Happy 4th of July!

For those of you who did not know (and were wondering why my posts had been few and far between over the past several months), we are now back in the U.S.  Now that I am in familiar territory, I think it might be fun (at least for a while) to write about special events as well as everyday occurrences that might seem funny or interesting to those outside of the states, especially my Scandinavian friends.  I think the 4th of July would be a great place to start!

We were fortunate to have been in Norway for this year's National Day (17th of May).  It was certainly interesting to see the differences in how different countries celebrate their Independence or National Day.   If you are curious about what happens on "Syttende Mai", you can check out my take on the experience: http://ourfamilyinsweden.blogspot.com/2014/05/17th-of-may-norways-national-day.html

The girls and I prepped for the 4th of July weekend with last minute pedicures (something that we had not indulged in during our time in Norway)  As a point of reference for my Norwegian friends, we paid the equivalent of about 420NOK (total) for our pedicures...a real bargain!

The girls chose a patriotic look!

There are many options as to how to spend the 4th of July weekend.  Many cities have their own festivals where carnival rides, junk food, and fireworks are common elements.   We attended a fest on the 3rd of July that covered all the bases.

Spinning pumpkin ride with Nana!

Gotta love a mini dragon roller coaster!

Part of the fun of this evening was that we were joined by some friends who had just moved here from Paris (for the record, they are Danish...not French).  I can only imagine the culture shock they experienced!  If nothing else, some of the food options were unique.  In addition to the super-sized lemonade and a pork chop on a stick, we introduced them to the fantastic-ly deep fried "elephant ear".

A few bites shy of the whole ear....didn't take the photo fast enough!

Beyond the standard fest activities, this festival had hot air balloons (for you Chicago area folks...yes, we were in Lisle for "Eyes to the Skies").   Depending on the weather, there are two balloon launches each day and a "balloon glow" in the evening.  We were lucky enough to see the balloons lit up this year.

Highlighting the US bank balloon was not intentional...

As far as fireworks, some cities set them off on the 3rd of July and some on the 4th.  To cap off the junk food eating, carnival ride riding and balloon watching on the 3rd, we decided to let the girls stay up to enjoy the fireworks.   My four year old nephew added to the entertainment by screaming, "That one is my favorite!"...after each explosion.

Fireworks are definitely something to experience in person!

After a late evening, I woke up the girls early the next morning so we could have breakfast with friends then watch a parade.   Unlike the 17th of May that we experienced in Norway, there was only 1 parade (not 2) and participation by the kids seemed to be limited to the marching bands and outside of school activities (soccer, dance, etc.)   In the U.S. there is also a strong showing of emergency vehicles and the military.

Fire trucks, police cars and ambulances...oh my!

Much respect shown for the veterans!

Attire on the 4th of July is certainly a far cry from the suits and bunads that we saw on Norway's National Day.

For those of you wondering about a bunad...here you go!

4th of July- cute and casual!

It was great to have experienced the 17th of May in Norway...and then to have made it back to the U.S. for the 4th of July.  Just don't ask me to pick which celebration I enjoyed more...that would NOT be a way to keep friends!

My "Job" at Galleri Flood

For the past few months, I have been helping out at an art gallery on the outskirts of Sandefjord.  Me...working at an art gallery?  Those that know me are probably scratching their heads...maybe thinking that nothing about that sounds logical...just try to stay with me!  Several months ago, a friend of a friend had mentioned that the owner of this gallery, Maja Flood, was looking for someone to help her prepare for an upcoming exhibit.  The discussion was mostly in Norwegian, so I was doing a lot of nodding and smiling...not completely understanding what this work would entail or if I was remotely qualified to help.  Out of curiosity, a few days later I drove out to meet Maja at Galleri Flood.

View from the gallery...certainly a great work environment!

Following our discussion in a mix of Norwegian and English, I understood that (if I would like) I could come in once or twice a week and support Maja with various things in the gallery...arranging the displays, helping with some of the ceramics (the less "mission critical" steps), among other things.  In return, I could learn a bit about how a lump of clay transforms into something beautiful...and even attempt to make some things myself.  Coming from someone that does not consider herself artistic, I thought this could be quite an interesting experience and agreed to start the following week.

Maja's specialties (from what I have seen) are working with ceramics and porcelain.  It is really inspiring to watch someone who finds such joy in her work.

