A few things are wrong here. 1) Norway IS in Europe (not in the EU). Scandinavia is part of the continent called Europe. Norway (and Sweden, and Denmark etc...) play in the European Championships (in all sports: football, handball, basketball, etc...) 3) Is also wrong (or at least is not a general rule). I got on the train from the airport to downtown Oslo. Most seats were taken so a Norwegian lady took down her bags from the seat next to her and invited me to sit beside her. We then had a 15-20 min friendly conversation about many things Norwegian from Ibsen to Magnus Carlsen, to weather in Bergen (where she was from), to Ole Bull - one of the most colourful figures of Norwegian culture. Not only that, but two more Norwegian ladies who were siting across from us joined in our conversation and fun.
You got two things wrong: No. 4. Norwegians usually eat pizza, sandwhiches snd such with their hands. They only use knives and forks when they are among foreigners because they believe that's how everybody else are doing it. No. 6. Norwegian complain about the weather all the time, it's a crucial part of our culture! But again, not when we are among foreigners. We can't let them know that we worry about the weather. You can actually use these as tests. No matter where in the world you were born and raised and no matter what colour your skin is or what God you pray to (or neglect to pray to): If a Norwegian is comfortable holding a slice of pizza in their hands in front of you or if they complain to you about the weather, you know you are officially accepted as a true Norwegian.
You are back!🎉 Been to Oslo last year and loved it! The modern and old style of it with nice nature combined. One day i am sure to live there and also see much more of Norway. It's great to learn more of Norway this way Anna. Seen al the previous video's❤ Have fun!
Traveling to Tromso in a little over a week! Been reading up a lot on the country and studying a bit of basic Norwegian. We're so excited! Mostly planning to explore the countryside and hike along the fjords. Should be the trip of a lifetime 😎
2:33: The Norwegian Krone was weakened, yes. "Slightly"? Well, today it has risen 10% compared to yesterday, but yesterday it was about 25% lower than we're comfortable with. I keep telling people this; if you're planning to come to Norway, you really should take your time and buy currency when it's cheap. Our currency is a global casino.
There's a lot of foods that we eat with our hands. We only use utensils for messy food. Non-messy food like tacos, sandwiches, pizza, hamburgers, waffles, pancakes and so on, we don't use utensils.
Great vlog as always! Norway is a very long country. If you turn Norway up side down. Where do we end up? In Italy! Keep up the good work Anna. Be safe!
Loud phone conversations on a bus, on a tram or in any public places are commonly frowned upon. Keep your voice down and respect others right to not get involved in your private life.
"Stop calling Norway Europe" ??? There's no contradiction of being in Europe and Scandinavia since Scandinavia is a part of Europe. No sane grown up Norwegian will dispute that. Europe > EU.
I love the irony and sarcasm of this video. The type of humor we Norwegians love, not understood by many foreigners🤭😅😈 Also toxic positivity is a thing, and I hate it. So many here does it without being aware… The majority of this video was great, and one of your best.Still a few wrongs rooted in stereotypes, and cultural biases bordering prejudice, but overall quite accurate. And Swedes are famously known for being better than us at being open, friendly and good at service. Why Oslo previously used to have so many Swedish workers. Not anymore tho and it shows.
Hi Anna, the videos are very interesting as always!👍 I have a question for you: is it possible to sing in public in Norway, for example singing in the mountains, singing on a walk?
Of course. Sure why not? As long as it’s not disturbing the piece and quiet: people and wild life, no one would care. Just not do it in front of people, as it will seen as weird, and noisy. I am Norwegian, grew up here and live here.
Well this is very individual and my mom (retired teacher in her 70’s) is a ethnic white Norwegian and she loves to get a cup of coffee and some pastry, and just sit down outside in public and people watch. Literally stare at them. She loves it nor does she find it weird or rude. And she will even nod and say hi. I find it embarrassing, as she’s not settle about it. She will stare you down lol. You can stare, but it depends on the stare it self. If you look at people rudely like you wanna fight or openly dislike them like making faces etc, that’s a totally different story. In some cultures staring is seen as rude, in others a sign of interest. In Norway, totally depends on the person, and the situation or context, timing and how you do it. It’s the awareness about cultural and social context as well as reference and without those things it’s only a stereotypical cliche if you don’t know Norwegian culture, norms, and social etiquette… ethnic white Norwegians tends to shy away from conflict as they are taught from an early age to not bother other people, to not disturb or be rude, similar to Japan, but not as severe. What may seem weird or look like being cold or avoidant to you foreigners, is actually the respect of other people’s personal space, and boundaries as we value personal space the most. This can sadly also result in apathy in some people, and they freeze or don’t react in certain social situations where they should react, but are afraid to, yet totally unaware. This is typically in the face of bullying, open conflict and violence, as I’m a trauma survivor of bullying and abuse so I know this very well, and I see it all the time too. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, and people are different. Not all Norwegians are like this, and it depends on age and generation as well as where in Norway you live. People tend to romanticize and stereotype Norwegians, but they forget we are all human. And Norway is in Europe, northern Europe Scandinavia to be in fact. It’s the epitome of a western democratic country. I live in Oslo, and people talk loudly on their phone all the time. Even on speaker. My ex friend used to watch videos on speaker. Cringe🤣🤣🤣 And I never eat a sandwich or pizza with utensils, unless a hot mess and it’s already falling apart and I’m not at home so can’t pig out in public for everyone to judge and see👀🫣🫠 And we do sit beside a stranger when we have to and the other seats starts to fill up, unless you wanna stand or sit on the floor. Nobody is gonna say anything or do anything to you if you do sit beside a stranger on public transport. Apparently they never been on a bus, metro or tram during rush hour. This is a stereotype. But the biggest contradiction of them all, Norwegians to complain about the weather, all the time. Never satisfied: too hot, too cold, too dry, too humid… we don’t do anything but complain. Privileged, entitled and 1st world problems indeed!
