MONDAY 13TH JANUARY

WHAT?
On Monday the 13th January, the Norwegian Friluftsliv class led the International Friluftsliv class on a day hike through Jegesberg to Holmenkollen. Here, the Norwegian students started a warm fire in a designated fire pit and Jaymee, the class representative of the Norwegian class, led some ice-breaker activities and games.

WHERE?
The hike started at Spicheren Treningssenter and followed the marked trails through Jegesberg. The original goal of today’s hike was to reach Den Omvendte Bat however, due to the icy conditions which we were walking on, the Norwegian class changed the plans and we hiked to Holmenkollen instead as this would be a much safer hike for everyone.

WHY?
The purpose of today’s hike was to enable the Norwegian and international students to get to know each other and start building friendships across the classes. It is possible to say that the two classes are in the forming stage of group development. This is because the two classes had just met each other and classmates’ skills, backgrounds and interest were discussed. Additionally, group norms were discussed and agreed upon by both classes.

MY REFLECTION
Upon reflection, this hike was a great experience and the view of Kristiansand from Holmenkollen was beautiful. The change of plans to hike to Holmenkollen instead of Den Omvendte Bat was a good decision and showed how plans in the outdoors need to be flexible. Having a fire rarely happens on hikes and camps in Australia so I am looking forward to more of these throughout my time in Norway.

WHAT CAN I TAKE FROM THIS EXPERIENCE?
From this experience, I have started to make many connections with the Norwegian Friluftsliv class and hopefully I can remember their names when we meet again next week. In addition, I have learnt that having a back-up plan or activity is particularly important in Norway considering the winter weather we are currently experiencing. I have also decided that I need to buy a small seat or mat to sit on, to avoid my pants getting wet every time I sit down.