Doing what she loves!

Some of the finished products

Maja also makes some special porcelain pieces inspired by a painting called "Vinternatt i Rondane/Winter Night in the Mountains" by Harald Solberg (1869-1935).

The inspiration...

Watching her create these special pieces helped me to truly appreciate how much time and effort goes into each and every one. On a couple of occasions, I helped make the mountains that Maja would place on the bowls and coffee cups.   Granted, I am not exactly a professional (huge understatement) but it took quite a bit of time for me to do what (seemingly) was a minor part of the project.

My work area... 

Maja's finished product

As I mentioned earlier, I have the opportunity to work on some things of my own.  Maja encourages me quite a bit, even though I am a bit reluctant to put my lack of artistic ability out there for others to see!   In spite of my clear lack of natural talent, I have had a lot of fun trying to create things...and the time spent also has a very calming effect (which I could use every now and then).

Coffee cup? Candle holder?  What is it?

Definitely one of a kind...and I love it!

Maja also presents other artists' work in the gallery...if you live in or near Sandefjord, I would recommend taking the scenic drive out to Galleri Flood.  Here's a link to her home page for directions and more information http://www.majaflood.com/galleriflood.html

I LOVE these lights!

New paintings....best seen in person to really appreciate the cool details!

I am so grateful for my experiences at the Gallery....watching Maja work her magic and having the opportunity to be a little creative myself is fantastic!

17th of May - Norway's National Day

I'm almost not sure where to begin when writing about what the Norwegians refer to as "Syttende Mai" (17th of May).  Norway's National Day is a big BIG day!.  We had been hearing all about this holiday since we moved to Sandefjord last fall, and we were excited to experience it.

Let's start with the dress code for the day.  EVERYONE dresses up (okay...perhaps not everyone...but those who missed the "no jeans" memo stick out like a sore thumb!).   This is a far cry from the typical 4th of July "picnic couture" collection seen in the states  (aka shorts and T-shirts).  Adults and children are often wear traditional Norwegian clothing...called a bunad (pronounced something like "boo' nahd").   If you do not have (or choose to wear) a bunad, then a dress or suit is strongly suggested (I have never seen so many teenage boys wearing suits!).  The bunads have elaborate embroidery and may also be adorned with handmade silver or gold.   Young women may given a bunad as a confirmation present...quite a special gift as they typically cost several thousand dollars (yes, thousands of American dollars!).

Some of our friends in their traditional clothing

We were lucky to have Norwegian friends who loaned us a bunad for each of the girls

"The hills are alive...

...with the Sound of Music"

Bunad? Check.  Norwegian flag?  Check.

Parade #1 was the Barnetog (which means Children's parade or "train" when directly translated).  After a short presentation (with a few speeches, songs and dances), the children marched through the city together with their classmates.   Marching bands were also included in the first parade.  Full disclosure....the following two photos were taken beforehand...the girls moved too quickly during the parade to get good pictures!

All the kids buddy up...safety first!

And they all wave a Norwegian flag

Many MANY Norwegian flags throughout the parade

After Parade #1, it was time for some ice cream.   Several Norwegian friends informed us that on the 17th of May children are allowed to have as much ice cream, sausages (i.e. hot dogs) and soda as they want.   To me, that sounds like a recipe for disaster!

I LOVE Norwegian traditions!

Yes...I see that you have eaten the WHOLE THING!

After a brief rest back at home, we headed back to town for Parade #2 which was for the sport clubs and other organizations in town...called the Borgertog.  

Looking very official!

Post parade...

We headed home right after the second parade (before the children thought to ask for more ice cream).  Some friends were kind enough to invite us to dinner which was our final event of the day.  It was wonderful to sit and enjoy a "proper" meal after all of the junk food we had consumed.  Of course, we managed to save room for dessert afterward....my friend made an amazing chocolate mousse cake and I baked an angel food cake (angel food cake is quite unique around these parts- perhaps a new Syttende Mai tradition??)

Of course I had to sample a slice of each!

After a very eventful day and evening, the whole family pretty much collapsed.  It was a great day in Norway with friends, family, and beautiful weather!  I don't know if I could suggest anything that could have made the day more exciting....well maybe I have one small suggestion...

