4 September 2021 Friluftsliv - Open-Air Living

I need to start off by clarifying one of the quarantine restrictions. We are allowed out of the hotel for 2 hours at a time - not a maximum of 2 hours a day. Many days I have left the hotel after breakfast, walked (or even scootered) for 2 hours, returned to the hotel, then gone out for several other stretches of time. The closest "real" town is Lillestrom - about 3 miles away. I figured out that by the time I walked there, it was time to turn around. But with a little logistical planning, I was able to find a scooter (45 minute time limit), ride to town, walk around (not entering any stores or cafes because of quarantining), find another scooter, ride back, and make it home before my 2 hour time limit ran out.

I am averaging between 5-8 miles of walking a day, so I am not really "stuck" in my room. There are paved paths for biking and walking along almost all of the main streets, and I have been able to explore neighborhoods, riverbanks, farm fields, small towns, industrial parks, and even a ski hill.

What I've noticed is how much the Norwegians seems to enjoy spending time outdoors as well. And thanks to a friend of mine from home, I learned that the Norwegians have a term that describes their love for the outdoors: Friluftsliv - translated as "Open-Air Living."

According to a 9/11/2020 article in National Geographic, friluftsliv was a term coined by playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1859. It originally referred to wilderness trekking and avoiding civilization, but modern Norwegians (especially during the pandemic) have embraced the concept of spending time outdoors no matter the season or weather. While I have been very fortunate to have amazing weather this week- sunny and 72-80 F and low humidity every day - as a Chicagoan, I know that spending time outdoors in the winter is a challenge. Norwegians definitely have the right attitude about weather. There's a Norwegian rhyme that states, "There's no bad weather, only bad clothing." Truly words to live by.

From my time in the nearby towns of Skjetten (not much more than suburban houses with one strip mall, a small military airport, and a McDonald's - of course) and Lillestrom (a much bigger town along the river with shops, cafes, and plenty of outdoor parks), I have seen that Norwegians of all ages subscribe to friluftsliv. There have been walkers, joggers, bikers, and cross country roller-skiers - not surprising considering Noway leads in world championship cross-country skiing medals for both men and women.

In addition to these, there are many other outdoor sports and activities. Some of them are expected: soccer, mini-golf, ultimate frisbee, and skateboarding.

Others are a little more unusual: bee-keeping (there was an entire "how-to"), disc golf (an 18-hole course runs through the housing development), and even croquet.

I know that it's the end of summer, and that COVID has made many of us spend more time outdoors, but the Norwegians in this area have seemed to make the most of their opportunities for friluftliv.