As a norwegian born and raised here ive never heard about us needing to eat every food with a fork and a knife. I eat pizza, sandwiches and burgers with my hands all the time and everyone else also
That was funny 'Hi Bergen' when saying if people didn't go out when the weather is bad, they would never go out, I must have been lucky, it was perfect weather when there. Saw the Northern light when camping at Haukland Beach on Lofoton, a 360° view completely surrounded by it. Even at the moment it brought tears to the eyes, and still does, because it was a spectacular show. An absolute must see if possible.
Very good video again, Anna :) And quite entertaining :) But I want to say something about "Vikings". I agree with you that the modern stereotype of Vikings are very different from norwegians today. The only problem is, the modern idea of Vikings are not very realistic. As a person who have spent many years searching for Viking culture, all I can say is, that the modern idea of Vikings have taken on it's own life internationally, and it would probably be very hard to change this with the popularity of "Viking" stories in media today. So, who knows the Vikings then, you may ask? Or, how can I say that the modern idea of Vikings are wrong? My answer would be that if you want to get the right idea of how Vikings were you have to go to the sources, and the translations that are made by people who have dedicated their lives to this. Ask yourself, what is the nature of a modern norwegian today? Behavoir, manners, ways of thinking, etc, will all somehow show in speech and actions. Please stay with me. My claim is that the nature of a person are created by the persons ideas, logic and imagination. To know the "Vikings" you need to know how they imagined the world. This is the part that is so hard to translate into a modern TV series. TV series have to be able to be immediately relateable to the viewers, so series like these kind of show a modern person dressed in Viking clothes, sprinkled with some Viking ideas here and there. I would still agree with you, to not call modern norwegians Vikings, because also norwegians get their ideas about vikings from modern media, just like anyone else in the world. But if you dig into the few sources that exist from viking times, you can find traces of behavoir and attitudes that still exist in modern norwegians. One example is the ideas of equality, between rich and poor, between men and women, and between old and young. We learn that these are all modern ideas, but if you look you will also find such ideas in the old sources. This thing you often mention, about personal space, can also be traced back in the oldest sources. In Havamaal, it states that you should never talk too much, and when you go into a place, take your time to look around before you engage anyone. Sounds familiar? Other ideas maybe be "don't put your trust in wealth", "don't drink too much", "share what you have with your friends, and even strangers", etc.... These ideas may not be that unique on an international level. Many other cultures share similar ideas, but some of them are more apparent in the norwegian, danish, and swedish peoples. So what is a Viking? Violent, hot headed, brave, cruel? Yes, to some extent, but probably not more than any other peoples around the world. Some of the most valuable imaginations of the Vikings, still seem to float around in the modern norwegians imagination, subconsiously. Of couse, modern ideas from all over the world are part of the mind of modern norwegians, but as you know, some things are still quite distict. Maybe "Viking" are still not the right word to use today anyways, from the reasons described, and the fact that the word "viking" were originally not a word for a people, but for a certain type of raider, or pirate. Just like we have mafia, and criminals today. So, should these people define how we look at our ancestors today? We don't define italians by the mafia, do we? I am not suggesting such a topic as this for your videos, but when you get deeper into living in norway you will probably find the differece between "Vikings" and "Vikings". There is an american called "Jackson Crawford" that has a very good RUclips channel on this topic. He has a Ph.D. on Viking culture and linguistics, and is very true to the sources. If you sould get into his channel, you will know more about the real vikings than most norwegians do. Maybe not what you are aiming for here, but I am just writing this as a tip as you dive deeper into norwegianness... just in case you would find it interesting.
If you are interested you can visit some old villages here in Norway where they are kinda playing out the old way of living. Like an amusement park kinda, where you can sit in a longhouse, join activities and all that stuff. They know so much and its a lot of fun.
This video is definitely what a person going to Norway the first time should watch. I used to always get “the looks” when I used to eat with my hands( being Indian that’s what we do here) and also the fact I couldn’t digest the first time that I had to ride from Oslo to Bergen and it took me 7 hours.
NOK - $ and - Euro It is not so good to accept other currencies in Norway when you buy something. Most banking services are free online or digitally - but money in general - Norwegians such as dollars or Euros have an exchange fee and it is an extremely high NOK 75. There are almost no banks in Norway - only offices - but in some places you can deposit money at machine to your account - but physical operation is very expensive.
In South America people like to complain, also the countries are almost always polarized. I'm from Brazil, in Brazil people are very communicative, it's easy to make friends. You talked about a supposed rivalry between Norway and Sweden, in South America there is a rivalry between Brazil and Argentina not only in sports but also in the economy. Greetings from Brazil🇧🇷 Cheers!🌻
You can see Northern Lights in Oslo. But well it is kind of winning the big prize in the Northern Lights lottery. If you are a tourist do not expect it all.
Norway is part of the EU, just not a full member. There was a politician who made norway a subject of EU by law, and then there was an election where the people voted no to membership.
I love no 5! I am NEVER late for anything, I am rather often 15-30 minutes too early for work every day. I hate when people say they will be somewhere in 30 minutes or at a specific time and show up late without saying anything. It is so disrespectful.
