Category Archives: Norway

Skål! A visit to the home of aquavit, Norway’s storied liqueur  

Posted on by March 8, 2018

Some things are uniquely Norwegian: The world’s greatest cheese slicer, dominating the Winter Olympics and aquavit.

Aquavit, which means water of life, is a Norwegian liqueur served year-round, but is most popular at special occasions such as Christmas or May 17, Norway’s Constitution Day.

I’ve been drinking this schnapps at least once a year for the past 18 years. Even when we lived in the States, we always had a bottle on hand, always happy to give our friends a taste.

I was thrilled when … Read more ...

Living in Norway: Wait… It’s Thanksgiving??

Posted on by November 24, 2017

Can you believe that I forgot it was Thanksgiving? How un-American of me, right? Well, living in Norway it was just a regular Thursday.

While walking my kid to school, a Norwegian mom wished me a Happy Thanksgiving. I was shocked and frankly I wanted to hug her, but I already have scarred enough Norwegians with my physical displays of affection. So I just said, “awww, tusen takk!” (Basically, awww, thanks.)

Anyway, I had a busy day planned preparing for something we here have called … Read more ...

The joys of grocery shopping in Norway

Posted on by October 13, 2017

I always think it’s neat to check out local grocery stores when I’m traveling, especially if it’s abroad. It’s intriguing to see what’s on the shelves, how it’s presented, how much items cost, and so forth.

As I mentioned before, the first month in Norway was like an extended vacation. However by the second month, I found myself missing previously must-have grocery items such as cheese sticks and Auntie Mae’s macaroni.

Nevertheless, it was a fun challenge to try to find other foods that … Read more ...

Time Flies: We’re back to school in Norway

Posted on by September 14, 2017

There’s always a mix of happiness and dread as school begins. We’re happy the kids are out of the house for the day, but the sense of dread comes as many parents turn into taxi drivers, shuttling kids from soccer to band to Scouts or other after-school shenanigans.

The flurry of activities can make the first few weeks of school a bit bumpy, but soon everyone adjusts and things even out. Generally.

First and fifth graders.

I feel like the back-to-school adjustment in Norway is … Read more ...