The beginning of the end?

Even though I have two months left of Oslo time, I feel like everything is drawing to a close. Spring is (finally) in the air, and with it a feeling of time seeping away... Spring is all I'm going to see of Norway's vaguely mild weather (not that it's much of a spring by international standards). Saying that, there are still great piles of snow in the streets and a distinct chill in the air, but when the sun shines on me I am like a tiny lizard basking in its glow.
I think this idea that I'm leaving soon is also the end of term feeling, as I'm coming home for Easter on Friday. Everything at school is about mock exams and all the final year pupils are talking about their yearbook, their leavers ball and all that. Actually it's quite a big thing in Norway to be a 'Russ', or school leaver, so called because they take to wearing a little red hat during the raucous celebrations. Apparently this all kicks off on the first of May, then they party until Norwegian National Day i.e. 17th May i.e. BEFORE their exams! So it seems most them will be pissed every day during study leave. And it's endorsed by tradition... right...! This wikipedia article tells you a bit more about it, and more than I actually knew: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RussThis picture is from Mark's visit at the weekend, when we went to the Norsk Folkemuseum, which is full of different wooden houses which the museum picked up from all over Norway and transported to Oslo to show the traditional ways of life in Norway. This includes an original stave church, as pictured (much to Mark's amazement). It is entirely made of wood, and quite incredible. They decided to bring it down to Oslo by sled (!) from Northern Norway during the 19th Century, as with most of the houses you can also see at the museum. They have also transported an authentic 'town centre' and school house. Really quite a bizarre concept, but very interesting all the same!
We also did a little 'hiking' around near in the forest close to my house, walking on ski tracks and piste-ing off (gaffaw!) the very serious looking skiiers. We were also at the Munch museum, freezing our arses off eating packed lunch outdoors and generally just walking, walking, walking. Oh and drinking. Alcohol just tastes better when it's duty free.
All in all I got the impression that I was on holiday, and I still do a bit because at school there really is nothing to do, what with all the mock exams and that general end-of-term feeling. And with the prospect of another weeks' holiday on the horizon, I'm really not inclined to do any work!