Dutch New Year

I've been gone for the New Year's weekend, celebrating with good friends in the Netherlands. It was a lot of fun, and rather than telling a lot about it, I'll share some of my photos. (All photos: Norwegianthinker, December 2006 / January 2007). Here we go:



Bikes in Utrecht



Utrecht, December 2007



Dutch countryside.



The fantastic Kröller - Müller Museum - Van Gogh paintings.



New Years celebration with Norwegian and Dutch friends in Utrecht.



Fireworks in Utrecht.



New Years breakfast in Utrecht.

 

Amsterdam



Amsterdam bikes.

Hamlet - Prince of Denmark

I'm back from the theatre after almost three hours in the wonderful, scary, beautiful world of William Shakespeare. What is it about this author - he lived more than five hundred years ago, but he still captures me with wisdom, wit, truth, passion, challenging questions and a lot of humor. To look into hate, to look into love, betrayal and passion, like in tonight's play Hamlet, helps us and reminds us that there is a world both out there and within us that challenges us to live more passionately. That's not necessarily about DOING a lot, but more about an attitude. Maybe we are to acknowledge the passion within, to look for it in humans around us, to listen for it in our faith, in love and even to acknowledge our anger and desperation? Mr. Shakespeare reminds me once again that we are to live our lives to the fullest, to draw out every drop of life as long as we've got it!


Aksel Henie as Hamlet (Photo: John Hughes, Oslo Nye Teater)

Death, new life and autumn

Autumn in Oslo (Photo: Norwegianblogger September 2006)

After a long, warm and sunny summer autumn is finally here. It's getting darker every day. Today it's foggy, humid and grey, and it's nice to be inside, listening to some good music and looking at the trees changing colors. A couple of weeks ago I went on a bike ride in parts of Oslo and I brought my camera (of course J ). In the middle of one of the residential areas of the town I found this motive. I went down on my knees, unpacked my camera and shot the photo. Seeing it made me once more think of the amazing cycle we call the seasons, the ever changing cycle of death and new life. I've seldom seen it more apparent than here, the new branches literally coming out of the death of the old tree. Wow – that's what we see every year isn't it – especially when you have four seasons like here. Usually life is connected to spring, but here it is, in the middle of the autumn; new life finding its way through death and misery. Nature speaks to us I believe. Are we able to read the signs?

London slidshow

This summer I went to London. I've posted some of my photos here before, but thought it could be fun to share more. I constantly have to go back to London. If you have any stories from being there, or if there are any suggestions for things to do, feel free to post it here. Here's London through my lense in July 2006:


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I wish I was an eagle

I've always enjoyed flying, no - more than that - I've always LOVED flying. I've done it a lot, but I still sit glued to the window enjoying the view from above. If I could have been an animal I would definitely have been an eagle spreading my wings across the sky :)

Yesterday I went to Bodø in Northern Norway for my work. Here are a few glimpses from my flights.


Northern Norway (Photo Norwegianblogger September 2006)

Take-off from Bodø (Photo: Norwegianblogger September 2006)

Above the clouds (Photo: Norwegianblogger September 2006)

The Harvest Moon (Photo: Norwegianblogger September 2006)

Royals and humanitarians

The Crown Prince, The Crown Princess and Minister of Internatioal Development Erik Solheim from the Socialist Left Party (Photo: Norwegianblogger 2006)

I went downtown yesterday - and in the middle of the city centre of Oslo HRH Crown Prince Haakon and HRH Crown Princess Mette Marit celebrated their five year anniversary of their marriage with a concert / presentation of 20 organizations that helps people in different parts of the world. Five years ago they decided that instead of presents they wanted their guests to contribute to a fund. Since then the royal couple have helped thousands yearly. In addition to that, they put a focus on a lot of important causes. The Crown Prince is deeply involved in the fight against poverty, while the Crown Princess is putting a focus on HIV-aids (they both participated in the big HIV-aids conference in Toronto earlier this year). I went to a UNDP (United Nations Development Fund) meeting earlier this year that was about the responsibility for the worlds governments to fight poverty and saw the Crown Prince taking notes and listening intensely to the different lectures. It's not only that they are working on these causes, but they are incredibly well-read and very well informed.

HRH Crown Princess Mette Marit and HRH Crown Prince Haakon in Oslo August 26, 2006. (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

Mette-Marit and Haakon are doing a great job, and they're able to represent Norway and their (our) generation in a wonderful way. I think it's hard to be enthusiastic about the monarchy as a constitutional form, but I've no problem in supporting this couple. I listened to the radical, socialist representative of the Cabinet today, Minister of International Development Erik Solheim (Socialist Left Party), and it was somewhat strange to listen to him praise the Royal family for their work (His party calls for an overthrow of the Monarchy every year in the Parliament). He was incredibly enthusiastic and was embraced by the Crown Princess :).

I wish them many happy years - and I hope they'll continue with this great combination of being Royals and Humanitarians!

Even though this picture is a little blurred I like it. The Crown Princess among the people - Photo: Norwegianblogger, August 26, 2006.

Any limits for technology?

A couple of days ago I invited some friends over to see Wim Wenders' movie "Until the end of the World - the Directors cut". I bought it when I was in Italy last year. The movie is four and a half hours, so its really an experience.

The film raises some difficult, but interesting questions. Are there any limits to what we as humans are supposed to know? Are there any lines we shouldn't cross? Is there something that is holy and not for us to mess with?

Every person in the movie seems to be confused and unsure of their place in the world. Through technology they think they find a lot of answers when they're able to make movies of their dreams, but it makes them self-absorbed and insulated.

I've seen this movie several times, but I always feel the last part challenges me to think about how we live our lives. Wim Wenders paints a dark future where technology isolates us when it's used to explore the mind, but maybe we're better off? Is technology more of a tool for communication these days or is technology itself pushing us further towards isolation and egocentrism? Is technology only a tool for better living and community - or could it be an obstacle for the same? Are we given opportunities through technology we really shouldn't have?

The Aborigines in the film were convinced that there are limits to what we are to know; there are things that are holy, there are lines that shouldn't be crossed. Knowledge should never lead us to isolation, but should be shared in a setting of reverence and respect. Holiness means that things are to be put in context, not to be used for personal gain exclusively - that leads to egocentrism. What consequences are there for technology? Is technology neutral or an instrument for our worst nightmares?

I do wonder if it's the technology that is bad or if it's our use of it? The problem in the movie was probably not that the technology was there, but that they didn't have the ethical grounding to resist the temptation of being obsessed by themselves, and to use the technology to be even more egocentric. The quest for understanding isn't always to be strived for when it leads to self-absorption and isolation. Does it lead us TO community or OUT of it? That's sometimes the question. I guess we have to be aware of that in this blogging community as well? Are we here to worship our egos (and make others do it) or are we here to seek community and SHARE our lives with others.... OOOoooooops! Difficult question...... Have to process that myself.

What then about the monastic tradition you might ask? Well, isolation in religious movements is about community as well. Sometimes we have to shut out the noise of the world to be able to listen for the spiritual dimension - to find spiritual community with God and others. That, I believe, is to be strived for. That might give us the ethical grounding necessary in this confusing world.

What do you think?

Death

It's late; it's in the middle of the night. There's a candle-light in my window; I've got a wonderful CD with Annie Lennox on; I've seen an amazing movie (The Princess and the Warrior) by Tom Tykwer, one of my favorite directors. I feel content and happy - and I'm thinking about death. Does that sound strange? Maybe, but being aware of my mortality makes me feel intensely alive. To sit here and feel that I don't feel any pain, I've got work, I've got friends and family that cares for me, I even have some wonderful friends here in Cyberspace that have given me a virtual community that brakes down all barriers of borders and continents. I'm here and I'm alive, but one day I will not be here anymore. I leave this existence behind and I'm dead. As a teenager I dreamt that I died. It's one of the most intense dreams I've ever had. I was catapulted upwards in spirals of light, energy and speed - and the strange thing was that I felt intensely ALIVE, free of my body, free of my limited thoughts and emotions; on my way HOME. I've written about HOME several times in this blog and I think it's a reality. Sometimes I feel lost, a few times I can feel alone, hurt and wounded but I know I'm on my way HOME. Sometimes there's a glimpse of home here, but through life and death, nothing going to stop us - we're on our way!

Palestine, Israel and Lebanon

People of the Middle East (All photos: Norwegianblogger)

I haven’t really written much about the situation in the Middle East in this blog. It’s incredibly difficult to be objective and there are many load voices wanting us to share their views. In spite of this I don’t think we should be silent. We are all responsible as part of the human race to care, to use our thoughts and hearts to contribute and to say it out load and clear that we are all brethren: Israelis, Palestinians, the Lebanese and the rest of us. There’s so much suffering and pain in the region and the question is: Are we entitled to speak about this conflict when we’re living far away, not being personally involved? Am I entitled?

