Nine Years in Norway

An American's Reflections

About

It is a bitter-sweet thing, knowing two cultures.
Once you leave your birthplace nothing is ever the same.
– Sarah Turnbull

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.
– St. Augustine

The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility
and the wings of independence.
– Denis Waitly

The desire to write grows with writing.
– Desiderius Erasmus

Everything we interact with has something to contribute to our journey.
– Deepak Chopra

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.
– Author Unknown

 

Hi, I’m Cindi: Empty nester, mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt … student, teacher … friend … freelance musician, web designer, and virtual assistant … pet devotee … traveler, expat … volunteer … hooked on historical fiction and advice columns … never too far away from my Spotify and iPod playlists … I enjoy sharing my experiences, and exploring how they’ve shaped the person I am today.

EMPTY NESTER
I have two adult daughters of whom I am so very proud. One controls satellites in the U.S. Army, one is a Massage Therapist, and both are truly delightful, compassionate, and caring young women. Of all the “hats” I wore/wear/mention above, raising them has been my most satisfying one. Our relationship has evolved from parent to friend, and my decision to move to Norway means I don’t see them as often as I’d like. I find that reality and those emotions have affected my writing; you’ll see that evolution of my blogging voice in this blog that originated simply as a way to share my journey of moving to a new country.

EXPAT
I created a LiveJournal blog during my first visit to Norway in 2006, when I was getting ready to move here. And for two years after I moved to Norway I continued to publish longer written thoughts about my experiences in adjusting to life in this beautiful country. These past few years I’ve found that photos and shorter worded thoughts suit my desire to share those particular emotions and observations.

TRAVELER
But I’m not just an American living in Norway. I’m also a traveler, and as this blog has grown I’ve decided to include favorite photos and memories of my trips.

WHO WAS I?
I was a middle-class suburban girl from the U.S. with parents who loved and sacrificed for my brothers and me, a close extended family, great friends and education opportunities and experiences.

WHO AM I?
But as I moved out into the world as an adult I realized I was naive, with no curiosity about what life was like outside of my own little world and experiences.

My living abroad in Berlin behind the Wall in 1982-1984 and now in Norway since 2007, plus all my travel experiences and opportunities, are an important part of my overall understanding of me as a human immersed in another country, another culture, another life. Re-reading my first impressions takes me back to the magical new times of awe and exploration, and looking at my thousands of photos has helped me re-live cherished moments of discovery.

And as a middle-age woman with mobility issues, I appreciate those words and photos even more both for the memories, and as encouragement to keep moving and exploring through life … even if it can’t be quite as easy as it was before.

AND NOW?
Through my little piece of Internet real estate, I’m meeting other expats and travelers, new parents and empty nesters, writers and photographers, visitors that are native English speakers and those that use a translator to read my words … and I’m discovering we all are connected, all similar, and all searching for something both inside and outside of us. It’s validating, entertaining, creative, and wonderful – and I’m glad you’re along for the journey.

FIND ME
– BlogExpat interview
– “Bergen, Norway – 10 Places To Experience History” on knok.com


SCHEDULE
Although real life often gets in the way, I do try to keep this part of the Internet updated regularly. Weekends will usually find a new post about Norway. Tuesdays may find an aspect of travel. Wednesdays I publish a favorite image as part of Wordless Wednesdays. Thursdays are somewhat “artistic” — I share either funny/poignant Norwegian commercials, or information about a Norwegian painter and their artwork. And occasional Fridays find me reblogging posts from my archives in a “Flashback Friday” type of format. And, if one of the WordPress Daily Prompts or Weekly Photo Challenges grabs my imagination and interest, you’ll find that added to the mix too.

EDIT 2015: Real life — family and work — is alive and kicking so time here has become limited … but I’ll be posting and visiting your blogs when I can!

EDIT 2016: A move to Colorado and increased commitment to family and work have brought my blogging to an end. Temporarily? Permanently? The future will let me know!

So tell me: what would *you* like to know about Norway? Bergen? Expatriate life? Learning another language? Living too far away from family? Music? WordPress? (And, MacKenzie chimes in with “Labradors!”) Let me know what you’re interested in; I’d enjoy sharing my thoughts in a future post.

