the INN Expats July/August Newsletter

Stavanger Chamber of Commerce and Industry
www.rosenkilden.com
Summer Newsletter
July & August 2015
Issue 7 – Year 10
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INN Editorial
Summer is here
Summer and end of school term also means a move for some.
We’d like to thank those of you moving on for contributing to the INN network. It’s been a pleasure getting
to know you and we wish you all the best in your new locations. We hope that you have enjoyed your time
in Norway, and have good memories from your time here. Remaining good ambassadors for the Stavanger
region. We also hope that we’ll have many newcomers to the region during the summer season, and to see
both employees and spouses/families at our various events and seminars.
INN is part of the Stavanger Chamber of Commerce, and is a non-profit member organization with over
1800 member companies. We want everyone to come with ideas for events and meetings, as we can
accomplish more when we work together. We would like everyone moving to the region to be happy living
and working here. Maybe some of you have not received our free information book ‘Welcome to the
Stavanger and Haugesund – region’. To get a copy you just have to pop into our office at Rosenkildehuset
and grab one.
Spring of 2015 has been more challenging than foreseen. Many people have been made redundant and
moved, some have gained new employment and some are looking for new challenges. For those of you
reading Norwegian newspapers we’ve seen bold headlines «Stavanger could become the new Detroit»,
bankruptcies and company shutdowns…., but we can confirm that the Stavanger region is not closing
down! We will create new opportunities.
We all agree that there has been a massive correction in the market, and that this is a challenge for many
regions, not only Stavanger. Our region is very fortunate in that we have a highly skilled population with
innovative ideas and a work ethic that is based on hard work and diligence. When you wake up in the
morning and you don’t have a busy working day ahead of you, it gives you the time needed to use
competencies and energy to think out new ideas and products, maybe even starting own businesses.
Although some companies need to reduce staff numbers, the region as a whole has a desire to retain the
skilled people recruited here. INN, as Stavanger Chamber’s international department, is working actively to
establish new arenas and meeting places where as many people as possible can contribute to developing
our region and amongst other things create new employment areas. The picture in this article is from the
‘Work in Denmark’ information meeting at Sølvberget 16 June, where 160 engineers and IT professional
participates. In addition, we have had two evening meetings where the focus has been on innovation and
new possibilities. Between 50 and 70 INN members have attended these meetings. We’re following up on
the many innovative ideas and organizing B2B meetings and possible business partners to get these ideas
up and running.
Stavanger Chamber has a monthly magazine, Rosenkilden, and in every issue we have one article in
English. The articles in Rosenkilden are often the foundation for debates within the business sector in our
region. From now on we will also include the article in our monthly newsletter. A lot of you are proficient in
Norwegian so we suggest that you read the whole magazine on http://www.naeringsforeningen.no/ and
keep an eye out for the Norwegian meetings that might be of interest, such as the workshop 3 September
about new opportunities.
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The INN members represent global talents, it’s imperative that we include you in the regions continual
development. The INN 2015 fall program will reflect that there is a reduction in newcomers, however even
more of you wish to participate actively in the regions development.
On the 1st of September at 18.30 we have asked representatives from our political parties to attend an INN
information event , where we want an open dialog around creating a city where the best aspects from
various nations becomes best practice. So book the day in your calendar!
INN is here as a tool to support your introduction into Norwegian society and to make this an attractive
region to live in, now and in the future.
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful summer wherever you may be spending it.
Kind regards Randi Mannsåker og Inger Tone Ødegård
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Article from ‘Rosenkilden’-the monthly business magazine
Changing times and creating new opportunities.
Since 2012, INN and NAV EURES in Rogaland has had a strong
cooperation in providing guidance to jobseekers following their
spouses to come work in Rogaland.
We have provided job training events, Face to Face meetings with
employers, Labour Market seminars and CV courses.
We needed these services as Oil and Gas companies needed
employees and in Stavanger both partners need to work to have the
optimal life style.
However, in recent times attendees to these events have been in increasing numbers, the recently unemployed. We recognised that
our services needed to be adapted to the current situation and started brainstorming on how we could create other opportunities
for the unemployed.
978 Engineers were reported to be unemployed and registered at NAV in Rogaland at the end of May 2015 and there were 49%
more unemployed in the county in comparison to May 2014.