Hi anna what can say I know that norway is not part of the eu except finland is part of the eu and you're right the kroner money is weaker I can't use us dollars I only go to an exchange money machine to change from us dollars to kroner currency yesterday I check about the norwegian groceries store like meny the most exlpensive norwegian grocery store in norway I'd prefer to go to cheaper grocery stores like rema 1000 which is my favorite grocery store while I'm visiting norway in the future coop and kiwi
Well.. if you want a country with ready to eat, freshly made food - meny and coop will be your friends ☺️ Unfortunately not Kiwi nor Rema 1000 have ready to eat food counters 🙂
Hi Anna, That was awesome is really informative, some of the things your is quiet opposite from were I come from Nigeria especially you can speak to any body and discusse with strangers any time anywhere that is convinient for you to do so.
Lol you can do the same here, but it depends on the person and the situation/context to do so. Some will find it uncomfortable or rude as we value privacy and personal space here. And without the cultural and social context it will only be a stereotype and jus think Norwegians are rude or cold, but we are not. Same when it comes to volume. Talking and shouting in public is seen as rude. It’s pretty much similar to Japan in that aspect of caring about the people around you in public, as to not disturb anyone. Again some Norwegians do do these things regardless and again it’s very individually. It also varies between country side vs city/suburbs, and young vs old people. And like most people in the west, we where taught as kids to not talk to strangers etc. Doesn’t mean we won’t if we need help or ask a question. Again just common sense, social antennas and timing, as well as how you do it. Approach people calmly with respect and you will get the same back, most of the time…
i was in norway me and my bestfriend were laughing so much in a train ,i didnt even think about it as bad or something becouse in lithuania its normal to be loud
Hey! Thanks for this video. I'm going on a roadtrip through Norway and the end of May. I hope this is going to help. Rule nr 6 & 7 are gonna be really hard to follow.. I'm Dutch and in the Netherlands it's pretty much a way of life to complain about everything 😂 Especially the weather.. It is THE way to start a conversation with a stranger over here! But i'm the type of tourist who really likes to get to know the country and it's people. So how do i start a conversation? This is a genuine question!
How to start a conversation? Get drunk and say something controversial. And for the weather it's OK to point out that it's a bitch that there's snow in May, but keep it to one or two sentences, and then just stare out in the sky. Can't have too much eye contact 🙃
What she is saying isn't very true. Norway isn't officially in the EU. But my personal opinion is that Norway are in the EU. They clouded it all, by calling our membership EØS. (EEA) Norway have to follow all biddings, from Brussels. Norway had to allow Germany to build thousands of windmills, which produce power for the EU. The government in Norway raised power prices for Norwegians, because the Germans felt that they were discriminated against, if Norwegians didn't pay the same as all people, and companies in Europe.
If you cant organizate your life and be on the time on your apoitment, how do you want anyone to trust you to organizate his job? Just think...if you will a part for organizate the trains, the trains will be allways late becouse of you, then will be thousens people late
Ha ha! In Greece, complaining about the weather, politics, traffic etc. is a great way to connect with people. Of course you have to do it generally, and not be very specific, because you will have other problems! I have to adjust this when I visit Norway...
Can we speak in Norway or Can we talk to the Norwegians at all? I mean do they exchange good mornings etc? :) I'm gonna visit Oslo soon and I hope i can order something to eat or drink without using sign language :) Tusen tak
As a Norwegian, you can call Norway Europe. We're europeans. Just because 50-70% don't want to join the EU doesn't mean that we don't feel European. The reason many don't want to join is mainly due to us being disconnected geographically, fishing rights and that since we are richer people feel like we would be giving more in aid than we would get out of it.
@@Alex-ed8vj my grandfather had a brother that emmigrated to Vancouver in the 50s . I dont know anything about his family over there. 🌍he had the same name as me. Strømnæss. Difficult to traze cause he is dead now. Greetings from Norway 🙋♀️🌄🌞
@@irenestrmnss4496 I visited Norway this July (just returned) and I loved the country and its people. I chatted with a few of them (on the train, on the trails - mostly very friendly). The one thing one of them told me (he was 73) impressed me greatly. he said: "the petroleum fund does not belong to us but to our children and to our grandchildren - that's why we only spend 4% of it every year. " Words to live by!
@@AnnaGoldmanTravel No, there are no polar bears up north. "Up north" doesn't include Svalbard. This isn't how the concept is used in Norwegian. For something to be part of "up north" it must be on the mainland.
Norwegi have cuple lows, and evrythink is dependend. If you are europian citizen, then you have your the shengen deal and the europian law, not only norwegian. Lot of projects in Norwegy, are supotred from EU money. For take money from EU, the goverment have sign documents they are respect EU rules and law. About ventilation...norway does not have its own standardization institute and everything is sent to sweden for certification. Sweden pays a lot of attention to EU regulations because their goods go to the EU
Recently visited Napoli, and ate my Margherita with fork and knife, when possible. 😎 PS! I’m that creepy weird Norwegian dude that holds eye contact with people. Where else should I look?
🤣🤣🤣 I can imagine the faces of Italians watching you eating pizza with the fork and knife 😁 Definitely creepy! You’d be the only Norwegian person who does that 😁
Well this is very individual and my mom is a ethnic white Norwegian and she loves to get a cup of coffee and some pastry, and just sit down outside in public and people watch. Literally stare at them. She loves it nor does she find it weird or rude. I find it embarrassing, as she’s not settle about it. She will stare you down lol. You can stare, but it depends on the stare it self. If you look at people rudely like you wanna fight or openly dislike them like making faces etc, that’s a totally different story. In some cultures staring is seen as rude, in others a sign of interest. In Norway, totally depends on the person, and the situation or context.
Both too much and too little eye contact is strange and the limits are culture based. As a Norwegian my psychopath radar is activated by to much. Too little and I'm guessing it's shyness or asperger.
