So long, Norway
Monday, 7. July 2008, 14:52:44
For anyone who has ever had to leave Norway, whether after a vacation or study exchange, you know how difficult it can be to say goodbye to this captivating place. It’s enough to make anyone want to uproot from their convenient suburban home, spacious SUV and nearby discount chain stores, and trade it all in for a hytte and a herd of goats. Even while living in Norway’s largest city, Oslo residents still feel the close proximity to Norway’s majestic nature and enjoy the simplicity of life. So when my husband was offered a position at his company’s New York office, my first reaction was, “absolutely not!” But after some deep introspection, I realized that my love for my husband outweighed my love for Norway and I agreed to transplant myself from the land of the midnight sun to the city that never sleeps.
As I depart from the country I now call home, it is with a heavy heart that I remember all the reasons my three years in Norway have been the best of my life. In David Letterman style, here is my “Top Ten Reasons to Love Norway” list:
10. 17. mai celebration
To see Norway at its best, visit during the Constitution Day celebration. Rain or shine the Norwegians congregate in the streets of their cities, decked out in their finest, and ready to may tribute to their heritage. The Oslo City Hall offers tickets to watch the barnetog or children’s parade from the palace courtyard, directly beneath the gaze of the royal family. I have long enjoyed simply planting myself down on the grass with a “krone-is” and watching the men and women in their bunads go by.
9. Island hopping in Oslo
Though Oslo isn’t exactly known for its beaches, it should be known for its multiple islands directly off the coast. The Oslo mass transit system offers ferries to several of the coastal islands, all of which boast numerous grassy knolls and swimming areas. My favorite island is Langeøyene, which was literally formed out of the city’s garbage. This island offers public restrooms, an enormous grass field for any kind of game or sport you wish to play, and a well maintained sandy beach. If you’d rather enjoy a meal on one of Oslo’s islands, visit Gressholmen, also know as Rabbit Island, for some simple Norwegian food and an encounter with the island’s many rabbits.
8. Cross country skiing
Since Norway is the place I learned to ski, I feel a distinct affinity for the country’s intense cross country skiing culture. Norway puts a great deal of effort into maintaining its ski trails for the many enthusiasts, and keeps them well lit for those wishing for a late night trek into the wilderness. The reward at the end of a long day of skiing is often just as pleasurable as the journey itself. A cozy fire, dry clothes and a cup of hot chocolate never feel better than after a day spent outside during a Norwegian winter.
7. Pølse med lompe at 7-Eleven
Not normally a hot dog fan, I must admit to indulging in this tasty convenience store hot dog served in a warm potato tortilla. At the low cost of just 35 kroner, you can top your dog with potato salad, relish or the Norwegian favorite of shrimp salad. I always insist that my visitors dine at the 7-Eleven, found on just about every street corner, and take a bite of the løkpølse or onion hotdog, topped with potato salad, ketchup and the special “hot dog dressing”.
6. Cabin culture
In Norway, everybody knows somebody with a cabin. Whether staying at a cabin by the sea or in the mountains, Norwegians flock to these remote escapes whenever the opportunity presents itself. Many Norwegians boast about the degree of “roughing it” they endure during their mountain adventures. To truly show your cabin endurance, you must stay somewhere so remote that your car cannot reach it, you should not have the convenience of running water, and you must walk through snow and ice to reach the outdoor toilet. Only then have you had a truly Norwegian “hyttetur”.
5. Engangsgriller
Many Norwegians, especially in Oslo, live in apartments and are unable to enjoy backyard barbeques as Americans are accustomed to. To compensate, Norwegians are big fans of engangsgriller or “one time grills”. These disposable grills are sold at every grocery store for just 20 kroner and can be used in most public parks.
4. Sunshine at midnight
June is a magical month in Norway. It seems as though daylight never ceases. You go to bed before the sun sets and awake long after it has risen. Nothing is more revitalizing than summer in Norway after a long, cold and dark winter.
3. The fjords
The majesty of Norway’s fjords has long been what draws the tourists year after year. My first fjord experience was in Flåm, during a visit with some girlfriends. We took the Flåmsbane down the winding curves of the mountainside and rented a cabin along the water in this quaint city. I highly recommend the boat cruise (four hours roundtrip) through the fjord or renting a bicycle and touring the trails along the water’s edge.
2. The Norwegian people
Since I am married to a Norwegian, I would be remiss not to include the fine people of Norway in my top ten list. Though shy at first and often difficult to get to know, Norwegians can be the most loyal of companions. Honesty, integrity and fairness rank high on the list of qualities many Norwegians possess. Once you get to know a Norwegian, he will be your friend for life.
1. Social welfare system
As an American, the benefits of the Norwegian welfare system never ceased to amaze me during my three-year stay. I underwent an appendectomy and childbirth while in Norway and paid absolutely nothing. I am currently enjoying my one year of paid maternity leave, compliments of the Norwegian government, and my husband will soon begin his six week of paid paternity leave. As the saying goes, Norway takes care of its citizens “from cradle to grave”.
Originally appeared in Viking magazine
As I depart from the country I now call home, it is with a heavy heart that I remember all the reasons my three years in Norway have been the best of my life. In David Letterman style, here is my “Top Ten Reasons to Love Norway” list:
10. 17. mai celebration
To see Norway at its best, visit during the Constitution Day celebration. Rain or shine the Norwegians congregate in the streets of their cities, decked out in their finest, and ready to may tribute to their heritage. The Oslo City Hall offers tickets to watch the barnetog or children’s parade from the palace courtyard, directly beneath the gaze of the royal family. I have long enjoyed simply planting myself down on the grass with a “krone-is” and watching the men and women in their bunads go by.
9. Island hopping in Oslo
Though Oslo isn’t exactly known for its beaches, it should be known for its multiple islands directly off the coast. The Oslo mass transit system offers ferries to several of the coastal islands, all of which boast numerous grassy knolls and swimming areas. My favorite island is Langeøyene, which was literally formed out of the city’s garbage. This island offers public restrooms, an enormous grass field for any kind of game or sport you wish to play, and a well maintained sandy beach. If you’d rather enjoy a meal on one of Oslo’s islands, visit Gressholmen, also know as Rabbit Island, for some simple Norwegian food and an encounter with the island’s many rabbits.
8. Cross country skiing
Since Norway is the place I learned to ski, I feel a distinct affinity for the country’s intense cross country skiing culture. Norway puts a great deal of effort into maintaining its ski trails for the many enthusiasts, and keeps them well lit for those wishing for a late night trek into the wilderness. The reward at the end of a long day of skiing is often just as pleasurable as the journey itself. A cozy fire, dry clothes and a cup of hot chocolate never feel better than after a day spent outside during a Norwegian winter.
7. Pølse med lompe at 7-Eleven
Not normally a hot dog fan, I must admit to indulging in this tasty convenience store hot dog served in a warm potato tortilla. At the low cost of just 35 kroner, you can top your dog with potato salad, relish or the Norwegian favorite of shrimp salad. I always insist that my visitors dine at the 7-Eleven, found on just about every street corner, and take a bite of the løkpølse or onion hotdog, topped with potato salad, ketchup and the special “hot dog dressing”.
6. Cabin culture
In Norway, everybody knows somebody with a cabin. Whether staying at a cabin by the sea or in the mountains, Norwegians flock to these remote escapes whenever the opportunity presents itself. Many Norwegians boast about the degree of “roughing it” they endure during their mountain adventures. To truly show your cabin endurance, you must stay somewhere so remote that your car cannot reach it, you should not have the convenience of running water, and you must walk through snow and ice to reach the outdoor toilet. Only then have you had a truly Norwegian “hyttetur”.
5. Engangsgriller
Many Norwegians, especially in Oslo, live in apartments and are unable to enjoy backyard barbeques as Americans are accustomed to. To compensate, Norwegians are big fans of engangsgriller or “one time grills”. These disposable grills are sold at every grocery store for just 20 kroner and can be used in most public parks.
4. Sunshine at midnight
June is a magical month in Norway. It seems as though daylight never ceases. You go to bed before the sun sets and awake long after it has risen. Nothing is more revitalizing than summer in Norway after a long, cold and dark winter.
3. The fjords
The majesty of Norway’s fjords has long been what draws the tourists year after year. My first fjord experience was in Flåm, during a visit with some girlfriends. We took the Flåmsbane down the winding curves of the mountainside and rented a cabin along the water in this quaint city. I highly recommend the boat cruise (four hours roundtrip) through the fjord or renting a bicycle and touring the trails along the water’s edge.
2. The Norwegian people
Since I am married to a Norwegian, I would be remiss not to include the fine people of Norway in my top ten list. Though shy at first and often difficult to get to know, Norwegians can be the most loyal of companions. Honesty, integrity and fairness rank high on the list of qualities many Norwegians possess. Once you get to know a Norwegian, he will be your friend for life.
1. Social welfare system
As an American, the benefits of the Norwegian welfare system never ceased to amaze me during my three-year stay. I underwent an appendectomy and childbirth while in Norway and paid absolutely nothing. I am currently enjoying my one year of paid maternity leave, compliments of the Norwegian government, and my husband will soon begin his six week of paid paternity leave. As the saying goes, Norway takes care of its citizens “from cradle to grave”.
Originally appeared in Viking magazine
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