Easter Break 2014

Yes, I realize that I am a bit slow in sharing our activities from Easter break.  Since we are only a week away from a HUGE Norwegian Holiday, it's pretty much now or never with this post! Easter Break, known as Påske Ferie here in Norway, was the full week before Easter plus the Monday after.   Since we had not planned a "real" vacation for the week (and my husband was traveling for business), I decided to take a road trip back to Sweden with my girls  (For those of you new to this blog- we lived in Sweden for about 18 months before moving to Norway).  Last year we were invited to a very traditional Easter in Sweden- follow the link if you would like to check it out. http://ourfamilyinsweden.blogspot.no/2013/04/our-easter-in-sweden.html 

For this trip, we were fortunate to find three different friends to take us in for a night or two.  You never want to wear out your welcome in any one place, right?  As Benjamin Franklin once said, "Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days".  So true!

Our journey started with a 2.5 hour ferry ride from Sandefjord (where we live) to Strømstad, Sweden.  The ferry was pretty crowded, but we managed to find seats and settle in.

iPad and the fuzzy blanket...life is good

This was the first time I had made the trip to Sweden, or any trip which included a ferry, without my husband.   The driving is no problem for me, but I had one big (possibly unrealistic) fear about driving onto the ferry... that I would forget where I parked!  I have seen those people...wandering around looking for their cars.  Luckily I paid close attention and we found the car upon arrival.

Our five days in Sweden were VERY relaxing.  Note to self: my children are much more relaxed when their mom is not stressed out, worrying about a schedule and/or multitasking.  Coincidence?  Perhaps not.  These days away also helped me to realize how lucky we were to have met such wonderful people in a relatively short time.

First stop....such sweet girls!

Chilling out....we LOVE vacation!

Visit with our first neighbors!

Awwwwwww!  

The younger sister....showing her strength

I'm regretting that I didn't take more pictures of the kids and me with our friends.  I realize in these moments that I wish I were more like my mom who tries to bring out her camera at every opportunity.  At the time, this is often met with groans and eye rolls, but later you're so happy to have the photos!

After the whirlwind trip to Sweden, we still had three whole days left before we returned to our normal schedule, school, etc.   We celebrated Easter with some traditional American traditions...

We colored some Easter eggs...

and were paid a visit by the Easter Bunny!

I really hadn't planned on creating a traditional Easter Sunday dinner...it was just the four of us and no one was really interested in the work involved....so we started a new tradition of "Easter Tacos".  The girls had a Norwegian friend over for dinner who was quite amused by our dinner menu.  Okay...maybe Easter tacos will be a short lived tradition,  but at least there were no complaints and no leftovers!

An extra bonus was that the weather in Sandefjord was fantastic during the break!  We spent an afternoon with friends riding bikes and hiking in the woods.  This was followed by a picnic lunch at an old Viking gathering place (there is probably an official name for this place, but I'm not sure what it is).

The rocks are arranged in the shape of a Viking Ship

Happy girls enjoying nature

All in all, it was a fun yet relaxing week, enjoying time in Sweden and in Norway (while including a couple of American traditions).  

Feeling at home...at the gym

Most of my friends know that I am usually a "regular" at the gym.  It's a stress reducer and, next to home improvement projects, it may be my only current hobby (perhaps neither of these are "real" hobbies, but try not to judge!).  Anyway, I joined a local gym soon after moving here...and noticed a couple of interesting things about it as compared to my gym in the states.

One of the first things I noticed when I walked in to TEAM Treningssenter (that's Training Center for those of you requiring a translation) is that there is place for your "outdoor" shoes (I have found that in Norway and Sweden most people take their shoes off in the house as well).  What a simple way to keep all of the dirt, snow, and other gross stuff from being tracked inside.  Yes, I understand that some folks in the U.S. use designated "gym shoes", but I'm not sure I have ever seen someone remove their shoes at the door!

In the U.S. would we worry about our shoes being stolen??

On my first visit, I was asked by one of the instructors to join her step class.  I didn't understand much Norwegian...and it had been quite a while since I'd taken a group exercise class...but I gave it a try.  Luckily it went reasonably well, and I don't think I made a complete fool of myself.  I was also introduced to a few people in the class.  I wouldn't say the Norwegians are ridiculously outgoing, but most are quite friendly if you make the first move.

