Arrival in Oslo
Fresh blueberries along the trail.
It’s been two weeks since I arrived in Oslo, and the goal of writing frequently was quickly, quietly, and ever so politely erased. The summer sun, desire to explore, and demands of preparing to teach as a Rover kept me away from the computer and gently nudged me out into the culture. This is my first time in Norway and all the wonderful things that I’ve heard are true; people are friendly and respectful and the scenery is stunning. There are so many other wonderful things that I wasn’t expecting, like the emphasis on physical activity outdoors (for all ages), the volume of walking trails throughout and beyond the city with their litter-free spaces, and the emphasis place on child engagement.
My husband and I ventured out on our first full day, walking the streets of Oslo. It’s hard not to notice the walkers, runners, bikers, scooters, and quiet vehicles. In the States, if you walk along a busy road, you must contend with vehicle exhaust, noise, and trash. Here, everyone moves along quickly and quietly. Even couples on a leisurely stroll walk at a brisk pace. The vehicles, to include busses and trams, are electric, so they roll along with a soft hum.
Oslo brings biking to a whole new level. There are racing bikes and everyday bikes. There are bikes with bins in the front, low to the ground, that are used for carrying children, groceries and more. There are pull-behind bike strollers and back seat attachments for kids. Then there are the bars just behind the biker’s seat, that extend above the back tire, for one or TWO children- wow!
Something that may take me a while to get used to is the fact that vehicles stop for people at crosswalks. Full stop. I know that I’ve irritated drivers who come to a complete stop and wait because I’m not quite certain that they notice me, and they are really going to stop. They do. Every. Time.
When I plan a stroll, I enter locations in Google maps where there are numerous trails marked throughout the city. A quick turn off the sidewalk leads through trees and grasses (again no litter in sight) and most likely lead to options for additional trails. I feel safe walking along the unpaved paths and enjoy the greenery, fresh air, and peace within the city limits.
Outside of the city, walking trails seem to go on forever. My husband and I took a hike halfway around a lake before heading back (13 miles). Along the way, we were passed by countless bikers, runners, and walkers. Off to the side of the trail was an older woman picking berries. I quietly asked her what she was doing, and she pointed out that she was picking tiny blueberries with blue centers. According to her, they were more nutritious than the big blueberries in the grocery store. As we continued our hike, we also stopped and picked some berries to eat as the small bushes lined the trail.
On the trails and sidewalks, smaller children are pushed around in strollers in all shapes and sizes. Couples walk and talk with their children, dads are out with children, moms are out with children, and I’ve yet to see a child looking at some kind of digital device (e.g., phone, iPad). You cannot venture far without encountering some kind of space or playground for children and families.
When we visited the National Museum, I was delighted to see all the activities meant to engage children, from small question cards to a to an activity guide that includes suggestions such as ‘become a sculpture’ and ‘say hello to a guard.’ The literacy teacher in me wants to share this widely because early language development is so important for children’s lifelong literacy development. Children here are engaged, and adults are talking to them, listening to them, posing questions, and encouraging vocabulary learning.
It is difficult to put into words the immense gratitude that I feel for this teaching (and learning) opportunity in Norway. I’m ready to try new foods, venture to new places, and enjoy all that Norway has to offer. And because it’s sunny and 63 degrees outside, I’m going to step away from the computer and find a new walking path. Til senere…
Children’s activities at the Nasjonalmuseet in Oslo.
