"Norwegians got all their viking aggression out early and now they're just wonderful people."

Before I get into talking about Norwegians, I’ll give you a little update:

Last Sunday, I took a day trip to Lindesnes, Norway to see the oldest and most famous lighthouse in the country. I learned that first lighthouse on the coast was a giant bonfire, and that even the most isolated islands sometimes housed entire families because of lighthouses. I also learned that lighthouse keeping would be the worst possible job for me—too much introversion—but that’s not exactly relevant considering most everything is regulated electronically now-a-days. And, naturally, I got a ton of really great pictures because Norway is awesome and lighthouses are cool.

Anyway, here are some insights I've gained about the wonderful Norwegian people. Obviously, just like any culture, not EVERY single Norwegian is this way, these are just the general characteristics I see and love on a day to day basis. 

What I love about Norwegians:

1. They’re dependable

Norwegians are always on time—if they say that they’ll be somewhere at 7, they’re likely going to arrive right at 7. Granted, this makes me feel like a terrible person because I’m not nearly as punctual, but their behavior has made me want to be early to everything so they don’t ever have to wait for me.

2. They’re really well dressed

This one says nothing about Norwegian character, but there are roughly 3823934134 H&Ms in Kristiansand alone, and everyone, men and women alike, take advantage of that. Never have I seen so many men in sweaters. Not complaining.

3. They are very aware of current events.

This may not just be a Norwegian thing, but a European thing in general—these people always know what’s going down in the world. I haven’t really met a person who hasn’t cared or didn’t know. Generally they all know before me and I’m the one that looks like an idiot.

4. They’re conscious of the environment

Everyone sorts their trash. And not just cans from trash--glass, cans, paper, and food. Then, when you take out the garbage, there are separate bins for each. There are bike lanes everywhere (granted, this probably doubles as a way to save money) and, based on how I’ve almost gotten hit by a cyclist, I happen to know how often they’re used.

5. Their relationship with alcohol

Norwegians are like that shy friend that gets drunk and becomes THE life of the party. Like, they were totally awesome before, but you feel like you’re witnessing this awesome transformation that will go down in history. The only difference is that Norwegians likely have more experience with alcohol than your shy friend.

6. Magic happens when the sun comes out

Most of the time, it’s overcast, cloudy, raining, snowing, sleeting, etc. But those few days a year when the sun decides to peak out from behind the clouds, suddenly everyone seems to pour into the streets. Children stumble out and play on the few (mostly small) playgrounds, ride bikes, and climb things. Adults walk their dogs around the city, or frolic alongside their kids. Older people walk slowly along the street, seemingly just enjoying the feeling of sun on their face. I saw someone meditating by the water yesterday. These people never lose appreciation for the sun.

7. Not only is crime not a thing in Norway, they can’t even fathom why it would be an issue.

At the beginning of my stay, I asked the housing office how packages got delivered. After being told it would be left outside my door, I asked if anyone had had theft issues with that, particularly if they weren’t around to retrieve it right away. My response was a look of confusion. Why would anyone take the package? I quickly learned that people DON’T steal in Norway. They don’t stab or shoot each other. They barely even insult each other. They don’t even litter.

8. They’re offended by what is offensive.

Sex is not offensive. Cursing is not offensive. The human body is not offensive. Norwegians are offended by what is offensive, like someone being oppressed or insulted or someone just being, in general, a jerk-wad. They’re offended by things like inequality in the world, not whether or not someone aired sex on TV.

9. They’re all about equality

If you’re on a date, you split the bill. No one makes rape jokes. People are much more open about their sexuality, whether that be straight, bi, or gay, because no one gets any crap for being different. In fact, there seems to be a lot more people with different sexualities because (I theorize) it is so much more accepted here, and they don’t feel the need to hide it. During my first week, a straight white guy I was talking to about politics referred to America’s attitude toward gay people (gay marriage in particular) as “deplorable.” They don’t get it. They think it’s ridiculous.

10. They are some of the most kind, genuine, and down-to-earth people I have ever met.

Norwegians aren’t going to lie to you. They’re not going to have ulterior motives. If they say they want to hang out with you, it’s because they actually do—there is none of that “oh my god we sooo have to get lunch sometime” that Americans do sometimes. At the beginning of my stay, Shelby and I walked in front of a car and almost got hit (our fault). The car slowed to a stop, and the person started speaking rapid Norwegian out of his window. When we said we didn’t understand, he then went on to ask us in English with friendly concern about whether we understood how this particular road worked. He wasn’t being sarcastic—he was concerned for us.

All in all, a Norwegian isn't going to smile at you when they walk down the street. They’re going to be really freaked out if you try and strike up a conversation with them in a grocery store, or if you tread too closely to the edge of their personal space. But if you give them time and patience, they’ll show how they are loyal, friendly, and, in my humble opinion, some of the best people on this planet. They are the hobbits of The Universe—just trying to enjoy some peace and quiet while they experience the simple pleasures in life.