MyNorway.co.uk

This Blog Has Moved

2011-08-28T11:45:00.002+01:00

I have decided to move this blog to a new location, to http://www.mynorway.co.uk/blog/.

As the new blog is built into my website, it will be easier to control so there will be no more posts on this blog from now on.

I have not really used this blog to it's full potential and should have written more blog posts about Norway, but it's all about having time and of course, having something to write about.

Thank you for everyone who has read this blog and commented and I look forward to seeing you on my new blog.

Many thanks!

My Norway On Twitter

2011-05-22T20:11:00.002+01:00

That's right, I have started Tweeting, on Twitter as I found it easier to write something quick and easy and for that to get posted directly to my website.

If you would like to join me on Twitter, the link to my account is http://twitter.com/My_Norway.

I keep that more up-to-date than this blog, but of course I will still pop back here now and then if I am up to something Norwegian related.

Norwegian Constitution Day

2011-05-11T17:34:00.002+01:00

Are you all ready for the Norwegian 17th May Celebrations?

No? Don't know what they are?

The 17th May is celebrated as Norway's independence from Sweden and Denmark which happened around 1814.

Well, the 17th May celebrations that I experienced were very "Norwegian" as you would expect, with the women dressed up in their traditional clothing (bunad) and the men smart in shirts and suits.

Kids have processions through the streets, floats and other street entertainment to celebrate Norway's independence day.

More detailed information can be found on Wikipedia by clicking on the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Constitution_Day

After the days entertainment I spent the evening around my ex's house and we had a bbq with her friends and family, which was nice.

Would have been nice to be in Oslo on the 17th May, to get the full impact of the experience, so I am sure I will do that some day.

And I would recommend it to all of you too...

Norway In Eurovision 2011

2011-05-11T17:23:00.006+01:00

Well, Norway's Eurovision entry was a bit of a let down this year.

It was a catchy tune called Habba Habba (my girlfriend kept singing and dancing to it), but, it didn't represent Norway at all in my opinion.

So no wonder that Norway didn't go through to the Eurovision finals.

Some might say that perhaps Norway didnt want to win this year, as I remember Ireland doing the same thing as they won 4 years in a row (I think), but I'm sure that isn't the case...

Gone are the days of Nocturne and even Alexander Rybak's song was a good one and showed Norway's relation to the fiddle/violin, Norwegian dancing and hat kicking (never seen that before Eurovision so was new to me).

Ah well, not really that important to be honest, but at least something Norwegian related to talk about.

New Jobs Page!

2011-04-18T21:17:00.004+01:00

A lot of people have been asking me, how did I find work in Norway?, what types of job did I get and how they can find a job in Norway?.

I couldn't help them much to find a job as I didn't know anyone out there who could help until I got in touch with Bravo Bemanning AS.

So now I have added a new page to my site, under the "About Norway" section, about my work history and experience in the country.

Perhaps now I can help others find work out there, as this was the main thing I was lacking on before.

Hope the new page doesn't sound too negative, as it wasn't all that bad working out there.

If you have any comments or want to ask a question just let me know.

Finding Work In Norway

2011-04-17T16:16:00.015+01:00

Due to the amount of people asking me for information on how to find work in Norway, I have now teamed up with a job agency in Norway called Bravo Bemanning AS.

They are a quality recruitment agency looking for qualified English speaking people, who are either already living in Norway or who are thinking about emigrating out there.

Their website is http://bravob.no/ with their English page under http://bravob.no/english/.

If you would like to sign up to their books, just fill out their online form, upload your CV and they will do the rest.

Otherwise, feel free to send your CV to me at mailbox@mynorway.co.uk and I will forward it on to them.

Finding a job in Norway, a decent job can be very difficult if you are not 100% fluent in Norwegian, so I have always just told people that they must learn the language, then a decent job will come.

However, Bravo Bemanning AS will help you find a position, even if you are not fluent in Norwegian, so I would recommend giving them a go.

Will be nice to know if you do get a job through these guys, to see if I have been of any help to you.

Best of luck!

Problems Importing To Norway

2011-03-11T16:51:00.003Z

I have always wondered why Norway seems to have so much trouble importing goods, such as new electricals.

A friend of mine in Norway preordered a game Dragon Age 2: Signature Edition for the Xbox from a local shop in Norway, only to discover that on day of release, Norway hadn't been supplied with any Signature Editions of the game (could have been localised to that store/chain though).

