Norway in a Nutshell
Lovund mountain: chalk and cheese between the seasons.
Image subject to copyright | MariHealth Solutions 2023
With 3 months of being in Norway well under my belt, it goes without saying that such an experience has been, for want of a better word, transformative. I had no preconceived idea of what to expect, and was, needless to say, really apprehensive for being out of comfort zone so far away from home. But, I cannot express how incredibly lucky and grateful I am in having been afforded the opportunity of immersing myself into a totally different way of life. And I feel I am all the more better for it, both from a personal and a career perspective. It has been an entirely ineffable experience and sense of independence beyond just traveling solo. I have been exposed to so many new, different and interesting things, having learnt a lot in the process. In this post, I highlight some of the things I have learnt, giving a glimpse of Norway and the people through my eyes, interspersed with some photos from around the country.
The people
Most people who have been to South Africa, or have met a South African, will attest to their warm, generally outgoing and friendly nature. As a Saffa, when you bump into a South African overseas, it’s as if home has hit you like a ton of bricks - you start rattling on about the country and life back home, as if we’d known each other a few years. A prime example: I was staying at a hotel in Oslo for a week, and there were two South African women working there. You pick it up at the first “Hello”. The flat accent, and general ease of engagement. We cracked on immediately. So, with that in mind, it was an interesting experience entering Norway the first time.
Travel forums often talk about how Norwegians are “rude” or standoffish. It can be easy to perceive that as an “outsider” who is comfortable with chatting away with strangers, and just looking to connect. And that really is what it is - a matter of perception, not reality. I learnt that fairly quickly being here - Norwegians are just private, more reserved. And making true, genuine connections take time, respect, and understanding. I can appreciate that - that’s what makes the human race so diverse and interesting. After my time here, I have been really lucky to make friends (even furry ones), some Norwegian, others Danish. I have learnt so much from each one of them and my world view has been further molded and shaped because of their friendship. Travel is really good for the soul, but so is human connection, irrespective of differing cultures and languages.
All images subject to copyright | MariHealth Solutions
2. Culture & lifestyle
Albeit renowned for its salmon farming, infinitely beautiful fjords and expansive glaciers, Norway has an incredibly rich culture and history, which is evident in how the people live and connect with their fellow country-people. Being influenced by their Viking roots, you really do get a sense of pride for Norwegian heritage, with almost every single home boasting a Norwegian flag, and community-driven events and festivities over national holidays, oftentimes with traditional clothing (bunad), which I was lucky to see when spending a Saturday in Sandnessjøen with a friend. Every person has a role, and although Norwegians are very private people, they will band together when help is needed. Being in the Nordland has offered me insights into the comradery experienced in the country. This region of Norway is a lot less populated, and you start to recognize the same groups of people when taking the ferry/speedboat from one island to the other; regional island neighbours catching up over a beer/coffee/wine while traversing the ocean.
One of the things I noticed often was just how independent the children are here. With the public health, transport, education and social support being what it is here, it makes a lot of sense. But coming from a place where public transport is next to non-existent, for example, it was really interesting to witness kids, around the age of 10, navigating the transport system on their way to school. Totally unlike my childhood. The schooling system is primed to work for the people, acknowledging the value of providing free education and learning support. Tertiary education is largely encouraged, especially through part-scholarship-part-loan schemes, essentially being paid to study further in some instances. As such, you find a society where the wealth gap between high- and low-income earning groups is small. So, societal welfare is of great importance here. To add, equality is pretty apparent - I have personally seen many women working in roles that “outside society” would stereotypically deem “masculine”.
I have been lucky to witness the transition of the seasons from late winter, to autumn, and then onto spring and early summer. Norwegians are generally outdoor enthusiasts, opting for weekends of cross-country skiing, snow kiting, enjoying the rustic life in family-owned mountain cabins, post-sauna cold ocean dips, hiking, camping and fishing. Although I have yet to try out the skiing, I can definitely see why being outside is integral to most Norwegians’ lives. Nature here appears seemingly untouched, with high snowy mountainous regions, evoking a sense of child-like wonder. I could never grow old of it.
All images subject to copyright | MariHealth Solutions
3. The weather
Norway, to me, is synonymous with snowy fjords and icy glaciers, things I have only seen in documentaries. I seemingly arrived in Norway at the right time of year - the changing seasons offered a beautiful, dynamic colour palette for my naïve South African eyes to feast on. The winter landscape isn’t just white, but an array of bluey-purple hues starkly contrasted with gunmetal grey of rocky outcrops. Coming at the tail-end of winter meant I got to see a portion of the ONE month of snow Norway typically has these days. Each day was different, being lucky enough to experience my first ever snowfall on my second day on the island. Yes, it was cold and wet, but indoor heating really makes a difference. The transition to spring was rather quick, or too quick for my liking. As the sun persisted in its presence in the northern sky, so the snow around us began to melt. Over time you witness the pines and other trees waking up, greening the landscape with the help of fields of grass enjoying the fertile soil. Bright flowers like tulips have made an appearance, while the sun has taken to hanging out in the night sky much longer each day. There have been some beautiful days of early summer here, with people expectedly taking full advantage of the warmth. Though, it’s true what they say, you can experience as much as 3 seasons in one day at Lovund. One of the things I will miss are the sunsets: I have never seen such beautiful skies before. And as I near the end of my stay here, Norway will be in the midst of their midsummer festivities, with the sun barely touching the horizon before it swings back up into the sky.
Timelapse of one of the many beautiful sunsets I have witnessed.
Video is subject to copyright | MariHealth Solutions
All images subject to copyright | MariHealth Solution
4. The Food
So, in truth, I haven’t really tucked right in to all the traditional Norwegian dishes and flavours. But one thing is for sure: I have never had so many sandwiches as an adult, ever. Lighter, shorter lunches are a thing, with bread, cheese and cold meat being a staple in the office fridge. Norway has some incredible bread and interesting cheese - one in particular is called Brunost (brown cheese), typically made from goat’s milk, and has a sweet, caramel taste. Dinners are a bit more of an affair, with fish being quite a common protein source. I have tried a variety of white fish species served in different ways, in addition to the obvious. Lovund, as remote as it is, has a lovely hotel restaurant that dabbles in fine dining and excellent wine. I have had several meals there and each one has been interesting and delicious, with new flavours and textures. I even tried reindeer - the meat was dark and very rich in flavour, rather reminiscent of South African game meat.
All images subject to copyright | MariHealth Solutions
5. Science & innovation
In an earlier post I talk about how Norway embraces collaboration, science and technology, which is spoken volumes by the innovation in the aquaculture industry. So, I won’t blabber on about it too much here, but it has been an inspiring space to be in. There really is something about being in an “ecosystem” of common goals, an openness to collaboration and rely on science and technology for advancement. I have felt a change in my own mindset and drive, like a burning desire to be part of the exciting innovation, and drive change within our own scope and capabilities as a company. Norway has opened my eyes to just how many nations/people/companies want to make a difference for the benefit of the planet. It makes you want to be part of that, to ideate and innovate. Being here has really supported the shaping of our company’s vision and I look forward to what the future holds for us.
The epitome of happiness in one photo.
Image subject to copyright | MariHealth Solutions
I am forever changed. Norway has stolen my heart, and I cannot wait for the great things MariHealth Solutions has yet to experience and achieved. This is definitely a space worth watching.
