-
Norwegain Beds Win.
When I arrived in Norway for the first time in the summer of 2023 and unpacked the sleeping kit that came with my camper, I noticed that it was only comprised of a duvet, a duvet cover, and a bottom sheet. I thought perhaps they had forgotten to pack the top sheet; they didn’t. The…
-
My Intro to European Budget Airlines.
Our trip to Portugal and Poland from Norway was my first experience traveling with budget airlines in Europe. I had heard a lot about how affordable they made travel within Europe, and certainly found that to be the case. I had a great experience! Essentials to traveling with budget airlines, in the cheapest way possible.…
-
Making Chocolate Chip Cookies in Norway.
It might sound easy. You probably think: surely you just go to the store, buy the ingredients, mix them up, and bake them. It is not Mars! Except, it kind of is. First, let’s start with buying the ingredients. I know them by heart. You have vanilla, eggs, salted butter, both kinds of sugar, flour,…
-
When Geopolitics Hit Home
I avoid geopolitics for obvious reasons, but when living abroad, they do not always avoid me. Previously, I have discussed the wonder of sitting around a language practice (språkkafen) table with immigrants to Norway from all over the world. It has been a marvel to see that people from Japan to Pakistan and Sudan to…
-
Borsch with Baguette
Borsch, the Ukrainian staple. A hearty stew, whoops, here’s a tip: never call it a stew if a Ukrainian is in earshot. I made that mistake once and was quickly corrected: It is not a soup; it is not a stew; it is borsch! Okay, so it is a hearty liquid meal with a tomato…
-
The Invisible Divide.
As a girl with strong British roots, resulting in pale skin and red hair, I don’t stand out in Norway. As an American, my mannerisms, customs, and behavioral norms also align with Norwegain culture. We dress largely the same and enjoy the same types of hobbies. In fact, Norwegians are so convinced that I am…
-
Det Finnes Ikke Dårlig Vær, Bare Dårlig Klær.
Anyone who has spent meaningful time in Norway has heard this expression recited with pride: bad weather does not exist in Norway, only bad clothing. You would also know that it is more than a catchy phrase; it is a lifestyle. Norway packs in a lot of weather. Days of wind, rain, snow, fog, frost,…
-
Communication Breakdown.
Before I began a relationship with a man whose native language differs from mine, I never considered what that would be like. I did not wonder whether the situation would result in regular confused facial expressions followed by questions or laughs. Or if misunderstandings due to choosing the wrong word or phrase could end in…
-
When the Extraordinary Becomes, Well…Ordinary.
Some people may think that living in Europe means experiencing endless wonderment. They picture walking out the front door every morning, glancing around, and smiling at the newness of everything. It can, and it does, in the beginning, but then, like everything in life, we adjust, and the newness becomes routine. The novelty becomes the…
-
The Unexpected Twist.
Those who have followed my adventures closely know that a year ago, during my first 90-day stay in Bergen, I was obsessively focused on learning Norwegain. I bought and dutifully followed an online course curriculum, spent 30 minutes per day studying vocabulary, and attended language practice cafes or spåkkafés each weekday. Knowing no one and…
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
She Simply Wanders 