More Observations

Going to the movies in Norway is interesting.  You purchase your ticket online, but you buy a seat like you would to a sporting event or concert with a row and seat number.  The nice thing is even if you arrive late you still get your prime seat.  Most popular North American movies are available in Norway with subtitles.  Childrens' movies are translated--Norwegian children have not learned to speak English and some can not read Norwegian and/or English.

More safety stories.  I was waiting for our son to finish his tennis lessons.  Across the table from me was an iPad which remained unclaimed for at least the hour that I sat there.  A few days ago I sat in a chair at the mall.  Next to me was a purse and large shopping bag unclaimed and undisturbed.

Prior to moving to Norway I always ignored the Duty Free Shop in the airport, which seems to parallel the thoughts of most North Americans.  The Duty Free Shop in Norway is very busy--roughly 40% savings on many popular items--alcohol, candy, cosmetics, etc.  Duty Free is available on most flights to/from Norway.

Merry Christmas (God Jul) and Happy New Year to All!

After One and a Half Years

After one and a half years my/our perspective on Norway has evolved.  We are extremely grateful for the opportunity we have been afforded.  There are so many experiences and opportunities that we never could/would have had in Houston:  daily exposure to world cultures via colleagues and fellow students, mountains, hiking trails, skiing (alpine and cross-country), four seasons, beautiful scenery, the chance to travel across Europe, different world views, new holidays, new food, and different philosophy of driving/cars just to name a few.  As one would expect with moving to a  new country we had some frustrating experiences.  As we look back we can see that these experiences made us stronger and in many cases now provide us with laughter.  Our family has grown closer.  Living internationally you learn to appreciate other world views, and at the same time develop a greater appreciation of where you come from.

I would like to share some of our experiences, adventures, and observations.

Norway is an amazingly clean country, you see very little trash.

Most Norwegians speak English and at a high level.  Our travels have taken us to places where "they speak English" but not nearly as well as the Norwegians.

There are places where you can park for free.  The places that require you to get a ticket to park for free simply do so to help keep parking available for the intended clients/customers (i.e. cars parked at the mall are mall customers and not commuters who took the subway to work).

You may have to "pay" for a shopping cart, but you get your money back when you return the cart.  The payoff of this procedure is a lack of carts scattered across a parking lot and shopping carts that are in decent shape.

Groceries/food tends to be fresh and with no or very limited additives.  I heard that GMO food is banned in Norway.

Reflector gear is very popular, especially in the darker months.  This gear is worn for any outdoor activity.  The increased visibility is appreciated as a motorist.

"Merry Christmas" is not only allowed but encouraged (god jul--pronounced "go yule").  Christmas also brings pepperkake (a cookie somewhat like a gingersnap), Christmas soda (jule brus), and Christmas beers (jule øl).  During winter and the Christmas season it is common to place candles at the end of your driveway, along your sidewalk, etc.  The candles come in large "tubs" roughly the size of a margaine tub.  Many businesses offer self-serve wrapping--you may wrap your gift right there at the store with paper, tape, scissors, etc. provided.

Food is allowed almost everywhere including concerts, sporting events, amusement parks, etc.

The Norwegians are not into law suites.  My wife saw a staircase with one of the steps in disarray.  The question was raised why there weren't warning signs, the step taped off, etc.  In the US such a situation would be a law suite waiting to happen.  The reply was that  people could see the stair was broken and would take the appropriate precautions.  You would have trouble finding a lawyer that would take your case if you hurt yourself and it may be even tougher to find a judge that would hear the case.  It is refreshing not having to be paranoid about being sued.  My guess is the person that spilled hot McDonalds coffee on themselves would not have gone to trial in Norway.

Norway is incredibly safe.  Children four and five years old walk or ride their bike/scooter to school.  Lost/forgotten items may  be reclaimed several days later (there have been bikes and skateboards at the end of our driveway for days).  Pedestrians enter cross-walks without looking to check for traffic.  Someone (who shall remain nameless) left the keys in the car at a shopping mall parking lot and the car was still there after two hours.  Mothers will leave their sleeping infants in strollers outside while they go inside and have coffee with their friends.  Our neighbor has left five wheels (rims and tires) for his BMW out on the driveway for a week.

Norway is the most child and pet friendly country in the world.  If your children don't have school and you don't have child care just bring your child to work with you.  It is not out of the norm to see a person's pet at work either.

Norwegians are an active and healthy people.  You see very few overweight people and no morbidly obese ones.  Fitness and exercise are a priority.  Regardless of the weather you will see joggers, cyclists, roller-skiers, etc. out on the streets and paths.  As has already been mentioned the food is healthy, People do not eat out very often but when they do the portions are smaller than in North America.

Norway has/is a good experience for our family.  We are looking ahead with anticipation to our remaining time.

Fall Colors

I can not imagine too many places that are prettier than Norway in the autumn.  Everywhere you turn the world is ablaze in brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds.  I have often thought that fall colors are like the grand finale of a fireworks display.  The colors are so vibrant that even cloudy days seem cheery.  I marvel at the beauty of Creatoin and the wonder of the Creator!

The above tree is my favorite.  J and I came around the bend on our bikes and it looked like the sky exploded in the most amazing colors.

The red leaves are seen most often hanging along walls and cliffs--making it look like the wall or cliff is bleeding.

A Couple of Firsts

Today I used my first Norwegian coupon (25% off of bread).  All the stores have sales but coupons are not very common in Norway.

Last week I heard my first country song in Norway--Kenny Roger's "The Gambler."  I listen to very little Norwegian radio, but I was at a business that had the radio on.

Election

Norway had a federal election on September 9--but I only became aware of it the following day.  Unlike North American elections there were no billboards, posters, TV ads, etc.  I am not sure how people find out about the candidates and issues but the system works as there was almost 78% voter turn-out.  It was refreshing not having to put up with the "junk" that accompanies an election campaign.

Extra Mile

Yesterday I thought I had lost my bank debit card.  After mentally retracing my steps I concluded that the most probable time/location of the loss of my card was at a local retailer the day before.  I called the business and after looking around they could not find my card, but if I would give them my name and number they would call back if they found it.  Ten minutes later the gentleman called me back and asked what time I had made my purchase and what I had been wearing; he would go back and review the store security camera.  An hour later he called back and told me I had made my purchase, placed the card in my wallet, and placed my wallet in my bag.  I was impressed with the concern and time/effort it took to help me with my situation.  By the way, I did find my card in the deepest darkest reaches of the center console in the car.

Pictures on the Wall

After almost a year we started to hang pictures today.  It was great hanging out with the family on a cool wet day, plus our house feels more like home.