It’s just too hard fitting a big turkey in the freezer. The next best thing is on our house veranda. The temperatures have been averaging -16ºC (abt 3.2ºF) which is nearly freezer temperature (-18ºC) so the turkey will do pretty well outside. And yes we also have a six-pack of juleøl (Christmas beer) cooling off [...]
Nisse parties happen in many kindergartens, primary schools, church and community groups in Norway. They are a casual celebration of the julenisse (Christmas elf) tradition especially for children (but the big kids love them too). Children dress up as little nisse (elves) with red dresses and gowns with white trimming. It is common for children [...]
You guessed it. We are in the market for a new car. We have needed a new car for a little while now but have been too busy to go looking. It just so happened today that my clutch snapped while I was driving round a round-a-bout. The pedal just loosened to the floor and [...]
I find that Norwegians aren’t big gift-givers (compared to Aussies), however, over the years I have received many strange gifts from Norwegians. I think Norwegians enjoy giving gifts to foreigners as they like sharing their culture. It is easy to be intrigued, if not surprised, at Norwegian gifts. Some of the gifts that I have [...]
The bunad is a traditional Norwegian costume worn by both men and women. It can either come from established rural traditions or have a more modern design inspired by historical patterns and cuts.
From the west, a wall of stone Saints and Prophets will confront you. All sides of the Cathedral are very textured and deserve a long walk around. You’ll see gargoyles and gothic arches, thick wooden doors with rusty floral art and Anglo-Norman/Romanesque bits and pieces ‘stuck on’ that intensifies your ground view. However, the outside of Nidaros Cathedral is even more intriguing when you know the history.
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Flower Show Series: Arctic Botanical Garden Selection – Tromsø
There is an opposition in everything. At the darkest time of the year, we celebrate Christmas. And at the exact opposite end, when the midnight sun is at its highest, we celebrate Midsummer.
The further ‘out of the way’ you go the more common it is to see folk cottages standing by the side of roads, along fjords or in a thicket of trees, minding their own business.
Norwegian houses are very charming with their wooden panels and slate roofing. It is typical for a house to be painted a strong colour such as red, blue or yellow, but white is the most popular.
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