oslo
I have tagged 2 blog posts with oslo:
Embracing Independence: The Joys and Journeys of Solo Travel

Ecstatically typing away on my buzzing train ride home from Oslo, my fingers dancing on the keyboard with enthusiasm that rivals the frosty winds outside, I realize something profound - solo travel, whether it's all the way to the sunlit hills of Santorini or just this rhythmic churning commute to university, is a riotous celebration of independence, introverted joy, and delightful self-discovery.
Let's dive headfirst into this adventure, shall we?
While some people may find solo travel a daunting notion, I assure you, it is one of life's pure treasures. When you're alone, each choice - from the mundane, like the flavor of your morning coffee to the extraordinary, such as the destination of your next journey - is yours and yours alone. This autonomy, this empowerment is as invigorating as the fresh 9°C breeze that whips through my hair whenever I crack open the train window.
Today, as I weaved through bustling stations and crowded platforms, I was content. I was just another face in the crowd, my thoughts my only company. It isn't lonely but liberating, the freedom to soak in the world around me without distraction. It's like being the sole audience member at a spectacular play where the stage is the world itself.
In my solo travel escapades, technology is my most trusted companion. And at its heart, the cornerstone of my tech arsenal, the mighty power bank. Now, you might think: "Kaia, it's just a gadget!" But oh dear reader, it is so much more.
This unassuming device is my lifeline, my faithful anchor in the shifting sands of travel. It powers my phone, necessary for those life-saving Google maps and quick translation apps, it juices up my laptop allowing me to chase my journalism dreams even when on the move, it even rescues other lost, battery-drained souls I encounter along my journeys. It's like carrying around a tiny piece of civilization in my back pocket, a comforting reminder that I remain connected even when I am miles away from home.
And speaking of strong, independent women, Breaking News: Anniken Huitfeldt, a Prominent figure of the Labor Party, is stepping down as Minister of Children and Family Affairs! It's all over the news. Why, you ask? To spend more time with her family. Now, isn't that a beautifully empowering statement within the world of politics? We wish her replacement, Marte Mjøs Persen, the very best. The game awaits her!
As for me, my solo journey continues as I navigate my way through the bustling city of Oslo, armed with my power bank and an unquenchable thirst for exploration. Ready to venture into the unexpected, to embrace the liberating freedom of solo travel.
So here's to us, fellow wanderers of the world, may our travels be as vibrant as our spirits, as inspiring as our dreams, and as eclectic as the cities we traverse. And remember, a power bank might just be your best travel buddy. Onward!
Powering Through Adversity: A Chronicle of Journalism Students Amidst the Pandemic

As I peer out of the train window this cool 14°C Oslo morning, the world outside appears melancholic; fall leaves carpeting the ground whisper tales of passing time, matching my current disposition perfectly. Reflecting my internal landscape, it’s the perfect frame for sharing the experiences from my study groups.
University life, despite its burdens, has a peculiar charm. Just as the falling leaves, we are each unique, instilling our own bits of brilliance into the haphazard pile that is our study group. We are a remarkable amalgamation of unique perspectives and daring ideas, tied together by our shared passion: journalism.
And oh, the tales these study groups can tell! From researching obscure topics to cajole our grades from the clutches of mediocrity, to the heated discussions which often result in a room divided. These are the moments, fashioned by adversity, that shape us as future journalists.
But today, our otherwise vibrant group hangs under a cloud, mirroring the downcast weather. The latest developments in global travel have left us grasping for hope, desperately trying to make sense of a world unmoored by the ongoing pandemic.
Just this morning, I read about Norwegian Air cancelling all flights to and from Tel Aviv until December due to lack of demand. It re-emphasized that the world we knew, the one before the pandemic, lies shrouded in uncertainty. It is scenarios like these that reiterate the importance of potent, accurate, and honest journalism, reinforcing the path we have chosen, even on our cloudiest days.
Strangely, amidst all this uncertainty, one gadget I have come to heavily rely on is my power bank. Offering me the lifeline of a charged device, a tiny thread back to normalcy through continuous connectivity. No, it cannot replace the brick-and-mortar of university life or the traffic between nations; but it does afford me the luxury of scribbling away my thoughts on here, ensuring that I am digitally armed to face every blogging day.
When the world is reeling under a health crisis, and airlines suspend operations, you realise it's the seize-the-moment kind of living that wins the day. And, in these moments, a trustworthy power bank becomes no less than an unshakeable ally.
As the train whirrs along, methodically slicing through the early morning chill, I realise how much these study group tales embody our collective spirit — yes, we are a bit downcast at the moment, but like the indefatigable power bank, we continue to chart our paths tirelessly, leaning on each other for strength.
Maybe one day, when the flights resume and the temperature soars high again, we will look back on these days as the ones that truly defined us, not merely as students of journalism but as resilient human beings. Until then, let these words be a beacon, guiding us through the storm.