I hope both my words and the photographs I post can take you outside of yourself and your surroundings for a few moments. Your words and photos have given that gift to me. Let’s connect!

about cindi

Expats Blog Blog Expat: living abroad Expat Exchange

Comments

  1. I just love the 2 quotes! It’s so true! Once you leave, it’s never going to be the same and you’ll always need to travel at some point in life. At least that’s how it works for me. It’s like a way of recharging yourself, new energy, lifeblood 🙂

    • A great way to describe it, La Vale: recharged!

      I also like the way your blog’s tag line ends: Be curious! Wouldn’t this be a better world if we were all genuinely curious? Even if travel or living in another country isn’t possible, just being inquisitive and learning about other people, lands and cultures could create better global understanding.

      • Good morning (here ;)),
        thank you for your comment. Yes, I think “the battery analogy” works quite well for me.I write also to recharge myself.

        I totally agree, a good dose of curiosity would help everybody and in everyday life, even to live your lifetime city. I think it would make you look at it from a different perspective and more interesting.

        Well, let’s start ourselves, maybe it can be contagious! 😉

        • Good morning *here*!! 🙂

          I like to think my experiences have influenced my extended family … I know it has a positive impact on my adult daughters (one is in the U.S. Army and stationed in Japan, and one is working in the U.S. and enjoying her travel opportunities). Their Dad is also a traveler. Curiosity about this huge- yet tiny-and-connected planet was planted early in them.

          I’m in the middle of the U.S. visiting my Dad, brothers, and nieces and nephews. My Dad has visited me in Norway, and when my Mom was alive they enjoyed their travels around the U.S. My brothers are raising their families and extensive travel can’t be part of their big picture (yet?). But I’m hoping my experiences and conversations with my nieces and nephews – and their grandparent’s travels – are opening up the possibility of what they can do with their lives while they are younger and more free!

          Your observation about looking at your lifetime city from a different perspective is something I had just talked about with my 18 year old niece, beginning her first year at university – although our conversation centered on country. She’s not sure she’d like traveling abroad … I said that, culturally, there’s so much to see in her own country, she can learn so much just from those travels! Of course, I hope that she’ll develop a curiosity and comfort level to explore other parts of the world as she gets older. 🙂

          How has your travel and living influenced/affected your family and friends?

          • Hi Cindi!
            Thank you for sharing your experience with me.
            Actually my passion for traveling was born thanks to my family.
            Since I was little, I was lucky enough to travel around Italy and Europe and they always spent enough time to make me appreciate what we were visiting. Or just stop to contemplate a nice view, filling your heart and soul from that. I’m thinking for example to my mountain trips in summer or ski trips in winter, looking at the mountains.
            At the time I might look for a minute or so and then get bored and wanted to pass on to the next thing. Now I find myself doing the same and remembering those magic moments that, thanks to my family, I got to experience. Traveling, exploring, spending time with family is something priceless as a famous credit card Ad would quote! 😉

            So I think you’re giving your niece a beautiful gift. even if starting with the US only, I mean there’s so much to see & amazing panoramas, I think it’s a good & positive start. The rest will come. I think it’s important to plant the seed.
            What do you think?

            Have a lovely day and thanks for sharing. you made me think and remember magic moments! 🙂

            • Your comment about the mountains made me smile, as I live in the Norwegian west coast mountains but am surrounded by the flat middle-of-the-U.S. Iowa landscape right now. Good family memories for you, and your comment made me realize how much I miss “my” mountains. 🙂

              Yes, I hope a seed has been planted!

              Thank you for sharing your remembered magic family moments!

  2. I’m excited to read more about your adventures. My husband and I have talked a great deal about moving abroad. He used to live in Denmark, but I’ve never been out of the US.

    • Did your husband like living in Denmark? It’s similar to Norway; language has been tough for me, but I love the culture and people of Scandinavia!

      You might be interested in one of the expat blogs I follow – Our House in Aarhus, about an American couple adjusting to their new life in Denmark.

      Thanks for your comment!

  3. So true once you leave your birth place nothing remains the same. I went back years later and everything had changed and it was no longer home.