This was the same for the iPhone 4, where again, my friend went to his local store when they came out to buy one only to find that the store had only received 3 iPhone 4s for sale for the entire area!

I really can't understand what the problem is, in this day and age you would think it would be easy to import goods into any country, or is it just that the retailers don't think that they will sell many in Norway, because of the low population, so don't bother supplying any??

I remember when I lived there that Norway had a toll on all imported goods from other countries, which I found to be both annoying to have to make a trip to Oslo to get a package from England, but also unnecessary.

So is it the case that big companies such as Apple, Microsoft, EA, think that shipping their goods to Norway isnt worth it, or is Norway blocking this themselves??

It frustrates so many people over there, that other more out of the way countries receive goods, films, technology updates faster than a country as wealthy and important as Norway and they dont really have a reason to why...

If someone does know the answer to this, please let me know and I will pass it on.

Why Norway?

2011-03-05T10:26:00.003Z

I get at least 10-20 emails a week from people looking to either move to Norway, emigrate to Norway or just travel there. Seems to be a popular subject as my Norway website receives over a thousand visitors per month.

But why would someone choose Norway in the first place?

Hmm, perhaps that sounds harsh, but I just want to understand why someone in Iran, or the USA or Romania would choose Norway over other countries like Sweden or other Western European countries.

Some of the emails I receive can seem a bit desperate, where someone is trying to flee their current country and I do feel sorry for them if they are in trouble, however a large majority of these emails just state "how can I move there, not work and live off the government?".

Sadly I have had to ignore these as I'm tired of explaining that I want to help people who want to integrate into Norwegian society, who want to bring something to Norway, to work, to learn and not just to sponge.

But, no one has really told me why they chose Norway in the first place?

Sure, it used to be fairly easy to get into Norway in the past, but they have tightened up their immigration laws recently, so you will need visas, work permits and the like. That's something I cant help you with, so I just point people to the Official Norway Website For The UK.

I do love helping people with their decisions moving to Norway, giving them my own personal view of my experience, but remember, you experience could be totally different to mine, so don't let what I say put you off as I would have regretted it if I didn't have the courage to give it a go.

So, if you do contact me asking questions about Norway, if you could include why you chose it that would be great.

I would love to make a page dedicated to your experiences so people can see others experiences and get a feel for what might await them.

I do love Norway and haven't had the cash to go over for the last couple of years, but I am making an effort to do so in 2011.

Keep the communication coming as I do love hearing about and helping you all, if I can.

Tusen Takk.

Website Upgrade 2011

2010-12-29T13:12:00.003Z

That's right, I have decided that in 2011 I will upgrade my website to include more features and information.

I will (finally) build my SurvivaCalc to see if you will survive living in Norway if you decide to move there.

Also, I will be adding more content and changing the site around a bit to freshen it up.

However, what I could do with is input from my readers, so I would appreciate any comments on what you would like to know about or see on my website and I will look to include these.

I would love to include some pages on your experiences on moving to Norway, so if you are willing, could you send me some pictures and paragraphs of text of your experience and I will build a page for that dedicated to you!

I am getting about a thousand visitors a month and I am sure they would like to read about others experiences out there.

Many thanks and looking forward to 2011!

God Jul

2010-12-17T21:35:00.002Z

God Jul / Merry Xmas to all my readers!

Thank you for your emails and kind comments over 2010 and I hope I have helped you with your questions about Norway.

Keep them coming and I will respond as soon as I can.

I wish you all the best for 2011.

Norwegians Get Everywhere!

2010-09-30T20:01:00.002+01:00

Either they follow me, or you can't seem to get away from meeting Norwegians wherever you go.

I was on camping trip in Dorchester last weekend, went into the local beer tent and low an behold, there were 3 drunk Norwegians there!

(taking advantage of the cheap booze)

They also came from Oslo, so we got chatting and I told them that I used to live in Ski and Kolbotn and they were surprised to find a "son of Norway" at the same place.

Was good to talk about our views on Norway and my experience being an immigrant for a while.

It seems like, if I can't go to Norway, Norway comes to me!

Norway Always Cold?

2010-07-31T23:48:00.002+01:00

Hmm, I was at work the other day speaking to a customer and we got onto the subject of where we were going on holiday in 2010.