At times I’ve spoken to people from the region and I’ve heard that as a Norwegian I can’t understand the situation, and I guess there’s truth in this, but that’s when we look at ourselves as Israelis, Palestinians or Norwegians. We shouldn’t forget that we’re all first and foremost human beings, in need of others, craving for understanding, love and someone who cares, and frightened to death by war, pain and loss. Most of us have experienced loss, the emptiness and rage we feel when a loved one has lost his life, in accidents, in sickness or in war. At a personal level we’re living in a situation where death is as evident in our lives as life. It’s a part of being human.

How are we to understand and how are we to be able to lift our voices in a situation as the one in the Middle East? It takes time and I guess we have to listen for what we have in common; our humanness. Are we able to forget the dividing lines and listen to the joys, the pain and the fright in the voices of the people in the region? I’m not saying that we are not to criticize or argue about politics, but I think we have to start with acknowledging our common humanness.

A few years ago I was in Southern France, in a little idyllic town called Menton. From the hostel there’s a view of the Mediterranean and the beautiful coastline of the Cote D’Azur. A very peaceful setting and the porch is a wonderful place for conversations with people from different parts of the world. One evening I met an Israeli couple in their early twenties. This was during a very turbulent time in Israel with a lot of suicide bombings, and they said that it was incredibly difficult to get it off their minds. Even in peaceful Menton they were not able to let it go. At the beach they’d seen some luggage and thought immediately that it was a bomb. They had to convince themselves that they were in France and that nothing would harm them there. Every time they went out to a café, a disco or to meet their friends in a public area in Israel they went out with the knowledge that they could be killed. From a very early age this was a part of their daily lives, and after twenty years with this kind of fear, it was a part of their mindset.

How are we to comprehend this? Do we have these kinds of experiences as Norwegians? Probably not, but it’s very close to what could be called a phobia. Some of us are scared of heights, of open places, of masses of people, of birds or of insects – it’s a part of our mindset. Sometimes it really makes life difficult. Living with fear is not easy, but probably also a part of being human. Being scared could either make us distance us from others or draw us closer to each other. To acknowledge your own fears and to share your thoughts about them could help us understand and recognize our common humanness. By listening to this Israeli couple I was connected to them, because I could relate to my fears and was able to get an impression of how it is to live in conflict. The difference between a phobia and the situation in Israel is that in this situation the fear is justified. This couple had lost friends and family, and knew that next time it could be them. As a fellow human being we should be outraged of the fact that someone has to live with fears like this!
Later I’ve listened to Palestinians who are forced to stand in lines for hours just to be able to visit relatives or get to work, being abused, yelled at and treated like second-rate citizens, treated differently because of their ethnicity and background. A sad, sad situation! Are we able to relate? Have we been abused, yelled at or treated differently because of ethnicity, gender, orientation or age? Yeah, unfortunately it’s a part of being human, but who are we to make walls, to separate people because of their ethnicity, to abuse, to look down at, to treat differently? We should be outraged!

Lebanon – a country caught between the actions of their neighbors, a more or less innocent bystander to groups and countries making this beautiful country into a battleground. Losing inhabitants in massacres and attacks that should make the world outraged!

Well, the peoples of the Middle East are outraged, and they have every right to be filled with rage, but where does it leave us as human beings? Our rage could separate us or draw us closer. Do we see each other as human beings or as representatives of nations or groups or as the enemy? Politics is not about actions between politicians, it’s about fighting for the right of the Israeli couple to live without fear of being killed when they dance to celebrate life, it’s about the Palestinians right to lift their heads and walk freely to their neighbors, to be met by a smile instead of a gun, it’s about the Lebanese people’s right to live peacefully, but when it all comes down it’s about our rights as human beings to live in peace, to love, to talk freely, to share life with all, and to see our neighbors as brothers and sisters, here to make this earth our common HOME. Please politicians, please Palestinians, please Israelis, please Norwegians and Africans, Americans, Asians, Europeans, Australians; make this world a home for all of us!
People of the Middle East & me (All photos: Norwegianblogger)

From Cyber band to real band (for me)

Something Sally in Concert, Oslo, July 2006 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)


It's been an interesting day indeed. A couple of months ago I was introduced to a band called Something Sally through the web. I listened to some of the songs on their page and was immediately attracted to the music. They've got a sound and a style that is right up my alley. I was surprised to read that they actually are Norwegians, even though they now have their base in the UK. For a long time they've announced that they would have a concert here in Oslo at the 29th of July, and since I liked their music I wanted to be there. It was fun to listen to this band that has been a cyber band for me for some months now. Afterwards I was even able to have a nice, little chat with Sally and Thomas from the band and I had fun shooting a couple of photos of the two of them.

Something Sally in Concert (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

Sally and Thomas from Something Sally (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

Five different artists / bands within the soul - genre contributed to this day's concert and it was great fun listening to them. I even had some interesting conversations with a guy that happened to sit beside me in the audience. After talking for some hours I was again made aware of the fact that every single person in this world has their own story - and it was great listening into one more of these stories. After this I met four of my friends for dinner, conversations and a movie.

Paris Photoblog

Paris - I'm out of words. Here are a few of my photos from my days in Paris (All photos: Norwegianblogger, July 2006).

Notre Dame de Paris

Parisian street

Petit Palais

Fashion photography in La Défense, Paris

Something to eat anyone?

The Eiffel Tower - the symbol of Paris

London photoblog

I've spent great days in London, Paris and Ålgård. Instead of writing a lot of words I've chosen a few photos from my travelling in the last couple of weeks. Photos sometimes says more than a thousand words. Here's London through my lense in July 2006 (All photos: Norwegianblogger). I'll be back with more photos later.

Tate Modern Cafe, London

At the South Bank.

St. Paul's Cathedral seen from the South Bank.

A great day with Barbara from Tolouse

Temple Church, London

Happy after a great Al Jarreau consert at the Tower of London.

Photoblog from a summer day in Oslo

One of the many joys of having visitors from out of town is the possibility of some sightseeing in Oslo. Here are a few of our experiences from yesterday (All photos: Norwegianblogger July 2006)

A visit in the Botanical Garden in Oslo





Changing of the guards outside the Royal Palace in Oslo

Never walk alone?

Gustav Vigelands art in Frognerparken, Oslo (Photo: Norwegianblogger, July 2006)

I've been to Frognerparken here in Oslo today with a good friend's family. To see this park with kids puts another perspective on the whole experience. The park is filled with statues by artist Gustav Vigeland showing human beings from birth until death and everything between. The artist portrays grief, jealousy, joy, innocence, love, hate and loneliness through groups of statues. All the statues are naked and I'm reminded of Sting's song "FRAGILE". How fragile we are as humans: We love, we hate, and we are lonely and happy. We're lost, we're found, but the question is: Do we walk this road alone or are we here to walk it together? I've had some great conversations through e-mail today, and it makes me believe in sharing more of this life. Do I dare to let other influence me; do I dare to let others lead the way or do I dare to walk my path in spite of what others say? I don't know, but at least I'm glad to feel that there's a road ahead - waiting for me to walk it. I think I will join the Liverpool supporters in this great truth and hope for our fellow man (and myself): You never walk alone!


Frognerparken, Oslo (Photo: Norwegianblogger, July 2006)

Joy of Summer

Summer in Oslo (All photos: Norwegianblogger, July 2006)

I'm having the best possible summer vacation. Lazy days in the sun and in the water, having a great time with friends and family. Time to reflect, converse, be lazy, do nothing, have photo expeditions, time on my computer and to "waste" time. I'm loving it!

Drøbak at the fjord

Enjoying vacation at the Oslo fjord near Drøbak (Photo: Norwegianblogger July 2006)

Yesterday I joined my sister to the little village of Drøbak, located where the Oslo fjord is at its smallest. It's a village with wood houses and a great location next to the fjord. First we spent some hours in the sun outside of the village before we had dinner and a walk in the village (or is it a city?). Three ferries and the enormous cruise-ship Jewel of the Seas passed by while we were there. I let the photos speak for themselves (All photos: Norwegianblogger July 2006). Today it's the fourth of July: I guess there will be fireworks and a lot of fun in the US today! All the best to all my American friends!





Jewel of the Seas passing Oscarsborg Fortress and Drøbak (Photo: Norwegianblogger July 2006)

The best start

I've had the best start possible for my vacation. Thursday was my last day at work and I went out for dinner with three colleagues. Had a great time at Aker Brygge with a view of the harbor and the islands in the Oslo fjord, when you add sun and a warm breeze from the fjord it's great. Yesterday morning I went on my bike along the Aker River ("Akerselva") to Kjelsås. I spent 2 - 3 hours in the sun and was even able to get a little sunburned. Some of the time I spent listening to Jan Kjærstads book "Forføreren" (audio book), a funny and great book from one of Norway's best authors. In the evening I went to a friend’s house in the countryside right outside of Oslo for a barbeque. It was exciting because of a lot of the people where new to me, in other words; I've never met them before.

Marion's House (Photo: Norwegianblogger June 2006)

Flowers in Marion's garden (Photo: Norwegianblogger June 2006)

Some people are just born to be the perfect hosts: Marion is one of them. Her house could have been featured in a design / style magazine and is a cozy, warm setting for gatherings of friends. Coming to a place with a lot of unknown people could be awkward, especially for Norwegians - we are not like the Americans :), but not at Marion's; great conversations, delicious food, and friendly people. I've had the best start possible for my vacation.

