The internet is filled with breathtaking pictures of Norwegians fjords and lakes with pristine water, red wooden cabins and beautiful people hiking. “This is Norway” it usually says on those pictures and videos. Sure, those places exist and it is Norway, but Norway is also many other things. A new study by OsloMet (Oslo Metropolitan University) shows that 30,000 foreigners leave Norway every year (project … Continue reading 9 Reasons Not to Live in Norway
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
Rêvez-vous de cabanes dans les bois au bord d’un fjord, de vous réveiller au rythme des aurores boréales et de faire connaissance avec des Norvégiens au bord du fjord en pêchant? Vous rêvez de déménager en Norvège et ne savez pas où commencer? Je m’appelle Lorelou et écris un blog d’humour en anglais pour les étrangers installés en Norvège et j’écris aussi pour des journaux … Continue reading S’installer en Norvège. Bonne ou mauvaise idée?
A few weeks ago, I was watching the football game France-Iceland on television in Oslo. For the first time, my heart was torn apart between two choices: supporting France, my home country, or Iceland, the almost Scandinavian and underdog of the competition? I could never tell my French friends that I wish Iceland won. But I felt so close to the Icelanders who are like Norwegians in … Continue reading 42 Signs you’ve Been Living in Norway for too Long
Yes I am surfing on some kind of language wave here (see my previous post: Confusing things Norwegians say). I promise the next blogpost will be about something else. Here is a list of words that have always confused me, and for a reason. A long vowel instead of a short one, a mistake in how you shape your “u”, making it into a “y”, forgetting … Continue reading More proof showing Norwegian is not an easy language
This blogpost is inspired by an article published in The Huffington Post stating 25 reasons why Norway is the greatest place on Earth. Here are my own reasons Norway is that place. Before I tell you why I think Norway really is the best place on Earth, let’s get this straight: Norway is not the best country on Earth for everyone. Norway is the worst place … Continue reading The Real Reasons why Norway is the Best Place on Earth
After my previous blogpost Annoying things (some) Norwegians do, I was expecting many reactions of people saying that what I wrote is unbelievably wrong and how dare you say bad things about a country hosting you etc.. Forseeing such reactions, I had prepared a counter blogpost to reassure the crowd on my intentions: despite sometimes poking where it hurt, I am conscious of all the … Continue reading Wonderful things (most) Norwegians do
“I will tell your story if you die. I will tell your story, and keep you alive… I’ve always had the feeling we would die young” sings a soulful thin woman before me. At the first lyrics many people in the crowd, including myself, can feel tears in their eyes, remembering that on 22nd of July 2011, too many people died young. This song is … Continue reading Remembering Utøya’s First Anniversary
Trying to integrate in Norwegian society? Don’t bother dyeing your hair blond and buying a Marius sweatshirt to look like those guys on the picture. Rather follow these ground rules to make it in the land of the North: 1. Pay your tax,. Don’t complain about it or tell stories on how you screwed the tax over (those stories will make you a hero in … Continue reading How to Integrate in Norway?
Norwegians will tell you there are no rules on the 17th may, their National day, and it is true to a certain extent. On this day celebrating the day they signed their Constitution and felt free and independent, kids are allowed to eat as much ice cream and pølse as they want. Teenage “russ” are allowed…well they are allowed to do anything, and that … Continue reading Every Rule You Should(‘nt) Break on Norway’s National Day