They said they were going somewhere hot, however when I said I was going to Norway they said "erm, why would you want to go there, its always cold isnt it???".

The amount of people who say this drives me MAD!!!!!

It's crazy that so many people see Norway this way, as a cold arctic wasteland, with strange angry people living in igloos...

I keep saying to people "check my website for the truth" and this is why I have built my website, for the purpose to re-educate people on Norway.

I understand that the Norwegian winter can be harsh (I did work outside in it when I lived there) and I know thats pretty much all we are taught about Norway in school, but its like saying Spain is always hot and all the French eat is garlic!

For those out there who still dont know much about Norways weather, please check my weather page for more information.

And again... Norway is NOT always cold!

Sorry if I seem to go on a bit about this, a bit of a sore spot for me, but I love Norway and the Norwegian people and if someone misses out on visiting Norway because they have been misinformed, then that will be a shame.

Thanks For The Communication!

2010-06-05T15:15:00.003+01:00

Hi, just a quick thank you for everyone sending me emails, asking questions and sending me positive comments about my site.

I hope I have helped many of you with your transition to Norway, but keep the emails coming and I will respond as soon as I can.

I receive between 5-10 emails per day, so they can build up!

Its good to hear others experiences and thoughts of Norway, as I am no way near an expert on the subject, but just from my own experience out there.

Norway is a fantastic place and I have not heard a bad word about it, but again, if you have received a negative experience from the country it would be interesting to hear these stories too.

Eventually (when I get the time) I will add a dedicated "experiences" page and will list some anonymous stories, so you can see from other people opinions.

So, thanks for all your support so far!

Eurovision 2010 - Norway :(

2010-02-27T21:40:00.002Z

Well wasn't that a disappointment :(

I was looking forward to going to Norway in May and visiting friends, but while I was there seeing Eurovision in Oslo.

However, the damn tickets sold out in 20 minutes!!!!!

I honestly didn't think that would happen and didn't check it till two days after the tickets went on sale...

Ah well.

Instead, I will be over to Norway in the Summer and going on a "hytte tur" (cabin trip) with friends.

I love cabin trips up to the mountains in Norway, with so much beautiful nature, clean air, water and peace!

Just sitting next to a mountain lake, blue skies, fishing, drinking a cool beer and relaxing. Its fantastic.

So, more pictures will be added to my gallery later in the Summer of 2010 and of course I will write my experiences down for you guys.

Merry Xmas - God Jul

2009-12-19T22:56:00.002Z

Merry Christmas or God Jul to all my readers!

Hope you all have a great time over the holiday period, wherever you are.

Looking forward to 2010 for my new visits to Norway, especially to see my friend Espen's new baby boy, Sigurd.

Will try and get tickets to Eurovision too, as that is in Oslo (just another excuse for a visit).

Well, have a good one, one and all and a happy New Years too!

Cheers!

Norway Shop Now OPEN!!!

2009-11-03T11:32:00.003Z

The new Amazon Norway Shop is now Open!!

I decided to build in a shop into this site to provide books on a wide range of subjects with regards to Norway.

Popular sections include, Travel, Food, Guides, Weather, Language along with Fiction and other general books.

These books will provide you with more general information about Norway.

I hope you find something you like in our Norway Shop!

Positive Comments

2009-09-27T20:05:00.003+01:00

Many thanks for all your positive comments on my site coming in!!

Its good that I am helping some of you with your decisions about moving, or even visiting Norway.

I am also glad that you enjoy my writing and have made you laugh.

If I have made a difference in any small way to improve your views about Norway, then job done.

It also good to hear your stories about moving and living in Norway as foreigners and I might create a new section to the site including some of them, to get others point of view.

Keep the communication coming and many thanks!!

New Web Directory LIVE!

2009-07-28T09:11:00.004+01:00

Finally, I have changed my old boring "links" page to something more interesting, giving owners of sites relating the Norway the chance to list their websites in my new Web Directory.

Im sure it will take some time to populate so I guess it will be fairly empty for now, but I will add a few sites myself which I believe will be of use to my visitors.

I am getting a steady stream of daily visitors, so this may be of use to boost traffic to any site that is listed in the directory.

So, if you know of any good sites on Norway, or know anyone with a site who would like to be listed in the new FREE Norway Web Directory, then just let me know!!

