A Little "Living in Norway" Humor

I came across this list describing "Life in Norway." It seemed to be funny and true, at least from my perspective. A little stereotyping going here, but oh well! Any American who has spent a good deal of time in Norway knows what I mean when reading this. :)

1) You start to believe that if it wasn't for
Norway's efforts the world would probably collapse pretty soon.

2) You can only buy your own drink at the bar even
when you are with a group of people.

3) Can't remember to say "please" and "excuse me".

4) Always prepare to catch the closing door if
following too closely behind somebody.

5) When a stranger on the street smiles at you, you
assume that:

a) he is a drunk
b) he is insane
c) he is American
d) he is all of the above

6) Silence is fun.

7) You use "mmmm" as a conversation filler.

8) You think there is no such thing as bad weather,
only bad clothing.

9) You know Norway's results in the last three
years in the Melodi Grand Prix song-contest (Eurovision).

10) It seems nice to spend a week in a small wooden
cottage up the mountains with no running water and no electricity.

11) You know at least five different words for describing different kinds of snow.

13) You know the difference between blue and red ski wax.

14) You don't fall over when walking on ice.

15) You associate Friday afternoon with a trip to Vinmonopolet (government liquor store).

16) You think nothing of paying 400 NOK (ca $ 50)
on drinks one night.

17) You know that "religious holiday" means "lets'
get pissed".

18) You find yourself more interested in the alcohol
content than in the name of the wine.

19) You enjoy the taste of lutefisk (jelly-like, bad-smelling fish).

20) You think it's acceptable to wrap your hot dog
on a cold pancake.

21) You associate warm rice porridge with
Saturday and Christmas Eve.

22) You can prepare fish in five different ways
without cooking it.

23) You don't question the habit of always making "matpakke" (sandwich in paper).

24) It feels natural to wear sport clothes and
backpack in the cinema as everywhere else.

25) You find yourself speaking halfway Swedish
with Swedes.

26) You can't understand why foreigners haven't
heard about Bjørn Daehlie.

27) You know the meaning of life has something to
do with the word "koselig" (cozy).


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