As the idiom goes, those would be my famous last words. I should have noticed reality and the plans it makes in our absence. The interplay of the familiar and unexpected led to a year of discoveries and revelations. What I thought I knew about Norway — from climate to culture, language to lifestyle, and everything in between — was just the tip of the iceberg. As I celebrate a year in Norway this month, I have been reflecting on the year gone by and the new lens through which I appreciate my host country. It's time to close this brief chapter of my life with a careful consideration of two essential questions: What have I learned, and what does that mean for the future?

Things What I Have Learned

Before my move to Norway from the UK, I spent several months preparing myself for the transition to Oslo. This included reading "life in Norway" guides, talking to others who had emigrated, spending time in and around Oslo, and plenty of job interviews. My partner, herself from Norway, provided an excellent sounding board against which to try and ensure my thoughts were grounded. It's essential for anyone relocating to a new country to remain open-minded and flexible, ready to adapt to the unexpected and embrace the differences that make each place unique.  However, upon arrival, I quickly realised that I needed more preparation to completely align my expectations with the reality of living in a new country. I had failed to recognise my unconscious biases and how they would affect my expectations. These biases were challenged as I began to immerse myself in Norwegian culture. In retrospect, there may have been little more I could have done to prepare, and realistically, it's unlikely anything I did or could have done would have been enough.

Speaking of preparedness, do you know what a negative 20 degrees Celsius temperature feels like? I didn't, and experiencing it in Norway was a revelation. Norway is a predominantly coastal nation, but even close to the coast, the temperature feel can differ significantly between the concrete jungle of built-up areas and those closer to the sea. The coastal areas offer a slightly milder winter due to the warming effect of the ocean, making the cold more bearable. However, the biting cold can intensify as you move into the cities. The opposite is true during the summers, with built-up areas generating heat whilst the fjords offer a welcome cooling breeze. Norwegians have mastered the art of dressing appropriately for the conditions, with many technical materials and garments available to tackle whatever nature can throw their way. Taking a leaf from their book, I've invested in quality winter gear for my outdoor pursuits and cooling linen for the warmer months. I found it invaluable to consult local weather forecasts regularly, plan outdoor activities, and dress accordingly. Historical weather data helped inform my longer-term plans and has helped manage the headaches caused by the rapid changes in air pressure characteristic of coastal life. Understanding the coastal-inland temperature variations has been crucial in effectively acclimatising the Norwegian climate.

Ordinarily, accessing information in a foreign country means struggling through a language barrier, but that's different in Norway. The proficiency in English in Norway and the volume of data available in English pleasantly surprised me. Many Norwegians speak impeccable English, making day-to-day communication relatively easy for an English speaker. Something that has stood out is that, whilst English is widely spoken and well understood, colloquialisms could translate better. Learning Norwegian has been highly beneficial, contributing to understanding linguistic differences and enabling a shared understanding. More importantly, learning the language of your host nation shows respect for the local culture and helps in more intricate conversations or dealing with official matters. Before moving, I had begun learning a few basic phrases to assist in daily interactions. Since then, I've continued my studies and have enrolled in a language course. With continued learning, I hope to develop a deeper understanding of the culture and assimilate into Norwegian life.

During daily interactions with Norwegians, I noticed a difference in communication styles compared to what I was accustomed to in the UK. In Britain, we express a culture that values elaborate expressions and pleasantries. Conversely, Norwegian tends to be more concise, valuing directness and efficiency in communication. Initially, this brevity may seem abrupt or impolite to someone from Britain. However, understanding that this is a product of the language structure helped me appreciate Norwegians' straightforward and honest approach. It's essential not to misinterpret this as rudeness; recognising it reflects their communication style can lead to more effective and efficient exchanges.

I asked many people, emigrants and Norwegians alike, how much difficulty I could expect when trying to make friends here. Interestingly, almost universally, Norwegians were described as cold and challenging to form relationships with. A commonly supplied reason for this is the sense of transience innate to immigrants and a desire not to waste efforts developing relationships that will ultimately be severed. I was prepared for a brutal and isolating experience, but the reality I have encountered has been anything but. Everyone I have interacted with has been friendly, welcoming, and eager to help support my integration. Like in the UK, city people are busy getting on with their day. Once you get outside the urban jungle and start exploring the many picturesque spots in between, the people you encounter will happily greet you and perhaps even stop to chat. Hiking is deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture and is an excellent way to integrate into the community and make friends. Norwegians enjoy outdoor time and often engage in activities during weekends and holidays. Embracing this national pastime allowed me to meet like-minded individuals, bond over the shared experience, and explore Norway's stunning landscapes together. There are other ways to connect with local folks and immigrants, and I continue to find new and exciting groups that share my passions. For example, I have joined a Pokemon Trading Card Game league in Oslo and have spotted some exciting cycling groups I would love to join once I am more confident in my Norwegian listening ability.

