24 Comments

Another laugh-out-loud and thoughtful read. Thank you for the truly wonderful descriptions that transport me around the world.

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Thanks, WB! And thank you for reading.

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As if all those fine qualities weren’t enough there’s the Sovereign Wealth Fund that makes every Norwegian a millionaire when they retire!

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Oh that's true. Yeah you do get a sense being there that money is not something most families have to worry about!

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I am thinking to visit Norway, especially after your love letter here, but I would like to ask, at which season (or month) did you visit there? I have a feeling, it is generally "too cold" there, to really enjoy most things? Of course, unless, we go into the thrown around quote "there is no bad weather, only bad clothing", but I differ, there can be also "bad mood due to weather", especially if you have young kids :)

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It's a fair question, Rachel! Especially taking into account traveling there with kids. We visited in September and had a mix of warm and cool weather. It certainly wasn't too cold for me and I'm from Western Australia where the winters are very mild, so I'm sure you'd be totally fine :)

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Sounds good! We are thinking bout early October :) it's now officially on our list to consider. Thanks!

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You’re welcome! Hope you make it there!

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Well that was just pleasant. You mix relatable humor and profound insights like its a healthy breakfast smoothie. Exactly what I didn't know I needed.

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Thanks, Pete! Very kind of you.

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Thanks for this. I hope to go there late next year to view the Aurora Borealis. I lived in Finland for several years and have been to Sweden a couple of times, but I’be never visited Norway. Your post gave me even further motivation than I have now.

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Thanks for your comment, Tim. I'm glad to hear it's helped to nudge things in the right direction. I'd love to visit Finland and Sweden as well. Scandinavia is so fascinating. Good luck and I hope you get there!

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Take the ferries to Stockholm and Helsinki. Lotsa fun

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Thanks for the tip. Will do!

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You capture the essence of everything that is great about travelling! Thank you again, I have always wanted to travel to Norway, now even more so! I agree about settling in one place and exploring it deeply to get a real feel of the country, that is how I love to travel... explore just what is around the corner, the local nooks and crannies I find a lot more interesting than the well trodden and highly publicised tourist hotspots.

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Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Argyro. I'm glad to hear that it's motivated you even more so to visit Norway, and that you can relate to that type of traveling. It really is so satisfying to explore what's around the corner and get a sense of a place that way.

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I am half Norwegian (my mom’s parents emigrated from Norway 80 years ago), have always felt an affinity for that country, and have a visit the top item on my bucket list. All I need is the money. . .

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I hope you can get there one day, Ingrid. I'm sure it would be great to visit and explore your roots.

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Michael, I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing.

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Thanks so much for your comment, Ben. And thank you for reading.

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I know the feeling, I've lived here since 2010 and love it a little more each year. You don't have to go far, I'm still puzzled by folks who drive for 5 hours to go to a mountain not dissimilar to one just a mere one and a half hours away :-)

The stories of beer being ten pounds a pint served us well in deterring the hordes, but alas it seems like the rest of the world is catching us up in that regard.

So thank you for starting a new story about our 'killer' wasps, yes, that should do it. Ah, peace and quiet again ;-)

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Haha. Oh I'm so jealous, Ian. And I'm glad to hear it checks out with your experience as well. You must have a very good sense of the place having been there since 2010.

I hope the wasps keep away the hordes for your sake :)

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Amazing place to live and raise kids that's for sure. The school system starts really slowly, focusing on social skills and play for some years.

The flat curve gets steep at the end of course, but the kids end up with the same education at the end. But along the way they end up better adjusted and more socially responsible, not only for their own health and well being, but for that of others and the community as a whole. They even like paying tax as they understand it's for the good of all. It's enlightening :-)

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That's so incredible. And inspiring as well. I wish more countries (mine included) would borrow some of these ideas. Thanks for sharing that, Ian.

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