Smoke on the Water (Without the Smoke)

Water.  What could there be to write about this essential component of life?  There are at least a few points that can be made.

Norway has the best drinking water in the world!  Water from any faucet or tap is perfect for drinking.  The only reason to buy bottled water is that you have a container to put your tap water into.  The Norwegians claim that you can drink the water from any lake, stream or river; a claim that I have not tested but am inclined to believe.

 Carbonation or ice?  Americans love ice in their water whilst carbonated water is a rare request.   Europeans do not care for ice water but do like "fizzy" water.  In many European restaurants carbonated water is the default when asking for water; should you want normal water you would have to request "still" water.  European travelers to North American are bewildered by ice in water and sodas.

Speaking of water bottles, the Norwegians have extra thick plastic bottles for water and sodas.  Plastic bottles may be returned to the store (you do get your bottle deposit back) where they are collected, cleaned, sterilized and reused.  It is not uncommon to get a soda or water bottle that is scuffed up from repeated use.  In contrast, the plastic bottles in North America are intended for single use after which they may be recycled.

There you go, just enough about water to wet your whistle.

These Boots Are Made For Walking

I was asked by a French national what was one thing I missed about France.  My response was walking and riding my bike around town.

A little background information to help explain my response.  Europeans often commute and/or take care of errands by walking and/or riding their bicycles.  Vehicles are expensive to purchase, maintain and park so not everyone has access to one.  Enjoying the outdoors and getting exercise is important to daily life.  Sidewalks and walking/bike paths are everywhere.  If you live in a town or city you likely have grocery stores, bakeries, etc. within a 15 minute walk.  Older cities (think 500 years and older) were originally designed to accommodate horses and foot traffic so streets may not be suited for modern vehicular traffic.  In summary, walking and/or riding a bike is easy, practical and important part of life.

Let's compare and contrast North America.  The predominant attitude is "I have a right to own a vehicle.  I am going to exercise that right by getting the biggest vehicle I can and drive it as often as I can."  Towns and cities in North America are often in wide open spaces so things are spread apart.  Being a relatively young country city streets were designed to handle vehicles.  Sidewalks may be an afterthought in some residential areas.  The attitude toward cyclists and bike lanes is not always ideal.  Lastly, there are parts of North America that have more extreme weather than Europe making going outside potentially dangerous (i.e. summers in Houston at 95^o+ F (36^o C) with 90% humidity, or winters in Winnipeg at -25^o F (-30^o C)).  In summary, driving a vehicle is easy, practical and a “right” of life.

The North Americans attitude toward being outside, exercise, walking, bike lanes, etc. is improving.  Here in Houston over the past 8 years the city has installed around 100 miles of bike/walking paths, revitalized areas of town creating parks and green spaces, and added bike lanes to many streets.  Walking, running and bike riding are becoming the in thing to do., 

I miss being able to walk and ride my bike primarily because of logistics.  I walk or ride my bike as much as I am able but if businesses are far away, there are limited sidewalks or it is extremely hot out it is difficult.  I am grateful that our neighborhood has some sidewalks and there is a beautiful walking/bike path 10 minutes away.  I do what I can and appreciate what is available.

The Good Stuff

There are two unusual suspects in what we are extremely grateful to have now that we are back in the United States.  A person may not fully appreciate these items until they are in specific situations.

The first item that we are so grateful for is Puffs brand facial tissues, the basic kind with lotion.  Any cold or bought with allergies will validate this claim.

The second item that brings a smile of relief to the face is Charmin Ultra Soft toilet tissue.  No need to explain.

You can get good toilet and facial tissues overseas, but nothing compares to these particular product lines in these particular brands.  There is something to be said for extra smooth and soft tissues.

Flashback

As odd as it seems, through the turmoil and uncertainty of the current global pandemic I/we have been reminded of some pleasant memories of living overseas.  

Some aspects of the European lifestyle we enjoyed were the laid-back attitude, family time, going for walks, enjoying life and not constantly going at full speed every moment of the day.  These days I see streets and driveways filled with vehicles from people staying home.  Families are doing more things together.  Neighbors are talking with each other (at a safe distance).  Going for walks and bike rides is very popular.  With no distractions from sports, concerts, eating out, etc. life has become slower paced. 

As a family we are at the point where we are surviving in a manner similar to when we were new to a country.  When we arrived in Norway and France we didn't know anyone and everything was new and unfamiliar.  Our family unit was the source of comfort, strength and survival, much like what we are experiencing during our current days.

Trying circumstances have allowed us to relive some positive memories.