    • I grew up in several areas of the U.S., but consider Maryland my home as I was there the longest. But you’re right – when I was back visiting my daughter (in her Maryland home) in January and February, it didn’t feel like home anymore. I’m still wrestling with those feelings (that will probably be a future expat blog post).

  4. I love that second quote. There is so much packed into those few words. I also find it fascinating that you now live in Norway. I imagine that must be very beautiful.

    • Norway is beyond beautiful. I never get tired of the views! And yes, I knew the first time I read that quote by St. Augustine that it had to be part of my blog. It so perfectly describes how I feel!

      I also like your blog’s tagline “Life – How it changes you. Where you go. Who you become.” So true, and it sums up your blog perfectly! I look forward to reading more of your thoughts.

      Thanks for stopping by!

  5. I remember when I was dating my wife, I told her one day, “I want to see the whole world!” Although I haven’t, except for a few places, I’ve found another way. I’ve discovered through writing that I can discover many people, places and things I never knew existed, and all without leaving my house. And for that, I thank you all!

    What a great site you have here. Norway? Beautiful people live there. I once had a boss whose daughter was Miss Norway. Unfortunately, I could never land a date with her!

    • I know just what you mean about seeing parts of the world you wouldn’t/couldn’t see, through others’ photos and words! I’ve been fortunate to see more than anyone in my extended family, but then I read other blogs and explore their images, and my world expands even more.

      Thank you for your compliment! Yes, Norway is gorgeous, and the people are part of that beauty, inside and out. I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you and Miss Norway, but I’m sure your wife doesn’t share that sentiment. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by, Joseph! I look forward to exploring more of your blog too!

  6. Hi Cindi

    I have been having a great time enjoying the content on your blog. There are so many unique experiences here I can hear about as I will not get the chance to witness them first hand. Your life has held out incredible opportunities to watch modern history in the making. I feel lucky I can hear your views on them.

    I am already looking forward to checking back and hearing more.

    Your quotes in this post are an inspired choice and have me thinking! Particularly the Erasmus quote. That is brilliant.

    All my best regards and here’s to a great year ahead of blogging

    Lita

    • I’ve “stolen” those quotes from various places, as they really grabbed me and put into succinct words what my blog is about. The last two were added more recently as my “blog voice” has grown; I’m still on the lookout for the perfect expression for “empty nest syndrome” that isn’t trite or condescending … I’ll find it eventually.

      A sincere thank you for your comment, Lita! Coming from someone with your writing style and expression, it truly means so much to me.

      • I am definitely trying to find my blog voice but thankfully this is such a supportive place to be! Your encouragement means the world. I had no idea blogging would connect me to such great people 🙂 Wish I had jumped in sooner! So chuffed to be a part of this.

    • And I’m glad to have found YOUR blog. There is such living history in our parents’ and grandparents’ generations, and you’re capturing it through the eyes of your father. Such a gift you’re giving the world!

      I have one post about that era. A resident of the retirement community my Dad lives in shared a few of his memories from WWII — from the Atlantic side. I could sit and listen for hours.

      Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to diving into your blog.

  10. Wow, America to Norway. Fascinating, Cindi. Well, you certainly seem full of joy and adventure.

    Let me know if you’d like to participate in the Race Around the World, share your stories from my platform. =)

    Diana

    • Diana, I’m so glad you “found” me! Your blog is fascinating and one I’ll enjoy exploring! I’m intrigued by your Race Around the World. With my life and life-experiences, I have several directions I could go in; let me ponder for a while. I’m sure I’ll be sending you a follow up email soon!

  11. Hi Cindi! I’m delighted to find your blog. Without going into a polictical rant, I’ve often declared that “I’m moving to Norway!” THEY get it right. So, I’m happy to sit back and have a “front row seat” via your writing! Thanks for stopping by my little corner, too.

    • I agree with you, Maggie! I love the climate of Norway — geographic AND political. It’s reaffirming to see that elected leaders from diverse parties can work together towards the betterment of *all* people. And without going into a political rant of my own, I hope my leanings shine through in the feelings and emotions about Norway that I write about.

      I’m glad to have found your blog too. With the title of “The Zombies Ate My Brains,” I’m surprised I didn’t find it earlier. 🙂

    • I love your country! My husband’s son, daughter-in-law, and our year-old grandson live in Auckland. We can’t wait to get back!

