Oslo on a whim

I finally made it to Scandanvia and it was not how I expected it. No one tells you that Norway is one of the richest countries in the world because they struck oil in the North sea 55 years ago. Or that Norway has one of the richest coffee cultures in Europe. No one tells you that Norway has one of the highest percentages of African refugees per capita. But I guess no can tell you these things because Norway just isn't at the top of most peoples travel lists.

My time in Oslo was very brief, visiting a friend on a complete whim without much planning. I arrived in mid October, just before the cold front hit Europe and booked a hostel on the Northeast side of the city (Anker hostel, very cheap but populated). My first impressions of Oslo? Small and cozy, yet somehow very strict and business-like. On one side of the street you had churches and small store fronts and on the other you had large international corporate offices and wolf-like Norwegian businessmen. Everyone I ran into or met spoke fluent English without failure, in a large part thanks to the free and high level education systems Norway has implemented since they struck oil. Something that caught me off guard was that the demographic of Oslo was completely diversified, something that you might not find in the smaller Norwegian cities of the North. Instead of your classic blonde viking types I found that all walks of life inhabited the streets of Oslo. Muslims from Turkey and Egypt, Eritreans and North Africans, and even a somewhat prominent sized Asian population.

The question is what do all these local people do besides work? The unfortunate, or by some perspectives, fortunate truth about Oslo is that doesn't have a whole lot going on. In fact, half the locals I met were wondering why I would go out of my way to visit their city in the first place.

I only spent a few days in Oslo, seeing the minimal nightlife and bars in the Sentrum district and wandering the streets in search of learning more, but on my last day I found myself on a fjord based ferry boat. I say that because I practically stumbled onto a gangway just past the Kronprinsesse park along one of the Oslo wharfs. No one checking tickets, no signs or check in desks. The ferry didn't go very far but circled the various islands in the Metro area. I saw enough to realize that there was something different about the water. It was as if the yearly snow, cloud cover and lack of sun cast a new ending shadow. The water was essentially black. When I touched it it had the sensation of being heavier than normal water, as if the lack of sun had somehow altered the density levels.

Would I ever consider living in Norway? Yes. I don't know what I love so much about are dark and ominous city, but it really appeals to me. There's a lot of career opportunites with all the main international corporations littered throughout the main area of the city. People are kind (once you get to know them I should say). I even loved the weather, although I can't say I experienced the worst of it. I guess I have to return in the midst of a winter storm to get the full Oslo experience

Some recommendations:

Accommodations:

Anker Hostel - While it's a bit out of the way, Anker hostel is the cheapest accomodation for an unbearably expensive city. It is highly populated but there are always young travelers in the hallways in the outside the lobby doors.

Bjorvika Apartments - If you're traveling with family and have a bit higher of a budget than me (a broke recent college graduate), Staying in the Bjorvika apartments would be your best option. It's toward the city center and has beautiful views with a warm vibe to match.

Museums:

Noble Peace Center - Had a lot of interesting history about the history of the Noble peace prize, and some interesting perspectives to match

Nasjonalmuseet - It was interesting to hear that Edward Munch grew up in Oslo and his famous "scream" is held at the Nasjonalmuseet.

Interesting notice

Something I found interesting was that I barely saw any posters of Eerling Haaland, a Norweign soccer player who is amongst the top 3 players in the world at the moment. During my time in other countries, there was always a never ending plethora of posters and videos celebrating their countries stars. Nedved in Prague, Messi in Buenos Aires, Kane in England. Maybe it's because Norway just doesn't share that "futbol is larger than life" perspective.