These Norwegian rules more or less applies to Sweden too. In addition to #8, do not touch Norwegians. As for the weather during summer in south Norway. Even Arabians complains about the tropical heat in Norway.
What's up with dragging agent history (which in reality is that the union with Denmark was quiet simply due to us being a country for several centuries, for then to having to hand over the area that's todays Norway to Sweden in 1814 in the settlement after the Napoleon war. The good, old Danish/Norwegian country happened to be pretty darn helpful to the evil Frenshman in the sea, while Sweden served on the good side) into the Norwegian people voting against a membership in the EU?? It's some truth in us having a certain resentment against being obligated to obay by rules that is't necessarily supported my our majority. But this is basically due to our country being way richer- and way less populated than the other nations, as the outcome would be getting a bigger fee, as that's being regulated according to the country's wealth, at the same time as we'd have less votes due to our lower population.
NO! JUST BECAUSE you're Danish, Swedish, Norwegian DOESN'T AUTOMATICALLY make you "viking"! 🤔🙄😒🤨😠 Being "viking"...IS AN OCCUPATION, NOT NECESSARILY a "people" per se! GET YOUR HISTORY RIGHT! 😮💨
What you say about eye contact is not true. Eye contact and a smile is very important for us. I feel uncomfortable when walking around and meet people and cannot get any eye contact. Or else there is some truth in your 13 elements. I watch all your videos because they are informative and most of all funny.
Oh - I have heard exactly the same before. Some is on the spot, a couple of things are a bit mythical. Typically for foreigners who don,t know the culture and people good enough. Did you really experience all this yourself? I would feel offendet if people did not look me in my eyes when I,m talking to them.
We was 2 weeks in Norway...i mean the nature in the north is beautiful (not south) but the culture is soooo boring. Boring people, food, cuture, bad Coffee... Glad i do not live there. Also its cold in summer.
If you want the norwegian come by hiself close to you, you must smeal nice and fresh, also try to talk quiet...he will come closer to you to hear you ;)
![NOSFERATU - Official Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters December 25](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nulvWqYUM8k/mqdefault.jpg)
It wasn't cold, your mic wasn't properly dressed for the occasion.
🤣🤣🤣 so true! 🤪 I’ll dress it better next time ☺️
@@AnnaGoldmanTravel cool, I'm curious to see what that will look like 😊
🤔🤣
A few things are wrong here.
1) Norway IS in Europe (not in the EU). Scandinavia is part of the continent called Europe. Norway (and Sweden, and Denmark etc...) play in the European Championships (in all sports: football, handball, basketball, etc...)
3) Is also wrong (or at least is not a general rule). I got on the train from the airport to downtown Oslo. Most seats were taken so a Norwegian lady took down her bags from the seat next to her and invited me to sit beside her. We then had a 15-20 min friendly conversation about many things Norwegian from Ibsen to Magnus Carlsen, to weather in Bergen (where she was from), to Ole Bull - one of the most colourful figures of Norwegian culture. Not only that, but two more Norwegian ladies who were siting across from us joined in our conversation and fun.
You got two things wrong:
No. 4. Norwegians usually eat pizza, sandwhiches snd such with their hands. They only use knives and forks when they are among foreigners because they believe that's how everybody else are doing it.
No. 6. Norwegian complain about the weather all the time, it's a crucial part of our culture! But again, not when we are among foreigners. We can't let them know that we worry about the weather.
You can actually use these as tests. No matter where in the world you were born and raised and no matter what colour your skin is or what God you pray to (or neglect to pray to): If a Norwegian is comfortable holding a slice of pizza in their hands in front of you or if they complain to you about the weather, you know you are officially accepted as a true Norwegian.
In the rush hours time. You can sit next to someone BUT outside the rush hour period. Do not sit next to someone if it can be avoided
You are back!🎉 Been to Oslo last year and loved it! The modern and old style of it with nice nature combined. One day i am sure to live there and also see much more of Norway. It's great to learn more of Norway this way Anna. Seen al the previous video's❤ Have fun!
Traveling to Tromso in a little over a week! Been reading up a lot on the country and studying a bit of basic Norwegian. We're so excited! Mostly planning to explore the countryside and hike along the fjords. Should be the trip of a lifetime 😎
2:33: The Norwegian Krone was weakened, yes. "Slightly"? Well, today it has risen 10% compared to yesterday, but yesterday it was about 25% lower than we're comfortable with. I keep telling people this; if you're planning to come to Norway, you really should take your time and buy currency when it's cheap. Our currency is a global casino.
There's a lot of foods that we eat with our hands. We only use utensils for messy food. Non-messy food like tacos, sandwiches, pizza, hamburgers, waffles, pancakes and so on, we don't use utensils.
Going to visit Norway next week. Can’t wait to see your gorgeous country! Thanks for the fun tips.
Ahh that’s amazing 🤩🤩 welcome to Norway and enjoy your stay!
Really enjoyed this video.
Aww thank you so much ☺️🤗
I’m so happy you enjoyed it ☺️
Great vlog as always! Norway is a very long country. If you turn Norway up side down. Where do we end up? In Italy! Keep up the good work Anna. Be safe!
Ther IS one thing that Swedes are better at than Norwegians: Being Swedish!
You're welcome.
i think swedish poepele are nicer than norwegian
And making meatballs.
Number three is true, don't have a loud phone call with someone, but as a Norwegian you are still allowed to calmly chat with someone.
Loud phone conversations on a bus, on a tram or in any public places are commonly frowned upon. Keep your voice down and respect others right to not get involved in your private life.
Even in 🇺🇸 I dislike loud conversations when someone is on the ☎️📞. It's your gossip and business not the 🌍🌎🌏.
