Author: froginthefjord

I am The Frog in the Fjord: a French lady who lived in Denmark for a bit before moving to Norway for good (or for now, who knows!). This blog is about all these new realities foreigners like me face when trying to adapt to a new culture, language, country and most of all to new people. In this case, trying to understand the Norwegian culture and blending in (or trying hard). I am hoping to give non-Norwegians a glimpse of what makes Norway and Norwegians so awkward and so loveable; and to give Norwegians something to laugh or to think about. Bonne lecture!
Blog of Norway, Travelling, Work

Being a Foreigner in Norway in 2021 under Corona Restrictions

There are around 800,000 foreigners living in Norway, according to the Norwegian Statistics Bureau (2020 numbers). That makes up to almost 15% of Norway’s population. There are wonderful perks at living in Norway for a foreigner, from universal healthcare to great parental benefits, not to mention higher salaries than in many other countries. However when the corona crisis hit many of us realised one thing: … Continue reading Being a Foreigner in Norway in 2021 under Corona Restrictions

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Blog of Norway, Motherhood, Parenting

How to have babies in Norway

I will not explain here the technicalities of making babies in Norway. That stuff happens here just like everywhere else in the world. However, some other elements are taken into consideration when having babies in this country. 1- Barnehage (Kindergarten) Chinese people all try to have babies during a certain year (of the pig, of the snake or whatever will make the baby rich and … Continue reading How to have babies in Norway

froginthefjord10 Comments
Blog of Norway, Language

What the Faen? How to Swear in Norwegian

Swearing in Norwegian is something one should do very carefully, probably like in any other language. The reason is that some swear words may not have a direct translation in your language, so you might not grasp the strength of the swear words. Or it has one but which should not be used in the same context. One example: I believed for many years that … Continue reading What the Faen? How to Swear in Norwegian

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Blog of Norway, Environment, Sports

How the Concept of Norwegian “Friluftsliv” Can Save Your Life This Year

The Norwegian concept of Friluftsliv is the new Scandinavian concept that reached international news, after Danish hygge and Swedish lagom. In 2018 I held a TEDx Talk explaining what it is and why you need it in your life. Two years later, we are in the middle of the Corona crisis and friluftsliv is even more needed for people all around the world and especially Europe … Continue reading How the Concept of Norwegian “Friluftsliv” Can Save Your Life This Year

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Blog of Norway, Culture & People

How to make Norwegian Friends During a Pandemic

Many many years ago (in 2013) I wrote a blogpost called How to make Norwegian Friends. Although there were lots of great tips there, such as joining activity groups and mingling in parties, this pandemic changed a few things. If you are feeling lonely in Norway as a foreigner, or are just willing to make local friends, but you are wondering how, I will try … Continue reading How to make Norwegian Friends During a Pandemic

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Equality, Travelling

#EmilyinParis. The perfect show about French clichés we need right now.

“Emily in Paris” is this Netflix show making the top 3 of most seen series in many countries, including Norway and … France! I saw the title many times and felt bored before I even clicked on play. What is the point, I thought, for a French like me to watch the fabulous life of an all-too-skinny American who wears bérets and learns to say … Continue reading #EmilyinParis. The perfect show about French clichés we need right now.

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Blog of Norway

Read the first 27 pages of my book “En frosk i fjorden-Kunsten å bli norsk” for free.

After years of blogging, my first book has been published and is out in the Norwegian bookstores (2017). Now in 2020 the book is finally in pocket version thanks to the popularity of the hardback version! If you want to read the first 27 pages for free and in Norwegian, see here. Buy the pocket version here for only 179 NOK. Here are 5 reasons … Continue reading Read the first 27 pages of my book “En frosk i fjorden-Kunsten å bli norsk” for free.

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Environment, Parenting

How to Start with Cloth Diapers in Norway Cheap or for Free

If you want to start using cloth diapers you are probably aware of the many benefits it can bring. From less plastic pollution in nature, to less chemicals on your baby’s bum, saving money and many more, cloth diapers are a great investment. But where to start? When I started looking into this, the amount of information was overwhelming. Which diaper type is better? Which … Continue reading How to Start with Cloth Diapers in Norway Cheap or for Free

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Illustration: Ole Johnny Hansen for www.afroginthefjord.com
Blog of Norway, Dating

How the Corona will affect your dating life in Norway

Let’s face it, dating in Norway was not that easy to begin with. The tall masculine yet sensitive-looking guys with well trimmed beards, muscles and long blond hair you fantasised on hardly exist in real life. Except for this guy Lasse Matberg, who personifies everything about the Viking male fantasy these days. The tall blond Scandinavian women you imagined sun bathing their long blond hair … Continue reading How the Corona will affect your dating life in Norway

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