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Eye on November
What’s on?
Stavanger News
Winter Tires
Seasonal info
Travel Tips
Alana Meehan
WBW Club
INN Expats Info
Stavanger Chamber of Commerce and Industry
www.rosenkilden.com
Autumn Newsletter
November 2013
Issue 10 – Year 8
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Eye on November
The rather big drop in temperatures through October have probably not gone unnoticed by
anyone, and by the end of November winter starts knocking on our door. In many parts of the
country there is a good deal of wind and rainfall, which turns into snow further north. Many lowpressure systems moving across Scandinavia bring changeable weather. Passages of cold fronts
can produce precipitation, yet still be followed by clear weather with few clouds. On the west
coast November is still considered a distinct autumn month due to higher average temperatures,
lack of snow and amazingly colorful foliage. This is also considered the month where the weather
displays its extremes, making up a forceful spectacle along the coastline.
Christmas won’t ever start early enough for retailers. You’ll see that most shops are in full
Christmas mode already from the beginning of November. However you’re allowed to kick start
the season in your own home too, as well as in schools and kindergartens. Especially when it
comes to preparing decorative items, the kids will be all over it by now.
Further north in the country they soon enter the annual period of around the clock darkness. The
polar night occurs when the night lasts for more than 24 hours, and only inside the polar circles. If
you wish to experience the northern lights this is your chance.
Follow this link for more information on when and where to find the northern lights, and also
make sure to check out the affordable package deals offered here:
http://www.visitnorway.com/uk/?gclid=CM6o_5CHoLoCFU96cAod_TwATw
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What’s on?
The Norwegian Petroleum Museum
Mon. – Fri. 10:00 – 19:00
At Kjerringholmen in Stavanger you find the majestic Norwegian Petroleum Museum. This is a
museum for everyone. Its exhibits explain how oil and gas was formed, discovered, the details of
production and what they are used for. The museum also provides information about
technological advances and the way petroleum influences Norwegian society.
Original objects, models, film and interactive exhibits illustrate everything from everyday life
offshore to technology and dramatic incidents. The exhibitions are texted in English as well as
Norwegian and all the films are in English. Activity sheets for children and activities for youngsters
throughout the exhibitions. Try the Catastrophe room and rescue chute – if you dare! There’s a
museum shop with interesting gifts for young and old. The museum café Bølgen & Moi serves
delicious light meals. For more information call 51 93 93 00 or visit www.norskolje.museum.no
The new attraction focuses on one of today’s biggest challenges – while the world’s growing
population needs ever more energy, which usually means emitting greenhouse gases. Things could
quickly go wrong...
The museum presents an exhibition which deals with the most important dilemmas faced by
energy and climate policies – global warming or oil, climate or nature conservation, climate or
prosperity. The aim as to educate, provoke – and involve.
This is where you find the Norwegian Petroleum Museum: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nfZbB
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The Canning Museum
Mon. - Sun. 11:00 - 16:00
The museum is located in the former canning factory at Øvre Strandgate 88, which is a part of
Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger). In this authentic factory environment, the production of canned
brisling and fish balls can still be seen.
From the 1890s to approximately 1960, the canning
industry was Stavanger's most significant trade. The
exhibition provides insight into the environment
and the working conditions of the canning factories.
The complete process, from the arrival of the fish
until the cans leave the factory, can be seen in
detail. Every first Sunday of the month the smoking
ovens are lit. On these days visitors can taste
freshly smoked brisling right from the oven. For
more information call 51 84 27 00 or visit
www.museumstavanger.no
Stavanger kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts)
Tue. – Sun. 11:00 – 16:00
The address is Henrik Ibsensgate 55 in Stavanger, but it’s a lot easier to relate if we say it’s pretty
much the only building by the Mosevatnet walking path. And what a building it is! Stavanger
Museum of Fine Arts offers a collection of distinguished Norwegian art ranging from nineteenth
century to contemporary art. Of particular interest
is the unique collection of paings by Lars Hertervig
(1830-1902) who was born in Tysvær by Stavanger,
and whose romantic, powerful and highly personal
landscapes still have as trong impact on the viewers.
The museum also contains the Hafsten Collection, a
former private collection of works by mid-twentieth
century painters, making the museum a national
centre for art from this period.
