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 ...

Sept. 11: One of those Never Forget days

Posted on by September 12, 2017

September 11th. It’s still strange to me that many younger people don’t have much of a reaction to that date.

I’m guessing it was the same for the Baby Boomers when I wouldn’t flinch at the mention of Nov. 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated or of April 4, 1968, when the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed.

The Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. Photo by YU-bin

For me Sept. 11, 2001 is one of those Never-Forget days. It was … Read more ...

The top reasons why Norwegian ice is my biggest foe

Posted on by March 23, 2017

Nothing says “spring is coming to Norway” like the melting of snow. Unfortunately that is then followed by cold nights that transform the melted snow into treacherous sheets of ice.

That might sound a bit dramatic, but bear with me. In my less-than-two years of living in Norway the ice has been my longstanding foe. The results of our battles range from embarrassing encounters to broken bones.

Don’t let the pretty view fool you. This is White Walker Hill covered in powder, when it’s blanketed

… Read more ...

Green Day: An Rx for exhaustion over American politics

Posted on by March 15, 2017

Living in Norway and watching the political unrest at home in America gets disheartening.

The 24 million or so people who could soon lose their health care, the horrible environmental ramifications to come under the defunding of the EPA, the assault on The Fourth Estate, the strengthening of hate groups, the list goes on and on.

At Oslo Spektrum.

A lot of us have had to take a timeout from these conflicts. This allows us to take a moment to recharge and then plug back … Read more ...