivoll Farm, and last but certainly not least, Manuel and Natalya. This course has been nothing short of unforgettable, and we are all forever grateful for this opportunity.

Final group photo at Pearson

Cheers to Norway 2025!

Signing off,

Madisyn


For more photos and content, follow us on Instagram: @tilenorway2024-2025. 

#NipissingU #GlobalskillsCA #nu.artsci #nusutalks #nusu #NipissingU.alum 

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