For more information call 51 84 27 00 or visit www.museumstavanger.no
This is where you find Stavanger kunstmuseum: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nvAWc
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Stavanger kunstmuseum: Sophie Calle
Tuesday – Sunday from 11:00 – 16:00
Sophie Calle (1953) is one of the most famous painters in France and her artworks are exhibited in
well-known museums as The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Museum of Modern Art
(MOMA), Tate Modern and Centre Pompidou. This exhibition is Calles first in Norway.
The idea behind the exhibition “Take Care of Yourself” (2007) started with a letter that Calle
received from her ex-boyfriend when he broke up with her. The letter ends with the words "take
care of yourself". Despite of the heartbreak she got an idea. She sends the letter to 107 women in
different professions and photographs them reading the letter.
Calle asked these women to come up with an interpretation of the letter from their professional
standpoint. The result is several poetic, humorous and touching sayings where for example a
psychiatrist defines the sender as a "twisted manipulator" and another makes the letter into a
crossword puzzle.
Roots of the Vikings
Mon. – Sun. 12:00 – 18:00
The Vikings are back! This time at Østervågkaien 39 in Stavanger.
Roots of the Vikings consists of nine separate presentations
including the beginning of the Viking age, the Viking ship, vikings
as explorers, traders and warriors, as well as the unification of
Norway in 872AD. The exhibit explores the exodus to Iceland where many Norwegians who opposed king Harold Fairhair's rule
found refuge - as well as the development of democratic traditions
that laid the foundation for our modern political system, all vividly
presented through interactive media and animations with original
artwork and soundtrack created by leading Norwegian artists.
Roots of the Vikings let you relive the history of the Vikings in a
groundbreaking and unique setting.
For more information visit www.rootsotv.no , call 482 00 010 or send an email to
[email protected]
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Stavanger Museum: Life in the Sea
Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 – 16:00
In September 2013 Forskningsdagene (the Norwegian Science Week) had sea and water as a
theme. In connection with this, Stavanger Museum opened a new exhibition called Life in the sea.
The exhibition shows what can be found under the surface of the coast of Rogaland.
There is a variety of habitats under the sea in the
same way as on land. The exhibition focus on
both rare and common species, species that are
important to preserve and species whose
presence we do not wish in our fauna. The
exhibition shows the amazing photographs taken
by the brothers Rudolf and Erling Svensen and
aquariums with various marine species.
This is where you find Stavanger Muesum:
http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nXddt
Stavanger Domkirke: Open Cathedral
Monday to Saturday from 11:00 – 16:00 / Sunday from 10:00 – 13:00
Welcome to Stavanger's beautiful cathedral. It is the only
medieval cathedral in Norway that has been in continuous
use since it was erected in the early 1100’s. It was built by
English artisans and is influenced by the cathedral in
Winchester. The patron is St. Swithun.
The pulpit is made by Andrew Smith and glass paintings are
made by Victor Sparre.
A visit to the Stavanger Cathedral is a fantastic photo op!
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Rogaland Theater: Beethoven – Theater Concert in English
Monday – Sunday until 16.11.13
The team behind the 'Theatre Concert Mozart' returns to Stavanger this time with Theater Concert
Beethoven. Cederholm & Brdr. Hellmann & Neill Furio creates in collaboration with Rogaland
Teater this new and spectacular theatrical concert based on Beethovens music. This will be the
first Norwegian-produced theater concert ever in Norway. Theme of Theater Concert Beethoven is
to go into the darkness to see the light! It is very grim and dark - and full of light and hope!
This is where you find Rogaland Theatre: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nLI4G
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Rogaland teater: Trollspeilet
Monday to Sunday
Trollspeilet is a play for the whole family written by Carl Morten
Amundsen. It was originally written for the Summer Theatre in
Frogneparken (Theatre Academy's children's theater) in summer
1991. After that the play has been performed at Sogn og Fjordane
Theatre, at the National Theatre and Theatre Vårt in Møre og
Romsdal.
Trollspeilet is a play with Norwegian folk tales. Here are Espen
Askeland and his brothers, a princess, trolls, fairies and King with and
both full and half kingdoms all hunting a special mirror. A mirror that
turns upside down everything.
Suitable for children from 3 years and up.