We realised that creating employment possibilities with the need for mobility would be key for the welfare of the families that have
been in our network. When there are few opportunities in this region, we need to look to the rest of Norway and even over our
country`s borders to find opportunities.
NAV EURES in Rogaland sent out information to all other EURES Advisors in other counties, asking to let Rogaland know about
engineering positions that will be sent abroad. They would then try to match local candidates with these positions. Very few
responses came.
They also looked towards our neighbouring countries to find opportunities, where jobseekers will have access to jobs and ease of
relocation.
Denmark turned out to be the nearest and best option.
We interviewed Sasha-Monique Elvik, the EURES Advisor in Rogaland, to learn more about why exactly Denmark was so interesting:
“We chose Denmark for several reasons.
First of all Denmark still has a great need for Engineers and ITC professionals and companies are not limiting their working language
to Danish. Many companies have English work environments and Danish lessons are provided for free for all by the state.
Companies also prefer candidates that have some knowledge of Scandinavian languages and therefore we knew our candidates
would have a competitive advantage over other candidates.
Denmark also provides excellent relocation services through Work In Denmark.”
What is Work in Denmark?
Work in Denmark is a public employment service for highly qualified international candidates looking for a job in Denmark, and
Danish companies searching for talented foreign employees.
Their three Workindenmark centres (placed in Copenhagen, Odense and Aarhus) offer a series of recruitment services to employers
and information and guidance to jobseekers and their spouses on living and working in Denmark.”
Why can Denmark provide these services?
“Denmark actually has an array of industries needing different competencies. Politicians have therefore provided the Public
Employment Services with a mandate to recruit personnel to the country and to retain them. Thus the free offer for language
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lessons and six-month spousal program. Their immigration procedures are also easier for well-qualified persons from outside the EU
to apply for work visas in Denmark.”
EURES and INN had an event on the 16th of June for Engineers and ITC Professionals wanting to work in Denmark.179 are registered
to have attended. What feedback did you get on this event?
“My Danish colleagues were very satisfied with the number of and quality of candidates they spoke to. They left with over 30 CVs
under their arm and came home to full inboxes.
Proving that there is an interest for Engineers and ITC professionals to relocate,
The NAV Marked Team pre-selected all candidates to be invited (based on the positions we were sent) and sent out 500 invitations.
We believe that this was key in providing a satisfactory event for Denmark and our candidates.
We also promoted the event at Tekna, INN and NITO events.
We knew that everyone would not be mobile, so we expected 150 persons to come.
We are therefore very satisfied that 119 of the 179 that attended were registered as jobseekers at NAV. Proving that we have really
good and mobile candidates in our database.
We have also sent out follow-up emails and an evaluation to all participants and so far the responses have been very positive.”
Do you think people feel pressured to leave the country?
“Not by NAV, No. We realize that these are difficult times for those affected and just want to help create new opportunities. In a
perfect world, we would have liked these candidates to apply for jobs in other sectors and at municipal and state services. We are
even open to assist the right candidates in internships in other sectors. Yet, if candidates have not learnt Norwegian their options
are limited.
We are trying to find employers outside of Oil and Gas in our region willing to employ candidates that have not learnt Norwegian,
but this is proving to be very difficult”
Where could candidates read more about Work in Denmark?
“Visit their website www.workindenmark.dk and register a profile. EURES Denmark often use these profiles to match candidates
with positions.”
What feedback have you gotten from companies outside of Oil and Gas in this region or nationally?
“Thus far I have been told that Engineers from this region have been asking for too high wages and therefore get scratched off the
list of applicants rather early in the recruitment process. Candidates should be contacting NITO and Tekna to find out the general
wages offered in other sectors, so they are able to ask for more realistic wages and remain in the recruitment process. Going down
in salary is nothing to be ashamed of. It is simply taking into consideration the limitations within the sector you will be working.
There is also skepticism that Oil and Gas Engineers will leave their new positions once there is an upturn in Oil and Gas again, so
companies are screening candidates very carefully now. My advice: Study as much as you can about the company, before going for
an interview. These days companies want candidates to explain why they want to work for them, more so than ever before.”
INN and NAV EURES in Rogaland will continue its cooperation after the summer and will have an array of events coming up.
If you want more information about our events, visit www.rosenkilden.com and make sure to follow on opportunities in the EU by
clicking on “Stillinger i EØS” under “Ledige stillinger” on www.nav.no
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Eye on Summer
It’s not possible for us to write about all the wonderful activities available to you right here on our
doorstep, so please use the links to find your own favorite place. We’ve included a few activities in
the ‘What’s on’ section of the newsletter. We hope that these long light evenings provide you with
good memories and energy.