Cycling in Norway is, as it would happen, a delightful way to explore the country's picturesque landscapes and cities. However, the varying topography, including many hills, can pose a challenge, especially if you're not an avid cyclist or at the peak of your fitness. I have long loved two-wheeled things, but I've packed on an extra pound or three over the last couple of years. Whilst the flats of Cambridge were easily conquered, the sheer inclines of Oslo were a frightening sight for my legs. I invested in an electric mountain bike in April, which has proven wise. The extra power on tap has flattened the hills and extended the range I can comfortably cover, allowing me to fully appreciate Norway's natural beauty on two wheels. It's a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation that aligns well with Norway's emphasis on sustainability and outdoor activities. Cycling infrastructure in and around Oslo is excellent, with a mixture of side-by-side and segregated lanes, separate signals, and well-sign-posted national cycle routes. Compared to my home in Cambridge, it is a night-and-day improvement.

For those less socially inclined, Norway's lakes and fjords are undeniably some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. The pristine, inviting waters offer a unique opportunity for relaxation and adventure. Swimming in the clean and refreshing lakes or fjords is an exhilarating experience, especially during the warmer months. Folks here enjoy this activity and consider it a part of their lifestyle. I was initially trepidatious, but my colleagues encouraged me to dip with them. Back home, swimming was an activity I enjoyed regularly. It combines aerobics with strength whilst allowing you to remove weight from the equation. After my first leap into the Oslo fjord, I quickly realised it is a safe, cooling way to immerse myself in Norway's natural beauty. The water is often bottomless and can play host to jellyfish. A life preserver and some hydrocortisone are a must.

Something that I was aware of before moving, but also an aspect of life in Norway that was hard to grasp before I had spent some time here, is the differences in the cost of living. It's a not insignificant expense anywhere in the world, and Norway and the UK are expensive in their own ways. A particular way that this manifests is in your grocery bill, especially in terms of protein. In the UK, the main proteins in my diet were chicken and beef. I could purchase a kilogram of good quality chicken breast for £6.50 from my local grocer and a kilogram of lean minced beef for just £5. I would divide these into meal-sized portions and freeze them until it came time to cook.

Conversely, in Norway, fish is the primary meat-based protein. A kilogram of salmon or white fish can be had for as little as NOK 100, though the quality varies. Though a component in a larger dish, it is more than sufficient. These differences have meant adaptation of my diet over time, and I now eat more plant-based than not. Chickpeas, beans, and lentils are high-protein options that add plenty of bulk to a plate whilst being friendlier to the planet and far kinder to my wallet. I've been encouraged to explore other ways to keep eating healthy while lowering my carbon footprint and improving my cost efficiency.

Similarly, a mistake I made at the start of my time in Norway was that I tried to think of my expenses in terms of how many pounds they would be. The exchange rate was approximately NOK 11,8 to 1 GBP when I arrived. That NOK 100 of salmon? It's about £8.50. What about the NOK 74 Starbucks on my way through town? Roughly a fiver. In a way, this did help me to create a reference point for value that fit within my existing economic model. Still, over time, it became a hindrance. When your income is in NOK, and your expenses are in NOK, it helps to think about NOK! When translating between the two currencies, it's clear that Norway is more expensive than the UK. However, salaries in Norway trend higher than in the UK for similar roles, and the cost delta is readily absorbed with more disposable cash at the end of the month. The initial adjustment was challenging, but a few months of retraining myself to think in Norwegian terms made the financial aspect of life in Norway feel more balanced and manageable.

So, what's next?

It has been an exciting year, and I've learned much about myself, where I came from, where I ended up, and where I'd like to be. Clearer to me today is that thriving as an emigrant in any new country necessitates a foundation of cultural open-mindedness and adaptability. It's essential to approach the unknown with an open heart and mind, consciously working to overcome the experiences of your former home. Exploring the little piece of Norway I inhabit here in the south has been great for my health. I'm fitter and more active than I have been in some time, and I regularly ignore the boundaries of my former comfort zone. I have climbed two mountains since I relocated and have plans to summit a third, something I never thought I'd do. My primary care physician is fantastic, and the treatment I have received from various departments in the healthcare system has been delivered with the kind of warmth and humanity that the UK's National Health Service had led me to fear no longer existed. It would be elementary for me to become complacent, to say that I've made it. I could put my feet up, but that would be a disservice to my progress in the last twelve months.

All that remains, then, is what comes next, and, in some ways, it feels anticlimactic. Engaging with nature has profoundly impacted my ongoing health and is something I'll continue to do. I'll summit more mountains, conquer more hills, and chew up as many miles as my legs allow. My diet has slowly but perceptibly shifted to a predominantly plant-based affair. I'm encouraged by the variety and quality and will continue exploring plant-based eats with excitement. Whilst English often suffices for communication, I'll invest daily in studying the Norwegian language and society to develop a deeper appreciation of life here. I'll continue relishing the Pokemon Trading Card Game with the friends I'm making at the Oslo Pokemon League. I'll finally join the Oslo Dawn Patrol for dawn rides on empty coastal roads. All of these activities will enhance my emigrant experience in the future, tighten my integration with the community, and allow me to foster meaningful relationships for the rest of my life abroad.

Until next time.