Summer vacation

It's the first day of my vacation, the sun shines, it's warm and my bike is waiting for me. In the evening I'm going to a barbeque. I've got more than FIVE weeks vacation ahead and I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest. I'll visit London, Paris and Ålgård, have friends visiting here and visit friends, but most of the time I'll just enjoy my wonderful hometown OSLO. Summer vacation: I'm ready for you!

I'm 27 :)

I enjoyed this test. It tells what age we are at heart. In this test I'm 27 - I actually think it's accurate :)

You Are 27 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Sweden - I love it!

The harbour in Gothenburg, Sweden (Photo: Norwegianblogger, June 2006)

One day after Sweden won their second match in the World Cup I went to Gothenburg with six friends to spend the weekend there. Great city, friendly people and a lot of atmosphere; great food, nice walks, a great adrenaline-kick with the roller coasters in Liseberg amusement park, a lot of sun, interesting talks and discussions, a nice garden walk, a museum and even a little dancing. Göteborg is a great city to visit - and Sweden - I really, really enjoy it - the country, the language, the friendly people - and I'm not saying this 'cause I have 1/8 of my genes from this country - but you know; it's interesting to wonder if coming to the country of 1/8 of my ancestors makes it feel a little "home" as well :).

In the footsteps of History

Lindisfarne Priory - Holy Island, UK (Photo: Norwegianblogger June, 2006)

For the last couple of days I've been walking in the history of England and Scotland. I'm here with family and we're enjoying the sites of these countries. From the windblown island of Lindisfarne / Holy Island to the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. From the serenity of Lake Leven to the bustle of cities. It's like walking in History. In every direction there are castles and palaces, abbeys and priories. Some in ruins, others are lively places of community, even today. It's only a long weekend, so there's only a couple of more days to go, but it's incredible how much it's possible to experience in 4 / 5 days.

Michael Bublé in town

Michael Bublé in Oslo Concert Hall, Norway (Photo: Norwegianblogger June 4, 2006)

Yesterday, Michael Bublé's tour reached Oslo - Norway and Oslo Concert Hall. This man has got a big variation in his fan-base. When I entered the concert hall I was amazed to see a mix of teenagers, elderly and everything between, with a smile on their faces and a camera in their pockets :) That might explain why the concert was a mixed experience as well. It's not easy to please such a diverse crowd, at least not when it comes to what's going on between the songs. At times the show was like a stand-up show where he made jokes and partly some cheesy comments. I think it's the first time I've been to a concert where I felt an urge to tell the artist: "Please, please, can't you just sing?", but others might have enjoyed it, so who am I - only one of a crowd of hundreds. But, when that man starts to sing: WOW, that voice is "one in a million", and when he invited the people in the back to come dancing in front of the stage for the last couple of songs there was a party going on. His band is remarkable; young musicians with a groove and feeling out of this world.

Maybe Mr. Bublé is a bit tired of his tour? It's been interesting to attend three concerts in a week, because the difference between these artists was obvious. Josh Ritter loved what he did. You could sense that he loved sharing the music with us and that he was proud of every song he did. He shared little stories about the music and his life and seemed like a friend who wanted to share his songs with his buddies. Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler were very professional. They did a show they've done several times before, but their professionalism made it sound new and interesting. Michael Bublé has the voice and the charisma, but in my opinion, he seemed a bit uninspired and tired of his songs (which he more or less told us as well). But, by all means, when he sang it was great - he IS a great singer, no doubt about it, but maybe its better not to have a commercial success selling millions of records? Perhaps it's better to visit a little club in Oslo with 60 people present and just share what you love - the joy of music? I don't know - only asking.

Finding HOME

Finding HOME might be why we are at Planet Earth. The sense of loneliness, the sense of being lost, the sense of not being seen, which every one of us feels from time to time is maybe signs of our longing for HOME. Home is not first and foremost a place, but a state of mind; a sense of belonging, a sense of having been found, a sense of purpose to this life, and maybe most of all; a place of love, trust and safety. Now and then I’ve seen a glimpse of home, in conversations filled with hope, questions and equality, in a hug from mother, in a smile from a loved one, and I’ve found glimpses in art, music and plays that bring recognition and opens up our understanding of life. I’m still on my way to find HOME, and I know that I might find it in people, relationships, and friends, as a state of mind that tells me that I’m there, but maybe our search for home is a part of being human? Maybe it’s not found in its full form before we are in the loving arms of the Eternal who’ll embrace us at the end of this road called life?

Searching for HOME: Oslo, Norway (Photo: Norwegianblogger 2006)

Oslo tonight

Oslo at 10:30PM June 2, 2006 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

This was the view from my balcony a few minutes ago. A beautiful night in Oslo! PS: I have my 1 1/2 year anniversary as a blogger today :)

Knopfler and Harris in Oslo

Emmylou Harris & Mark Knopfler in Oslo Spektrum, Norway (Photo: Norwegianblogger May 31, 2006)


Today was the last day for my boss at work. When his neighbor had to cancel, he invited me to join him for a concert in Oslo’s biggest concert hall, Oslo Spektrum. Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler tours Europe, and tonight was their night in Oslo. It’s a treat to be able to enjoy two of popular music’s biggest icons. The best moments were when they both joined in, singing ballads.

I'm still amazed by the fact that each person playing a guitar has his or her own "voice" in the playing. Hearing Knopfler play is like listening to a singing guitar. It's heavenly!

“Why worry” with only the two of them, with a keyboardist, on stage was memorable. Mark Knopfler singing "Juliette" was of course fantastic and reminded me of younger days.

It was nice, it was pleasant, but the music didn’t really touch me deeply or move me in a profound way. That might have something to do with the setting. A concert hall with thousands and thousands of spectators isn’t actually like a club or a more intimate setting, but I’m impressed by their professionalism. They both treat the audience like friends, and talk freely between the songs.

A nice evening in Oslo with a lot of gray hair in the audience :) - and I'm in the middle of a concert week of dimensions. Last Sunday Josh Ritter & Isobel Campbell in a club, tonight: Emmylou Harris & Mark Knopfler in a mega-hall and the coming Sunday: Michael Bublé in Oslo Concert Hall (the home-base of the Oslo Philharmonic). I love it!

Songs from the heartlands - Josh Ritter in Oslo

Have you ever heard the voice of America? Yesterday I heard a voice that was able to convey the soul of a country; the joys of the water-towers, the cries of the lonely roads and the desperation of forgotten cities - I heard the voice of the heartlands, the warm embrace of Idaho. Josh Ritter brought America to a little club in Oslo and we were captured by this smiling, friendly guy who was able to transform a group of Norwegians into a smiling, singing bunch of cowboys riding into the sunset. How? - you might ask? Like Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen, Josh Ritter is able to represent the voices of the silent masses, the pain, joy and desperation of thousands who doesn't have a voice of their own. But it's more than that: This is a man who loves what he does. Give that man a guitar and an audience, and he's in heaven. When he entered the stage to do his last song, he broke it all down - no band, no microphone: only a man and his guitar, his voice and an audience in his hands. It's one of those moments who deserve to be called magical.

Finding my virtual self

Back in the eighties Madonna sang “Living in a material world” – now I guess the chorus could have been “Living in a virtual world – and I am a virtual man.” I’ve been active in cyberspace for awhile, but in some ways my interaction has increased. Much more than before, when the web was more or less a practical tool for finding information or reading news I experience the web to be transforming into a community – a virtual world with rules for communication, acceptable or unacceptable behavior, with bystanders and actors, with environments and places to explore. Most of all I experience the web to be a virtual world where we project an image of who we are OR who we want to be. For me it started with a homepage which was one-sided communication, then I became a blogger and took part in different communities on the web. What started as a presentation of my social anthropological work and a presentation of photos has more and more evolved into the presentation of a virtual self – a person I don’t always understand, but who evolves through interaction at the web. Suddenly I’m communicating with other “projections” from different parts of the world, and I start to wonder: Who are these people? I interact with them, I share thoughts with them and I have fun with them – but it’s all without direct communication with a person of flesh and blood – we’re actually communicating through machines, we’re communicating as projections of who we are or who we want to be. Perhaps it’s the same with a telephone you might say, but this feels really different. As an anthropological explorer I feel like I’m entering the territory of an unknown tribe; A people with a language, with lots of codes, symbols and hidden knowledge, and I’m like a novice trying to find my way, trying to communicate, to seek friendship and relations, to reject when it’s necessary and to open up when the time is right. I’ve done a lot of mistakes, and I’ve been virtually rejected. That’s been a strange experience. Sometimes I’ve “met” virtual people, that has started to enter the category of “virtual friend”, suddenly there is a “virtual code” I’ve broken (probably) and I never hear from them again. They are gone from my virtual world, and I’m left with some questions and the feeling of being rejected without knowing why. I hope to be able to be a better “virtual rejecter” than the method of “virtual disappearance” – this code of behavior seems to be widespread in the virtual world :) . I do think it’s necessary to reject at times though. Sometimes we can’t really meet the expectations that our virtual projections have made in others. Then it’s better to put up “virtual borders” and recommend other communities or “projections”.

