Hello Norway,
Earlier today, as I was cheating on my relationship with Kiwi by shopping at another grocery store, I happened to come across displays with Christmas cookies.
Now, I feel compelled to point out something that you, Norway, as a nation, might have overlooked. It is October. Christmas is more than two months away. The fact that we've already had several months where sweaters are a necessary part of one's daily wardrobe notwithstanding, October is clearly not a month one typically associates with Christmas. Can you please, for the love of little baby Jesus, hold off on the Christmas decorations and advertising until at least a month before the holiday?
I realize that this might leave you with a marketing void. I feel the simplest solution is to import a celebration to fill the blank calender space that exists between the last days of summer and what most would consider an appropriate start to the winter holiday season. May I suggest Halloween? At this point, any religious connotation has mostly been disregarded. It's a short leap from the sparkly leggings, huge shoulders, high-tops, and other relics of the 80s that make up your current fashion trend to real costumes, so I'm sure stores here can whip together a few intentionally frightening mannequins. To use the oft-overused phrase, there is something in it for everyone. Costumes, tacky decorations, and opportunities to play with fire abound. Children get candy, adults get alcoholic punch with ice cubes shaped like hands and the Thriller video on repeat, and grocery stores can make a killing on pumpkins. A win all around, I say.
Yours respectfully,
-A very bemused American
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Obama wins Fredprisen (the Peace Prize), induces a "WTF" reaction
Hello World!
It's another sunny, yet frigid autumn day in Oslo, and while I sit at my desk, clutching a thermos of weak tea, trying to concentrate on reviewing for an exam while gazing at the blue sky through the slats in the blinds, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has caused a bit of an international sensation just a short T-Bane ride away.
For those who are not aware, in the words of Aftenposten (one of Norway's biggest non-tabloid papers) Obama fikk Fredprisen. or Obama wins 2009 Peace Prize.
The reaction in Norway - and the experts cited in the Norwegian papers - seems to be one of surprise. As a somewhat cynical American in Oslo, I'm experiencing a "WTF" moment. The entire enterprise seems more political than a legitimate assessment of Obama's contributions to world peace thus far. In essence, this comes across as a "yay, we like America again" selection. I've spent a fair bit of time in Europe, and Scandinavia in particular, since 2005. There has been a perceptible change in how Europe generally views the States, and the average American, since Obama's election. We've garnered a lot of good will abroad, and the Peace Prize only further underscores this point. However, the selection of President Obama is a safe choice, one which won't significantly affect other efforts on the international diplomacy front, in the way awarding the prize to a Russian or Chinese dissident would.
Hence, it will be interesting to see how this all pans out. I feel strangely homesick, watching my President - one I voted for, and who I genuinely believe in - become the center of attention across the Atlantic from home. And I am curious - Hva synes du om at Obama vant Nobel's Fredspris? (or: what do you think about Obama winning the Peace Prize?) Is the Norwegian reaction universal? How are people at home taking this? I fully expect that a certain segment of the population has already turned this into a negative - "ooh look, those European socialists in Norway love Obama. Yeah. Socialists love him, because he's undermining American freedom!!11!
So, Comments?
P.S. Completely unrelated, but the President of the Norwegian Nobel Committee is called Torbjørn Jagland. Torbjørn is an amazing name. Seriously, the man is called Thunder Bear. I can't be the only person who thinks this is pretty badass, or as badass as a white-haired Norwegian politician can get.
It's another sunny, yet frigid autumn day in Oslo, and while I sit at my desk, clutching a thermos of weak tea, trying to concentrate on reviewing for an exam while gazing at the blue sky through the slats in the blinds, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has caused a bit of an international sensation just a short T-Bane ride away.
For those who are not aware, in the words of Aftenposten (one of Norway's biggest non-tabloid papers) Obama fikk Fredprisen. or Obama wins 2009 Peace Prize.
The reaction in Norway - and the experts cited in the Norwegian papers - seems to be one of surprise. As a somewhat cynical American in Oslo, I'm experiencing a "WTF" moment. The entire enterprise seems more political than a legitimate assessment of Obama's contributions to world peace thus far. In essence, this comes across as a "yay, we like America again" selection. I've spent a fair bit of time in Europe, and Scandinavia in particular, since 2005. There has been a perceptible change in how Europe generally views the States, and the average American, since Obama's election. We've garnered a lot of good will abroad, and the Peace Prize only further underscores this point. However, the selection of President Obama is a safe choice, one which won't significantly affect other efforts on the international diplomacy front, in the way awarding the prize to a Russian or Chinese dissident would.