Visit www.rogaland-teater.no for more info. Get your tickets here: [email protected]
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 Stavanger
Art Museums 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
Folken: Donkeyboy
01.11.13 at 20:00
Donkeyboy is a pop band from Drammen, Norway, formed in 2005. They were signed to Warner
Music after an employee came across their music on MySpace. Their debut single "Ambitions"
reached the number one spot on 29 June, after 13 weeks on the charts. "Ambitions" remained at
the number one spot for 12 consecutive weeks, before being replaced by the band's second single
"Sometimes" on September 22. This was the first time ever for a Norwegian artist to occupy the
top two spots on the singles chart. Guitarist Peter Michelsen described the situation as
"completely absurd". In 2011 Donkeyboy won an European Border Breakers Award for their
international success. Donkeyboy's second album Silver Moon was released on March 2, 2012 and
they just released the single "Triggerfinger" on August 22, 2013.
Tickets are 300,- and can be purchased here: http://www.folken.no/folken/english
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Folken: Queensrÿche (US) + support
04.11.13 at 20:00
Queensrÿche is an American progressive heavy metal band formed in 1982 in Bellevue,
Washington. The band has released twelve studio albums, one EP and several DVDs, and continues
to tour and record.
Queensrÿche has been successful in the progressive scene,
having sold over 20 million albums worldwide, including over 6
million albums in the United States. The band received
worldwide acclaim after the release of their 1988 album
Operation: Mindcrime, which is often considered one of the
greatest concept albums of all time. Their follow-up release,
Empire, released in 1990, was also very successful and included
the hit single "Silent Lucidity". The band has received three
Grammy Award nominations for songs off both albums;
Rockenfield also received a Grammy nomination outside of
Queensrÿche.
Tickets are 355,- and can be purchased here: http://www.folken.no/folken/english
This is where you find Folken: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nZYiV
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Stavanger Idrettshall: World Championship in Powerlifting 2013
04.11.13 – 09.11.13
The international powerlifting association IPF has announced that the World Championsip in
powerlifting 2013 will be arranged in Stavanger this year.
The World Championships in powerlifting will be
held in Stavanger in November 2013. Technical
organizer is Sandnes Sports Club. Last time
Norway had the World Championships in
powerlifting in Stavanger in 2006 the event was
completed successfully. The plan is to use the
same competition arena and improve the event
further for 2013. Stavanger Municipality will be
the main sponsor and support the event with the
venue and funding.
There will be approximately 300 power lifters from 50 nations competing for the medals. The
event will be held in Stavanger Idrettshall.
This is where you find Stavanger Idrettshall: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nXso7
Spor 5: Svein Olav Herstad Trio
06.11.13 at 20:00
SOHT comprising Svein Olav Herstad on piano, Magne Thormodsæter on bass and Håkon Mjåset
Johansen on drums, is one of the most significant Nordic trios when it comes to classical jazz,
having made a major contribution to the development of a clearer and more defined sound and
rythmn in this genre.
Following a long period of touring internationally, SOHT is now out on the road back home this
November, promoting their Live In Cape Town release, recorded by SABC during their 2010 tour.
Spor 5 is found by the Stavanger railway station/ buss terminal: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nXddt
Hansons Minde: Made in Rogaland 2013
09.10.13 – 10.11.13 from 10:00 – 17:00
You’ll find several craftsmen in action at Hansons Minde at Tjensvoll. Welcome to both a sales
exhibition and demonstrations of various traditional crafts. There’s also a small café connected to
the venue.
Hansons Minde might be a bit difficult to find, but is located on opposite side of the petrol station
at Tjennsvollkrysset: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nXso7
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Vågen in Stavanger: Fishing Contest
10.11.13 from 12:00 – 14:00
This is great for the kids! Fishing Contest in Vågen (Stavanger’s
main harbour by the fish market) and a following workshop in
the harbour. The contest is between noon and 2 pm, with
prizes awarded shortly thereafter. The contest is arranged in
cooperation with Stavanger Museum's Department of Natural
History.
Map: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nXddt
Opening of Kunsthall Stavanger (art centre)
10.11.13 at 18:00
Kunsthall Stavanger will open their doors at a new
building in Madlaveien 33 in Stavanger November 10th
starting from 6 pm. The Mayor of Stavanger Christine
Sagen Helgø will hold the opening ceremony.
The opening exhibition is called Tinging, a solo
exhibition with Lina Viste Grønli, who is grown up in
Stavanger. They will also show another exhibition from
Marthe Elise Stramrud, called Crooked Trinkets.
