Thank you for your insights! I love your attitude of seeing how things work differently and then reflecting whether you want incorporate any of those things into your own life. It seems you had a good time in Norway. I wish you lots of fun on your next travels!
I loved these insights. The line of "nature is the main character" made me think about my trip to Alaska. It was one of those places that took my breath away at how untouched some areas seemed. Makes one respect the setting for sure.
"Your vices will cost you" I wish America was more like that. I read a note from a blogger here on substack about how Norway provides what people need, but when it comes to what people want, you have to pay a little extra for it - seems like the priorities are in line.
Looking forward to reading more, nice to meet you Janet.
I really enjoyed this post - my family had two Norwegian foreign exchange students when I was in high school and 20 years later we’re still in touch! They were both so fun and the life of the party wherever they went, but very welcoming to everyone, they would sit and chat away to my parents older friends which I always found surreal as an awkward American teen. They were also very no nonsense- the concept of drama and gossip was completely foreign to them, they told everyone what they thought which just made life so much more simple. I have loved going to Norway to visit.
I also wanted to ask - do you ever sell your paintings? They are so full of life and colour.
So kind of you to ask. I am currently working on my website and will be selling my artwork soon. If you follow or subscribe I’ll be making an announcement in a few weeks. Appreciate your support.
My god I really loved this! As a foreigner living in Oslo for the past year I'd say you're spot on! The easy access to info has also helped a bit with lost items, I remember being with a Norwegian friend at a library once and I found a wallet. My friend just said we could look at the ID and find the person's info online to contact them, and we did - easy as that. They weren't even terrorised at the thought of having lost their wallet at a public and busy location. The whole thing felt a bit surreal to me, but now that it's happened three times I really appreciate how easy and quick the whole thing is - the openness definitely leads to trust!
Such a great reflection of Norway. It seems like a place I would love to live in. Though I would prefer more warmth to nonchalance, Asian style, but everything else matches my values! Time for a visit to this country to see for myself :)
It’s so nice to read your reflections and about your experiences in Norway. As a Norwegian myself, it’s nice to look at our country and society from the outside
That's honestly the best way to do it. We did that with my fiancé during the pandemic, when they opened up slightly. It was something else seing Norway without all the tourists. Geiranger was magical without all the busses and buzz that normally plagues that tiny village. Early May is a good time for a roundtrip here.
Thank you for your insights! I love your attitude of seeing how things work differently and then reflecting whether you want incorporate any of those things into your own life. It seems you had a good time in Norway. I wish you lots of fun on your next travels!
I loved these insights. The line of "nature is the main character" made me think about my trip to Alaska. It was one of those places that took my breath away at how untouched some areas seemed. Makes one respect the setting for sure.
"Your vices will cost you" I wish America was more like that. I read a note from a blogger here on substack about how Norway provides what people need, but when it comes to what people want, you have to pay a little extra for it - seems like the priorities are in line.
Looking forward to reading more, nice to meet you Janet.
Appreciate your thoughtful comment here. I can imagine Alaska having a similar untouched beauty like Norway.
Sounds like a place worth seeing!
I’m headed to Norway in about 3 weeks and I need to know where that waffle was from!! :) Beautiful essay, thank you ♥️
Hi Sam, hope you enjoy Norway! The waffle was delicious and from the cafe attached to the National Museum in Oslo.
I really enjoyed this post - my family had two Norwegian foreign exchange students when I was in high school and 20 years later we’re still in touch! They were both so fun and the life of the party wherever they went, but very welcoming to everyone, they would sit and chat away to my parents older friends which I always found surreal as an awkward American teen. They were also very no nonsense- the concept of drama and gossip was completely foreign to them, they told everyone what they thought which just made life so much more simple. I have loved going to Norway to visit.
I also wanted to ask - do you ever sell your paintings? They are so full of life and colour.
So kind of you to ask. I am currently working on my website and will be selling my artwork soon. If you follow or subscribe I’ll be making an announcement in a few weeks. Appreciate your support.
Nice to see your reflections on this trip, you wrote them in an interesting way that makes me want to travel there in the future.
I am glad it resonated.
My god I really loved this! As a foreigner living in Oslo for the past year I'd say you're spot on! The easy access to info has also helped a bit with lost items, I remember being with a Norwegian friend at a library once and I found a wallet. My friend just said we could look at the ID and find the person's info online to contact them, and we did - easy as that. They weren't even terrorised at the thought of having lost their wallet at a public and busy location. The whole thing felt a bit surreal to me, but now that it's happened three times I really appreciate how easy and quick the whole thing is - the openness definitely leads to trust!
I think this is such interesting aspect of Norwegian culture that’s less known outside of Norway. I hope you are enjoying living there.
Definitely interesting for sure! Oh yes I’m really happy here thank you 🫶🏼
A fun read! Hope you had a good time. Welcome back!
Appreciate you reading!
just here to let you know that you're chic af.
lol, thank you 😊
Such a great reflection of Norway. It seems like a place I would love to live in. Though I would prefer more warmth to nonchalance, Asian style, but everything else matches my values! Time for a visit to this country to see for myself :)
This is so well written and informed. Thank you!
Loved this! I want to copy this exact itinerary…the photos are breathtaking, and your thoughts so well-expressed - I’m inspired!
Thank you! Lofoten Islands is a must.
It’s so nice to read your reflections and about your experiences in Norway. As a Norwegian myself, it’s nice to look at our country and society from the outside
I recently returned from Norway, where my grandfather grew up, and your description resonates! Such a beautiful and peaceful place.
I hope it felt like a homecoming. It’s a beautiful homeland.
Thank you, and yes, it is very special!
Wow, truly glad you had such a lovely experience. Hope you come back.
I definitely want to. I’d like to get a camper and roam next time.
That's honestly the best way to do it. We did that with my fiancé during the pandemic, when they opened up slightly. It was something else seing Norway without all the tourists. Geiranger was magical without all the busses and buzz that normally plagues that tiny village. Early May is a good time for a roundtrip here.
Very well observed I think!