Happy Birthday Norway!

Today is Norway's Independance Day. There is a huge celebration every year with a lot of parades, food and parties. Even though I couldn't be a part of the festivities I spent a lot of time looking through my pictures, reading my minnebok and journal, thinking about Norwegian food and enjoying my fun memories.

When I was an exchange student, I lived in Norway during my Junior year of high school. The school system is somewhat different there because during high school you can choose a technical or general studies school to attend. For example, I had a friend who attended a music school, and another who went to a culinary school. They still had to take mathematics and other required courses but the bulk of their education was in the field of choice. I thought this was brilliant - especially because they started and finished school a year later than we do.

Anyway, the class I was in was general studies. Each class stayed together for the entire year. So the people who I started with in the beginning of the year were the same I ended with. I knew that I would be returning to the States shortly after the end of school I remember the last day of school - nobody said goodbye to me! I tried to say goodbye to a few people but it was awkward and I gave up. I left very sad. But, alas this sad sad story has a happy ending because to my surprise - my very BIG surprise - they had planned a surprise farewell party. It was the perfect ending to say goodbye to all of my friends.

I remember learning to eat potatoes "the Norwegian" way. Usually all of the potatoes are boiled in a pot with the peels on. Then each family member takes a fork and stabs their potato and peels it with a butter knife. You proceed to cut it in chunks and eat it with the rest of your meal. My favorite was with kjotkake (meat cakes - or meatballs) and brown sauce sith siltetoy (not sure what the translation is for that one). It took me quite a while to master this skill.

One of my favorite places to visit was Vigeland Park. I'm not quite sure how to describe it; very artsy and European.

You can't mention Norway without mentioning the weather. I think the long, cold, hard winters made the summer that much sweeter. Of course, my being raised in a very moderate climate may have influenced my opionion about Norwegian winters. Though the Oregon coast has a lot of rainfall I rarely saw snow growing up. I never needed more than one layer of clothing and I never owned a pair of snow boots. But I have to say - I've never had a warmer, more beautiful summer. I've never since taken sunshine for granted. I appreciated the fruit of summer time in Norway. I loved how the people utilized the warm weather and often ate outside to enjoy the scenic view.

I think the Norwegian people know how to celebrate Christmas better than anyone I know! It's a party all the way from "lille Jul Aften" (little Christmas Eve - or Dec 23rd) to New Year's Day. It was important to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to take good care of their missionaries during this season. We were included in many celebrations. It made homesickness much easier to handle. We got to try lots of new and interesting food. Ever heard of fermented fish? Need I say more? Seriously, we were given many presents and much good food.

But out of all of this I miss the simplicity of Norway the most. Things are a little slower there or maybe it was the season of my life at the time? I'm not sure. I miss walking on the cobblestone. I miss the strong odor of the fish market in Bergen. I miss the happy people I knew there. I miss the language. I miss the "feel" of the country.

I simply must return!