Friday

Today was Oslo day. We left Sarpsborg at 8:30. Mayor Engsmyr, asst. mayor Einar Evenson, Uno Larsen, Steinar Opstad, and Eirikur Varvin were there to see us off. We were all wearing our new SJGK hats that were given to us by the Norwegians.

The choir went straight to the American Lutheran Church where they sang for a crowd and recorded for a CD. The band went to Vigeland Park to see the sculptures and then to Holmenkollen Ski Jump. All 3 buses met up at the Viking Ship Museum All the sights on the tour were excellent.

The students then had the afternoon to check out some other Oslo sights. Several went to Akershus Castle, some went to the Nobel Peace Center, and most everyone ended up on Karl Johanns Gate.

We gathered at the hotel at 5:30 and checked into the hotel. Dinner was at 6:30. We received heart felt thanks and good wishes from our 3 Norwegian tour guides. They have become members of our group - as have the fantastic bus drivers we have. Mike and Ann Brown have been with us since Tuesday night and joined the students all day today and were at dinner. Dr. Sanford addressed the students and congratulated them. Bruce Morlock gave his syttende mai speech again for the students, this time in English.

Now it is down time. Kids are hanging out in the lobby or visiting each others rooms. Some went for a walking tour of downtown Oslo with 2 of our guides.

As we reflect on the trip, we all agree on one thing. These students have been tremendous ambassadors for our school, state, and country. They shared their music with thousands of people and left their mark everywhere they went. All comments we have received have been very positive. We are very proud of all of them and when they tell you about all of their experiences you will feel the same.

We are scheduled to land at MSP at 5:55 tomorrow afternoon. A reasonable guess for arrival at the high school is 12:00 midnight. The 14 people flying into GF arrive at 11:20 PM.

We are sad to leave our new friends and excited to come home and tell you all about the trip. Thanks to all of you who supported us and trusted us enough to take the students to Norway.