Super excited to announce that I’ve moved to the capital city of Norway, Oslo. It’s been busy getting everything prepared for this move hence why I’m only revealing this after I have already arrived. This whole move was probably the most stressful, worrying but serendipitous trip especially having travelled during a pandemic.

Either way, I’m still so excited that I get to call this place my new second home and I’m excited to explore what the city has in store for me. The reason I’ve moved is that as in my previous blog post I quit my job and got a permanent full-time role to work as an analyst for renewable energy markets here in Oslo. I’m super grateful for the opportunity and although I know that there is so much I need to learn and catch up I think this will be a defining moment in my life.

Travelling during a pandemic

It was quite a stressful time travelling during a pandemic especially being on a plane. I did however wear a disposable mask that I would change every few hours throughout my whole journey and even when I was in the airports.

I also had a ziplock bag with all my travel-sized sanitizers, wipes, and vitamin supplements. Thanks to my mom for that great idea. It really came in handy wherever I went and once I got to my seat on the plane I made sure to sanitize my seat, armrests as well as the mini tray tables just for extra peace of mind. I’m no expert so I don’t know if this helped but it calmed my mind.

Besides that, if you do have to travel during this time just be mindful of everything and every place you touch and make sure you are cognizant of that and not touch your face until you have washed your hands or sanitized them.

Highlight of my trip

The biggest highlight of my trip is the fact that I got to sit next to the awesome legend Frankie Fredericks! For those who don’t know he is a former track and field athlete from Namibia that won four silver medals at the Olympic games. He also holds the third-fastest non-winning time for the 200 meters. The man is pretty much a legend to Namibians and probably one of the most chill and humble men I’ve met. Meeting and talking to him showed me what a stoic person should be.

Anywho I shamelessly asked for a selfie 👆🏾which he is was pretty cool about!

So how am I doing emotionally?

I won’t lie, I feel really weird because I feel overwhelmed with contradicting feelings. In one moment I’m so excited and happy to finally be here. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to physically go into work for a few more days as by Norwegian law most people who come into the country have to understandably quarantine for 10 days. I’m quite excited to physically meet my colleagues who I’ve only seen on via Zoom and Microsoft teams. However, I’m also really nervous to meet them at the same time. I hope we vibe well in-person as we have over the net.

On the other end, leaving home was a mix of happiness, sadness, and fear. The sadness was due to leaving my parents behind whom I had been accustomed to especially since we were quarantined together, I thought I was going to be so strong at the airport but then as soon as I got to border control the tears came. It seemed the more I kept telling myself to not cry the more I couldn’t control it which is weird because its not like its my first time traveling, the first time I flew alone I was about 12/13 years old but each time it always feels like its the first.

The fear was mainly just the fear of the unknown of going somewhere I have never been. I mean I had an idea of what it could be like having lived in Iceland and visited Sweden and Denmark but still Norway is a country of its own and I knew it would be a different experience. Plus the fact that I don’t know a single soul in this country besides the people I work with scares me, a lot, I know its can be difficult to make new friends as an adult but I want to push those fears aside and put myself out there and see where it leads.

I know I’m not the only one who has gone through these feelings and I know they won’t fade overnight but maybe writing about them will make me feel better. However, overriding all the fears and sadness is this overwhelming happiness and freedom I feel. I’m standing at a point in time where I’m fully responsible for the direction my life goes from here. I have a blank canvas where I have the freedom to create the life I’ve always wanted and I try to remind myself of that every day.

UPDATE: I wanted to leave my previous thoughts like they were since I initially wrote this post on the first day I arrived. Its been almost a week being here and I am feeling much different than I did before. While the fear of it all is still there, I’m really enjoying discovering my new surroundings and I’m not an emotional bean like before! 😂. Anyways it’s already past my bedtime and I have an early morning tomorrow.

Ciao for now and will update soon.

Never forget to carpe all the diems!

Love,

Selma