Hence, it will be interesting to see how this all pans out. I feel strangely homesick, watching my President - one I voted for, and who I genuinely believe in - become the center of attention across the Atlantic from home. And I am curious - Hva synes du om at Obama vant Nobel's Fredspris? (or: what do you think about Obama winning the Peace Prize?) Is the Norwegian reaction universal? How are people at home taking this? I fully expect that a certain segment of the population has already turned this into a negative - "ooh look, those European socialists in Norway love Obama. Yeah. Socialists love him, because he's undermining American freedom!!11!
So, Comments?
P.S. Completely unrelated, but the President of the Norwegian Nobel Committee is called Torbjørn Jagland. Torbjørn is an amazing name. Seriously, the man is called Thunder Bear. I can't be the only person who thinks this is pretty badass, or as badass as a white-haired Norwegian politician can get.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Aker Brygge: The Boardwalk, Oslo Style
Hello World!
A desire to explore more of my new home lured us outside on an otherwise gray and unappealing afternoon. This time, we went to Aker Brygge, or Aker Harbor, home to some of Oslo's trendiest restaurants, priciest housing, and truly bizarre artwork. It's where the past meets the present in a somewhat surreal mass of humanity, boats, cobblestones and artwork, old and new. Some key points:
As we begin our stroll, we are greeted by the strains of cheerful dance music from another time. It's the sound one associates with warm days, with sunshine and summers. On a gray autumn day, the music seems wistful, a melancholy ode to a summer past.
The North sea washes into Aker Brygge, or Aker Harbor. From the pier, one can see the towers of the old fortress, and several small islands stretching out until the sea melds into the sky, a shifting gradient of blues and grays.
One enduring feature of Scandinavian cities seems to be a propensity for the prominent public display of random pieces of art. Unfortunately, the Norwegian language, which tends toward simplicity rather than elaborate turns of phrase, sometimes fails to capture the meaning behind these instances of artistic expression. Either that, or this artist basically undertook this entire art project while under the influence of illicit substances, which either filled him with feelings he cannot express, or left him devoid of any intelligent thought. Hence, this statue is called "Stor Form" or, literally "Big Shape".
According to a plaque on the opposite end of the boardwalk from this figure, this is a statue of Sri Chinmoy, an individual I have never heard of, and an Eternal Peace flame. Until I learn more than the contents of a disputed wikipedia article about this individual, suffice to note that Desis are everywhere - we're even statues near Oslo Harbor!
Move over, DC Metro. Your "Kiss and Ride" has just been one-upped by a Kiss and Sail. The sign says something to the effect that boats parked longer than 15 minutes will be fined or sent away.
One of these boats is not like the others...
The chain of suspended brassieres are part of an art display linked to raising awareness of breast cancer. The concept becomes significantly more surreal when the cannons (which are everywhere, relics of a time when they were actually used)are incorporated.
Where statues come to work on their relationships. "Look, Lise, just give me another chance. That girl at Vigilandsparken, that was just a one time thing, you know? One seagull dropping too many. Never again, babe. I promise. You're the only woman for me."
What can I say, I combat the dullness of an approaching winter with bouts of unadulterated silliness. And so too does Oslo, as the pink boats attest.
Peace!
A desire to explore more of my new home lured us outside on an otherwise gray and unappealing afternoon. This time, we went to Aker Brygge, or Aker Harbor, home to some of Oslo's trendiest restaurants, priciest housing, and truly bizarre artwork. It's where the past meets the present in a somewhat surreal mass of humanity, boats, cobblestones and artwork, old and new. Some key points:
As we begin our stroll, we are greeted by the strains of cheerful dance music from another time. It's the sound one associates with warm days, with sunshine and summers. On a gray autumn day, the music seems wistful, a melancholy ode to a summer past.
The North sea washes into Aker Brygge, or Aker Harbor. From the pier, one can see the towers of the old fortress, and several small islands stretching out until the sea melds into the sky, a shifting gradient of blues and grays.
One enduring feature of Scandinavian cities seems to be a propensity for the prominent public display of random pieces of art. Unfortunately, the Norwegian language, which tends toward simplicity rather than elaborate turns of phrase, sometimes fails to capture the meaning behind these instances of artistic expression. Either that, or this artist basically undertook this entire art project while under the influence of illicit substances, which either filled him with feelings he cannot express, or left him devoid of any intelligent thought. Hence, this statue is called "Stor Form" or, literally "Big Shape". 
According to a plaque on the opposite end of the boardwalk from this figure, this is a statue of Sri Chinmoy, an individual I have never heard of, and an Eternal Peace flame. Until I learn more than the contents of a disputed wikipedia article about this individual, suffice to note that Desis are everywhere - we're even statues near Oslo Harbor!
Move over, DC Metro. Your "Kiss and Ride" has just been one-upped by a Kiss and Sail. The sign says something to the effect that boats parked longer than 15 minutes will be fined or sent away. 
