#darnell walker

The Euro and Sterling Pound is down or the dollar is down, or something is up. I never keep my eyes on the exchange because I never go shopping and I only spend money on food. Whatever the exchange is, it won’t stop me from supplying my beautiful chiseled body (actually it’s frumpy and gymless) with all the things it needs.

But Norway, you sir or ma’am or Viking, have crossed the line. Did I really just pay $10USD for a filet-o-fish and a Fanta? Did I? Answer me, you sonofabih.

Small Carton of Apple Juice: $4USD Empanada: $5.50USD Footlong Subway Steak and Cheese Sub: $10.50USD Small Pack of Oreos: $4.63USD Not Being Caught When Stealing Out Of The Store: Priceless. (I may or may not have really stole)

So I decided I would sneak on your public transportation and not pay a dime. Ever. How dare you guys do that to us poor, fat Americans?

In short, Norway is not the place for poor backpackers like myself. At least Oslo and surrounding territories. I spent less money eating well and sleeping comfortably in London, and we all know how crazy that Pound is.

If you must come, stay two days max, take in the hills and fjords and get the hell out. Oh, and here are a few things for you to do and places to eat in case you don’t feel like looking it up on your own:

1. Nobel Peace Museum: Brynjulf Bulls plass 1, 0250 Oslo. An amazing look into the lives of those who brought a great amount of peace to the lives of others. Some are questionable, but most are truly about that life.

2. Ekebergparken Sculpture Park: Brynjulf Bulls plass 1, 0250 Oslo. A great walk through the high hills of Oslo, over looking the entire city, and you get to see some amazing sculptures and installations by amazing artists

3. Far East Restaurant: Bernt Ankers gate 4, 0181 Oslo My first Pho experience in Oslo, and I’m not gravely disappointed, an the prices, for Oslo standards, are okay.

4. Is it warm? Go buy a few bears or a bottle of wine and snacks, and head to the park with friends or strangers you meet on Couchsurfing or Tinder.

5. Tour the fjords! There are a number of cruises you can take, and if you meet the right people, you can get it for free. Visit their site and look around for what works best for you.

Honestly, I had a great time in Oslo, watching the seasons change and watching the sun go down at 11pm and come back at 3:50am. Will I come back? Sure. Viking culture intrigues me now, and it’s a great stop through on the way to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Bergen, and many other places.

Cheers, Olso, you’ve done it again.

It has been a while since I've written anything and I have still have trouble with its and it's, so I refrained from using it to start this sentence.  Not because I'm unfamiliar with the English language or grammar, but because lately I've only been texting and sending messages on my iPad. Random, but true.

I recently returned from family vacation...which has caused me to reflect on a topic that interests me.

While on vacation, I read a book written by a friend of mine.  Its a "relationship" book of sorts that explores his personal (very personal at times) life in order to provide us (the reader) with advice on love, lust, life and the "art" of maintaining multiple relationships.  While I have my doubts, as every woman should reading love advice from a man, it was witty, fun, sarcastic, intellectual...everything that 50 Shades of Grey isn't basically.  (insert shameless plug for my friend...go buy "Creep" by Darnell Lamont Walker!!! iTunes, Kindle or visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Creep-by-Darnell-Lamont-Walker/165747543504726 ) I wish I knew more about creating links. Crud.  

 "Creep" by Darnell Lamont Walker

Back to the topic at hand.  Reading this book and being in the situation I was in (around the people I was around)...makes me wonder...is there EVER an age or time in your life when you are so ready to be in a relationship that you are willing to compromise to the point of giving up things you REALLY want out of life? How far are you willing to move? Are you willing to give up on dreams of motherhood and vacation homes for the "right" guy?  Could a man truly be right...if you have to give up who you are as a person to be with them? Through the years, I've encountered a few women who have given up their dreams and have compromised themselves to the point that they are unrecognizable. Is the desire for a husband THAT great? Mine isn't...but then again, I'm still in my twenties and have my wits about me...who knows what 35 may bring.

I have a strong belief in NEVER compromising one's self for the sake of ...what...filing joint taxes? But I suppose I understand.