On one night while staying in Notodden (by the way, I am finding that pronouncing "Notodden" in Norwegian is much harder than one might think) the Underdal's took us to a good old fashioned BBQ at the house of Jan's sister. The BBQ was very similar to any standard grill out one might have in the US, EXCEPT that it was in Norway, which automatically makes it awesome...additionally the house was located on a picturesqe Norwegian farm nestled into the hill side, with forest and rock outcroppings behind, and a beautiful view of a wonderful serene Norwegian lake. Also, there happened to be a group of youngsters from Belfast, Ireland there (they were working on the farm during the week for a sort of work exchange trip with their church) and many members of Jan and Kjersti's church. The husband of Jan's sister is the pastor of their church (Dad he reminds me a lot of Ian from Scotland...you would have enjoyed his company), was the Master Griller of sorts, and is one of the most sociable people you will ever meet. After an hour or so of grilling (there was none of this quick-and-easy "pre-cooked" business), we sat down to eat (all 40+ of us) in the barn, which was pleasently lit with candles precariously perched around the room. The food was great and I met some very interesting people, inlcuding one young women who studied for a year in Bakersfield, California very near to where I lived in Fresno (I am finding this to be the smallest world), but the best part of the night was the extended conversation I had with Halvard, Jan and Kjersti's 13 year old son.
Up until that point I had only talked a little bit with Halvard, as he was understandinbly shy around a never before seen 20 year old American. But I knew that he played football (soccer), so that was the launch point of what turned out to be a wonderfully in depth conversation. Its strange...I never cease to be amazed at how, despite language barriers, people of such different up bringings and cultures can relate and become friends. Its not that I dont think its possible for two different people to become friends (as I have witnessed or experienced many examples to the contrary) , its the ability and desire to make connections and understand one another despite impervious circumstances. The topics that are discussed, while sometimes simpler in depth, are never dull...and I never feel as though just because they cant speak English as well as me (I have been painfully reminded throughout this trip that I am not multi-lingual, and everyone in Europe is...thus all conversations are kindly conducted in English to help me), that they are any less of a friend. It is this ability to forge friendships with people so different from me in many respects, that is truly fascinating, wonderful and humbling.
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