Deer Populations in Norway Posted by kari on Jul 8, 2011
In the past 2 weeks, I have had several close encounters with hjort (deer) here in MN. Last week, I was on a bike ride on an open rural road with fields on both sides and a massive deer sprung out of the ditch no more than 50 ft. in front of me as I…
Norwegian Natural Disasters Posted by kari on Jul 6, 2011
As I think about all of the strange weather occurrences that I have experienced growing up in Minnesota, I realize that in my time living in Norway, I really didn´t experience any severe weather. The winter of 2006 was certainly very cold in Oslo when I was there, but I do not remember any bad…
MSM- Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø Posted by kari on Jun 27, 2011
I´m a runner, but I´ve never competed in a race, nor do I really enjoy running with others (except my dog). Therefore, I´ve never considered a marathon or half marathon. I´ll do centuries (100 mile bike rides), but somehow I can´t even compare a century to a marathon. Biking is so much more forgiving. Anyways…
Hurtigruten-Minute by Minute Posted by kari on Jun 25, 2011
Last Thursday, Norwegian broadcasting company, NRK, started airing the 5 day trip of the Norwegian cruise ship Nord Norge from Bergen to Kirkenes. Nord Norge is one of many Hurtigruten ships that sail along the coast of Norway as a mode of transportation for everyday Norwegians and a spectacular treat for visiting tourists. The entire 5…
Norwegian Shipping Industry Posted by kari on Jun 22, 2011
As I am in the business of commercial import, I find myself learning new information about international shipping activities every day. I work for a Dutch company that sells seasonal and garden decor by the container load on an FOB (free on board) basis from Rotterdam or China. This means the merchandise must fill a…
Viking Influence on the English Language Posted by kari on Jun 19, 2011
Sure, there are more and more English words being incorporated into the Norwegian language all the time. Courtesy of American films, television, music, and of course the internet, modern Norwegians use words like cool, jeans, baby, drink, chips, and many more. Let´s not forget, however, the massive influence the Vikings had on the English…
June 7 in Norwegian History Posted by kari on Jun 9, 2011
There were no major historical events that happened this past Tuesday, June 7. It is, however, a very important day in Norwegian history. At least 3 huge events (that I´m aware of) occurred on this day. In 1905, it was on June 7 that the Union with Sweden officially dissolved. This Union (Unionen mellom…