Stavanger Kommune og 52 hverdagsturer:
https://www.stavanger.kommune.no/no/Tilbud-tjenester-og-skjema/Kultur-idrett-ogfritid/Fritid1/Friluftsliv/Turtips1/52-hverdagsturer/Turer/
The public indoor swimming pools close 26 June, however the heated outdoor swimming pool
Gamlingen https://www.facebook.com/Gamlingen/info?tab=overview is open until 16 August. If
you want to go to the beach here is a map over all the beaches in Stavanger
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z6CfGqTt9AC8.k_O3pV1Xat5k
Sandnes kommune: https://www.sandnes.kommune.no/Globalmeny/English/Outdoorlife-inSandnes/
Sola: http://www.sola.kommune.no/fritid-11
Randaberg:http://www.randaberg.kommune.no/no/Tema-og-tjenester/Tema-a-a/Kultur-og-fritid/
You’ll find lots of events, festivals and concerts on these websites –
http://whatnow.no/events/kategori/by/stavanger/
http://www.regionstavanger.com/en/
http://www.instavanger.no/
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Gladmat Food Festival the 22nd – 25th of July
“Gladmat” literally means “happy food” and the
festival sure knows how to live up to its name. This
is the biggest food festival in all of the Nordic
Countries with 250.000 visitors every year. That is
twice the population of Stavanger!
The aim of the festival is to promote local, national
and international food and culture. It is a
showcase for Rogaland as the number one county
for export of internationally recognized food
products. Gladmat aims to be Norway’s most
important meeting place for chefs, food producers, the media and the public. By offering an arena
for consumers and food producers to meet, the festival is a great place to discover niche products,
taste local ingredients and get the lowdown on the latest culinary trends.
The festival is located in the heart of Stavanger, Vågen. About 100 large and small exhibitors offer
a taste of both new products and traditional food. Competitions, shows and other entertainment
make sure that the days are full of fun and inspiration.
To have a look is free of charge, but your appetite might take control of your wallet at some point.
Make sure to pay a visit to the biggest festival of the year in Stavanger
What’s on?
VG lista Free Concert
01.07.2015 18.00-20.00 at Stavanger Concert Hall, Sandvigå 1 4007 Stavanger
Since 1958 «VG-lista» (VG chart) has been the only
official Billboard list of singles and albums sold in
Norway. It is the Norwegian equivalent of the Billboard
Hot 100 in the US and the UK singles Chart.
During the summer months, the «VG-lista» summer
show tours around the country, gathering the biggest
national, Scandinavian and international artists on stage
in front of audiences of up to 100.000 people; making it
the biggest annual concert tour in Scandinavia. The tour has visited the biggest cities in Norway every
summer since 1998 and the shows air live on TV, Radio and webTV.
Previously, artists like Jason Derulo, Rita Ora, B.O.B, Rudimental, Labrinth, Nico & Vinz, Katie, Melua, The
Game, a-ha, Lissie, Big Bang, Veronica Maggio, Madcon, Jason Mraz, Kaizers Orchestra & Karpe Diem have
visited the shows with their biggest hits.
The shows have free admission! For more information http://vglista.no/artister/
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Kongeparken
Open daily 10.00-18.00
Come and see Little Grey Fergie! He loves to meet new friends from far and nearby. Little Grey
Fergie likes to drink favorite oil and shares his stories that are near to his engine-heart.
In Farmer George Tractor ride (Goggen´s traktorbane) you will go on an adventure together with
Little Grey Fergie, you will meet the animals and get to know all about them. During the ride you
might even meet the Scrap Dealers, make sure to keep your eyes open…
Visit http://www.kongeparken.no/english/attractions/for more info!
Americans in Stavanger 4th of July Celebration
From 14.00 onwards
Come celebrate the 4th of July with us at
Møllebukta (3 Swords beach).
If the weather is nice, we plan on spending the
better part of the afternoon and evening there.
Come and go as you please.
What to bring:
-Food to grill. There are a couple of grills there, but
it might be a good idea to bring a few
"engangsgriller" so that no one has to wait to make
their food.
-Blankets/Lawn chairs.
-Friends and family! The more the merrier!