A film and video program from Los Angeles based
Frances Stark's video My Best Thing. Performance
from Lina Viste Grønli in co-operation with a
componist Peter Child. In addition to the opening of
the Art Library an art cake of the month is offered to
the guests.
Visit www.kunsthallstavanger.no/en for more information.
Folken: Stavanger Filmkubb presents – Run Lola Run
10.11.13 at 18:30
Lola receives a phone call from her boyfriend Manny. He lost
100,000 DM in a subway train that belongs to a very bad guy.
Lola has 20 min to raise this amount and meet Manni.
Otherwise, he will rob a store to get the money. Three different
alternatives may happen depending on some minor event along
Lola's run.
This is where you find Folken: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nZYiV
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Stavanger konserthus: Marcus Miller
13.11.13 at 21:00
Bassist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Marcus Miller
is without doubt one of the most respected and critically acclaimed
contemporary musicians of our time. He has achieved recognition
across a broad span of genres, be it pop and rock, R&B, fusion or hiphop. But first and foremost in jazz's many denominations. Miller's
sound is instantaneously recognisable. During the 80s he forged his
bass signature on several of David Sanborn's releases, among others,
as well as being a major influence as a bassist and composer with
soul giants like Luther Vandross and Roberta Flack. Miller became an
especially important part of Miles' 80s sound, with the legendary
"Tutu". In the last 20 years, Miller has had several genre-defining
soul releases where the place of the bass has been demonstratively
displayed. As a bassist, he allows the low end the lead and his energy
and drive live are impressive.
Visit www.stavanger-konserthus.no for more info and to purchase tickets.
Stavanger konserthus: Thomas Dybdahl
13.11.13 and 14.11.13 at 19:30
Finally Thomas Dybdahl will be playin with a
band in Stavanger Concert Hall.
After three years he has come up with a new
studio album in September 2013, "What's
Left Is Forever". His first single from the new
album is a beautiful song "Man On A Vire".
In addition to recording a new album Thomas
has been active with different sideprojects,
like making music to movies and filming.
Visit www.stavanger-konserthus.no for more info and to purchase tickets.
Spor 5: Ola Kverneber Kvartett
16.11.13 at 20:00
Violinist and composer Ola Kvernberg has his roots in the Norwegian folk music tradition. He got
noticed as a swing-string musician playing with Hot Club de Norvège, but has also made a name
for himself in highly varied constellations and is today established as one of Norway's most
exciting and respected musicians both at home and abroad.
Spor 5 is found by the Stavanger railway station/ buss terminal: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nXddt
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Stavanger konserthus: Maria Mena
17.11.13 at 20:00
Maria Mena is back with the bang of a bass drum! "Weapon In Mind", her sixth studio album, is a
colorful release where Mena's undisputed melody flair shines through, and her pop heart is
beating freely.
As she has done since her breakthrough, she has yet again written all the songs herself, but this
time she set up a list of producers that could push her limits.
"Weapon In Mind" has a more digital expression than Mena's previous records, but it is still her
characteristical voice which is the key element. In addition to her regular musicians, she has this
time brought in Ralph Myers and Datarock drummer Tarjei Strøm. This will be a performance full
of hits and a guaranteed party with one of the biggest pop stars of Norway.
Christmas shows
November marks the start of the traditional Christmas plays and shows. Be sure to catch one of
them to get you and your family in the right spirit ahead of the holidays.
At Sola kulturhus you can enjoy Sirkus Svartnissen: www.solakulturhus.no/?p=2293
Sandnes kulturhus offers Pippi feirer Jul: www.sandneskulturhus.no/archives/7770 and
Nøtteknekkeren (the nutcracker): www.sandneskulturhus.no/archives/7704
Stavanger konserthus offers two shows of the reknown Putti Plutti Pott: www.putti.no
All shows are in Norwegian, but the Christmas spirit is truly international!
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Stavanger News
- Laila! Can you please help me again and re-read my story?
The frustration Astrid had when writing in Norwegian during an internship this spring is how it all
started. As she has attended international schools throughout her childhood, English is her mother
tongue.
Laila is half American and grew up speaking English at home with her mother. Switching between
English and Norwegian was usual for her.
At the end of the internship, they started discussing working in Norway and the chances of being
able to write in English.
- Laila, why don't we start a local online newspaper in English?
And that’s how it started.