I feel like a little baby in this virtual world, and I need to learn the language, I have to listen for advice from “the elders” – I have to find my way, find friends, find communities, find a way to be true to myself in the projection I choose to share in the virtual world. I’ve already found some “elders” here and there who is willing to be mentors in this virtual tribe that I’ve recently entered. I’m still a toddler, but I guess I’ve got some potential to grow up and become a man and maybe one day an elder in this wonderful, scary, interesting VIRTUAL WORLD.

Ryanair confirmation number

Oh what a nightmare. I'm going to London this summer and I bought a ticket through Ryanair. I've done it several times and I've only positive things to say about Ryanair; Efficient, easy and convenient. But there's one thing that has made it difficult lately, namely the need for a confirmation number. I had no problems buying the ticket and everything was OK. Since I ordered the ticket at a place without a printer I thought that this wouldn't be a problem because I will get a confirmation E-mail later on. What happened - I didn't get the confirmation e-mail. I check out their web-page and find a way to change / look at my ticket, but I need the confirmation number to open the page. I search the web and I find I'm not the only one with the same problem. There are lots of hits on the web and some advice as well. I don't succeed in any of them, but then I realize that there might be something in my bank about the confirmation number - and there it is - as the last five numbers in the VISA confirmation number. Oh relief - right away I used it to print my ticket and everything is fine. Of all the answers I found on the web I didn't find this one - so if you're in the same situation: There is hope: Check your bank receipts!

Personality test

I found these personality tests on the web, and I actually found it interesting to try it out. This test was a combination of Emneagram and Jung, and I guess I feel comfortable about the results (maybe it's the image I want to present of myself) - I wonder if these tests are real or if we try to see ourselves in the best light. Perhaps I'll challenge some of my friends to take the test on my behalf - and then compare it to my own results. I suspect those results will be more accurate. So friends out there - if you'd like to - you're welcome to analyze me in this test and send me the results :) That could be fun (or maybe scary?)..... Here are my results; you'll be able to access the test by clicking the link.

Main type	Variant

Take Free Enneagram Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Enneagram Test Results Type 1 Perfectionism |||||||||||||||| 70% Type 2 Helpfulness |||||||||||||| 60% Type 3 Image Awareness |||||||||| 36% Type 4 Sensitivity |||||| 26% Type 5 Detachment |||||||||||||| 53% Type 6 Anxiety |||| 13% Type 7 Adventurousness |||||||||| 40% Type 8 Aggressiveness |||||||||||| 43% Type 9 Calmness |||||||||||||||||||| 90% Your main type is 9 Your variant is social

Take Free Enneagram Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Mordor Song Contest

Yesterday Europe was united in front of the TV-screens for the yearly Eurovision Song Contest. In Norway we have a saying that this is the competition everybody loves to hate. I haven't been a big fan of this competition for the last years, but Saturday I was one of the millions in front of a TV - and surprise, surprise: It was fun! Some of the songs were even good! During the show it felt like the Lord of the Rings was on display. Norway's entry was with an angelic girl with three co-musicians, all female singing an elf-song - it was right out of Rivendell. Then Finland entered the stage with the orcs from Mordor singing Hard Rock Hallelujah. Here the comparison with the Lord of the Rings ends: In this competition the orcs won, and millions of Europeans voted for Lordi from Finland which became the winner of it all.

I was back in the town I grew up this weekend, and my mother was really upset about Europeans voting for this band. She wasn't proud of being a European yesterday! The Eurovision certainly has its way to upset and challenge, even in 2006.

I was positively surprised of some songs that I actually liked. Rumania, Russia and Bosnia Herzegovina were among my favorites. Sweden had a great artist in Carola, but I didn't like the song, France had a great song, but the performance didn't rise to the challenge. In Eurovision you could hear everything this year from British Hip-Hop, to German Country-and-Western, Latvian a capella (great!) and a Lithuanian football song (terrible!). A crazy mix of everything and above them all, as the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest: The Orcs from Mordor: Lordi.

Next year in Helsinki!

Celebrating Norway

Impression from the celebration in Asker last year. I'm celebrating in Asker this year as well. (Photo: Norwegianblogger 17th of May 2005)

17th of May is the National Day of Norway, or rather Constitution Day. In 1814 Norway got its own constitution inspired by the ideals of the French and American Revolutions. Tomorrow we will celebrate once more with children's parades, flags and festivities in different parts of the country.

Is there any reason to celebrate nations these days? Isn't that nationalistic and isolationistic? There are a lot of things that could be better in Norway, but we have freedom; freedom to speak our minds, freedom of religion, freedom to go where we want. That's well worth celebrating I think. Tomorrow I will dress up and celebrate living in a democracy where there should be room for every person of any race, ethnicity or background. Let's celebrate, and to you reading this in other parts of the world: If you meet a Norwegian today: You can impress them by congratulating him/her and say: Hipp hurra for 17. Mai!

It's strange to be a blogger :)

I've been a blogger for almost 1 1/2 years now and I am amazed about how it affects me. It's kind of addictive. What is it about blogging that attracts me? Well, it's a way to communicate. Even though I have family and friends there are times that I spend alone. To be able to share thoughts and experiences is nice, and through the blog I've been able to share things with friends and strangers from different parts of the globe. By looking up their blogs I've been inspired, updated on friends and even annoyed by certain postings. I hope my blog could have that effect on others as well. What's strange about being a blogger then? Well - at times you share a lot about who you are and you never know who's going to read it. It's strange, but it's exciting and fun as well. To all my blogger friends out there: WHY DO YOU BLOG? I'd love to hear your answers!

Tropisms and Sarraute

En Bagatell av Nathalie Sarraute, Torshovteatret, Oslo. Photo: Marius E. Hauge, The National Theater, Oslo

It’s been a week filled with great theatre experiences. In 1 ½ week I’ve experienced three plays. All of them were great! Yesterday I went to Torshovteatret to see “En bagatell” ( “A small detail”) by Nathalie Sarraute. Sarraute indicated that the words are the verbal translation of a non-verbal communication. With "tropisms" she referred to inner movements of the mind, which are involuntary and which guide our behaviour. These “tropisms” was the central theme of the play. Jon Øigarden and Mads Ousdal portray to friends trying to come to terms with their relationship. Through the little things, what’s conveyed in intonation or small movements we communicate more than what’s obvious. I laughed out load several times, but then the laughter abruptly stopped. It’s challenging to watch and remember how I myself often interpret these tropisms in the behaviour of people around me. I’m often searching for the hidden meaning behind a smile or the way things are said. Not always of course, but often enough to feel it’s uncomfortable when it’s revealed through a play like this.

The setting for the play is perfect. Torshovteatret is small and intimate and as a spectator you’re in the middle of all the action. Congrats to Torshovteatret for a great choice. I’m hoping for more of Sarraute at the theatre!

Blood Wedding

Yesterday I went to the National Theater to see Federico Garcia Lorces´ fantastic play "Blodbryllup" ("Blood wedding"). This play gave me faith in the power of the theater and in the written word. The stage was totally stripped except for the actors and one chair for each actor. The only effect was the lightning and occasionally a few words on the back wall. There were a lot of pauses and silence in between the dialogue. The storyline is really sad and violent, but the actors played it with dignity and beauty. The mother in the play (Frøydis Armand) impressed me - she didn't only say the words right, but I could sense her pain, sadness and helplessness in small movements and manifested in her body. Nicolai Cleve Broch was the forsaken groom and captured the spirit of the play. If you're here in Oslo in the next days you should definitely run to the National Theatre to get a ticket!

Photo: Erik Berg The National Theater, Oslo

MI III premiere

Thanks to a friend (Per Arne - who won two tickets) I was today able to attend the premiere of Mission Impossible III with Tom Cruise and Philip Seymour Hoffman in the enormous Colosseum Theater here in Oslo. Some local celebrities, a lot of photographers and even some stuntmen (or members from a local bike-club :)) was present, and it was great fun. The real fun started with the movie. Wow, what a ride. It was action, action, action and more action. Within this genre I think the MI movies are among the best. The third movie was no exception. In addition to all the action it was wonderful PR for two cities: Rome and Shanghai - I wouldn't mind going to Shanghai - it's portrayed as a great city in this movie. And Rome - the eternal city - was wonderful in between all the action. Did I like the movie? Yes, it's entertaining and exciting - and that's what an action movie is all about, isn't it? Will I remember it in a couple of years or does the movie convey a message of any sort? Probably not, it's pure entertainment. No more, no less!



