The land of the Vikings, IKEA and Socialism has been more surprising to my American self than I could have first imagined. In my brief visit to Norway, I was finding myself surprised at what I found. The phrase "I'll be damned" were uttered more from my bewildered self than asking for another beer; which is strange, because I love beer!
So here are a few of the surprises I have found:
1. There are places here that are really old!
For example, this church. Built some 500 years or so ago. The only marking on this church gives the date 1585 which is perhaps when the newest door was installed. As far as the rest of the church and graveyard that follow, some point back to the early 1500's. That's much before America was born. And for an American, we have the late 1600's and early 1700's as the beginning of our history.
2. They eat some strange food.
This is a liver paste/spread that is typically spread over bread, sometimes crackers and is eaten for breakfast, or lunch, or even as a snack. Another food style that is popular here is the open faced sandwich. It does take some getting used to, but it works! Also, cheese is a big deal, especially in Norway. Something that can be shared with America.
3. There are castles and monarchs.
So though this may not be an actual castle, it is used as a summer home for monarchs. For example, Norway has Harald V of Norway. Sweden has Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. And Denmark has the Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. So in a way they get to have the novelties of a monarchy but also the practicalities of having a democratic political system.
4. Fjords are pretty to look at.
Steep hills that lead to deep channels of water. They were formed deep in the last ice age. As glaciers melted and fell into the sea, they carved narrow valleys creating these inlet waterways across the terrain. And by golly, are they gorgeous to look at, boat in, and photograph.
5. Apparently, this is how you learn to ride a motorcycle? Is it even safe..?
If learning to ride a motorcycle wasn't tricky enough, with the fact that each limb is doing one of four jobs, try adding another fully grown human on the back while riding through streets in the city. The "L" on the vest of the passenger sitting on back signifies "learner" and is most commonly seen on the backs of the vehicles used for driver's education courses. But here, we see that the instructor has perched himself on the back of the bike, adding to the already difficult task at hand for the student. But hey, at least getting the hard stuff out of the way means it's all downhill for him.
6. Speaking of motorcycles, Scandinavians love some American Iron.
Who doesn't love the sound of a big ol' V-Twin engine? The thunderous roar of a Harley careening through the tunnels and Fjords. I was surprised to see the love of American Iron. I can now say I would truly consider living in Scandinavia. But the whole "liver paste for breakfast" thing really freaks me out.
7. And yes, they love IKEA as much as Americans.
IKEA, as many may not know is actually an acronym. It stands for Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd. The first two words are the name of the founder and the last two are his home town. That being said, IKEA is a popular store not only for home furnishings, but for everyday items as well; such as lunch bags and paper towels and soap. If you are lucky, most cities even have a free IKEA bus that will take you to and from IKEA. You don't have to drive or worry about parking lots; especially unattended children!
There you have, the 7 surprises of Norway that I as an American have had. So get out and explore the land of the Northern Lights and of free health care!