@@thewatchmen4920 haha? I just imagine someone shouting to the phone about the weather
I'm from Norway, I will say this video was pretty damn accurate, and as a Norwegian I can confirm that what you're saying is correct
Aww thank you very much ☺️🤗🤗
I’m so happy my observation was correct!
Do you mean she is not joking? Norway is Hell!
Not really. I sit next to people on the bus every day to and back from work and we complane alot. We are Offcourse also a European country.
@@rob7230 Norway is great! So beautyfull and safe, lots of nice things to do.
@@AnnaGoldmanTravel never ever
Hahanice! Thanks for create and share ❤
My pleasure!
"Stop calling Norway Europe" ??? There's no contradiction of being in Europe and Scandinavia since Scandinavia is a part of Europe. No sane grown up Norwegian will dispute that. Europe > EU.
I think the eating with hands part is kinda off. But i guess it depends on who you hang out with
I love the irony and sarcasm of this video. The type of humor we Norwegians love, not understood by many foreigners🤭😅😈 Also toxic positivity is a thing, and I hate it. So many here does it without being aware…
The majority of this video was great, and one of your best.Still a few wrongs rooted in stereotypes, and cultural biases bordering prejudice, but overall quite accurate.
And Swedes are famously known for being better than us at being open, friendly and good at service. Why Oslo previously used to have so many Swedish workers. Not anymore tho and it shows.
Hi Anna, the videos are very interesting as always!👍 I have a question for you: is it possible to sing in public in Norway, for example singing in the mountains, singing on a walk?
Of course. Sure why not? As long as it’s not disturbing the piece and quiet: people and wild life, no one would care. Just not do it in front of people, as it will seen as weird, and noisy. I am Norwegian, grew up here and live here.
@@kilipaki87oritahiti just don't want to disturb anyone's peace and show disrespect, you helped me, thank you very much!
We like street singers, come and busk !!! Many in big cities. Go on a mountain and sing opera if you like. You are welcome!!! 😅😂
Loved the presentation ❤
Well this is very individual and my mom (retired teacher in her 70’s) is a ethnic white Norwegian and she loves to get a cup of coffee and some pastry, and just sit down outside in public and people watch. Literally stare at them. She loves it nor does she find it weird or rude. And she will even nod and say hi. I find it embarrassing, as she’s not settle about it. She will stare you down lol. You can stare, but it depends on the stare it self. If you look at people rudely like you wanna fight or openly dislike them like making faces etc, that’s a totally different story. In some cultures staring is seen as rude, in others a sign of interest. In Norway, totally depends on the person, and the situation or context, timing and how you do it. It’s the awareness about cultural and social context as well as reference and without those things it’s only a stereotypical cliche if you don’t know Norwegian culture, norms, and social etiquette… ethnic white Norwegians tends to shy away from conflict as they are taught from an early age to not bother other people, to not disturb or be rude, similar to Japan, but not as severe. What may seem weird or look like being cold or avoidant to you foreigners, is actually the respect of other people’s personal space, and boundaries as we value personal space the most. This can sadly also result in apathy in some people, and they freeze or don’t react in certain social situations where they should react, but are afraid to, yet totally unaware. This is typically in the face of bullying, open conflict and violence, as I’m a trauma survivor of bullying and abuse so I know this very well, and I see it all the time too. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, and people are different. Not all Norwegians are like this, and it depends on age and generation as well as where in Norway you live. People tend to romanticize and stereotype Norwegians, but they forget we are all human. And Norway is in Europe, northern Europe Scandinavia to be in fact. It’s the epitome of a western democratic country. I live in Oslo, and people talk loudly on their phone all the time. Even on speaker. My ex friend used to watch videos on speaker. Cringe🤣🤣🤣 And I never eat a sandwich or pizza with utensils, unless a hot mess and it’s already falling apart and I’m not at home so can’t pig out in public for everyone to judge and see👀🫣🫠 And we do sit beside a stranger when we have to and the other seats starts to fill up, unless you wanna stand or sit on the floor. Nobody is gonna say anything or do anything to you if you do sit beside a stranger on public transport. Apparently they never been on a bus, metro or tram during rush hour. This is a stereotype. But the biggest contradiction of them all, Norwegians to complain about the weather, all the time. Never satisfied: too hot, too cold, too dry, too humid… we don’t do anything but complain. Privileged, entitled and 1st world problems indeed!
I'm Norwegian American and have so many of these characteristics!
As a norwegian born and raised here ive never heard about us needing to eat every food with a fork and a knife. I eat pizza, sandwiches and burgers with my hands all the time and everyone else also
Great share! I’ve always wanted to visit Norway
That was funny 'Hi Bergen' when saying if people didn't go out when the weather is bad, they would never go out, I must have been lucky, it was perfect weather when there.
Saw the Northern light when camping at Haukland Beach on Lofoton, a 360° view completely surrounded by it. Even at the moment it brought tears to the eyes, and still does, because it was a spectacular show. An absolute must see if possible.
As a Norwegian i learn that Norway is a part of Europe an i dont eat pizza whit fork and knife but and it aint wrong
I love this video 😊 thank you
Norway is larger than (therefore better than) Sweden but smaller than Denmark on Hwy 321 in South Carolina. Hope this makes your day.
