Road Trips

Road trips are a big part of Norwegian life.  We’ve taken many in Norway over the years.  There’s no better way to fall in love with the country than driving around in it.  The quaint farms at the water’s edge with red barns and white houses, the dramatic landscapes along the coast – all of it feeds my soul.  Having to stop for sheep and goats in the road only adds to the charm, and the very low speed limits make sure I don’t zip past a thing.

Nowhere is the saying, “The journey is more important than the destination,” more true. 

One year we went on a road trip with Cousin Odd and his wife Turid.  We headed south to visit the area where my ancestors came from.  Odd is a doctor and was very tired of listening to people complain all day about their various maladies.  He wanted this road trip far more than the rest of us. 

We stopped often for photo opportunities and “coffee.”  Coffee stops always include brown goat cheese on bread - the standard Norwegian breakfast, lunch, and in-between meal snack.  Norwegians bring their own food because it’s possible to drive for days and never find an open restaurant.  Even if one were open, they’re just too expensive.  Every few miles along many roads, however, are picnic tables on which to enjoy a coffee break.

I chuckled each time we stopped and Turid got out the coffee and bread with cheese.  Norwegians eat goat cheese several times a day, but they never tire of it.  When Odd took the first bite, he closed his eyes, smiled, and after a few chews he let out a celebratory, "Ahhh…" and then went on to tell me just how good it tasted, as if it were the first time he'd ever tasted such a thing.  He was in high spirits.  He savored everything about that moment - being free from his job and life’s responsibilities, and also being surrounded by the beauty of Norway.

Trying to estimate our arrival time to the hotel, I then asked Odd what time it was.  "It's a good time," he answered. And he was right.  It didn't really matter the time of day; the time we were having was what was important.  It’s what I love most about Norway.  Just being there.

After taking our first road trip with Stuart, a friend that visited us when we were in Norway this year, I asked him what he thought about all he saw.  “Well,” he said, “when I die and go to heaven, I think it will be one step down from Norway.”  He might be right.