If anyone has any outdoor games lying around, feel free to bring them along. Would be great if we
could play volleyball or badminton.
We are looking at having some other activities as well.
Look forward to seeing old and new faces there!
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10.07.15 and 11.07.15
The Ranglerock Festival is an annual
rock festival that takes place in
Bryne. The festival was first held at
Hognestad in 2002, then called the
Hoggstock Festival. The second year,
the arrangement moved to Bryne, and in 2006 the name changed to the Ranglerock Festival. The festival is
held indoors, and the last couple of years it has attracted about 400 people each year. It is a weekend event
which features a variety of local artists, national artists and even a couple of non-Norwegian artists as well.
For more information: http://ranglerock.no/program/ and map of venue
https://www.google.no/maps/place/Vaaland+Spesialbutikken/@58.732107,5.650613,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!
4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xf24612f0a3452352
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The aim of this music festival has always been to provide good vibes.
For more information http://www.lydbolger.no/
Fishing Festival 2015
19.07.15 at 10.30
The Fishing Festival is a traditional fishing competition since 1968 and it is held
yearly in Sjernarøy. They are expecting a new record of participation, and as
always, the world's best fishing!
The competition will be held on Saturday 19 July and will start at 10:30 am.
Your fish must be weighed out at 2:30 pm to participate in the competition for
the trophy, honor and rhythmic applauses.
Awards will be given in the following four categories: Men (16-) Women (16-)
Junior (10-16) Children (0-10).Award ceremony will start at 3 pm.
Later, you can take a seat to enjoy good food. In the evening there will be a
concert.
You can purchase tickets at Nærmat Nesheim and Joker Eriksholmen or at the door.
Address:
Sjernarøy Maritim
4170 Sjernarøy
tlf: 916 83 890
Country Music Festival
14.08.2015 – 15.08.2015
Welcome to the Country Music Festival in
Ålgård! Artists include Hanne Sørvaag,
Steffen Jakobsen, Stephen Ackles, G.Thomas,
Arly Karlsen, The 7`street band, Michael
Lonstar and The European Highwaymen!
For more information
http://westernbyen.no/side/countryfestival
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Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, Lysefjorden: Rockman Swimrun
11.07.15
This is what locals call the impossible challenge. A battle through some of the most dramatic
landscape the world has to offer. This adventure forces you to cross ice-cold fjords, climb a
number of stairs in itself worth a medal alone and master the rocky terrain and mountain
plateaus. Your weapons of choice are your wetsuit, your running shoes and your own body and
mind.
The Rockman starts as a swim leg from Fantahålå (villain cave) to Preikestolen mountain lodge and
continuing to the Pulpit rock, where participants will turn back and follow a rocky path down to
the fjord. Here they will swim along the water’s edge before running on a trail once again ending
up in the fjord. The longest swim leg continues for 1.5 km crossing to the other side. Time for a
rest? Nope… 4444 steps awaits bringing the racers 750m to the top. This is the beginning of a long
stride which finally ends up at Flørli. The certified Rockmen will receive the Rockman belt buckle
for achieving the 34 km run and 6 km swim through an extreme landscape.
Both participants and spectators, visit http://www.rockmanswimrun.com/for more info!
Blink Roller Ski Festival
30.07.15 – 01.08.15
Blink Roller Ski Festival is a popular
three-day roller ski race event in
Sandnes, first time organized in
2006. The annual Blink Ski Festival
celebrates the Norwegian love for
skiing, but with a summery, urban
twist! The national and foreign
elite from cross-country and
biathlon is taking part in races using rollers skis. This summer ski festival lets you get close to the
contestants from the international elite in cross-country skiing and biathlon. Come watch the race
through the streets at the city center of Sandnes. Join in on all the activities, shows and concerts.
Visit http://www.blinkfestivalen.no/program/program-english- for the complete program of races
and info!
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IFSC CLIMBING WORLD CUP STAVANGER 21-22 August 2015
Sørmarka Arena
The Norwegian climbing federation is proud to have the chance of welcoming everyone to the
very first IFSC World Cup Lead in Norway! We would also like to proudly present our co- organizer,
the biggest and oldest local climbing club in Stavanger, Bratte Rogalands Venner.