Very good video again, Anna :) And quite entertaining :) But I want to say something about "Vikings". I agree with you that the modern stereotype of Vikings are very different from norwegians today. The only problem is, the modern idea of Vikings are not very realistic. As a person who have spent many years searching for Viking culture, all I can say is, that the modern idea of Vikings have taken on it's own life internationally, and it would probably be very hard to change this with the popularity of "Viking" stories in media today. So, who knows the Vikings then, you may ask? Or, how can I say that the modern idea of Vikings are wrong? My answer would be that if you want to get the right idea of how Vikings were you have to go to the sources, and the translations that are made by people who have dedicated their lives to this. Ask yourself, what is the nature of a modern norwegian today? Behavoir, manners, ways of thinking, etc, will all somehow show in speech and actions. Please stay with me. My claim is that the nature of a person are created by the persons ideas, logic and imagination. To know the "Vikings" you need to know how they imagined the world. This is the part that is so hard to translate into a modern TV series. TV series have to be able to be immediately relateable to the viewers, so series like these kind of show a modern person dressed in Viking clothes, sprinkled with some Viking ideas here and there. I would still agree with you, to not call modern norwegians Vikings, because also norwegians get their ideas about vikings from modern media, just like anyone else in the world. But if you dig into the few sources that exist from viking times, you can find traces of behavoir and attitudes that still exist in modern norwegians. One example is the ideas of equality, between rich and poor, between men and women, and between old and young. We learn that these are all modern ideas, but if you look you will also find such ideas in the old sources. This thing you often mention, about personal space, can also be traced back in the oldest sources. In Havamaal, it states that you should never talk too much, and when you go into a place, take your time to look around before you engage anyone. Sounds familiar? Other ideas maybe be "don't put your trust in wealth", "don't drink too much", "share what you have with your friends, and even strangers", etc.... These ideas may not be that unique on an international level. Many other cultures share similar ideas, but some of them are more apparent in the norwegian, danish, and swedish peoples. So what is a Viking? Violent, hot headed, brave, cruel? Yes, to some extent, but probably not more than any other peoples around the world. Some of the most valuable imaginations of the Vikings, still seem to float around in the modern norwegians imagination, subconsiously. Of couse, modern ideas from all over the world are part of the mind of modern norwegians, but as you know, some things are still quite distict. Maybe "Viking" are still not the right word to use today anyways, from the reasons described, and the fact that the word "viking" were originally not a word for a people, but for a certain type of raider, or pirate. Just like we have mafia, and criminals today. So, should these people define how we look at our ancestors today? We don't define italians by the mafia, do we? I am not suggesting such a topic as this for your videos, but when you get deeper into living in norway you will probably find the differece between "Vikings" and "Vikings". There is an american called "Jackson Crawford" that has a very good RUclips channel on this topic. He has a Ph.D. on Viking culture and linguistics, and is very true to the sources. If you sould get into his channel, you will know more about the real vikings than most norwegians do. Maybe not what you are aiming for here, but I am just writing this as a tip as you dive deeper into norwegianness... just in case you would find it interesting.
Exactly :) I am also interested in real Viking culture, Havamal and all the stuff and can confirm it as well ❤
If you are interested you can visit some old villages here in Norway where they are kinda playing out the old way of living. Like an amusement park kinda, where you can sit in a longhouse, join activities and all that stuff. They know so much and its a lot of fun.
@bearofthunder Don't be afraid of using paragraphs. They're helpful for people who want to read what you wrote.
This video is definitely what a person going to Norway the first time should watch. I used to always get “the looks” when I used to eat with my hands( being Indian that’s what we do here) and also the fact I couldn’t digest the first time that I had to ride from Oslo to Bergen and it took me 7 hours.
I talk to everyone Anna. I’m from Brooklyn, we are loud, love to talk and eat our fried chicken, pizza and fries with our hands.
NOK - $ and - Euro It is not so good to accept other currencies in Norway when you buy something. Most banking services are free online or digitally - but money in general - Norwegians such as dollars or Euros have an exchange fee and it is an extremely high NOK 75. There are almost no banks in Norway - only offices - but in some places you can deposit money at machine to your account - but physical operation is very expensive.
You can also see northern light in Narvik :)
In South America people like to complain, also the countries are almost always polarized. I'm from Brazil, in Brazil people are very communicative, it's easy to make friends. You talked about a supposed rivalry between Norway and Sweden, in South America there is a rivalry between Brazil and Argentina not only in sports but also in the economy.
Greetings from Brazil🇧🇷
Cheers!🌻
Didn't know that, today I learned.
Can't say we are have rivalry in economy or not, but I am sure there are people that look at it that way.
You can see Northern Lights in Oslo. But well it is kind of winning the big prize in the Northern Lights lottery. If you are a tourist do not expect it all.
Norway is part of the EU, just not a full member. There was a politician who made norway a subject of EU by law, and then there was an election where the people voted no to membership.
Great help. So given the Norwegians like their personal space, I assume you wouldn’t reach out to shake their hand.
I love no 5! I am NEVER late for anything, I am rather often 15-30 minutes too early for work every day. I hate when people say they will be somewhere in 30 minutes or at a specific time and show up late without saying anything. It is so disrespectful.
Hi anna what can say I know that norway is not part of the eu except finland is part of the eu and you're right the kroner money is weaker I can't use us dollars I only go to an exchange money machine to change from us dollars to kroner currency yesterday I check about the norwegian groceries store like meny the most exlpensive norwegian grocery store in norway I'd prefer to go to cheaper grocery stores like rema 1000 which is my favorite grocery store while I'm visiting norway in the future coop and kiwi
Well.. if you want a country with ready to eat, freshly made food - meny and coop will be your friends ☺️
Unfortunately not Kiwi nor Rema 1000 have ready to eat food counters 🙂
Wish you could do a video about Trofors
As soon as I’m there I will 😉🤗
Hi Anna,
That was awesome is really informative, some of the things your is quiet opposite from were I come from Nigeria especially you can speak to any body and discusse with strangers any time anywhere that is convinient for you to do so.
