Mistet Gjenstander (Lost Items)
As you stroll down the streets of cities or tromp through the trails of Norway, you will undoubtedly encounter random items hanging from trees or placed strategically on posts or benches. I’ve seen baby socks and pacifiers placed on steps and jackets hanging from tree branches. This is all part of the culture of respect, “someone dropped something, so I will place it in such a way that when they return, they can find it and collect their item”.
A lost jacket is placed on a tree branch for the owner to see.
On a recent hike in Bodø, I saw a chapstick tube and a baby’s mitten on display. I can’t imagine recovering a chapstick tube, even if I had lost it, but the knitted mitten would certainly be warmly recovered. It’s the idea, though, that you don’t take something that isn’t yours and you help others who have lost things.
Chapstick left on a hiking trail was place on a tree branch for better visibility.
When I arrived in Norway ten months ago, I asked my colleague to watch my bags while I went to get something from the hotel. They said they would watch the bags, yes, but even if they didn’t, the bags would still be there tomorrow. At the time, I didn’t believe that amount of trust and respect was possible, but I do now.
Hats dropped on the ground were left on a post.
When I go to hotel dining spaces for breakfast during my Rover travels, I leave my room key and phone at the spot where I intend to sit. I don’t worry about anyone walking off with my things. At a Trondheim hotel just two weeks ago, a woman had left her phone and wallet on the table when she went to get her breakfast. There was no one at the table and she was not worried.
Lost mittens were placed to gether on the snow for their owner to see.
As I prepare to return the United States, I need to shift my thinking back toward ‘protecting’ my possessions and not ‘tempting’ others by leaving them out unattended. What a different way of thinking…it saddens me to write that…
A vest was hung on a tree branch while it’s owner ran around the track.