For more information http://www.klatring.no/Konkurranser/WCStavangerENG/tabid/7068/Default.aspx
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Folken: Benjamin Booker (US)
17.08.15 at 20:00
'What Booker does is a rehashing of an old genre, but it’s difficult not to be enchanted by an
ebbing trip to the Deep South via pop punk New York. He is frustrated, unpredictable and
unapologetically raw. Welcome to the new generation of blues.' The Independent
Visit http://www.folken.no/folken/program/#postArrangement for tickets and
http://www.benjaminbookermusic.com/ for artist information
For more information http://www.byrkjedalstunet.no/wpcontent/uploads/2013/06/dokumenter_byrkjedalstunet_postkort_ENGELSK_200313.pdf
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WELCOME TO STAVANGER CONCERT HALL
SUMMER PROGRAM 01 – 31 JULY-CONCERTS EVERY DAY AT 0100 PM - CAFÉ OPEN 1200–0200 PM
Open all summer, hosting new concerts every day at 0100 pm during July. Please have look inside, or visit
www.stavanger-konserthus.no to read more about what’s on.
The café opens at noon, offering coffee, waffles, ice-cream and refreshments.
Are you a cruise passenger? If so, please claim a 10 % discount in our gift shop.
GUIDED TOUR-Join us for a guided tour in the Fartein Valen and Zetlitz halls and backstage to see some of
the 180 rooms. You will gain an insight into the day-to-day running, the history, architecture and acoustics
of the Concert Hall. Tours last about 50 minutes. Consideration will be shown to rehearsals, concerts or
other activities taking place in the halls.
Guides tours in English Wednesday 8th, Saturdays 11th, 18th 25th 30th of July. In German Saturday 4th of July.
Tours start from the box office at 1400 PM.
PRICES –
Foyer concert: NOK 65 per person. Roundtrip and concert at same day: NOK 140 per person. Roundtrip:
NOK 90 per person
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International Chamber Music Festival 2014
10.08.15 – 16.08.15
During the days of the festival topclass musicians will play together in
Stavanger and share their joy with the
audience.
Renowned musicians perform
together with artists ranging from the
young and promising to the truly
great, of the calibre of violinist Priya
Mitchell and pianists Alexander
Melnikov and Mihaela Ursuleasa.
Every year, at least one string quartet
takes part in the festival. Again, the
list spans from young and emerging quartets to veterans such as the Borodin Quartet.
Visit http://icmf.no/en/ for more information!
Open at the Iron Age farm
Sundays between 11:00 and 16:00
Iron Age Farm at Ullandhaug – A glimpse of
everyday life in Norway 1500 years ago.
The Iron Age Farm at Ullandhaug is a reconstructed
farmstead from the Migration Period, dating from
350-550 AD. It is located at the top of Ullandhaug,
3 km from the city center of Stavanger, and affords
a fantastic view of North Jæren and of Hafrsfjord
where King Harald Fairhair fought the battle that
united Norway into one kingdom around 900 AD.
An archaeological excavation of the farmstead was carried out in 1967-68. The reconstructed
farm buildings were later erected on the original sites.
The farmstead consists of two longhouses, a smaller building, wells, stone fences and burial
mounds, positioned, as they were 1500 years ago. Dressed in the style of the time, the men and
women in the family demonstrate and describe the day-to-day life during the Iron Age and provide
information about the archaeological excavations and all the ancient relics in the area.
Guided tour at 1pm (13.00). Visit http://am.uis.no/category.php?categoryID=7000 for more info.
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Boreal Transport: Bus / hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Monday – Friday
Boreal Transport offers bus from Stavanger to
the Tau ferry and bus from the ferry quay at
Tau to Preikestolen Fjellstue here you start
the hike.
Please see link for timetables:
www.boreal.no/pulpit-rockrogaland/category845.html
Don't forget hiking boots, wind and
waterproofed clothes, packed lunch and drink
for the hike!
Boat sightseeing on the Lysefjord
Monday – Sunday
Enjoy a 3-hour tour of idyllic islands, the majestic Lysefjord, the Pulpit Rock, waterfalls,
breathtaking scenery and lots more!
Tickets: www.rodne.no, at the quay (Skagenkaien, Stavanger) before departure or at the tourist
information in Stavanger.
For other information/group bookings/family
ticket; please send an email to
[email protected], or call them at 51 89 52 70.
If you pre-book, they stop at the Lysefjord
Centre. Minimum of 15 passengers required
for a tour. Groups of 15 persons or more
travelling and paying together receive a 15 %
discount on ordinary adult tickets. Not
available for online booking. Kiosk, souvenirs
and guiding in several languages! An alcohol
license applies on board – one is not allowed
to bring own alcohol.
