I’ve heard a lot about Jennifer, but haven’t yet met her, she’s a friend of my friend Sarah (interview #1) and she gives some good advice in this interview. I have a lot of friends moving to various parts of Norway, so this is all helpful information.
Where were you born? I was born in Deadwood, South Dakota USA
Where are you currently? Stavanger, Norway
How long have you been there? 22 months
How long do you expect to be there? I will be moving to Shreveport, Louisiana USA in July so a total of 2 years.
Where else have you lived? Lead, South Dakota; Sturgis, South Dakota; Gillette, Wyoming; Grand Forks, North Dakota; East Grand Forks, Minnesota; San Diego, California; Linda Vista, California; Omaha, Nebraska; Minot, North Dakota; San Antonio, Texas; Springfield, Virginia; Little Kimble, Buckinghamshire, England; Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, England. (Only 3 places as an expat and the 2 in England were the same assignment, but we did have to move to a nearby community due to owners selling the home we were living in.)
What you love about where you are living? I love that the community I live in is extremely diverse! I have been enriched and learned so much about the world and the various cultures that it is composed of. I also love that it is a culture of educated, brave and active people who don’t let little things like the language barriers, social/cultural differences, or weather slow them down! It is also a very safe community where children are afforded freedoms they probably don’t get in most communities.
What is the worst thing about where you live? I would say the worst aspect about living in Norway is probably the cost – my family does fine and we feel we are adequately compensated, though we are not able to live exactly as we did in the United States. Another negative aspect is that there are quite a few people who don’t like it here and that can drag you down at times.
The hardest part of living where you live? I think the hardest thing is probably the initial adjustment. Housing is very limited and expensive, it is competitive and if you don’t have additional “renting power” in the form of extra cash you can easily be outbid on rentals – the advertised price isn’t necessarily the price. Setting up things like banking, phone, TV, electricity can also be a challenge and the culture can be slower and more laid back about the timeliness of things like this than in the US. In short customer service can feel of a lower quality as the community is fairly well off and quite frankly no one really needs your money.
What has surprised you most about where you live? I was most surprised by the diversity and quite humbled by the Oil Community. My husband is employed by the US government and I had NO idea how frequently oil families move, how flexible they must be and the places that they live. I am also so surprised by the Norwegian culture; they are amazing athletes, get out in all weather, are family oriented, then generally keep to themselves but in my experience are always willing to help a neighbor.
Your biggest lesson learned? I think in all my moves and especially my expat assignments I have learned to roll with things and not to sweat the small stuff. I find culture differences humorous for the most part and when frustrated I always think “Just put yourself in the other person’s shoes, think how they might be feeling.”
One reason you wouldn’t have missed living there for the world? That is a very difficult question – there is so much that I love about here – and really everywhere I’ve lived. I guess if I had to pick one I’d say the friends I’ve made here. A close second is the experiences my children have had. I can’t help but think they will be more patient, tolerant, and wise because of this experience.
The best food? Authentic Norwegian food tends to be a bit bland, but I have enjoyed the slow cooked meats, and potatoes with white sauce. Fish soup is nice – which was a surprise to me. I also like risgrøt which is rice porridge similar to oatmeal. Thai food is also pretty good here.
The best sight? P I think the hiking in the area shows some of the best sites. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag (The Bolt) are 2 of the most amazing things I’ve been to and enjoyed views from. I have not yet seen the Northern Lights, but I am sure that would rate number one if I ever get the opportunity.
Your biggest fear for the future? Currently my biggest fear is moving “home”. Although I’ve never lived in Shreveport, Louisiana I am returning to the U.S. after being away for 5 years and I worry that it might not be so easy and we might not fit in…especially my children.
Funniest incident? My husband and I were telling his Norwegian co-worker that we had found the store, Europris, that sells some “cheap” items for children’s crafting, party supplies and novelty house wears, light bulbs, tools etc. His co-worker says to him, “I’ll never be so poor that I have to shop at Europris.” I thought it was hilarious as we had just said we shopped there and had found a few things! He is a wonderful man and meant no offense by it, which is probably why it was funny.
What NOT to do in your location? The Norwegians do not really like confrontation, so it is best to avoid that and I think being demanding and wanting things done immediately is not very well received. Speeding is also something NOT to do in Norway…..it is extremely expensive!! There is also ZERO tolerance for drinking and driving….ONE drink will most likely put you over the limit and routine breathalyzer stops are routinely performed on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
The person who has inspired you most where you live and why? I am not sure I could say there is one person, but I will say that the PWC (People Who Connect) is a club here that is run by very dedicated, self-starting ladies who make moving and living here easy, busy and fun! They are full of advice and experience and are great listeners and problems solvers….they’ve most likely been through anything and everything you can think of!
Best piece of advice you could give to newbie expats? I think that doing your best not to take things too seriously or personally is the best thing you can do – ask a lot of questions and ENJOY this time, it won’t always be easy, but the truth is for most of us it will be short lived – appreciate what you have in the moment, not just when you look back at it!
Anything else you want to add? Of course the life of an expat is not always easy, but it is so rich and we are fortunate enough to experience people and place that others may only dream of!
Read previous interviews here:
#1 Sarah, from Ireland, now in Houston
#2 Melanie, from England, now in Houston
#3 Corinne, from France, now in Switzerland
#4 Frances, from England, now back in England
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