Lol you can do the same here, but it depends on the person and the situation/context to do so. Some will find it uncomfortable or rude as we value privacy and personal space here. And without the cultural and social context it will only be a stereotype and jus think Norwegians are rude or cold, but we are not. Same
when it comes to volume. Talking and shouting in public is seen as rude. It’s pretty much similar to Japan in that aspect of caring about the people around you in public, as to not disturb anyone. Again some Norwegians do do these things regardless and again it’s very individually. It also varies between country side vs city/suburbs, and young vs old people. And like most people in the west, we where taught as kids to not talk to strangers etc. Doesn’t mean we won’t if we need help or ask a question. Again just common sense, social antennas and timing, as well as how you do it. Approach people calmly with respect and you will get the same back, most of the time…
im from norway and i see the green mistress dancing in the sky
Perth people seems more friendly and helpful. I tend to pick up conversations with everyone. Norway sounds to reserve for me.
^^ Missed your Norwegian vids ^^ would love a video where you try to speak norwegian
Aww thank you so much ☺️🤗🤗
Check my last video 😉 I did a little bit at the end ☺️
i was in norway me and my bestfriend were laughing so much in a train ,i didnt even think about it as bad or something becouse in lithuania its normal to be loud
Hey! Thanks for this video. I'm going on a roadtrip through Norway and the end of May. I hope this is going to help. Rule nr 6 & 7 are gonna be really hard to follow.. I'm Dutch and in the Netherlands it's pretty much a way of life to complain about everything 😂
Especially the weather.. It is THE way to start a conversation with a stranger over here!
But i'm the type of tourist who really likes to get to know the country and it's people. So how do i start a conversation? This is a genuine question!
How to start a conversation? Get drunk and say something controversial.
And for the weather it's OK to point out that it's a bitch that there's snow in May, but keep it to one or two sentences, and then just stare out in the sky. Can't have too much eye contact 🙃
What she is saying isn't very true.
Norway isn't officially in the EU. But my personal opinion is that Norway are in the EU.
They clouded it all, by calling our membership EØS. (EEA)
Norway have to follow all biddings, from Brussels. Norway had to allow Germany to build thousands of windmills, which produce power for the EU.
The government in Norway raised power prices for Norwegians, because the Germans felt that they were discriminated against,
if Norwegians didn't pay the same as all people, and companies in Europe.
If you cant organizate your life and be on the time on your apoitment, how do you want anyone to trust you to organizate his job? Just think...if you will a part for organizate the trains, the trains will be allways late becouse of you, then will be thousens people late
In the Netherlands People complain a lot. Love it that they don't.
My wife would never fit in because she’s always late.
I am from Norway 🇳🇴
Make a video about those Royal HO´s and the Shaman!
12:47 thank god she said that
Very nice your country
give a job, ill come you hav
Been in Norway 37 years, eating pizza with fork and knife is not common lol
#1 is the opposite: Norway is in Europe. On the other hand you should not call the European Union for Europe! Europe has 45 countries, the EU only 27.
wait finaland is not scandinavian?
you are wery funny Anna.JP.🙂like it.
HI Anna. I am living in Oslo. Just arrived from Brazil. Your videos are very helpful. Glad you are back to Norway.
I would agree that Norway is very far from the Hollywood-version of Vikings, but when did Hollywood ever get anything _right_?
I have never related to a nationality more in my life as someone who lives in britain.
Ha ha! In Greece, complaining about the weather, politics, traffic etc. is a great way to connect with people. Of course you have to do it generally, and not be very specific, because you will have other problems! I have to adjust this when I visit Norway...
I love your videos going to Norway this summer made my own Channel so I can document it iam looking for a good video maker to use
I eat alot with my hands. Bread, pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, chocolate, french fries, waffels, so that is not true. Be aware about stereotypes.
And fruit of course.
Such a fun video! I'm a Norwegian and all the things you say are so true, lol.
Aww thank you very much indeed 🤩🤩
I’m soooo happy to be approved by Norwegians themselves ☺️
Thank you very much ❤️
So- pretty much like being around my American-Norwegian family, with a few exceptions. Gotcha.
"My theory on making friends anywhere. Let them come to you for admiration, and that is their opportunity to befriend you. "
- a Norwegian citizen
Can we speak in Norway or Can we talk to the Norwegians at all? I mean do they exchange good mornings etc? :) I'm gonna visit Oslo soon and I hope i can order something to eat or drink without using sign language :) Tusen tak
Veldig bra Anna . 🥰
As a Norwegian, you can call Norway Europe. We're europeans. Just because 50-70% don't want to join the EU doesn't mean that we don't feel European.
The reason many don't want to join is mainly due to us being disconnected geographically, fishing rights and that since we are richer people feel like we would be giving more in aid than we would get out of it.
And wtf, you only eat pizza with fork and knife if you're in a fancy restaurant
I just found out I'm Noruegan at heart
I savner min norge.. i like ur videos
I have sat next to others on the bus many times in my long life. I am norwegian
It is true. I am a Canadian and sat besides Norwegians in the bus (when I visited Oslo) and they were friendly and courteous.
@@Alex-ed8vj thank you !!!🙋♀️😊
@@Alex-ed8vj my grandfather had a brother that emmigrated to Vancouver in the 50s . I dont know anything about his family over there. 🌍he had the same name as me. Strømnæss. Difficult to traze cause he is dead now. Greetings from Norway 🙋♀️🌄🌞
@@irenestrmnss4496 I visited Norway this July (just returned) and I loved the country and its people. I chatted with a few of them (on the train, on the trails - mostly very friendly). The one thing one of them told me (he was 73) impressed me greatly. he said: "the petroleum fund does not belong to us but to our children and to our grandchildren - that's why we only spend 4% of it every year. " Words to live by!