Action before the premiere of Mission Impossible III in Colosseum Theater in Oslo (Photo: Norwegianblogger May 2006)

A hidden pearl

There are some great things about getting older – one of them is the freedom to listen to what I want. When I was younger I was sometimes a bit scared of being ridiculed for liking certain kind of music. Now I’m listening to everything. One day it’s Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra or Maria João, the next day it’s Arvo Pärt, Mozart or Shostakovich, Amy Grant, U2, George Michael, The Beatles, Rufus Wainwright, Eva Cassidy, Andrae Crouch or Underworld. Being able to listen to it all on my MP3-player or computer has really revolutionized the way I listen to music. Today I ripped one of my old CD’s that would have embarrassed me fifteen years ago: “Open Road” with Gary Barlow, yes it’s the lead singer of Take That. He was more or less forgotten as soon as the band was history. The album “Open Road” was his debut as a solo-artist. A lot of the album is very ordinary, and some of the songs are really bad, but suddenly there are a couple of songs that are really extraordinary. Especially the title song “Open Road” – it’s a hidden pearl that I’ve listened to every now and then the last years. Sometimes I get a yearning for that song – do you know the feeling? The feeling that certain songs are there to get you through life, to make you go on. Mr. Barlow has given me one of those songs. In the middle of a lot of superficial pop music that soon will be forgotten, I find this little pearl of a song. I can’t imagine what lies behind these lyrics, but here are a few lines of a song that goes beyond a superficial surface:

My life is extraordinary bare,
I fought the fear and chased the pain,
My life doesn’t need to be explained.
I chose to walk this life as one.
Sometimes as I live upon my island,
cut off from emotions and its pain,
that’s when I am tempted by the waters,
the waters that can take me far away,
so I’ll just keep on walking down this open road,
hoping someone somewhere needs me,
so I’ll just keep on walking down this open road.
Talking to the man who knows me,
yes he knows me,
the man is me….

Confronting the past

This morning I was browsing through old things and I found my old journals. Since I was 16 – 17 years old I wrote a journal every day (until I was 30). A few words, but some days I wrote a little bit more. Some years I wrote a lot. I opened one of these books this morning, and I must admit I was surprised of what I read. I’m puzzled by the person that shines through in this book. What a self-righteous, fundamentalist, scary person, but at the same time vulnerable and emotional. At one side touched by God’s love and power, at the other side using spirituality to control and as a crutch so that I wouldn’t have to make my own decisions.
Was that really who I was? YES, and meeting my past through my own writing makes me uncomfortable, but at the same humble. It’s so easy to blame others for what was wrong in my life, but for the last 10 – 15 years I’ve been aware of the fact that I was responsible for my life, not others. I’m impressed by some of the people that met me with so much grace.

I’m mostly happy about where I am today, but reading those words from my past makes me realize that I always have to struggle to become a better man. Not running away from my mistakes and wrongdoings and the lack of grace and love in my personality, but struggling to improve and telling the world that this is who I am - a person worth loving, but also with weaknesses - in need of love, but most of all: in need of grace!

Freedom of the Seas in Oslo

Freedom of the Seas leaving Oslo (Photo: Norwegianblogger April 2006)

I was able to catch a glimpse of the world's biggest cruise-ship Freedom of the Seas when it was leaving Oslo this week. It was an impressive sight. Last year I saw Queen Mary II here in Oslo, which was the biggest ship last year. Where is this gigantomania going to end? I like the ships though. By the way, on my way home I saw former Prime Minister of Norway, Kåre Willoch in the Underground station. It's great to live in a country where we're still able to meet politicans at the bus or in the U-station.

Spring - New life

"Blåveis" in Asker, Norway (Photo: Norwegianblogger April 2006)

Today it's raining and it's cold, but yesterday was a great day here in Southern Norway. I visited my sister and her family in Asker Friday and Saturday and we had a wonderful time at one of the beaches in Asker. We had a fire, played cards and spent hours in the sun. There was still some snow here and there, but suddenly we came to a place with a lot of flowers called "Blåveis" in Norwegian (I don't know the English name). That flower is one of the first signs of spring here in Norway, and it was great seeing it once more. It's reassuring to see that there's new life - in 2006 as well. Spring is here - and it's more than welcome!

Ikea madness

Moving into a new apartment means buying new things. One of the best spots to shop is of course IKEA. Yesterday I thought I would have an easy time shopping since I was there early, but NO! The parking lot was packed with cars and inside there were thousands of people, among them hundreds of kids screaming and running between the furniture. I've heard it's like that every day, and in Oslo there are two enormous IKEA shopping malls. It's incredible, but understandable. It's cheap, and the quality is OK. The Swedish meatballs in the cafeteria are a treat as well. I'm having my Easter vacation but going shopping and working as a handy-man at home feels like work. I'm not a great shopper. Buying curtains, clothes, blinds and other things is tiring, but give me a DVD, CD or computers / electronics shop, and I've got a smile on my face. Unfortunately that's not what I have to buy these days.....

A week in transition

Moving in!

I'm recovering after a week of change, both at home and at work. Thursday and Friday I was moving into my own apartment after staying in a shared flat (as a renter) for more than five years. From the first moment I felt at home - and I think I'll have a great time living there. Especially I enjoy the view. Unfortunately I lost 2/3 of my clothes, a suitcase, a couple of photo albums and 6 volumes of Asterix books - a burglar got hold of it during the weekend in my locked room in the basement. Now I have to report it to the police, to my insurance company and probably go through a lot of bureaucracy. Hopefully I will be able to replace the clothes later on, it's sadder with my photos from my journey to Asia. They're probably gone forever - if I don't find the negatives. Saturday I spent the whole day moving at work - a lot of work, but it was great to spend time with my colleagues and also with my co-blogger Nissekona. We had a lot of fun!

Nissekona in action.

Down South

A beautiful day in Kristiansand (Photo: Norwegianblogger March 2006)

Last week I was far north, in Kirkenes, almost at the border of Russia. Today I'm in Kristiansand, the capital of the Southern Coast of Norway. My mother's from this part of the country, and I've still a lot of family here. I'm here for my work, but after I arrived yesterday I was able to meet one of my former co-students from Anthropology at the University of Oslo. Meeting another Anthropologist is often like meeting someone from your own tribe. You recognize the language and we're on common ground. We had two - three very interesting hours in a cafe here in Kristiansand.

Up North

Near Kirkenes, Norway March 2006 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

For three days I've been in Kirkenes, Norway's North-Easternmost city, not far from the North Cape. I've been there for my work and it's been great. I've listened to a lot of stories and conversations from and with the Sami people, the indigenous people of Norway (and Sweden, Finland and parts of Russia). There's a lot to learn, and I love to listen. At the same time, I realize once more that we're first and foremost fellow human beings. There's not really much difference between us, but a people's past and history gives each human being a special gift that comes together in each individual. There's a lot to learn from the indigenous peoples of the world and we need to listen to their wisdom of not thinking about ourselves in isolation from earth and nature. We're all a part of it and we need to respect all that surrounds us.

National pride

A lot of Norwegians are frustrated these days. Our athletes haven’t won more than two gold medals in the Winter Olympics in Turin. 2 gold medals, 8 silver medals and 8 bronze medals is not enough for the national pride I guess. Why does it affect us when athletes win or loose? I’m not the one risking my life and welfare for gold and glory. Someone else, who coincidently lives in the same country as me is doing it for me; sweating, struggling and crying while I’m in my chair complaining that they’re not doing better. I’m not that concerned though. When I was younger I was following every competition, writing all the results in a book. Not anymore. I guess nationalism isn’t as important for me as it used to be. Perhaps I’ve found other parts of my identity that is more important? I don’t know. I am reminded by a book by Benedict Anderson called “Imagined communities” where he talks about nationalism as created, and not something “natural”. Events like the Olympics or the Eurovision Song Contest are probably great tools in this respect; creating national pride and a feeling that I’m a part of a community of winners. If we’re able to process the need to compete and win in events like this, and not on the battlefield, I think it’s great!

Cartoon controversy

Yesterday the Norwegian Embassy in Damascus, Syria was attacked and burned by hundreds of demonstrators protesting against a Norwegian magazine's printing of cartoons depicting the Prophet. The Danish Embassy was attacked and burned as well, and the story is covered by CNN, BBC and all the major networks. Once more the power of symbolic actions are manifested throughout the world. By printing these images Muslims in different parts of the world feel provoked in their honor and religious beliefs. Thousands of demonstrators are in the streets, even in London, Copenhagen and other cities in Europe. Danish and Norwegian flags are burned, stamped and spitted at in the streets of Palestine and Syria, and politicians and commentators are bewildered by what's going on. Here in Norway the situation is calmer. Church of Norway and The Ecumenical Council had a joined press conference with the Islamic Council of Norway where they have criticized both the publication of the cartoons and the violent reactions. The Lutheran Bishop of Oslo (Church of Norway), Ole Christian Kvarme, said that an insult against one religion is an insult towards all religions, because as religious people we should know and understand the necessity of respect. Therefore it's especially regrettable that it was a Christian magazine (even though it represents only a very small fraction of Norwegian Christianity) that published the cartoons. I am a little worried though, without healthy debate, discussion and friendly criticism all systems, political or religious, might be dangerous and a threat to society. Freedom of press should not be used for dishonoring religious symbols (as is the case with the printing of the cartoons of the Prophet), but are we free to ask questions and criticize other parts of our own, and other religious traditions? The next days, weeks and years will give us answers. I truly hope for a world where criticism and questions are asked and answered in a framework of respect, humility and openness!
Parts of this conflict reminds me of my impression after reading Knut Nærum's book "Krig" ("War) - (My posting November 9, 2005). He describes how the public is manipulated into certain positions because there are a few people that wants an open conflict / war. Let's not be a part of it! Let's not forget that we are people trying to cope with our existence, our understanding and our lives. If we live in Norway, Saudi Arabia, USA, Israel, Denmark, Palestine or Syria we are first and foremost human beings hoping to live our lives in peace. Hoping to create meaningful lives, living with the knowledge that we all need each other and that we are created for living in community with others.

