What’s your impression or imagination of Oslo?
Before I came to Oslo, I thought that people might be truly cold and in distance, and not so many places to visit for cultural activities. After staying for 1 week, I realized that I was wrong. The video narrative below reflects my precise and honest feelings towards this capital of Norway. “Proximity”, “strong community relations” and “keeping in distance” are the 3 key words which I give to this place.
How do you go there? By walk
Once you arrive at the Oslo International Airport, you only need to get a local train ticket (not the express one, which is more expensive) to the city center (Oslo S). Then most of your traffic is either by walk or by short-term metro! After my arrival, I did a quick scan of the city center… serene harbor part, some homeless people gathering in front of the church, parks and art museums, elegant and classic small restaurant… you could even smell the peacefulness and calmness in the air. The perfect time for walk might be the late afternoon (17H-19H). If you’re lucky enough, you could still get the sunshine and warmness.
Norvegians, determined people
From my observations, norvegians or people working in our Oslo office are quite determined and helpful. If they could feel that you have the similar spirits and ready to fight for the common goals, they’ll be truly generous and share what they have with you unreservedly. In three consecutive days, I’ve had meetings with them. No matter how many questions I raised, they were more than happy to give me responses.
When my colleagues and I had some after work drinks, or when I was on the eve of a show at the national theatre, people were more willing to reveal and amplify their feelings and emotions.
Sunny and Snowing at the same day. How poetic it is!
Do you believe that it coud be sunny and snowing at the same day? Here it is in Oslo. In my last 2 days, I went to the hill Vettakollen, which is a peak on the northern edge of the city between Holmenkollen and Sognsvann. On my way to the peak, the natural scenes and landscapes were so charming and tranquil that I almost lost in the mountain. I was not too worried until I saw several small pieces of snow falling in front of my eyes. After climbing the mountainside even with both my arms and feet, I went back to the right track luckily. When I arrived at the peak, the sun came back, and all my worries flied away. I met two young passionate new friends and listened to their stories of how they met each other due to music.
You couldn’t neglect Munch if you’re in Oslo
I went to Oslo National Museum and was totally stunned in front of the paintings from Munch… his colors, compositions, and characters on canvas… you could feel the firecely depressing atmosphere and the hidden true emotions depicted in his series of paintings. His paintings inspired me to reflect that, even nowadays, modern people are still trying to do something glamorous or high-classed but still suffering from the same sense of internal emptiness and pains.
