Travel the World and Feel At Home

A question I get quite often on both sides of the Atlantic is "what is it like in (name of country)?"  The question is very broad but I would like to address it over several posts.  My primary perspective is that of a North American asking about Europe and in particular Norway and France.

After stepping off of the airplane in Europe a person may feel that they have not left the US/Canada as many merchants and products are global; Starbucks, McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, Dominoes, Coca Cola, M&M's, Snickers, Twix, Pringles, A&F, GAP, Levis, Nike, adidas, Reebok, 7-11, Relay, Swatch, Burberry, Armani, Sephora, Toys R Us, Apple, Samsung, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Best Western, Avis, Hertz and Enterprise to name a few.  A large portion of the songs on the radio are American.  The familiarity continues with American TV shows and movies.  In Norway, American TV/movies are in English with Norwegian subtitles.  The exception are children's programs which have Norwegian voice overs since the children may not know how to read English.  With the aid of language setting on your television some TV shows may be viewed in English, true for much of Europe.  English television networks can be found in many cities (CNN, CNBC, National Geographic, BBC, MTV).  Cinemas in the larger markets of France may offer foreign films in their original language (VO).  You may see familiar fashion brands (see familiar merchants above) and particularly with the youth you will see New York Yankees hats, NBA jerseys and other trends popular with youth culture of North America.  A very high percentage of Scandinavians speak excellent English.  In large European cities English will be common, especially in touristy areas and in restaurants and hotels.  Large tourist attractions often have brochures, guides and/or audio guides in English.  Pizza, burgers, sodas and junk food are everywhere.  WiFi is everywhere and often at higher speeds than in North America.  Luxembourg City has hot-spots at random spots on the street.  Estonia boasts of the ability to be virtually anywhere in the country and have WiFi.

The highest concentration of familiar Americana is found in large cities and touristy areas.  As one moves into smaller towns and the rural area the landscape may revert back to its natural/national/traditional position.

Europe is a continent where a North American can feel at home.  It is possible to visit Europe, have a great time and still have the comfort of familiar Americana.

Rumors, Gossip and Speculation

Lately I have been privy to some rumors, gossip and speculation with respect to our former house (see post "Money Pit").  According to our former neighbor there has been sporadic but loud activity at the house.  One day the neighbor's son passed by and the door was open; he noticed that the staircase to the upper level was gone, no minor feat considering that it was concrete.  Rumor has it Mr. R is looking to sell.  If the house is in fact being torn apart it may be that the shortcuts taken during construction are now in need of rectification resulting in a virtual re-build.  Oh to be a fly on the wall.

Come On In And Sit a Spell

When you live overseas it gives friends and family the opportunity to explore the world by visiting you.  Over the past few months we have had our home warmed by the presence of multiple guests.  In July we hosted friends from Norway.  August brought my mother-in-law (Kansas) for a visit.  In September our guests were people we did not know (California), friends of a friend (although the label "strangers" disappeared quickly).  Our most recent guest was my best friend growing up (Manitoba), known him for roughly 42 years.

The best thing about guests is being able to be with family and friends.  Our last guest commented that even though we see each other seldom but when we do it is a matter of seconds and it is like we were never apart.  We may not have known our September guests but being from the same country and of the same faith brought an immediate bond/connection.   Nothing beats catching up, laughing, rehashing tales of old and creating new memories.

One of the joys of having guests is "showing off" where you live.  Other than the obvious top tourist attractions there are the hidden gems, the out of the way attractions, the ones we stumbled upon by accident.  We also enjoy showing off our daily lives, going to the store, driving on crazy streets, encountering new customs and traditions, etc.  Our guests get to see what the travel brochures show and how life really is where we live.  What a pleasure it is seeing our guests experience people, places and things that they have only read or heard about before.  It is surreal to realize that what we use to consider as "exotic" has become our daily life, and it is fun to share a little of that experience with our family and friends.  Our guests get a better understanding of our lives and later when people, places or things come up in conversation they have more meaning to them.

We enjoy our visitors and would love to have more, just don't all come at once.