I quickly observed that several of the "regulars" would sit, chat and drink coffee after their workouts.  It wasn't too long after I joined TEAM that I began to linger post-workout in the hopes of being invited to take a seat.  I know that sounds a bit pathetic, but keep in mind I had spent the first several weeks in Norway painting our basement...with zero social interaction.  Soon it was suggested that I sit and have a cup of coffee (that was sooooo nice!).   To be honest, I think my first "true" friend was Ida...the gym manager's dog.   She didn't seem to mind that I spoke very poor Norwegian!

Just give me attention and I will let you speak English...

Slowly but surely, I became more comfortable hanging out and practicing a bit of Norwegian.  I have noticed that the comfort level with speaking English varies quite a bit...from those who will gladly speak English with me to those who initially avoided me like the plague in fear of speaking English (and there are many in between).  I still contend that people quickly become more comfortable speaking English when they realize that their English is always (ALWAYS) better than my Norwegian!

Looks like there is an open seat for me!

I have to say that after about five months here, I really feel like part of the morning crew.  A few of the regulars even allowed me to snap their photos...

My favorite (almost) twins

99...100!  Wow- you are strong!

One thing I failed to mention, which may partly explain why I have been "accepted" at the gym, is that I have (on several occasions) brought in cake, cookies, etc. for my fellow coffee drinkers.  Yes, I know it seems a bit strange to bring cookies to the gym, but everything in moderation, right??   It has been suggested that I am trying to "buy" new friends with baked goods...and maybe that's not too far from the truth.

It's hard to resist a post-workout cookie!

Either way, I have to say it has been a long time since I've enjoyed the social aspect of the gym nearly as much as my actual workouts.  Thanks to the folks at Team Treningssenter (you know who you are) for taking in the cookie baking, barely Norwegian speaking American!

Vinterferie (Winter Holiday) in Norway

Last week (known also as Week 8) was winter break, or Vinterferie, as it is called here in Norway.  The kids were free from school and many parents take at least a few days off from work.  When I think of winter break, I think of a "break from the winter" and envision a week in a warm climate with my toes in the sand.   Unfortunately, it is really difficult to find a place warm enough this time of year (unless you would like to spend 10 hours in an airplane!).

Looks relaxing, right??

Here in Norway, however, people seem to have a different idea.  Winter break is a time for many Norwegians to go forth and find as much snow as humanly possible.  Many families head to the mountains to their cabin, called a "hytte", to go skiing.  Since I had never done skiing of any kind until last month, this snow-filled skiing holiday idea is all very new to me!  We did consider a ski trip in Austria with some friends, but decided that that may have been a bit ambitious for a family with three novice skiers.

Let's face it...I probably would have broken a leg!

We decided to spend most of the week relaxing (the kids), working around the house (me) and just plain working (the husband).   However, we did spend a couple of days with some friends at their cottage in the mountains.  This offered a great opportunity to experience what vinterferie is all about.  There was so much snow that you could hardly see their "hytte" from the road.

Is anybody home??

It was the most snow I've ever experienced...and I'll be honest...I have never been one of those people that LOVE the snow!   However, I found that with the right winter clothing (and an open mind), it was truly a wonderful getaway for the family.

Amazing views!

Of course, we had to do some cross country skiing during our visit.  It was great weather and the environment was quite peaceful...with the exception of the "thud" sound my body made when hitting the ground at the bottom of every hill.  My attempts at slowing down or stopping were futile and only seemed to make me ski faster down the hills.  I guess I had the wrong idea about "cross country" skiing....I kept thinking that the terrain should be a bit more flat. On a positive note, I am quite certain that my numerous "wipe outs" provided a good laugh for the more experienced skiers (which included pretty much everyone else on the mountain that day).

Luckily our girls generally stayed on their feet and are really enjoying their first season on skis.

C'mon mom...this is so EASY!

The youngest trying out the snow board!

After a fun visit to the mountains, I am beginning to see why the Norwegians LOVE the snow (I do understand that was a very broad generalization).  I can also appreciate what appears to be a much better work/life balance here compared to what exists in the U.S. (I won't elaborate on that...perhaps that topic deserves its own post).

Our first Vinterferie in Norway taught me a few things.   First, a cold and snowy winter holiday CAN be fun.  Second, it is good to know people with a "hytte" as it is a fantastic place to visit, but I'm not sure that I want one of my own.  And finally, I STILL need some sunshine and warm weather!