One of these boats is not like the others...
The chain of suspended brassieres are part of an art display linked to raising awareness of breast cancer. The concept becomes significantly more surreal when the cannons (which are everywhere, relics of a time when they were actually used)are incorporated. 
Where statues come to work on their relationships. "Look, Lise, just give me another chance. That girl at Vigilandsparken, that was just a one time thing, you know? One seagull dropping too many. Never again, babe. I promise. You're the only woman for me."
What can I say, I combat the dullness of an approaching winter with bouts of unadulterated silliness. And so too does Oslo, as the pink boats attest.
Peace!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The only point of this post is to share pictures of people dressed like Vikings
Hello World!
Autumn is upon us here in Oslo, and as a result, whatever creative juices I had are slowly thickening and starting to resemble creative slush. I blame the increasing cold and the looming shadow cast by the prospect of a 4 hour long essay exam. This past week, I have actually been a fairly productive student, which leaves me with little to say about life in Oslo, apart from some feeble comments about the weather. In possibly the most "duh" inducing comment I have made thus far, Norway is bloody cold. As soon as October started, the weather gods decided the temperature needed to drop below freezing, just to drive home the fact that months of mind-numbing, spirit-crushing, frozen darkness are fast approaching. Well, point taken, weather gods. Point taken.
However, last weekend, I visited Jernaldergarden (the Iron Age Farm, in English),located just outside Stavanger. The farm was in use between AD 350-550, or approximately 300 years before the time of the Vikings. The farm burnt down in roughly AD 550, and was excavated in the 1960s. Subsequently, the buildings have been restored and the area operates as a museum during the summer months.
Here's a close up of one of the buildings, believed to have served as one of the main dwellings. Not visible: The low, narrow entryways, believed to have been designed as both a method of temperature control and as a defense mechanism, as they would force anyone entering to enter at a near crouch.
Sheep as they might have appeared in the Iron Age, though presumably without the plastic ear clips. The gray one behind the rock came trotting up to me and wanted me to pet it. That's right. I have now successfully petted a Norwegian sheep. And yes, I felt really accomplished.
A view of the sea from the farm.
And then, all historical accuracy was lost as the Vikings descended upon us. I really wanted to ask the Vikings if they are actually paid to dress up as anachronistic interlopers, or if they provide this service free of charge.
Bonus points if you can correctly identify two individuals NOT dressed as Vikings!
Much posturing on the part of the Vikings.
Direct quote: "Arrrrgh!"
Translation: "Do not come near me, I still can't control this pointy stick!"
So really, in summary, I went to an old farm, saw some awesome restored buildings, made friends with a sheep, and laughed at the Vikings. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.
However, now, my bed awaits. Until next time, take care, and stay warm!
Autumn is upon us here in Oslo, and as a result, whatever creative juices I had are slowly thickening and starting to resemble creative slush. I blame the increasing cold and the looming shadow cast by the prospect of a 4 hour long essay exam. This past week, I have actually been a fairly productive student, which leaves me with little to say about life in Oslo, apart from some feeble comments about the weather. In possibly the most "duh" inducing comment I have made thus far, Norway is bloody cold. As soon as October started, the weather gods decided the temperature needed to drop below freezing, just to drive home the fact that months of mind-numbing, spirit-crushing, frozen darkness are fast approaching. Well, point taken, weather gods. Point taken.
However, last weekend, I visited Jernaldergarden (the Iron Age Farm, in English),located just outside Stavanger. The farm was in use between AD 350-550, or approximately 300 years before the time of the Vikings. The farm burnt down in roughly AD 550, and was excavated in the 1960s. Subsequently, the buildings have been restored and the area operates as a museum during the summer months.
Here's a close up of one of the buildings, believed to have served as one of the main dwellings. Not visible: The low, narrow entryways, believed to have been designed as both a method of temperature control and as a defense mechanism, as they would force anyone entering to enter at a near crouch.
Sheep as they might have appeared in the Iron Age, though presumably without the plastic ear clips. The gray one behind the rock came trotting up to me and wanted me to pet it. That's right. I have now successfully petted a Norwegian sheep. And yes, I felt really accomplished.
A view of the sea from the farm.
And then, all historical accuracy was lost as the Vikings descended upon us. I really wanted to ask the Vikings if they are actually paid to dress up as anachronistic interlopers, or if they provide this service free of charge.
Bonus points if you can correctly identify two individuals NOT dressed as Vikings!
Much posturing on the part of the Vikings.
Direct quote: "Arrrrgh!"
Translation: "Do not come near me, I still can't control this pointy stick!"
So really, in summary, I went to an old farm, saw some awesome restored buildings, made friends with a sheep, and laughed at the Vikings. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.
However, now, my bed awaits. Until next time, take care, and stay warm!
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