Bye bye homepage!

Yesterday my website / homepage was erased after being on the web for years. I'm moving to another apartment in 1 - 2 months and I have to change internet provider. I had a lot of information on the web, and I've actually had thousands of visitors through the years. Now it's gone, and it feels OK. I'm a blogger now, and my homepage felt a little outdated. Maybe I'll be back with a homepage, but I'm not sure. The web has changed, and so have I. Now I'm a blogger, and that feels a little more immediate and fun (and not as much work).

Opposing views

There’s a major dispute going on in Church of Norway right now concerning the Biblical interpretation and understanding of gay and lesbian relationships and their rights for positions of leadership in the Church. The Church of Norway doctrinal commission (“Lærenemnda”), which consists of the bishops, theological experts and lay members, was split exactly in the middle with 10 votes against and 10 votes in favor of lifelong homosexual relationships and gay clergy. Two of the bishops (Finn Wagle and Laila Riksaasen Dahl) have changed their view on the matter (from no to yes) during the work in the commission. All commission members agreed that the disagreement should not split the church in the sense that they would no longer be able to celebrate the Eucharist together, but they all agreed that the disagreement strains the unity of the Church of Norway.

It’ll be interesting to follow the debate and it’s going to be difficult. It’s always difficult when different worldviews and interpretations collide. For both sides in this dispute there’s a lot on stake, and for some it’s about their view of God, the truth, their own lives and the future for themselves and the Church.

I believe we are challenged to listen; Listen for the Spirit, listen to the Word, listen to our hearts, listen to our own lives and experiences, listen to the people with opposing views and let ourselves be guided to an understanding. When we find answers I believe we are to stand for what we believe, but we have to do it in a spirit of love and humility. It’s not easy, because our (my) understanding of God and theology feels so universal and true. At times I’ve been amazed by a few theological conversations where I’ve felt that I don’t share the views of the person I’m talking to, and where we’ve been convinced of our opposing views. At the same time we’ve discussed the matters in a respectful and listening mood. Sometimes, I’ve been walking away from those conversations with a feeling that God has been there, and I’ve been encouraged in my faith and love for God. Through our opposing views we’ve felt a presence of a person we both love and want to listen to, and through our conversation we have (in spite of opposing views) experienced God’s love for us. Maybe we’ll find truth when we search for it by standing for our understanding while we listen and search for the truth together with others?

It's my birthday!

A fish I met in the restaurant yesterday. Is he/she looking at an old man?

The old man at his birthday




Once more I'm celebrating my birthday. Later today, I'm going to a party with my family. That'll be fun!
Yesterday I was out with a couple of friends and we talked about getting older. We all agreed that it feels a little weird. Inside we're the same persons, but when we look in the mirror - or we think of our age it feels strange and unfamiliar. Who is this person that suddenly is a grown-up man? I'm still the same inside I guess. Only a little more confident and secure - but looking older on the outside. Looking at the outside i realize that this life is short, incredibly short. I remember my Grandmother's sister always said that "it feels strange to be old". I'm starting to understand what she meant. Anyway, I do enjoy life, and I love living it. I want change in certain areas, but I'm so glad that I've come this far.

My Swedish ancestors

My great grandmother was Swedish and she was born in Dalarna in Sweden in 1877. She died long before I was born, but through photos and stories from others in my family I've managed to get a certain impression of what she was like. Now and then I've been doing some research on my family. Genealogy is interesting, and through the web I've been able to trace a lot of my family here in Norway. I've followed some of the lines back to the 16th and 17th century. I've had one line that stops with my great grandmother - my Swedish side of my family. In Norway there are some great genealogy sites at the web (and it's free), but I haven't really found anything similar in Sweden. Last year I suddenly found a photo at my mothers’ house that I realized was a photo of my Swedish great great grandmother and great great grandfather. From not knowing anything about that side of the family to suddenly look at a photo of my Swedish ancestors was a treat. I think it's a wonderful photo as well. At the backside it says Sven Loo, Mellerud. Mellerud is a little village in the Western part of Sweden. I've been there a couple of times, and I know that there's still family living there. As a tribute to my Swedish ancestors and family I hereby share this photo with the world.


Norwegianblogger's Swedish great great grandparents

Scared of 2006?

It's been a week since the fireworks marked the beginning of a new year. Is 2006 going to be a good year? For the world? For Europe? For Norway? For my family and myself? We don't know much about the future do we? I've tried to imagine my life ten years from now. Perhaps it's better not to know. We don't really know if there are good things ahead do we? What if there's not peace and happiness? What if there's war, what if there's decease, pain and sorrow? Unfortunately this is the reality for millions of people around the globe. 2006 will offer pain, war, disasters, broken families and broken lives. But life goes on; Children are born, teenagers are searching for answers, people find their soul mates and experience friendships and relationships, love, abandonment, loneliness, happiness and ultimately they die. Are we to experience these things in 2006, am I?

One year as a blogger

Just wanted to say that it's been fun, interesting and a little annoying to be present in the Kingdom of bloggers for a year. Looking back I'm not really sure where I'm headed with my blogging, but it seems to be a mix of photos, everyday blah-blah and some processing and thinking. I don't know if this site has any impact, but it's been fun for me, and I've been fortunate to hear from a couple of people along the way. Take care and enjoy 2006. You're more than welcome to visit my site again, and to comment - if you want to!

New Year's in London

London New Year's Eve 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)


New Year's Eve Celebrations in London 2005 - 2006 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

Every time I'm in London I love the city a little bit more. I've been in London this weekend with a friend and had a great time! To sum it all up: Two plays: Otherwise engaged with Richard E. Grant and Epiphany for George Dillon with Joseph Fiennes, two museums: Tate Modern and National Gallery, London Walks excursion to Canterbury and Leeds Castle (including Evensong in Canterbury Cathedral), New Year's celebration at Westminster Bridge with fireworks, Big Ben and thousands of people from different parts of the globe, a lot of walking and talking, a LITTLE shopping, but most of all: Taking in the spirit of the wonderful, international city of London!

Until the end of the world

Yes, now I've seen it again! Until the end of the world - the epic movie from 1990. 279 minutes in the futuristic world of Wim Wenders, set in his imagined world of 1999. When I saw it back in 1991 I was amazed and really captured by the music, the beautiful scenery and the story. Seeing a movie like that 15 years later doesn't always leave you with the same impression. Back in 1991 I saw the 2 1/2 hour version; the version I bought in Milan is more than 4 1/2 hours and is the director's cut. I saw the three parts of the movie in three nights. The first and last part of the movie is excellent and better than the 1990-version. There are parts of the movie (especially in the middle part) that could have been cut down, but even in the middle part of the movie there is a beautiful sequence after a plane accident where the two main characters walks around in the Australian desert accompanied by Peter Gabriel's "The blood of Eden".

The movie is set in a futuristic world, in Europe, Asia, America and Australia. Its fun, but some of the futuristic clothes seem a little outdated today. The last part of the movie is still very powerful and raises a lot of questions. Are there any limits for technological development and are there lines that shouldn't be crossed? What happens when we cross those lines, and are able to use technology to look into our own psyche and make movies of our dreams? It makes them insane. The aborigines in the movie understand that those lines shouldn't be crossed, it's holy and not for us to see. The only solution to be free from this obsession is through words (reading to make sense of the world) or through spirit (letting spiritual people "take" your dreams and obsession).

Wim Wenders´conclusions makes sense. I believe in the power of words, and I believe in the power of the spirit. Once more I was both encouraged and challenged by this movie. Where are we now? Wenders´dark prophecy challenges us to think where we are headed, to be aware and not let technology rule us, but let it be an instrument for building relationships and connections. I'm not sure though. I want this to be true, but at times I feel that we're already at a place where we've crossed certain lines that shouldn't have been crossed. Are we living in a society where BIG BROTHER rules, where we're not free anymore? I don't know, but I do know that words and spirit still are there to make us free...

Tomorrow I'm going to London to celebrate New Year's in this great city!

Christmas day in Oslo

Huk, Oslo Christmas Day 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

After having a great celebration of Christmas Eve in Asker I went for a little walk with others from my family this afternoon at Bygdøy here in Oslo. It was fantastic!

A weekend in Milan

After spending a couple of days in Venice I've spent the weekend in Milan. It's like coming to a capital after staying in a mountain village. Not that Venice is a mountain village, but Milan is really different; cosmopolitan, international, busy, vibrant and a mix of old and new.

