Almost Perfect Timing

Well, its 2:30 here in Sweden and the sun should be going down soon, so I’ve sat down to write in this cozy little house of Alice’s complete with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and advent stars. Quite familiar with the numbed feeling of hands, feet, and ears, and a runny nose after coming in from a cold weather jaunt, I believe few experiences match that of one’s digits warming back up while sipping tea and eating gingerbread cookies around the holidays.

Already being in Sweden, I should probably be kind enough to inform you of my adventures in Norway and being in the heart of Scandinavia for the first time.

I think the first few hours in a new place are the most crucial to noticing differences and observing as much as possible, because after that you start to get a little used to the culture and what you are seeing. For example, yes its true, there are tons of beautiful blondes here (even more so in Sweden..). The trains are so quiet approaching, and smell so clean on the inside. It reminds me of Switzerland, but more exciting in a way. I subconsciously get the sense that lots of Norwegians know how great their country is, so they have an extra confidence and treat the country[‘s systems] with more respect in order to keep that reputation, creating a circle effect. I could be completely wrong though. The Norwegians don’t seem cold but also not super peppy, just content with life.

I stayed with the parents of a friend’s friend; I had never met them but was immediately welcomed with a warm dinner and subsequent fireside chat. I spent the first few days exploring Oslo, going to the folk museum, the Christmas market, and visiting Holmenkollen, the famous ski jump and site of the 1952 Olympics as well as many World Cup races.

The much anticipated event, though, was going to watch the Lillehammer World Cup race for Nordic skiing. Lillehammer is like the European version of Lake Placid if you’ve ever been, having hosted the 1994 Olympics and consequently being full of housing/hotels and souvenir shops. After a free shuttle (thank God) up to Birkebeineren Ski Stadium, I learned that there is (not surprisingly) a fee just to be a general spectator of the races. Forget entering any special areas without a VIP pass or special bib on besides the space set aside for viewing. Being there was kind of surreal, surrounded by megatron TVs and video cameras flying across cables above the stadium/race course. The event is hugely media oriented because so many Norwegians watch from home, so you are actually able to see much more of the race up close sitting on your own couch rather than being there. But at home the fatigue on the athlete’s faces isn’t as real, you can’t see every muscle in their body working to create flawless and powerful movement throughout the entire course. You can’t hear all the children screaming Marit Bjørgen’s and Petter Northug’s names or… the pins and needles as your veins slowly freeze from not having enough warm clothes… I was also very happy and surprised to bump into the father of one of the US woman skiers who has coached me in past years; to meet up with someone halfway across the world who I so commonly used to see at home cheering on the sidelines during Eastern Cup races was very cool.

My only regret is not choosing to stay for the next day of races, when Jessie Diggins took first in the freestyle 5k against athletes in their hometown/country who learned to ski before they could walk! Agh, still beating myself up over it… so close but so far away. Nonetheless, a very memorable day!

#main