Polar bears don't [DO NOT] actually walk down Norwegian streets? What the fuck😢
🤣🤣 terrible, isn’t it?? Like what’s even the point to go there 🤪
Joking ☺️ there are places up north where you can see the polar bears ☺️
@@AnnaGoldmanTravel next question, those guys are like 14 feet tall, and those claws😁
@@AnnaGoldmanTravel No, there are no polar bears up north. "Up north" doesn't include Svalbard. This isn't how the concept is used in Norwegian. For something to be part of "up north" it must be on the mainland.
That was a funny comment
Hello Anna ✌❤
Hello Charles ☺️🤗
The biggest problem I WOULD'VE there's is thousands and thousands of beautiful ladies ♥️❤️💗💓
Norwegi have cuple lows, and evrythink is dependend. If you are europian citizen, then you have your the shengen deal and the europian law, not only norwegian. Lot of projects in Norwegy, are supotred from EU money. For take money from EU, the goverment have sign documents they are respect EU rules and law. About ventilation...norway does not have its own standardization institute and everything is sent to sweden for certification. Sweden pays a lot of attention to EU regulations because their goods go to the EU
Recently visited Napoli, and ate my Margherita with fork and knife, when possible. 😎
PS! I’m that creepy weird Norwegian dude that holds eye contact with people. Where else should I look?
🤣🤣🤣 I can imagine the faces of Italians watching you eating pizza with the fork and knife 😁
Definitely creepy! You’d be the only Norwegian person who does that 😁
Well this is very individual and my mom is a ethnic white Norwegian and she loves to get a cup of coffee and some pastry, and just sit down outside in public and people watch. Literally stare at them. She loves it nor does she find it weird or rude. I find it embarrassing, as she’s not settle about it. She will stare you down lol. You can stare, but it depends on the stare it self. If you look at people rudely like you wanna fight or openly dislike them like making faces etc, that’s a totally different story. In some cultures staring is seen as rude, in others a sign of interest. In Norway, totally depends on the person, and the situation or context.
Both too much and too little eye contact is strange and the limits are culture based. As a Norwegian my psychopath radar is activated by to much. Too little and I'm guessing it's shyness or asperger.
1. True Norway isn't part of the EU, but it's definitely part of Europe. The EU and Europe have 2 different meanings.
I learned something from this video. I think I might be Norwegian!
Could be 😉 thank you very much for watching ☺️🤗
Have you ever been to Norway?
@@AnnaGoldmanTravel not yet but i should be in Oslo in 2 weeks :)
Are you being paid by the Norwegian state to advertise the country for immigrants because they need population?
Are you being paid to ask stupid questions?
Norwegian here - great video. 👍🏼
These Norwegian rules more or less applies to Sweden too. In addition to #8, do not touch Norwegians.
As for the weather during summer in south Norway. Even Arabians complains about the tropical heat in Norway.
What's up with dragging agent history (which in reality is that the union with Denmark was quiet simply due to us being a country for several centuries, for then to having to hand over the area that's todays Norway to Sweden in 1814 in the settlement after the Napoleon war. The good, old Danish/Norwegian country happened to be pretty darn helpful to the evil Frenshman in the sea, while Sweden served on the good side) into the Norwegian people voting against a membership in the EU?? It's some truth in us having a certain resentment against being obligated to obay by rules that is't necessarily supported my our majority. But this is basically due to our country being way richer- and way less populated than the other nations, as the outcome would be getting a bigger fee, as that's being regulated according to the country's wealth, at the same time as we'd have less votes due to our lower population.
Can't help thinking only a dumling would expect Polar Bears outside of the Polar areas haha 😂
Dont complain about that sound, its just bad audio system....😂😂 im sorry but i just had to ❤
6:29 😂😂😂😂😂 why don't you change it 😅😅😅
NO! JUST BECAUSE you're Danish, Swedish, Norwegian DOESN'T AUTOMATICALLY make you "viking"! 🤔🙄😒🤨😠 Being "viking"...IS AN OCCUPATION, NOT NECESSARILY a "people" per se! GET YOUR HISTORY RIGHT! 😮💨
Never never never never ever say at you like Sweden or don’t like Haaland
Great video. You look so at home their
Aww thank you so much ☺️🤗
It does feel like home 😉
What you say about eye contact is not true. Eye contact and a smile is very important for us. I feel uncomfortable when walking around and meet people and cannot get any eye contact. Or else there is some truth in your 13 elements. I watch all your videos because they are informative and most of all funny.
Oh - I have heard exactly the same before. Some is on the spot, a couple of things are a bit mythical. Typically for foreigners who don,t know the culture and people good enough. Did you really experience all this yourself? I would feel offendet if people did not look me in my eyes when I,m talking to them.
I never want to eat the fish pudding
I'm italian and cannot be able to go to Norway! I always complaint about everything, and think Sweden and EU are great! What a pity!
Sounds like you need to grow up
Norway is in Europa though
Geographically yes .. but the rest is totally different ☺️
Many’s god points here 😂🇳🇴
im norwigan so lets see
We are part of EØS not EU (EU is not geographical Europe)
We was 2 weeks in Norway...i mean the nature in the north is beautiful (not south) but the culture is soooo boring. Boring people, food, cuture, bad Coffee...
Glad i do not live there. Also its cold in summer.
If you want the norwegian come by hiself close to you, you must smeal nice and fresh, also try to talk quiet...he will come closer to you to hear you ;)