Norway- Closed on Sunday

It's early Sunday morning as I begin to write this post, and I'm starting to think about what I can do today.  More importantly, I quickly realize what I will NOT be doing.  I will not be browsing at the mall, shopping for home improvement supplies (which I really need) or even buying groceries.   Why?  Because nearly all stores here in Norway are closed on Sunday.

You guessed it...."Closed"

There seems to be different political opinions related to why stores should, or should not, be open on Sundays, but I think it would be wise for me to stay out of politics after only two weeks in the country.  I'll simply provide my own initial thoughts on the situation.

If I look at the positive side, I suppose one could really focus on using Sunday as a "day of rest" or perhaps as an opportunity to spend more time with family and friends.  Last Sunday, we went on a hike with friends and had a picnic (even built a fire and grilled hot dogs on sticks- these folks don't mess around!).  We did all this in spite of the questionable weather (apparently the "no bad weather, only bad clothing" is a mantra in Norway as well as in Sweden).  The possible downside is having the entire family sitting in front of the TV, computer, iPad, etc. all Sunday long (although I guess that's not a bad thing every once in a while).

Hubby and the youngest with our Sunday "tour guides"

The lack of Sunday shopping does encourage one to plan a little bit better for the coming week (i.e. making sure there is enough food in the house for at least a day or two as well as ensuring there is something to put in the kids' lunch boxes on Monday).  Otherwise, you will be forced to search for essential items at one of the small food stores or gas stations that are open (I agree...that would not be ideal).

Tacquitos and hot dogs for Sunday dinner??

In spite of proper planning, I can foresee situations when I will need (want) something on a Sunday that I just cannot find at the mini-mart.   This may bring my cooking, remodeling, etc. to a screeching halt.  Perhaps then I will begin lobbying for Sunday shopping!

"No shopping Sunday" is only the beginning of what will be many new and different experiences here in Norway.  I am certain that some of these differences will be easier to embrace than others.  I suppose it will be important to keep an open mind and adapt as well as I can.

Have a great Sunday!

We made it to Norway!

This will be a pretty quick post...just wanted to say that we arrived Sandefjord, Norway just over one week ago.   I will share a map since I had never heard of Sandefjord before moving here and many of our Swedish friends weren't quite sure where it was...so I'm guessing my American friends would likely not find it without the help of Google.  It's a small town about 1.5 hours south of Oslo and about 6 hours (by car) from our previous house in Lund, Sweden.

Yes...the country in yellow is Sweden!

We bought a house that I hadn't seen in person until we got here (craziness on my part...quite possibly), but it's really cute, and has a lot of potential (many more pictures to follow in future posts).   My husband moved to Norway about one month before the kids and me.   He had some help with the house hunting which I greatly appreciate!

Home sweet home!

One of the challenges we currently face is that our basement is under construction.  It will be great when it's finished, but for now we have a whole house worth of stuff crammed into every corner of the main floor (and in the garage...and on the patio...).   I will be so happy once we get more space!

Another difficulty is that I do not yet have a working phone (I must say it feels quite strange to be phone-less), so I really haven't taken many photos.  And what fun is it to read a blog with no pictures?  That being said, I will sign off for now, but I already have found several interesting things about Norway that I will be sharing with you soon.