Fjords, Reindeers and Strawberries

Before I went to Norway, the thought of the Scandinavian country conjured images of the sea, cold weather and smoked salmon to my mind. As I look back on the month I spent there, both in Trondheim and in Oslo, I think how that is still there. The sea – beautiful, serene. The cold - numbing. The Salmon – buy the sashimi quality and you truly are in heaven. And of course there is now so much more there when I think of Norway.

Oslo

When I got to Norway I was immediately struck by a few things which both amused and perplexed me. Both odd and lovely. For starters, the sun: During summer, there is light even at 1:00 in the morning. Throughout my stay, I would wake up most nights at 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. and cracking a single sleepy eye open, I’d make out the amount of light from my window and be blown into a state of panic as I was sure I was late for work. “Get a grip lady, we’ve been through this already, you still have a few hours of sleep you paranoid nut case.” In my conscious state it was lovely though. There’s nothing like a late setting sun during summer in Europe. Warming the land ‘til late, it would pretend to let go only to already be back.

Another thing was the cold. There were sunny days, which were absolutely lovely. Just clear skies, rays, beautiful people, sunglasses, ice cream, and most notably, everyone would be outdoors taking full advantage of this glorified occasion. But when it was cold… well, it was bloody cold. I’d be thinking “how is this referred to as summer?” meanwhile people would say “it’s not too bad today.” I’d mumble something along the lines of “yeah it’s OK”… right. “My African toes have turned into teeny icicles.”

The odd and beautiful Vigeland Park, full of statues/sculptures, Oslo

A few more things: The funny relationship Norwegians have with alcohol – it’s so expensive there that drinking is just that bit more precious (think 18 euros for a glass* of wine). But then again, it’s a generally expensive country, with high standards throughout. Another oddly delightful detail: Norway, almost the size of California, has a population of 5 million. Remarkable. Did you grasp how peculiar that is? Let’s put it another way: Norway is around the same size as Malaysia, but with a total population smaller than that of the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area alone. And did you know Norwegians are the highest consumers of hot dogs and frozen pizza? Yep, you learn something new everyday. You’re still thinking about the price of that wine, aren’t you?!?

Lovely building in Oslo

Anyhow, the weekend I spent with my aunt Gry in Oslo got me absolutely enchanted with this country. Here are some of the highlights I will forever take with me.

The striking splendor of Norwegian fjords. It’s no surprise Norway is generally known for its natural beauty. While there it's really worth taking a boat trip out into the fjords - relaxing and gorgeous.

I admit I don't have the greatest pic of the fjords, but just google "Norwegian fjords" and you'll get the picture

Next on my list: Oslo. Felt like a charming, classy Florence of the North.

Oslo: View from the Opera House, which, by the way, is a site in itself

Reindeer meat. Sour cream. And lingonberries (a sweet/sour berry that, as is traditionally Norwegian, ties in so well with meaty dishes). These are some classics of Norwegian cuisine. I had it all on a mouth-watering pizza, along with mushrooms… Scrumptious. Surprised? I was. So very scrumptious.

The reindeer-sourcream-lingonberry-mushroom pizza, my lovely aunt, and an oh-so-sweet view of Oslo

The forests. Green. So much Green.

I noticed how green the city is, with so many parks dotted throughout. We also took a nice walk through a forest on the outskirts and picked blueberries. Picked so fresh, they were really really good.

Picking blueberries. Fresh. Yummy.

While we’re on berries, I absolutely have to mention Corona strawberries. If you haven’t tried them… well then. You just don’t know. These are a type of strawberry largely found in Norway; a full-bodied flavour and sweetness that are just indescribable unless you’ve had them before. Out of this world.

Nidaros Cathedral - the traditional location for the consecration of the King of Norway, and a spectacular Cathedral. Luckily enough, Nidaros is in Trondheim, and I had the chance to see it. Not something I would have sought out otherwise I think, but I’m so so glad I got to see it. Isn’t it gorge?

Nidaros Cathedral

Lastly, as I’ve mentioned in my previous post, Freia’s absolutely mind-blowing Walters Mandler chocolate. Thinking back to the perks of Norway, I am left with only one question. “Why is my main man Walters so hard to find in my part of the world?” He’s breaking my heart.