Temperatures are dropping (below 10 degree partially, currently around 6) and today was the first time that I had to use a pair of gloves while going to work by bicycle.
Just got to know that the last night was the coldest in august for 20 years.
torsdag 30. august 2007
onsdag 22. august 2007
Norwegians are much more relaxed than Germans
Generalizations are difficult, I know - but it seems to me that some of those well known stereotypes really do match.
The average Norwegian seems to be relaxed, happy and generally open minded. No matter if it's a 6 years old kid or a 70 year old grandma, they appear to be really warm-hearted. Noone was ever looking strange at me for not speaking Norwegian or being a foreigner in general.
What I've also noticed is that people are really calm and relaxed. Even when discussing very intense everyone stays polite, noone starts yelling or even insulting each other. But what I've also noticed is a tendency to be a bit careless. While Germans tend to be cautious about everything what they do the Norwegians do not bother about thinking each and every possibility of what might go wrong. When they pass the road then they expect the cars to break for them. When someone empties the dish washer and a glass or mug is dropping down - so what? it happened, not a big deal. There is a server running beyond its technical specifications, in danger to crash - fix it if you have time, but no worries!
Oh, and another very convinient specialty: noone cares about formalities. Just got told that even the prime minister is used to be called by his first name. Imagine calling the German chancellor and starting the talk with "Hi Angela, ..." - it would definitely cause a strange face on the other side of the line at least. This is not a lack of respect here, it's a more pragmatic approach to handle your life.
It's new to me but I like it.
The average Norwegian seems to be relaxed, happy and generally open minded. No matter if it's a 6 years old kid or a 70 year old grandma, they appear to be really warm-hearted. Noone was ever looking strange at me for not speaking Norwegian or being a foreigner in general.
What I've also noticed is that people are really calm and relaxed. Even when discussing very intense everyone stays polite, noone starts yelling or even insulting each other. But what I've also noticed is a tendency to be a bit careless. While Germans tend to be cautious about everything what they do the Norwegians do not bother about thinking each and every possibility of what might go wrong. When they pass the road then they expect the cars to break for them. When someone empties the dish washer and a glass or mug is dropping down - so what? it happened, not a big deal. There is a server running beyond its technical specifications, in danger to crash - fix it if you have time, but no worries!
Oh, and another very convinient specialty: noone cares about formalities. Just got told that even the prime minister is used to be called by his first name. Imagine calling the German chancellor and starting the talk with "Hi Angela, ..." - it would definitely cause a strange face on the other side of the line at least. This is not a lack of respect here, it's a more pragmatic approach to handle your life.
It's new to me but I like it.
tirsdag 21. august 2007
my better half is continuing her studies now
Cass started her studies yesterday. Quite a change for her to get up early I guess. ;)
mandag 13. august 2007
Time goes by ...
wow, another month is over, almost 3 months gone from Germany already.
I still don't have my offical work permit but according to the responsible police department that shouldn't worry me. My documents were ok and it's just a question of time until I get the official permission.
Apart from this there is not much to tell. I enjoy the not-so-hot weather with sun and 20-25 degree. The nights are finally getting bit longer. I have to admit that it was confusing to have 3 hours of real darkness only.
My Norwegian didn't improve much (yet). Everyone from 4 to 94 is speaking fluent English, so there is little to no pressure to learn Norwegian at all. But I'll learn it sooner or later. Written Norwegian is kinda understandable for me already but I still have quite some trouble with spoken Norwegian - especially if it's some strange dialect. ;)
I still don't have my offical work permit but according to the responsible police department that shouldn't worry me. My documents were ok and it's just a question of time until I get the official permission.
Apart from this there is not much to tell. I enjoy the not-so-hot weather with sun and 20-25 degree. The nights are finally getting bit longer. I have to admit that it was confusing to have 3 hours of real darkness only.
My Norwegian didn't improve much (yet). Everyone from 4 to 94 is speaking fluent English, so there is little to no pressure to learn Norwegian at all. But I'll learn it sooner or later. Written Norwegian is kinda understandable for me already but I still have quite some trouble with spoken Norwegian - especially if it's some strange dialect. ;)
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