My New Norwegian Home

I've finally begun reading a book that has been in my reading list for a few years now; Norwegian By Night by Derek B. Miller. The author is actually an American man from Boston living in Oslo. Although it's a thriller, the expatriation of the main character is relatable. Sheldon Horowitz, a Marine, relocates to Oslo with his granddaughter, an American married to a Norwegian man. One particular quote, or paragraph rather, stood out to me, "Lars, being Lars, was overjoyed and encouraging and optimistic about her ability to adapt and join the pod. Norwegians, true to their nature, prefer to spawn in their own waters. Consequently Oslo is peopled by Norwegians married to a shadow population of displaced souls who all carry the look of tourists being led like children through the House of Wax." According to Wikipedia  16.8% of Norway's population is made up of immigrants. Granted this number also includes children born to immigrants regardless of being born in Norwa...

5 years ago I got on a plane headed to Norway with the remaining of my belongings I didn't sell, give away or donate all stuffed in a suitcase and my cat - oh and my newly wedded husband of course. As we landed the weather was a deceptive 90 F degrees. That was our one day of summer that year or at least that's what it felt like. I've now lived in Norway half a decade.  So much has happened and so much has changed in the past 5 years. I got married. I moved. I started language classes. I had my first child still not knowing the language in the country I lived in. I finished my language classes, though I'm still learning and my language skills are not anywhere near where I'd like them to be. I landed a job that I love! I have managed to visit 13 countries. I've met new people and have some of the best friends I could ask for. My husband and I bought our first house. I have recently begun my independent studies for the Bergenstest. I'm expecting my 2nd child...

A few years ago I was asked to write about my experience in Norway. Although at the time I was still new to Norway and not quite as integrated as I am now, rereading my experience from a few years ago gave me a good laugh as it's from a newcomer's perspective. It's doubtful I would write the same experience now after living in Norway nearly 5 years, though I would keep the same openness and warmth. Here is the book - My Life Abroad: A Selection of Expat Stories . Though there is a link to Amazon, I'm not asking anyone to purchase it. (And a short disclaimer: I am removing all affiliate links from my blog and I will not write blog posts of any kind promoting anyone's business. I write about life in Norway because it's what I like to do and I simply do it for free, not for personal gain. I cannot possibly take pride in something I'm not happy doing.)  My story is number 16 in the book! I just love the illustration of the pregnant woman scratching her hea...