    • Thank you Glynis — and congratulations on YOUR nomination, too! 🙂 I’m glad to have discovered your blog this way.

  17. Hi Cindi, thanks for dropping by and for the follow.
    Life does change when you become part of more than one culture – for the better mostly. The problem (my problem) is to not feel entirely at home anywhere. Comfortable for sure, but not with that deep feeling of belonging.

    • Ohhh, a good comment and observation! It feels so familiar when I’m back in the States visiting my daughters and extended family — but it doesn’t feel like home. And I experience a little of that same feeling when coming back to Norway after that Stateside visit.

      Thanks for stopping by, and for your comment!

  18. Hi Cindi!
    Thanks for the follow and the likes! I will be shutting down cosytravels.wordpress.com in June; so, if you want to keep on following our travels through Europe, it’s better to subscribe at http://road-tripping-europe.com. Norway is one of the many countries we have visited (and liked)!

  19. Bonjour Cindi

    Well l thought it was about time l said a proper hello and a big thank you for your support. I seem to have lost the art of commenting which is remiss of me so l have made it a goal to interact with 25 photographers l admire each week. You are at the top of the list as l always enjoy your stuff and am amazed at how technically precise your pictures are. The light, clarity and compositions are always of the highest quality and l love the layout of your blog. It really works well. I would really appreciate some feedback on the look and feel of mine – l am striving to constantly improve my photographic art skills but l’m not confident that my blog is user friendly – unlike yours.

    Its always good to hear how other ex-patriates survive in their adopted country and learn about other cultures.

    Regards

    Dan

    • Thank you for your wonderful comment, Dan! I like to take pictures with my little point-and-shoot camera, but don’t consider myself a photographer — so your comment really touched me. 🙂

      I think you and I live in areas of the world where it’s virtually impossible to take bad photos. Aquitaine in France and the mountains in Norway: perfection through the lens!

      Your interpretations and artistic eye are so interesting for me to see in your images. And I like the layout of your blog! The Able theme showcases your photography very well, and isn’t one that you see on every other photo blog. (Can you tell I work with students and WordPress?) I really enjoy “visiting” you often! 🙂

      • Good morning Cindi

        Thank you for taking the time to give me some great feedback. Ihave given my little corkscrew a makeover and am trying a new theme and header. Could you let me know what you think if you get the time please.

        Regards

        Dan

    • Thanks for the compliment! I like your blog’s topic. Fascinating work you do — and the photos you capture while doing it are intriguing!!

  21. Hi Cindi
    Thanks for following. I’m a happy camper now you are joining me as I trip around by RV, plane, car and time machine to the past.
    Comments, compliments, critiques and wisecracks are most welcome.
    You have a great blog. “See” you again soon.
    Which Way Now 101 aka Carol

  22. Hi Cindi, I’ve nominated you for a Best Moments Award. You make me want to visit Norway, especially since my dream is to see the northern lights!

    • Thank you so much, Linda! I’m glad I can inspire you to visit this beautiful country; I hope you really can make that trip one day!

      I’ll respond to the award soon. Thank you again!!

  23. Hello Cindi-
    I admire your travels abroad to live and to explore new horizons…
    Thank you for stopping by Just Another Nature Enthusiast to give it a “follow.”
    Enjoy visiting the Northwest… vicariously!
    Jane

    • And thanks for stopping by MY area of the Northwest — the European/Norwegian one, that is! 🙂

      I’ll enjoy following your blog; I really respond to your statement, “I’m convinced that interactions with nature are important to people and planet,” and your images and words back up that philosophy!

  24. Lovely story. Thanks for connecting. 🙂 We visited Norway for the first time this year, but alas it was only for a short 4 days, and as you know, it’s impossible to really know a place in such a period of time. We’ll head back one day…when money is no object. 😉

    • Yes, it can be a very expensive place to visit!

      I’m so glad to have found your blog. You’ve really seen the world!! I’ll enjoy catching up with your round-the-world experience and other visits, and following your adventures as they happen!

      Thanks for stopping by!