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The Canning Museum: Sprat Smoking
Every Sunday from 11:00 – 16:00
The Norwegian Canning Museum is located in a former canning
factory in the old town of Stavanger. The first Sunday of the month,
you can participate in the process of sprat production and making
fish balls. This is also an activity day to learn and to experience how
the factory life played out. Great activities for children!
This is where you find it: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nn15O
Stavanger Kunstmuseum: Art for Children (6 – 10 years)
Every Sunday from 12:00 – 13:00
Art for children is a one hour offer every Sunday for children in the
age 6-12 years old, accompanied by an adult. One of the guides
takes you on a dialogue-based tour through the exhibitions and
various workshop activities. The children’s art hour is adjusted to
the temporary or the permanent exhibitions at the museum.
This is where you find it: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nnEWU
Trip of the Month - Bynuten
Bynuten is found way east in Sandnes
municipality, and a climb to the top reaching 671
meters will on a clear day offer a view all the way
to Stavanger.
After parking your car or bike cycle by RV 508
between Høle and Oltedal, you follow the
construction road that was built when the power
lines were mounted from Gulafjellet over
Høgsfjorden. Follow this “power path” for half an
hour. A sign points you into the terrain at the left hand side of Troldbergtjørn, where both fishing
and a swim are perfect options. Here you can fish without a license, and for many it can be worth
the trip for this reason alone.Walk eastwards to Storatjørn and continue uphill towards a small
lake (where the trail is better on the right side). Walk up the mountain pass, do a hard left turn
and you are on the mountain trail. Up here you find a great masonry beacon and a truly amazing
view in all directions. You follow the same trail to get back down.
Route: Starting point is marked with an info-board. The hike is 9 km all in all. Expect to use 4-5
hours. Elevation difference is 370 meters. Mountain terrain.
Access: RV 45 to Oltedal. Pull off RV 508 by Gjestal spinneri or Hølevegen to Hommeland. There’s a
large parking lot by RV 508 at Seldalsheia.
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No car needed – the green section
Stavanger is growing rapidly and there’s an urgent need for more space. Municipal merging and
high-rise buildings are amongst the suggestions. Voices demanding development of Stavanger’s
green areas are still few though. These areas are just too important for a quality city life.
Sørmarka has to be the easiest destination to find in Stavanger with the
Ullandhaug tower (64m) reigning at the very centre of it. The
telecommunications tower was built in 1964. From its balcony you have an
amazing view over Nordjæren and the southern stretches of Ryfylke. There is a
network of gravel trails all around this vast area of green, making a total
distance of 8 km. You can choose different paths for every visit. Add the
changing seasons on top and you will always have a new experience coming
here.
On the west side of Sørmarka you find Stavanger
Botanical Garden. This is part of a worldwide
network of botanical gardens and arboretums
that spread knowledge about the preservation,
documentation and mapping of plants. Here you
can experience an interesting and varied
selection of species. The garden’s different areas
focus on perspectives such as food, perception,
history, geography and appearance. You’ll find a
herbal garden, perennial garden, themed garden
and wild rose garden. Open year round.
Visit www.ams.uis.no / www.botaniskhage.stavanger.kommune.no
Don’t forget all the possible volleyball ‘courts’ at the beach or at Gosen skole and Viste Strand
Hotel, where you’ll find proper courts. Bring your friends and ‘ have a ball’.
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Magma Geopark – a moon experience!
The Magma Geopark´s area is
characterized by an amazing geological
heritage. Due to the special landscape,
made by unique geological phenomena
occurred several millions years ago, MGP
became member of the European and
Global Geopark Networks under the
auspices of UNESCO in 2010. MGP has
been included in the list because of its
special rock: the “anorthosites”: the same
rocks that constitute the moon!
Being a Geopark under the UNESCO
auspices means to be part of an International Network that includes more than 100 areas
worldwide characterized by geological heritage having scientific international value but it also
means supporting the sustainable development of the communities and enhance the geotourism
practices.
MGP is located in the South East of Norway and it includes in its territory the municipalities of
Eigersund, Sokndal, Lund, Flekkefjord and Bjerkreim. MGP is easy reachable in one hour by train
from Stavanger.