Now, to start populating it....

Eurovision Winners 2009!!

2009-05-17T00:11:00.006+01:00

Congratulations to Norway on winning the Eurovision song contest 2009!!

Was the most votes a country has received since the contest started!

Great song from Alexander Rybak (shame none of the English commentators could pronounce his surname right!).

The UK came in 5th, which was a great performance seeing as how we are usually last in the show, but they changed the voting this year so it was more to do about the music than voting for your neighbour.

Looks like I will plan another trip to Norway for May next year then, good excuse to see Eurovision and see my friends at the same time.

I guess they will hold it in Oslo, but I wonder where they have big enough for a large audience, we shall see.

Site Content Suggestions

2009-05-12T22:09:00.005+01:00

Many thanks to those who have contacted me so far and all the kind things said about my site.

I have had a few suggestions from you for more content and to expand on what I have already said, so over the coming weeks I will add it to this site.

It has been good to see that I have been of help already to others thinking about emmigrating to Norway and hope I can be of help to many more.

Although, for some reason the most common search terms which people have found me for are "is there KFC in Norway" and "KFC Norway" and even things like "is there penguins in Norway", but hey, so long as I am found I dont mind :)

I am always thinking about other ways in which I can help, but its good that some of you have sent me suggestions already... keep them coming!!!

Look out for my new content soon!

And back again...

2009-05-01T21:27:00.001+01:00

Well, what a great trip that was, really enjoyed it.

Shame to be home, but life goes on I guess, just look forward to when I can go back.

Got to see some old friends and visit some places I havnt been to in about four years!

I will create a new section under "About Norway" called "Visits" and list a page each time I go back to Norway on a trip.

Make sure you read about my latest trip to Norway in April 09!

New April Trip to Norway!!

2009-04-04T16:25:00.001+01:00

It has been a while, but finally I have booked my flight to Norway and will be over there late April!! Really looking forward to it!

Will be visiting friends, seeing the sites and generally catching up on a few beers with the boys (and girls) :)

A friend of mine is giving birth over there in June so will see her before and will pop back later in the year to see their new baby boy! (Jon is a good name for a boy by the way, although norwegians would call it "Yon") hmm maybe not then.

So, I will be updating this site with more content including new experiences, photos and hopefully some video of the trip, so pop back in May for the new items!

New Topics

2009-03-09T21:43:00.001Z

I would like to create some new topics for my site, but I am not sure what people would be interested in knowing about.

I have had a few emails from people wanting to know a little more information about my experiences out in Norway and have replied to most. Its good to get some feedback and keep the communication going.

I hope to be going back to Askim, Ski and Oslo soon so will have more to say then and other items to add to the site, but I would like to keep building up the information within it.

So, any suggestions on what you would like to know about or see???

(dont forget, to post a reply just click on the "comments" link below this post)

cheers

Ticking along well...

2009-02-17T18:36:00.002Z

Well, its been a few months now since Phase 1 of the site was completed. The site seems to be ticking along well with a steady stream of visitors, mostly from the USA.

I have had some positive comments about the site so far and I am glad to have hopefully been of some use, either for someone inquisitive about Norway or perhaps someone looking to move out there.

Remember, you can still use the contact form on my site, should you want to ask me a question or anything related and I will be happy to get back to you.

I hope to be going back to Norway in April (depending on money) so will begin Phase 2 of the site, changing the look/feel and adding in more content such as new pictures, video and new experiences.

So stay tuned :)

How to use this blog

2008-11-11T11:30:00.001Z

If you are not experienced using Blogger then you may not know where or how to add your comments.

Its pretty easy and all you need to do is find the "0 comments" link below the post and click on it.

Then you will be redirected to a page where you can make a comment on this blog to a post I have made.

Hope to hear from you all soon!

Welcome

2008-10-04T11:37:00.001+01:00

Hi there,

Welcome to my new blog relating to my new website, www.mynorway.co.uk.

Over the course of time I will be listing here everything involving Norway, including planned trips to Norway, updates to the website, news etc which I hope you will find useful.

Norway means a great deal to me and I have experienced probably the hardest but best times of my life so far there, which is why I am passionate about the subject.

For all of you who either want to know a little about the country, or have a dream of emigrating out there, I hope I will be able to help you with this as best I can.

Lets see...