Norway trivia

[pyrrha17]

As many of you know, we're most likely going to be moving to Norway in about 5 months time. Before this fabulous opportunity came up I knew next to nothing about Norway, so I've been looking up random things about the country, and thought I might gradually share them with LJ

Comments

[elleuba]

having a speed limit of 30km/hr in shopping areas could come in handy. They should have time to stop before hitting you and your trolley.

[pyrrha17]

That's right, they have one of the lowest road tolls in the world, probably because of their very slow speed limits in built up areas.

[elleuba]

It's good to know that the girls can run off in a car park and you won't have to worry about them being run over.

Maybe the low road tolls is also because cycling is popular in that area?

[aunty_del]

Maybe cycling is popular because people get frustrated with driving so slow they get overtaken by bicycles?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I don't agree with the universal application of school speed zones; there needs to be some examination of each situation. On my way to work I go through one, but between my car and high school students in their teens there's a two lanes of traffic, a ?50cm median strip, 3 more lanes of traffic, a footpath, a ?2m fence, a grassy slope, and another ?2m fence. And a pedestrian overbridge. Whereas if it was a primary or infants' school and a narrow street with blind corners, I'd be happy to reduce the limit to 30kph.

[maggishness]

wow, that's awesome! Where in Norway will you be living? I haven't been there much, but I loved it, it was like home but with a more melodious language and more snow YAY!

[pyrrha17]

We'll be in Oslo, so not too far from Denmark. I definitely want to visit Denmark as I've not been there before!

The language is something that I'm going to need to work on.... I know most people will speak English, but I've really got to start learning at least some basics!

[maggishness]

Oslo is cool, from memory, I've only been there a few times and not for long.
Someone else mentioned something about food, if it's like Denmark (which is likely), veg*nism is much less common than in Australia and finding food (especially when eating out or at people's houses) can be a bit tricky. You may already be aware of this, just thought I'd mention it. It's not a huge problem, but just something to be aware of.
I love Norwegian, it's a pretty language. It's like Danish, but nicer (Danish is a very monotone language).

[pyrrha17]

Wow, they're beautiful! In 2002 we spent about 2 hours in northern Norway, taking a day trip out of Finland where we were travelling with friends. Some of these views look familiar, with water cascading down the sides of very steep mountains.

[traeemery]

Cool. Can I recommend, if you don't already have it, the Culture Smart ( and also Culture Shock) series. I have the ones for Singapore, India and Thailand. Definately a great start to understanding what issues you and the family may have when your overseas and what makes the host culture tick.
The Singapore one was really useful about things like what to expect when you go to the doctor, where to source vego organic food and natural personal care products, etc.
I used one of the tips from the Singapore one about buying gifts. I stocked up on touristy books and desk calendars with Aussie animals and landscapes and some Aussie favourite snacks and it went down so well when I gave someone one of these or shared the snacks in the office. In Thailand, when the Thai's we encountered realised we were making an effort to use Thai ettiquette and not be borish tourists, we got extra service and good local info. It's the little things that make the difference.

[pyrrha17]

Ooh, thanks for that advice, that will be most useful :) I shall look it up. I can feel an Amazon purchase coming on........

[blindmouse]

As many of you know, we're most likely going to be moving to Norway in about 5 months time.

Oh wow, that's huge...

[pyrrha17]

Yeah, it is kinda. I didn't think about the bombshell I was dropping for those NOT on Facebook and so unaware of the news!

Bron's company has been bought out and the new company is based in Norway. They're maintaining the Melbourne office, but the opportunity is open for us to move over there for a while - too good an experience to pass up! It's going to be a huge adventure.

Don't worry, it's not forever. We've said we'll move for any time between 6 to 24 months, but realisticly we're looking at 12 months minimum.

[blindmouse]

Thanks for the expanded explanation :-) And yeah, absolutely, a year or two in Norway is a fantastic opportunity.