First Impressions of Life in Oslo

Parliament Building in Oslo (all photos in this article taken by me in the past few days in Oslo.)

Last Thursday, I moved to Oslo on the record-breaking hot day I described in my latest newsletter. The following days I spent in Oslo like a tourist does when exploring an Andalusian city in mid-summer: walking in a T-shirt, wearing sunscreen, searching for shadowed streets, and checking out air-conditioned shops I would completely ignore in milder temperatures. 

After years of living in Stockholm and Ottawa, I know this weather in Nordic latitudes will not last long - or it shouldn't; nowadays, all bets are off. Days will soon shorten until there is hardly any daylight left to enjoy, and the lush green parks of Oslo will be covered with snow. There's a certain charm to the extreme seasonal shifts in these northern latitudes, and I look forward to experiencing Oslo's winter and comparing it to Ottawa's brutal cold. 

Returning to Scandinavia is a feast of recognition: the candy-colored architecture, the food, the shops, and the friendly people. Norway is a wealthy, equalitarian, safe, relaxed, happy, and social society that consistently ranks in the top ten countries in the World Happiness Reports. The Netherlands and Norway ranked six and seven in the latest report. Only when comparing the top ten of this list over the past few years, did I notice Norway slipped a bit in the ranking, leaving most of the top spots for other Scandinavian countries. But any spot in the top ten is a comfortable place to live compared to the rest on the happiness list of 146 countries.

Slottsparken: the Palace Park surrounding the Royal Palace.

One of the first things I noted on my first stroll through the city was that the people looked lean, well-dressed, beautiful, and healthy. Joggers are everywhere in the city's many parks, inspiring me to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Oslo must be at the other end of the obesity spectrum of Las Vegas, where I'm shocked each time I pass through on my journeys in the American West by the unhealthy looks of its visitors. I passed more gyms in Oslo than fast-food franchises, which is another sharp contrast with Vegas. 

Not surprisingly, Norway also consistently ranks in the top ten of the world in life expectancy. The country has an excellent public healthcare system that provides high-quality medical care and preventive services to all citizens. Combine this with a healthy lifestyle of open-air living, a passion for sports, and consuming a well-balanced Nordic diet that is rich in fish, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and berries. 

The architecture reminds me of the years I lived in Stockholm.

Other factors contribute to a high life expectancy, which you will recognize from the famous Blue-Zone studies of areas where people grow older and are in relatively better health than the rest of the world. The country's strong social support network helps reduce stress and provides a safety net for citizens. There is also a strong sense of community; 96% of Norwegians believe they have someone to rely on in times of need, fostering social connections that support well-being. Norway also has low levels of air pollution, well below the OECD average.

My first days in Oslo, with its blend of urban sophistication and proximity to wild nature, feel like the start of another exciting chapter in my life. I'm eager to experience life in Norway and will share my experiences in this newsletter. 

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