I had time for a museum here as well, the Pinacoteca di Brera; a great museum with an interesting collection. Highlights for me were Modigliani's portraits and Carlo Crivellis' "Madonna della candeletta". I actually had a hard time finding the museum. I was in the actual building, but it was dark and I got confused by the signs. A friendly student at the Academy helped me find my way - another great thing about this museum - it's actually a part of a greater whole; not only a museum in itself.

Milan was filled with thousands of people, enjoying a concert outside the Duomo, finding things in the big Christmas market and shopping. What was best in Milan was to sit a couple of hours in the sun in the courtyard of the imposing Castello Sforzesco. I was transported back to a time of knights and dragons (and the warmth from the sun was nice as well).

Castello Sforzesco, Milan (Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005).

Concerning shopping in Milan; I was more than happy when I found a four disc DVD version of the Wim Wender movie "Until the end of the world" in the famous shopping center Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is one of my top five favorite movies ever! I've seen it two times, and I loved it both times. The music (U2, Peter Gabriel, Daniel Lanois, Nick Cave, Jane Siberry, K.D. Lang, R.E.M and others) is amazing, the storyline is intriguingg and the movement between continents and different scenery is fascinating. The actors are also among the best; Max von Sydow, William Hurt, Sam Neill, Jeanne Moreau are all top notch actors. I've been hoping to find it on DVD for years, but I thought it hadn't been released. Well, it has - at least in Italy. I'm really looking forward to look at it. I will give you all a report when I've seen it. It was expensive, but if the Director's cut is as good (or better) than the original it's worth every Euro (actually 40 of them).

Venezia - Venice

I was writing about St. Lucy / Santa Lucia a couple of days ago. Now I'm at her final resting place: the city of Venice, Italy. The railroad station is actually at the exact place she was buried, but they moved her gravesite to a church nearby. The name of the railway station is actually Santa Lucia.

Today is freezing here in Venice, and it's foggy too. It makes the setting nice for a spooky adventure. Yesterday was wonderful with sunshine from a blue sky. This is a city of contrast at this time of the year. I'm glad I'm here in December. It's not as crowded as at other times of the year and you tend to see a lot of the locals, even though the Japanese presence is obvious.

A dark adventure in Venice (Photo: Norwegianblogger, December 2005)

Yesterday I went to a great concert in a church here in Venice. I can't imagine a better setting for Vivaldi's Four Seasons. I really enjoyed it. I've had time for both the Guggenheim museum and the Accademia. Two great museums with interesting collections. Best of all while you're in Venice is to walk and walk and walk. I really feel it in my legs now. I've been walking a lot. At 18:20 I'm having the train to Milan. I'm going to spend the weekend there. Maybe a couple of more museums, some good food, and for sure a lot of walking! Chiao. Arrivideci!

Santa Lucia - A Nordic Tradition

St. Lucia celebrations in Oslo, Norway (Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005)

In the Nordic countries there are a lot of traditions connected to this day - 13th of December. Angelic-looking children light candles and dress in white robes as they commemorate the Italian saint Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) who defended her faith into martyrdom. This morning I was lucky enough to experience a little of this 13th of December magic. First I passed children singing and dressed in white in the main street of Oslo, Karl Johan, and afterwards I was able to take part in the celebration at my workplace. I think these kinds of traditions are important, and the story about St. Lucia is well worth remembering too.

Kristine Alveng - Our “workplace St. Lucia”, captured the spirit of this day. (Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005)

Christmastime is here (soon)

Detail from Karlskirche, Vienna (Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005)

I've spent much of the day listening to Christmas music, lighting a few candles and letting the Christmas spirit fill my place and my inner being. There's something about Christmas that amazes me every year: The Earth celebrates a child. I think it's a wonderful thought. At one time in history: God - the Creator of all things and the Ruler of the Universe became a child. God was left in the hands of a teenage mother and a poor father. This story is very touching, because it tells us something about God. Through the eyes of the child Jesus God watched the world, and made himself dependent upon Mankind. What a story - what a message. This calls for a celebration: Celebrating children, celebrating mothers and Mankind that actually was able at one time in history to nurture God into being a man. Most of all it's a time for celebrating God's love of Mankind and for God's presence trough a little child in Bethlehem 2000 years ago.

VAMP - (a)live in Oslo

VAMP at Sentrum Scene, Oslo November 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

Yesterday the Norwegian folk-rock group VAMP filled the rock club “Sentrum Scene” here in Oslo with hundreds of fans for one of this year’s best concerts. I went with three friends and we got more than we bargained for; It was art, it was entertainment, it was pure joy and expressions of longing and sadness, it was rock, jazz, folk, new age, pop and beautiful ballads made of poetry. I could go on: violins, trumpet, accordion, acoustic and electric guitars, flutes and drums were used to make wonderful, heartfelt music. To top that: the audience was fantastic – every single person was there to enjoy music, have fun and make the evening complete: Silence, dancing, shouting and singing when that was required. If you ever get the chance to get a ticket: A VAMP concert should not be missed!!

VAMP in blue, Sentrum Scene, Oslo November 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

Note from at truth-seeker

This morning I once again visited the blog that inspired me to start my own. I’m always challenged and inspired when I visit this blog, and today was no exception. I’ve met Rachelle a couple of times in real life, and she is one of the persons on this planet that really lives intensely and touches you through her thoughts and personality. A couple of days ago she wrote an incredible post in her blog that really made me think (once more). After reading it I was left with a lot of questions about truth and theology. Is there a doctrine or a truth that can be held as 100% truth, or is it all about relationships? Do we find truth in the way we act or in the way we think? Are we to discuss right or wrong at all when it comes to religion, or are we only to share? I think I know my answers, but I would have loved to hear yours. Before you answer, read Rachelle’s here.

An imaginary war

I’ve done a lot of walking recently, and that has given me a lot of time to listen to audio books. Now I’m listening to a great book by Norwegian author and satirist Knut Nærum called WAR! (KRIG!). I really enjoy this book. The main storyline is that Norway declares a war towards the Netherlands, and the root of the conflict is a Norwegian skater hindering a Dutch skater from winning the World Championships! The book reveals how hate is built through the big and small occurrences that changes the way we think and act. It’s incredibly funny, but at the same time thought-provoking, because you can’t think of two peoples with more things in common than the Norwegians and the Dutch. I’ve experienced it again and again. When I meet Dutch people it feels like meeting someone from the next village or town here in Norway. It’s usually very easy to meet, and there are few cultural obstacles in the conversation. Usually we enjoy visiting each others countries, and we have a lot of the same values. In this book the harmony between our countries is daily challenged by little things, and throughout the audio book the listener is little by little manipulated into hating parts of Dutch culture as well :). The author describes so well what happens when we give room for prejudice and hate. The book describes a situation where Norway is manipulated into a meaningless war with a friendly ally. A skater, a comedian, journalists and secret agents are involved in building up hate and prejudice against the Dutch. I definitely think the description of the process is close to the truth, and in this way satire is a powerful weapon to expose and reveal how meaningless a lot of today’s conflicts are.

What if....

What if... Sometimes that phrase is stuck in my mind. What if... what if... what if...

In "What if" there's a strong element of wanting change, longing for a world where every child can wake up surrounded by family and friends, with enough food and material goods, without terror and war. Where every single person finds someone to love, and where the word "loneliness" is out of the vocabulary. Maybe childish dreams, but what if another world is possible?

WHAT IF IT'S UP TO US?

WHAT IF IT'S UP TO ME?

A friendly face

I’ve been thinking of faces today. What is a face, and how are our faces our foremost tool of communication? A lot of our communication comes through our faces. Through our faces we’re able to show our sadness, our joy and how we perceive others.

In my life I have experienced several times how a human face and its expressions can change my day. When I was younger I spent a lot of time in one of the churches of Oslo. Sometimes I participated in the service in doing worship, at communion or in leading the service. When I was looking at a big group of people knowing that they looked at me, I was amazed to see how “closed” a lot of their faces were, but there – in the middle of the church was a smiling, open face of an older woman with white hair. I will never forget her face – showing with every part of her face that she appreciated me taking part and showing me that she wanted me to do my best. More than ten years later I still feel the positive energy of her smiling eyes and her positive attitude.

Another experience was three years ago. For months I’d been taking part in the preparation of a conference for Church of Norway. For the conference we invited, as the main speaker, the founder of the movement L’Arche, Jean Vanier. I’d read some of his work, and listened to a couple of his sermons and was a little nervous when I knocked at the door of his room at the conference center. He was sitting at the couch, and when I came into the room I looked into a face that broke into a wonderful, open smile. I had never met him before, but it felt like meeting a father that hadn’t seen his son for years. He rose up from the coach with a big smile and shook my hand while giving me 100 % of his attention.

In 1993 one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen, Nelson Mandela, participated in a service in Oslo Cathedral. He was in Oslo as a laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize, and I was there to experience this legendary man. After the service Nelson Mandela walked down the aisle, and for just a couple of seconds his eyes met mine and I looked into this smiling, open face where every part of it tells a story of how love conquers hate, and how forgiveness suppress evil.

