06-04-25

A rainy morning and a cool breeze flowing through the window gently woke us to begin our day. Naturally, our first stop was Espresso House for a signature latte and a focaccia sandwich before catching the tram to an informational session with Nurses on Wheels.

During our conversation with the Nurses on Wheels staff, we learned about their preventative approach to public health, which includes providing clean supplies to individuals suffering from drug addiction. This mobile organization travels throughout Oslo, Norway, offering aid to vulnerable populations in need. Their work directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

After the session, we took a scenic ferry ride to the island of Hovedøya. There, we explored the island’s stunning natural landscapes and enjoyed a snack at a charming café. The visit gave us a chance to connect with SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 14: Life Below Water, as we appreciated the importance of preserving both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

To end our day, we visited the Munch Museum, where we had the chance to view a wide array of beautiful artwork, including Edvard Munch’s iconic painting The Scream. The museum, an impressive 13-story building, offered breathtaking views, and I concluded the day on the top floor, watching the sunset with friends.

The Scream

Hovedøya

Nurses on Wheels

5-30-25 Friday In Oslo!

This morning, we woke up and rolled out of bed, then took the tram to Omsorg Plus to help with breakfast and beautification of the facility. Omsorg is a senior apartment center that provides a blend of independent living with personalized care for the elderly.
While we were there, I had the opportunity to enjoy Norweigan waffles and chat with some of the residents about their favorite travel destinations in Europe—Berlin and Spain were highly recommended! In addition to socializing, I helped escort residents safely back to their rooms and spent time weeding and tidying up the greenery on the outdoor patio.
Our time at Omsorg contributed directly to Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-being, by supporting the physical environment and emotional wellness of the residents.

After our visit, we headed out for some fresh air and shopping. The sun finally broke through after a stretch of rainy days, making for a beautiful afternoon. Leah and I took full advantage of the nice weather with a stop for gelato from a street vendor—mine was a delicious mix of blueberry and vanilla.

On our way to Omsorg!

Omsorg

Gelato 🙂

Day 2

We started the day at Espresso House in Oslo, hoping to get some studying done. The café had a large foggy window decorated with art on the outside, creating a cozy atmosphere that made us want to stay all day. The rain tapped against the glass while we worked, accompanied by the hum of conversations in Norwegian around us and the delightful aroma of fresh coffee filling the air. I enjoyed sipping on a foamy cappuccino, while my friend Leah savored a delicious iced caramel latte. However, the star of the show was definitely the pesto and chicken sandwich on decadent focaccia bread—absolutely delicious!

Eventually, we put on our jackets, grabbed our umbrellas, and headed out into the streets of Oslo for an adventurous walking windshield survey. This tool is used by public health nurses to assess the community and its residents. During our walk, we observed the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to “good health and well-being,” noting the walking culture and active lifestyle of the Norwegian people. After our exploration, we enjoyed lunch at Asylet, which is now a restaurant but was once the oldest hospital in Norway!

The tram carried us through the rain to see the Monolitten located in the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, which was beyond impressive. Its sculptures depicted human life in so many raw and emotional forms, sparking deep interpretation and conversation among all of us students. On the way back, we passed this adorable café, Anne på landet, glowing in the rain and had to stop. We ended up hanging out there for a while—just warming up, chatting, and watching people pass by. It was one of those random, perfect little moments that made the whole day feel extra special.