The diary of David, a just-turned-30 Brit living in Norway
On Thursday the whole of Norway got together to celebrate its 198th birthday. Last year I had only been in the country for two weeks before the festivities began. I had little idea of what to expect and it felt like I was crashing a party. Fast forward 12 months and with my future in Norway assured, I was ready to enjoy myself :) So what is Norway's Birthday Party - Constitution Day - really like? Instead of embarrassing games of Twister … [Read more...]
A further glimpse at the lampposts and bus-stops of Oslo... … [Read more...]
I spent most of last year worrying how I would cope with my first Scandinavian winter. Little did I know I would experience the mildest winter Norway has seen for years, with the snow arriving late and temperatures averaging a very bearable -5C. Until this weekend. So, what does someone not used to cold temperatures do on the weekend the mercury plummeted to -23C? He stands outdoors for hours of course, all in the name of sport! As … [Read more...]
Thousands of runners took to the streets of Oslo today for the 2011 Oslo Marathon. I was exhausted just watching. The course is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque out there. It starts and ends at the historical Akershus Fortress, takes in Norway's Parliament and Opera House, with approximately half the course run along Oslo's extensive waterfront. There was also a half-marathon, 10k and 3k, so there was a nice mix of people taking … [Read more...]
Today was the Autumn Equinox and in Oslo that means only one thing, Elvelangs i fakkellys, or "River walk by torchlight". It's basically a free arts festival along the Aker river, although the City of Oslo bigs it up as follows: A total of 3,500 torches light up the Akerselva river from north to south, creating a mystical atmosphere around the 8 km long cultural journey. Experience light sculptures, choirs, folk music, jazz, dance, art … [Read more...]
Last week was Oslo Fashion Week, the bi-annual event which aims to promote Norwegian design and designers to a global audience. The event is most famous for being the first to ban fur from its runways, quite a statement from a country as cold and furry as Norway. This year the show hit the headlines mainly because Josh Hartnett and his girlfriend, model Sophia Lie were spotted at an after-party. I’m not going to pretend I know much about … [Read more...]
Tuesday was Norway's Constitution Day. Dave, Wendy and I started with a champagne breakfast at the flat while I watched some of the big parade on the TV, plus scenes from around Norway and around the world. At lunchtime we headed into Oslo and wandered around for a bit, mainly so I could take some photos. Everyone was so happy, but I really did feel like I gatecrashed a wedding. We then found a great spot outside Paddy's bar where numerous øl … [Read more...]
Everyone here is gearing up for tomorrow's 17.mai celebrations, Norway's Constitution Day. In the morning I shall join Wendy and Dave for a traditional champagne breakfast then make my way into the city to join in the fun. In Oslo there's a big children's parade up towards the Palace where the King greets everyone with a wave. God Save the King! Errr... anyway, everyone dresses up really smart and there's a lot of flag waving, look: One of … [Read more...]
He writes here about his new life in Norway: his observations and experiences, the language and culture, the people and places. [Read More …]
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