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Astrid Bjørnsen and Laila Tjensvoll
Stavangernews is an English online local newspaper for the Stavanger region. They wish to provide
the non-Norwegian speakers with daily updated news and be able to share stories from their
communities. The newspaper covers topics such as sports, culture, breaking news and politics. A
new section called 'Incomers' has just been added to the newspaper to tell the stories of people of
different nationalities, and how it was for them to move to Norway.
- We believe that everybody has the right to know about what is going on in the society they are
living in, even though they do not speak the language, said Laila.
This past spring, Laila Tjensvoll and Astrid Bjørnsen had their internship at local newspapers as a
part of their journalism degree. Through the six months of working closely together, Laila and
Astrid obtained an effective working relationship.
As both are students and have one year left of their course, stories are published when they have
spare time on their hands between class and part time jobs. Although the site is updated daily,
Laila and Astrid think that the site is yet far from reaching its full potential.
- It is currently a non-profit newspaper, but if we get enough readers, we are hoping to turn this
into a full time job sometime in the near future, said Astrid.
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Time for Winter Tires
By November 1st the summer tires must
come off. Which winter tire to put on is
your choice.
Gradually colder mornings serve as a
reminder that a tire change is due.
Regulations state that you have to make
sure the tires are good enough, that
they don’t skid or cause problems for
other motorists. More precise, the tread
depth must be at least 3mm. Apart from
this you can chose between winter tires
and studded tires.
Studded tires are better for braking on snow and ice and have better drainage all together. The
downside is a noticeable noisier driving environment and higher fuel consumption. For this region
in particular ordinary winter tires is still an option to consider though. Apart from less noise, they
are more comfortable on open asphalt. They offer lower friction and a more economic drive and
you don’t have to consider changing back at a certain date.
To make a valid choice between the two, the main question is where you’re going. For city driving
ordinary winter tires is a good choice, but if you’re going skiing in the mountains and driving to
remote areas studded tires is a far better option.
Seasonal info
November is not considered a winter month, but December is. For the sake of preparation,
November should be used well to avoid surprises when the cold weather finally hits.
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Make sure to keep all drains fee of leafs and material to avoid flooding.
Bring in everything that might freeze like paint, outdoor furniture and things in the garage.
Make sure heaters are clean and in safe distance from curtains and flammable materials.
Use an ice scraper for the windshield on cold mornings. Failing to do so results in fines.
Use www.finn.no to find winter equipment for the car or the kids.
Clothing
Always keep a layer of wool underneath. It keeps you warm, it breaths and it’s comfortable. Visit
stores like XXL (http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nXWJT) or OBS (http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nXWJy) to
find great deals on winter clothing for yourself and the kids. In Norway kids play outside all year
round!
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Travel Tips
With few hours of daylight to spend and forest and mountain trails that can be both cold an soggy,
November is all about finding options that will get you in touch with the elements without being
controlled by them. The costline of Jæren can be an impressive site at this time of the year. Forget
your preferences for the the rest of the year. If the wind blows like crazy and the waves are
pounding, head for the beach!
From Sele to Hellestø
By the boathouses at Sele there’s lots of space to park your car. Here
you’ll also find toilets, benches and tables, a good place to enjoy a
meal before returning to your car.
Walking north towards Hellestø the beaches are huge
and impressive. The trip starts on the gravel path all the
way to the sand dunes where the landscape is open. The
North Sea is on your left hand side. You can choose to
walk at the water’s edge by the distinctive rounded rocks
or on the inside of the sand dunes. You can also choose
to walk one of the paths heading north and the other
heading south.
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After a while the landscape
opens and after 30 minutes
you’ve arrived at the cabin
right at the edge. This is a nice
resting place for the young
ones. Continue on firm ground
towards the sand on Hellestø.
This is a vast area and a proper
sandy beach. The walk
continues all the way to the end of the beach. At the end and up the
walking path to the right there’s a parking lot with room for 140 cars. You
can also park the car here and do the whole walk the other way around if
you want.
No car needed – the green section
Some places are even more beautiful when autumn kicks in.
Vålandsskogen is one of these places. The forest serves as an
extension of the Mosvatnet recreational area in the middle of
Stavanger, but on the other side of the motorway. The forest
stretches all the way to the top of the hill where you’ll find
the easy to spot Vålandstårnet. From the top you’ll have a
fantastic view of Stavanger and the fjords. At this time of year
you can almost see all the way around the world!
