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Shawn's summary of interesting observations...

I have some extra time today for some much needed rest and a chance to write. I thought I could share a small list of the things we find unique about living in Norway that are different from the US and Canada...these things are certainly not important in relation to our other experiences but seem to get the most questions when I call or email home.

Ice cream - the Norwegians make it with real cream and I don't think there is anything better. It has been one of our favortie things to eat and discuss over and over. Yes, it is that much better...

Lutefisk - no we have not had any and likely won't because it is mostly served around the holidays.

Brown cheese - another favorite of the team to eat. It is a mixture of cheese with a % of goat cheese added. Very sweet and a light brown color. We are eating it at breakfast on bread with raspberry jam. They were so surprised at how much we liked it we were each given some as a gift from the rotary club in Nittedal.

Politics - they are more informed about the American presidential races than quite a few americans I know...it is widely covered in the news.

Showers - it took some of us a while to figure out the showers, including me. They often drain into the main floor of the bathroom but it isn't obvious. The bathtubs or showers often have a gap around them so the water goes over the side and underneath to the drain. I was worried I was flooding the house and trying to mop up the water with a towel before I figured it out.

Toilets - they have a push button or pull handle on the top of the tank. No swirling just a strong whoosh straight into the bowl. Not very exciting to talk about but I have never seen one before. I also ran into my first pay toilet in Oslo - never considered the idea of paying before but eventually the price will be a bargain if you wait too long! The cost was 5 Kroner or $1. They are also much more direct when asking for the bathroom -they simple call it the toalette or toilet. If their English is good they will understand bathroom or restroom but after a while you get over it and stop asking to "wash your hands".

Vents - most houses have small vents in the bedrooms which are 4" wide so you can open them at night to let fresh air in. It is a nice feature so you don't have to open the windows.

American companies - Mcdonalds and 7-11 are the most prevelant. In Oslo there are others such as Burger King and KFC but not in the smaller towns.

Coffee - they have good coffee and it is served after most meals at all hours of the day. I have had some as late as midnight which may explain my lack of sleep at times.

Moose - they call it an elk and last night my host was paged to go pick one up on the highway at 3am with his frontloader. He said it happens about once a year (hit by a car) and by the time I was up for breakfast it was skinned and hanging in the barn.

History - in Olympia 100-150 years is very old. Around here most everything can be dated to the 1700 or 1800's and there are even rock carvings from the Bronze age 800-1500 BC. WWII is still relevant here and there are reminders in most towns of the german occupation and the resistance.

Electrical outlets - I definitely overthought this one. A simple plug adapter has worked perfectly for my entire trip without incident.

Cars - I was surprised at the cost of a vehicle here. The taxes more than double the price so a basic car can easily cost over $80,000 even with the favorable exchange rate. To get a license it is also very expensive and teens have multiple classes and tests from age 16-18 before they can drive a car. This even includes driving on ice or simulated ice to learn how to regain control.

Traffic - bumps and roundabouts...With the exception of Oslo there are hardly any traffic lights and the use of roundabouts is everywhere. They use road bumps to slow traffic and there aren't any stop signs...everyone is supposed to yield to the right. Can you imagine how much $ could be saved in the US if we didn't have to produce, install and maintain all of the stop signs? It took me a while to notice just how much faster it was to keep moving and slow down to let others in.

I suppose that is enough of the trivial -

The hosts families and Rotary clubs here continue to amaze me with their hospitality. The time is slipping by faster and faster now - when we first arrived it was hard to believe we were here and now its difficult to imagine leaving in 11 days...

Shawn

Posted by GSENORWAY on 2008-05-20 04:31:44 | Rating: