be the change.

it is most definitely not a secret that i hate norway. [please don't focus too much on the word 'hate'. i use it like i would with meg ryan and kylie minogue's can't get you out of my head.] but i do not feel like i belong here in norway, and i surely cannot connect with norwegians.

lately i have felt this disconnect extra strongly, and it has put me in a somber mood. and i've felt a little hopeless. so there's that.

on with the point.

we all know the famous quote by the great gandhi - be the change you want to see in the world.

well, i had a personal epiphany the other day. these words just came into my mind, very clearly:

be the american you want to see in norway. 

so. that's what i'm trying to do. if i don't feel like myself (like the american i am), i better start acting like one. so that day i loudly said goodbye to the bus driver as i walked off the bus. and have been trying to do so ever since. and i smiled at strangers. my next challenge: compliment strangers.

i shall keep you updated on this american in norway formerly known as lene.