The forest itself is a magical place during the autumn.
Huge beeches dominate the area leaving enormous
amounts of colorful foliage on the ground. The
massive, straight trunks cutting through the amazing
colors create a special atmosphere. It’s almost
cinematic, which explains why some of the most
memorable movies arising from Stavanger’s
independent movie environment depict scenes from
the forest.
In the forest you’ll also find some unexpected surprises. All of a sudden you might hear strange
sounds that can’t possibly be part of the natural forest. It’s fun for the kids to go hunting for the
source. Eventually they’ll end up in an area with built in trampolines and specially composed music
streaming out from underneath them. This is slightly psychedelic family fun!
The best way to experience Vålandsskogen is to park your car at Gamlingen and walk towards the
top on the gravel path. You find the parkinglot here: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/9SFAC
Alternatively you’re also allowed to drive all the way to the top of Vålandstårnet.
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The silent life – by Alana Meehan
You know what’s odd about living here? Besides the fact that the
trafikkskole lets 18-year-old kids learn to drive in a brand new
Mercedes, I mean. Until this year, I have NEVER lived in a country
where people expected me to speak the language and I couldn’t.
Having lived in 3 Asian countries (obvious visual difference) and 2 or
3 European ones, (my ability in English and French coupled with a
totally unfounded confidence in Spanish and Italian got me
through) this really is the first time I have had to look like a
complete linguistic moron.
As a former English as a Second Language teacher, this is the ultimate humiliation. Language is
supposed to be my thing. Until I arrived in Norway, rounds of applause had always met me when I
attempted a language other than English. Ordering a beer in Thai? Giggles and smiles from the
Asians and impressed eyebrow raises from my fellow Anglo diners. Navigating complex questions
from a French speaking customs agent? Pas de probleme. Been told my accent is “cute” and that
goes a long way in that neck of the woods.
So here I am in a brand new situation, and one which I'll admit I did not foresee.
I have been in this country for almost a year now and while I can read and recognize quite a few
words in Norwegian, I will admit to using, on a daily basis, approximately two and three-quarter
words in their language.
How can one function using only two and three-quarter words you ask? Well if you live in
Stavanger you know this is entirely possible. This is where my artistic flair kicks in. I have been
doing this awkward dance at cash registers and reception desks for months now…don’t look them
in the eye, they might ask you something…if you move quickly enough and mumble, they may not
notice that you have no idea what it is they’ve just asked you. I am seconds away from jazz hands
and doh-see-dohing my way out the door as a means of distracting from my pitiful communication
skills. It’s just so disappointing when they have to switch to English because my Norwegian is so
incredibly sub-par. In typical Canadian fashion, I hate to inconvenience anyone.
Now I know perfectly well that practically the entire country speaks above average English. And
while this is most obviously to my advantage when trying to find the mayonnaise or the merlot, it
does not make me feel any more at home. It’s like listening to a joke but missing the punch line.
The mere fact that their English is so flawless makes the whole humiliation thing worse, so for the
most part in these scenarios, I choose to live in silence.
By the age of 40, you would think I would have overcome the fear of making mistakes, and having
people laugh at me because of them. Unfortunately, it seems this is part of my nature. Many years
ago, I was told by my mother that my first words in English were not the usual, “mumma” or
“dadda” like most infants. Instead, I sat mutely in my crib for the first year, listening intently to the
adults around me and refusing to speak in “baby talk”. My concerned mother finally overheard me
as I privately practiced entire sentences in my crib, away from the patronizing smirks of relatives.
So you see, I have experience with this silence thing.
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If the ultimate compliment for any expat is to be mistaken for a local, then that for me is an
everyday occurrence. Unlike my time in Asia, physically blending in is not my problem. Here I have
had to recognize that I am not “other” until I open my mouth. So for now, living in my silent world,
I will practice my “mamma og pappa” to myself until I get it right. Baby talk was never my thing.
More blog posts from Alana Meehan on www.expatters.blogspot.no
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INN Expats events
in November
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Monday Walk & Talk
Grocery Shopping Orientation
Norw. Conversation Group
Visit Figgjo Factory
Real Estate Seminar
Starting Your own Business
Portuguese Evening
Visit Lervig Brewery
Your Participation in the
Norwegian Democracy
 CV-Reg. Course in English
Much more on
www.rosenkilden.com
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