Hello everyone. The Pulse participants in Norway and South Africa are back in the office, after a diverse and fun festive season. Some went back home, whilst others stayed in their new home countries and enjoyed a different holiday experience. Here’s what everyone’s been up to:

Rose Øvretveit:

“I had an amazing time this Christmas and New Years. I decided to stay in South Africa, and travel parts of the country on my own. The week before my holiday was going to start, I wondered if I’d made a terrible mistake, and if I’d just end up missing home. Instead, it turned into a wonderful adventure with multi day hiking along the southern coast, many new friendships, and an epic burning pyre at the Smoking Dragon festival in Drakensberg to send me into the new year. I could not have had a better time.”

Marita Stortjønnli Solvang:

«I spent the first part of my holiday in Johannesburg, just relaxing and doing some arts and crafts. I spent Christmas Eve on a video call with my family and on Christmas Day I had my friend Sam and her three kids over for a lovely braai and celebration. I later joined Rose at the Smoking Dragon festival for some days of enjoying the nature and meeting new people. Although I missed my family and the snow back in Norway, I had a wonderful time»

Siri Storheim:

I had a visit from my parents for the festive season, who were ecstatic to escape the cold and snow in Norway. I took them around Johannesburg to meet friends and colleagues, and did some bucket list items such as a Kruger safari and a visit to Robben Island. We also road tripped around the Western Cape, enjoying the beautiful beaches and great hiking trails. I got to do some surfing in perfect conditions, and enjoyed swimming in the ocean everyday. It was great to discover some more of this beautiful country, and rediscover the warmth and hospitality of South-Africa through my parents eyes. In other words – a wonderful vacation!

Mona Østenstad Sanner:

My Christmas holiday was the perfect break from the hectic work life of November and December. I went home to Norway to see my family and friends, and it was really nice to see everyone again. We had a big party at our place on New Years eve, and it was truly the right way to start of the new year. I got so much energy from seeing all the people I’ve missed since August. It was also very nice coming back to South Africa, and being picked up by Rose at the airport. She was definitely a great welcoming committee on her own! Now I’m looking forward to the next 7 months of experiences here in Joburg.

Lehlohonolo Gift Kirby Monageng:

My holiday was great. I got to spend Christmas day with my friend Stian and his family. His family hosted me a lot when I attended Toneheim some years back. I ate all kinds of different meals which I’ve mostly forgotten the names of. But I remember my favourite meat, which is called pinnekjøtt. I also got to make Christmas cookies with a former PULSE participant, Hanna Bakke Negård, which was really fun.

Celebrating the new year was not what I expected. I had heard about how beautiful the fireworks are during that time, but they did not prepare any fireworks this year. Instead there was a laser show in Oslo, which was also kind of cool because they showed different colours.

Mxolisi Hlatshwayo Zwane:

I planned spending every day of the festive season with my son, and that is what I did.

I took him out with his mother (we did that almost every day), went for a swim in Florida lake, ate at restaurants and I bought him new clothes for the festive season. We then went to the family gathering at my older sisters house in Sebokeng, South of Johannesburg. I was happy to have my whole family in one space, and we spent new years day at my aunts, but came back early because I had to prepare my things and myself as I was traveling back to Norway that day. I didn’t want my son to see me leaving because I knew he was going to cry and that would be hard for me, but luckily he was asleep when I left home. I was accompanied by my sister and my girlfriend at the airport, and my best friend Bongani Goliath (PO in Soweto FBF) drove us to the airport. It was nice to be home but very sad to say goodbye. But this is how it is and had to go back to work.

When I arrived in Oslo on january 2nd I video called the mother of my son so that I could speak to him. He is too young to understand what I’m saying, but seeing him well is enough for me. He wasn’t wasn’t paying attention but I was happy to see him playing.

Phenyo Kenneth Block:

Spending three months in Norway, working with youth and school bands, was a transformative experience that stood out this year. I thrived in the inclusive and culturally diverse environment, teaching music and connecting with the community. Returning to South Africa for the December holidays was a rejuvenating break, where I shared my experiences with loved ones, sparking laughter and cherished moments. Adjusting to the warm South African weather after Norway’s chill was a welcome change. Now, back in Norway, I’m embracing the snowy landscape, finding joy in the winter wonderland.

Letlhogonolo Andrew Modisane:

I traveled back home to South Africa for my holidays, and during my flight, all I could think about were the things I wanted to do when I arrived. The most important part for me was seeing my son, as he was born shortly before I left, and I haven’t spent that much time with him. I visited Thulane Maluleka’s place and met with my colleagues and former members of the Field Band. Everyone brought their own instruments, and we played music that reminded us of our experiences back when we were active members.

During Christmas, I went to Silverstar Casino with my family. We enjoyed a meal at a restaurant and took the kids to play some games, which was delightful to see – everyone was so happy. My New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st was the best because I had dinner at my parents’ house with my cousins and aunts, some of whom I hadn’t seen in eleven years. The fun part was that I got to be the braai(south african bbq) master, which meant I had the chance to enjoy lots of delicious meat before mealtime!

That’s everything from everyone. Now it’s upwards and onwards for 2025. Happy new year!