MGP has a strong role in the area as an outdoor activities provider. MGP offers climbing routes,
bicycling routes, hiking, fishing, and skiing. MGP staff provide the visitors with specialized
professional guide able to explain all the secrets of this amazing landscape. MGP organize also bus
trip to disclose the area in a more comfortable way, the bus drives the visitors through beautiful
places like Egersund and Sogndalstrand.
In Egersund, MGP set up the “Smart Guide”, a tourist guide that makes people discovering the
town following a digital itinerary fitted with information and curiosities.
In Egersund in addition to the old town, the Fayence Museum the traditional chocolate factory
and the new “gelato” (the Italian ice cream) factory worth a visit! With MGP bus trip continues in
Titania - one of the world's largest ilmenite mines, the old town of Flekkefjord and to the old Gursli
mines in Lund.
At the lunchtime, the bus trip drives to Sogndalstrand: the town is one of the most preserved old
wooden costal town in Norway, named as “the costal Røros” and is protected by the Ministry of
Cultural Heritage. The visit explores the old town, the old prison, and local food is then served at
the Kulturhotellet.
Book activities or bus trip at: [email protected] More info at: www.magmageopark.com
By Sara Gentilini and Pål Thjømøe
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‘The price we pay’ by Alana Meehan
Alright, let’s admit it. Stavanger, (and Norway in general) is ridiculously
expensive. There. I’ve said it. And while I know this may not be a big
surprise to most of the population of this planet, and it’s certainly not news
to those of us who live here, there have been plenty of moments when it’s
shocked me.
I initially realised how expensive Norway was in the first week of my time
here, when I learned to convert Norwegian kroner into Canadian dollars. To
do this, I simply multiplied the NOK price of a banana by 6.01520 and it
came out at, like, a million dollars. Looking back, this was a mistake of epic
proportions. Once I picked myself up off the floor, I vowed never to convert
ANYTHING to my own currency again because it’s just too upsetting. Here
is my advice to avoid this kind of distress: Do NOT memorise your
exchange rate. Just purchase the stuff you want, then smile because you
have NO idea what paying 100 kroner for 2 avocados means in USD, GBP
or Euro. Believe me, life in Norway is better this way.
Scottish partner of course, has always seen things differently. From the second he arrived on this side of the North Sea,
barely a day has gone by without a remark being made on pricing, taxes or other money-related matters. Did I mention
he is Scottish and I suspect he was born with a calculator in his hand? While I slowly adapted to the fact that pretty much
everything I touched was going to cost 50% more than anywhere else, he has remained staunchly defiant. This has
caused more than our fair share of money-related domestic battles, which often go a little like this:
Act 1, Scene 1
(The curtain opens to a couple who are standing in an airport departures area. There is a rather large duty-free shop
behind them, and a bar in front of them. The man looks at his watch impatiently while the woman is staring intently at the
bar)
Man: Right, we have an hour before our flight. Let’s find a place to sit.
Woman: I am gonna get a glass of wine-we can sit over here.
Man: (Rolling eyes) Really?? Why don’t you just wait an hour? You can have a free glass of wine on the flight.
Woman: Because I want one NOW?
Man: For 15 pounds, you’d think you could wait. That’s a ridiculous price. It’s free on the flight.
Woman: You’ve said that before. (Woman wanders off to the bar alone, leaving man shaking his fist into the sky)
Now, for the sake of accuracy, I would like to point out that Scottish partner is definitely prone to exaggeration under
these circumstances. A wine at the airport in fact costs close to 11 pounds, but why waste time arguing with him when I
could be purchasing the aforementioned glass of chardonnay?
The reality is, money does strange things to people in this country and can do even stranger things to us expats. Some
of us adapt to what we must pay to live in this country, but many of us don’t. I have met people who have been here for
more than half their adult life and still have never quite come to terms with it.
Me? I am ok with my 11 quid glass of wine. Just don’t bug me about it and don’t remind me about how much I am paying.
I promise I’ll only have one.
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Renting a property
The months ahead of us are statistically the busiest in the rental marked, peaking in July, August
and September before gradually slowing down. Here are some of our top tips in regards to the
rental process.
It’s not always easy to find the apartment
you want. Using your network of friends and
colleagues is often the best way securing a
good deal as the price of rent will be
reflected when going through someone you
know. If you do not have a network at hand,
looking at the large, national home search
sites online is the best way forward. Finn.no
and Zett.no are the dominating websites in
the Norwegian market.