    • Thank you, Connie! I’ve been away from the computer for a few days and am catching up with my blog and comments; I’ll check out your info soon!

  26. My thoughts …? My thoughts include the following: (1) you are a brave and adventurous woman; (2) you are full of spirit; (3) you are one of the Real people; (3) now I have a whole SHITLOAD of reading to do … sighhhh … [grin]

  27. Hello there my friend. Just wanted to thank you for following and liking my blog. Your’s (from what have seen so far that is!) looks really really good?
    I look forward to getting to know you better and learning about what motivates and drives you to want to blog?
    Regards
    Bob

    • Thanks for stopping by and commenting on *my* blog also, Bob! I just read your About page, and your words on your approach to life are refreshing … and the images I see capture that perfectly.

      I see you’re a Scot by birth; I have Scottish blood from my Dad’s side of the family, but haven’t been there … yet. 🙂 (Have you discovered my fellow expat here in Norway Mjollnir‘s blog, Life: A Scot in Norway? Great images and personality there!)

      • Bless you for this! You are most kind. I shall be visiting your friends blog also and thank you for the link!
        Keep in touch my friend
        Kind Regards
        Bob

    • Thanks LaVale! I’m getting used to it … the change was difficult for me, but I’m glad I finally did it. Happy day to you too! 🙂

  30. Hi Cindi! Wonderful blog! I am happy you like it in my country 😉 Being a Norwegian in Bolivia, I understand how it is to be away from home! Looking forward to see and read more about your travels 🙂

    • Hei Hanne! I love your country! 🙂

      I’m so glad you “found” me so that I could find you. Your travel perspective and focus — really understanding the local people and culture and stories — is unique and important. I look forward to reading more.

      Thanks for stopping by! Ha en fin dag!!

  31. The St. Augustine and Deepak Chopra quotes speak to my heart.

    And of course, thank you for following our blog. Through our photography and words we hope to inspire others to get out and see the world. And perhaps through those travels the world will become a smaller and less threatening place as we discover the many kindred spirits who share our passions, hopes and aspirations. As Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”

    It’s never too early or late to discover and follow your heart. Make time for the people, work, and causes you truly care about. Cheers, Wooly and Raeski.

    • Wise words — it really isn’t ever too late! I followed love to Norway when I was 49. 🙂

      I love the Mark Twain quote. I’d actually copied it from your website to add here, but decided there are almost too many quotes on one page as it is … but it will make an appearance eventually, I’m sure.

      I look forward to exploring your blog!

  32. Cindi – I love your site! and all you are doing inspires me as I move into my own “empty nest” time of life. As a single person w no kids, I call that retirement. I too aspire to live abroad and host a blog such as this. It is great to see others doing it – shining stars for me to follow. (BTW, my older sister’s name is Cindy and she often spelled it with the ‘i’ at the end, especially during high school. Well, i digress…)

    • Thank you! Our journey through life has many stages; grabbing each one fully can be unsettling — yet rewarding — can’t it?!

      I switched to the “i” in college. It was probably my naive way to rebel! 🙂

      • Hi Cindi!

        I’m Daisy, an expat like you in Norway (arrived nearly 11 months back) and have similar professional field as yours- blogger. I like your blog very much, infact I feel we’ve got many things in common with each other like your experience as an expat and that you chose to opt for online blogging in the beginning (expect that I’m a full-time mom with 2 yrs old cheeky little boy). I stay in Oslo, but I would like to know more about you so that I can get more ideas that might help me settling down here more. Although, I’ve also had a very rough start but sharing experiences always help 🙂

        Stay in Touch!

        Best,
        Daisy
        https://plus.google.com/u/0/106271994365067887537/about

        • Wonderful to meet you, Daisy! I’m not as active at blogging as I once was; a new job that has me working with many, many client websites means the last thing I want to do in my free time is play around in my own! But I’ve added you to my Google+ circles, and look forward to exploring your world a bit through your words and images.

          I’ve been in Norway almost nine years. Acclimating can be a journey, can’t it … especially since you’re home with your little guy, so your focus is rightfully on him! The language classes I’ve taken over the years were my introduction to Norwegian life. I also loved getting to know OTHER cultures through conversations with my classmates. Are you able to take language classes?

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