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

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

Survival Guide for Foreigners in Norway during the Winter Olympics

  The Winter Olympics are finally over. Hasn’t it been a blast? The answer is yes, if you are Norwegian. For us foreigners living in Norway things can look a bit differently. Here are a few tips I have developed for foreigners to survive Winter Olympics when living in Norway. Buy earplugs. You will need those not to die of a heart attack when Norwegians … Continue reading Survival Guide for Foreigners in Norway during the Winter Olympics

Norway, the Country where Men are Feminists. Even Footballers.

“Of course I am a feminist” says a man with a blond beard, in front of his colleagues. Okay, well. Thank you for sharing Bjørn-Olav! This scene is not from a science-fiction movie. It is an every day scene in the country where I have lived in for almost 8 years: Norway. In my home country France, feminist is a dirty word. Women don’t want … Continue reading Norway, the Country where Men are Feminists. Even Footballers.

Norwegian skiers are never guilty. Whatever they do.

The media madness surrounding Johaug’s positive doping results reminds me of the lessons I learned during the Sotchi Winter Olympic games in February 2014. I had never been interested in cross country skiing on television, but during those games I understood the seriousness of this sport to Norwegians. I had not been in Norway for that long when the games started, and was not aware of the high sensitiveness … Continue reading Norwegian skiers are never guilty. Whatever they do.

What is a Butter Boss (smøresjef) and other Norwegian lessons from the Winter Olympics

Every “happening” in Norway is an opportunity for us foreigners to learn about Norwegian customs: wearing a bunad for the 17th of May, drinking oneself to death and sleeping with one’s colleague for the Julebord (Christmas party), living in one’s underwear without taking a shower for 4 days during a hyttetur and so on. More recently, the Winter Olympics made me realise that sometimes Norwegians … Continue reading What is a Butter Boss (smøresjef) and other Norwegian lessons from the Winter Olympics

Why do Norwegians lose it during the Winter Olympics?

It’s been the Winter Olympics for over a week now and Norway is on the edge. The edge of glory or the edge of a national crisis. As a foreigner not particularly into the Olympic Games I can feel a palpable change of mood in Norway since the beginning of these games. Every new day of competition can bring either tears of joy and pride … Continue reading Why do Norwegians lose it during the Winter Olympics?