Here are eight good rules to keep in mind
when renting an apartment:
1. Use a written contract and read it thoroughly. The best thing is to use a standard contract.
2. Let the written contract specify what the rent covers. The rent should not include anything else
but rent, electricity, heating and water. Adding extra costs like for instance a broadband
connection to the rent is illegal.
3. Be prepared to pay a deposit. Normally the deposit covers three to four months’ rent. The
owner of the property is responsible for opening and pay for the deposit account. This cost for this
is around 1000,- nok.
4. Look for omissions in the apartment. Take photos. This is not for the purpose of demanding it
rectified, but to make sure that you are not charged for it if the property owner claims it happened
after the takeover.
5. Check that you are free to cancel the rental agreement. If not you are obliged to pay rent as
long as the contract states.
6. Pay the rent at the correct date. With law in hand, the property owner may throw you out if
you do not pay on time.
7. Be aware of false ads online. If the price of rent seems too good to be true, it normally is.
8. Do not rent an apartment without seeing it. If you are not able to look at it yourself, get
someone you know and trust to look at it for you.
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Checklist before moving into a new property
GENERAL MAINTENANCE LIST – made by Eiendomsmegler 1, the regions largest realtor.
Ventilation
Due to our Nordic climate, Norwegian houses are well constructed and mostly wooden. This means that the
houses can be air tight if not continuously ventilated. It is therefore of utmost importance that vents are
kept open in bedrooms and bathrooms in order to prevent dampness and mold. This also contributes to a
healthier indoor climate.
Please ventilate especially during cooking and clothes drying.
Windows
Always close sky lights when leaving the residence, due to Norway’s unstable weather conditions.
Wooden floors
Norwegian homes have mainly wooden floors and they need to be maintained correctly.
Regular maintenance requires sweeping with a soft bristle broom, and vacuuming with a soft floor
attachment.
Do not wet-mop a wooden floor!!
Liquid left on a wooden floor can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discolouring residue. Wipe
up spills immediately with a slightly dampened cloth.
Use felt/rubber pads under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
It is not common to use shoes on parquet flooring, especially high heels.
Electrical equipment
Remember, never to leave the residence with electrical equipment plugged in!
Interior
Pictures etc.
Putting tacks/nails into walls, doors and windows is prohibited unless agreed with the Lessor. Pictures etc.
must be hung using thin tacks. Any marks made on interior during your tenancy, must be fixed upon
leaving the property.
GENERAL CLEANING
Kitchen
Clean the kitchen fan/filter and hood monthly. When greasy, the filter is in danger of catching fire. The filter
can in most cases be put in the dishwasher for cleaning.
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Clean cooker/hotplates and oven after every use. Check whether the oven has self cleaner installed, if so,
make sure to use it on a regular basis.
Bathroom / laundry room
Check and clear drains to prevent flooding. Use only MUDIN Avløpsåpner. Can be bought at most
hardware stores and bathroom suppliers. Please use minimum twice a year.
Clean the filter in tumble dryer after each cycle, to prevent fire.
IMPORTANT CHECK POINTS
Monthly checkpoints
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Dust / clean heaters and any radiators.
Clean light switches/mirrors/lamps to remove hand-/fingerprints etc.
Clean any spills in fridge.
Rinse outdoor garbage/dustbins.
Annual checkpoints
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Check / change the batteries in smoke detectors, normally December 1st..
Check / clean all drains, ie kitchen-/laundry, sink, showers and underneath bath tub.
Check status and date on the fire distinguisher by turning it upside down.
Wash windows inside and outside – (preferably a couple of times a year)
Defrost freezer, clean thoroughly.
Turn and hoover matresses, wash cover of over matress if possible.
Curtains – wash (if possible) with suitable cleaning product (machine/handwash).
Carpets – check for stains, clean if needed.
Gutters – check for overspill of rainwater and notify owner if needing attention
Snow – clear driveways and pavement if applicable.
GARDEN
Mow the lawn regularly/when needed and when the grass is dry. Rake up any leaves and grass. Keep the
flower beds and drive way neat and tidy, remove weeds.
NB! Lessor is responsible for cutting hedges, bushes and trees - unless agreed otherwise.
To keep the property in a clean and orderly manner is the best way to avoid arguments and disputes
upon leaving.
Good luck with your tenancy and your new home 
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