Trust

Wow! That’s a good word to describe all I have witnessed, learned and experienced. I’m going to list a few but please be assured they are not facts. They only represent the opinions of this unassuming, wondering traveler. In almost every case I took the road less traveled (or at least out of season for the typical traveler.) This is by no means an accurate representation of Norway, only my limited observations.

1. They love to work, honor their position in life and are happy to do their job. They are content with what they have.

2. They trust themselves and one another. On the bus, on the train and on the streets. Only once did I have to pay before I got a room key. They expect you to follow the rules. People don’t mess with other peoples belongings.

3. Their privacy is precious. So much that I almost always opted not to take someone’s photo without their consent and a clear understanding of what I intended to do with it.

4. They are excellent at self care and don’t have any entitlement issues. They don’t tread on other peoples business with questions or unsolicited advise.

5. They eagerly try to help if you ask for it.

6. They appear to be active as they age.  Initially I thought most  everyone, on the hiking trails, walking about town, or sitting on a park bench, was older than I. When I discovered how quickly the sea air sucked all the moisture out of my face until it shriveled up, I wondered if I might be wrong. Just because my hair curls that might not be the only anomaly. Maybe it’s normal to turn white at an early age?

1. Many still smoke and vape and still use tanning beds (solariums) to reprieve sunlight deprivation. But they counter balance that with an active lifestyle and good food, lots of fresh fish.  It seems.

2. They’ve not complicated things. Simple needs, simple pleasures (lots of laughter) simple enjoyment of life without drama, division and gossip.

3. No need for cash. Tap everything. One exception I was happy I had cash was the bus driver who couldn’t get connection in Venstra. He had a worn leather purse and made change for me to pay the bus fare. I also tipped my housekeeper in cash. She was the one who got me to the hotel when I got off the boat on the island.

4. Wonderful public transportation. I’ve ridden city buses, cross county busses, trains and I hope to fly before I leave. I’ve not taken a taxi since my first arrival. The Norway app Entur tells you exactly when each departure and arrival is scheduled. It’s very accurate and precise. I’m not sure how - there must be some type of satellite that constantly updates the postings.

5. Eating out of an egg cup is something most people do. Today I saw a new design ( or maybe it’s an old one?) It’s so fun to scoop the egg out from the shell with a spoon

1. They have nice cars and homes. The cars are mostly electric and the homes must have a thick heavy coat of protective paint so they always look well maintained.

2. Fathers take an active role in caring for the children. The children play a multitude of games, have an enclosed soccer net, large tires to swing from. They climb trees and run in and out of the school yard. They are not fenced in. No one worries for their safety.    

3. They wear their wedding rings primarily on the right hand.

4. Dogs are important in most families (or so it seems ) this photo was too adorable to miss, I didn't get permission, I snuck it. I saw an old man with a baby boxer, mom dog watching on, a young man with a small long haired white dog with a patch of black fur/hair over one eye. I saw beautiful big red dogs, a feisty corgi, and many various sizes and breeds. There is a leash law in effect in the wild from April 1 to October 1 which requires dog owners to keep them leashed to protect the wild animals grazing.

1. Water- an abundance of sparkling clear fresh water. You can buy a bottle of plain water on the train but they don’t sell it in Narveson’s - only mineral water or flavored. The water is fantastically delicious!

2. They also have a never ending supply of wood. Acres and miles and miles of trees.

3. The hotels (even the cheap ones) provide glass drinking cups for both water and coffee. Beer in the pubs is always served in glass.

1. English speaking is common in the cities but not so much on the island and in the more remote towns.

2. Rest seems to be honored - or at least I am finding that for myself. I believe I have adapted the easy-going, even keel temperament of people minding their own business. I suppose it is helpful that I have no agenda, nothing I have to do and don’t speak the language. But I fully intend to integrate this peace I’ve found into my being and embody it such it never leaves me.

3. When I get home I want to learn how to read a map and how to use a compass. Kerry Walter-Ashby gave me compasses for my retirement. Best gift ever for a wondering soul like me. Even without training the compass has given me much of that reassurance I seek.

4. I also credit my daughter-in-law Alison for teaching me how to replace my electrolytes with Nuun and how to wear the same clothes for a month.

5. I am extremely grateful for a million things Leslie has taught me but for this trip - wearing an available head for a sweet band and the phone app that will translate important signs

6. Everything and everyone is beautiful.

1. Gratitude oozes from me for my initial host setting me off and for the multiple angels who have crossed my path.

2. I am safe in my body, I am happy to be me and magic surrounds me.

3. I am capable of far more than I imagined. I’ve fearlessly (mostly) climbed some great heights. It’s almost like my body craves a challenge.

4. I’ve stayed in people’s homes, an old fashioned ski lodge, a luxury hotel, a rustic cabin with no water and a fresh smelling out house, a fisherman’s cottage on the island, a hotel room named Wonderland, and I plan to stay in a few hostels and who knows what else may happen?!?!  All perfectly wonderful.

5. I’ve discovered if I set aside what I think I want and be open to what appears, that’s when the magic happens. I’ve spent so much of my life suffering over  wanting things to be other than they are.

6. I discovered Human Design and learned about practicing good energetic hygiene.

This afternoon I’ll board a train and ride six and one half hours to Trondheim. I will stay with Monica and travel with her to see Maria in Sweden. I will be very safe and well. I don’t plan to post for at least a week after this. If you need to hear from me please feel free to text.

Moving on, loving the authentic soul I found here. Peace to you all and thanks for your loving support.

Di