My inner image of these three faces will forever be with me and I wonder why. I guess we all long for the feeling of being seen, accepted and embraced. Our faces are our main communicative tools, and through it we can “read” the acceptance or rejection of others. In a world of words our faces “gives us away”. We can try to conceal what we feel, and often we do, but what if we dare to do like the woman in church, like Jean Vanier and Nelson Mandela. To let our faces and our bodies be the frame from where our souls might shine? I don’t know how these people are able to meet thousands and to be able to see them all, but I suspect it has something to do with a sense of being seen. By focusing on something outside of themselves, because they know that they are loved and that their contribution makes a difference in the life of their fellow man, to dare to think and know that every person, every creature is created and loved, worthy to be met through our faces, with openness and honesty. Wow, I’ve got such a long way to go, but I would have loved to be able to grasp only a little of what these three people have understood and made a part of their interaction with others.

The Man from Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams at the University of Oslo, October 7, 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

During the last weeks I've been a part of a group that has been preparing the visit of The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams in Norway. I like that kind of work, and when I've been working on a project for awhile it makes me curious about the person. Today I was able to take part in one of the many parts of his program here in Norway, namely his lecture at the University of Oslo. Afterwards I was able to exchange a few words with him and have a couple of photos of course, before he went on with his program. At his lecture he talked about "Christian thought and the Threat to Earth". The scarcity of resources represents a moral question. When people fight for resources, injustice happens. Every person has a fundamental right to have his or her vital needs met. The Church must answer these questions through actions, but also by finding theological answers. The Archbishop elaborated four different approaches. The first approach is relational / creational. The material world was brought into existence by a word from God. The LOGOS (the word) is basic for all encounters. LOGOS is God, and everything is brought into relationship with God by being created. Secondly is the contemplative approach with its emphasis on poverty. It's possible to think of poverty as a cleared vision of the world. When we free ourselves from all our attachments, we are able to get a clearer vision. In that way, poverty is a challenge to all addictive behavior. Thirdly there is the sacramental approach, that all things are related before it relates to us or me. Fourth he talked about the approach of justice. As is said in the book of Leviticus, we don't own the land, it is only lend to us. Our possessions are not ours, but are only there to be used for awhile. Care for the environment is decisive for the future of this planet. Access to clean water and unpolluted food is important for all of us, and shouldn't be of access to only a few. The challenge for us is to understand that even though one person can't change the world, every person can change one thing.
I felt privileged to be able to listen to this leader of the world's 77 million Anglicans in 160 countries. I didn’t understand everything. I’m not a theologian, and I guess my British English understanding is a little corrupted after staying a year in the US, but Dr. Williams seems to care for the world, and has found a way to make theology into action. We need that, and we need leaders that show us the challenges for the church and the world today.


Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams in Oslo, October 7, 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

A theology of change?

Does that sound like a contradiction? Is it impossible to think of theology as vibrant, alive and both an agent for change and changeable in itself?

Theology (and faith) can be a guarantee for conservatism. What's been there has been proven by time, and is therefore truth. What's in the tradition is safe and shouldn't be changed in any way. In some ways this is a respectable position. Some of us long for clear answers and a feeling of knowing the truth. In clear-cut words and theological positions we find a sense of belonging and trust. When we're saying the right words and are fighting for the right positions we are right with God and on the safe side. The community that comes out of defending this kind of truth is often strong, and when it is under attack it's even stronger. Nothing wrong about that. You find this position in every society; in political parties (ideology), in religious communities (faith / theology), sometimes even in sports or music (fan-base of a team or an artist). As human beings we constantly look for ways to be accepted, included and loved. Defending a position is often about defending our belonging to a certain group or community.

Sometimes I've been thinking a lot of the Pharisees at the time of Jesus. What a terrible threat that man must have been for their sense of belonging, for their dignity and their power. They said all the right words, they held strongly to the traditional sayings of the Scripture, they defended what they considered to be the truth with their lives, and they thought that God was on their side and that he loved their faithfulness and seal for his word. Jesus walked up to them and challenged all of their authority, their sense of truth and their understanding of the word. He put another interpretation on the words that they had learned and that had been interpreted by their group for centuries. This carpenter from Nazareth undermined all their wisdom, authority and power, and he revealed a totally new approach to theology and life.

A few years ago I talked to a person that was frustrated about Jesus and his approach to the word, especially was it difficult for him to understand why Jesus didn’t approve of the stoning of the woman that was caught in adultery. He had read in the Old Testament about the law and how people should be punished for what they did wrong, and he found it difficult to understand why God would change his mind. The Pharisees and the people probably thought the same. What did Jesus do? He challenged all of them to the core, because he puts the attention on us instead of the clear-cut words. He emphasizes our humanness instead of our righteousness, and shows us another image of God. He reveals a God that sees every human being, and sees her as unique and special. At the same time he reveals us as people in need of grace. This dual message is very important because it shows us as loved, but at the same time weak and in need of others. Jesus challenges our position of righteousness and our need of affirmation from a group or from God and calls us to be humble and unique persons free from peer pressure.

What does this have to say for a theology of change? How are we to read Paul and the gospels and how are we to interpret the word? I’ve been reading a document from Church of Sweden lately, and it’s interesting to read how they look at Paul and his approach to circumcision. Against all his co-religionists in Jerusalem – who had a preferential right of interpretation, he stated what he called the truth of the Gospel, that there was no need to make a detour via the law in order to become a Christian. This was a great and brave new interpretation – and something that almost ripped the ancient church apart. Church of Sweden concludes in this document that Paul and the other New Testament theologians accepted active new interpretations and that this implies that one states in a new way what is central and already given, but without the meaning as understood being lost. The point is that we sometimes should do as Paul does and not just repeat what he says. In this way the Bible can function as an example of how our faith and ethics are formed, not only of what faith and ethics contain. Just as those who were responsible for the Bible texts, we have to discover together what it means today to live close to God and in the imitation of Christ.

For me this is very much in accordance to Jesus and his life, and it explains why he was so controversial and scary for the religious leaders of the day. He made theology into something vibrant and alive, and not into a set of rules to make us feel comfortable or righteous. He challenges us because he makes theology into something that draws us closer to God AND to ourselves, and he makes us look inside and to him instead of drawing lines. May we all LIVE theology instead of letting it be a tool for building walls to keep our fellow human beings in or out. The in or out is not dependent on regulations, but in letting ourselves fall into the arms of a God that loves, cares and wants us to find our way. Our righteousness is not in living in accordance to principles, but in being filled by a love that covers us, reveals us, leaves us in need of others and lifts us to a place of relationship – to God, to others and to ourselves. That, I believe, is a theology of change!

Still summer?

I've been out walking with my camera and enjoying the sunny and nice weather. It's warmer than usual at this time of the year and it's strange to be able to feel the summer in the end of September. It might change any day, so we have to enjoy it as long as it is here. Here's one of my photos from today.

Indian summer in Oslo (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

A jazzy evening

I never knew Burt Bacharach could sound like this! That was my reaction after a concert at Norway's new National Jazz Stage, Cosmopolite here in Oslo. The Swedish singer Rigmor Gustafsson rocked, or rather jazzed the house with smooth, interesting, challenging and great versions of Burt Bacharach’s songs and old hits by Dionne Warwick. I never knew "Close to you" or "Raindrops keep falling on my head" could sound like jazz standards. Her musicians brought the songs to new heights: Jacky Terrasson, Sean Smith and Eric Harland made yesterday's evening an interesting one. Yesterday I understood once more how much jazz is about articulation and holding back. In "Close to you" she held back every word, and you could really sense how all the girls in town really, really wanted to be close to that guy :) . Yesterday was Rigmor's first concert in Oslo; I hope it's not her last! Today I bought her album at iTunes, so I guess she'll be with me the next weeks. Here's Rigmor through my lens:


Rigmor Gustafsson and Jacky Terrasson Trio in Concert, Cosmopolite Oslo, September 2005 (Both photos: Norwegianblogger)

Crash - what a movie!

Last week I saw the movie Crash with Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Brendan Fraser, Matt Dillon, Ryan Phillippe and Jennifer Esposito. Wow, that movie was a ride! You never knew what was going to happen or who’s the good or bad guy, in one moment a hero, in the next a criminal. Sometimes it felt really uncomfortable, because it plays with a lot of our emotions and presuppositions. Scary! It also made me think about how often we view each other as characters more than real people. The images we make of our family and friends are stuck in our minds and are hard to get rid of. If you look one way, you’re supposed to act that way. If you’ve done that, you are like that! There is of course some truth in this, but at the same time: We are incredibly complex and consist of layers and layers inside; of emotions, of thoughts and of diverse roles and expectations. With one person we behave in one way, with another we act differently. I’ve often experienced that some think of me as a quiet and an almost shy person, while others think of me as a crazy, talking machine :). What’s the truth? Perhaps both, depending on the situation or the person I’m with? Maybe we’re supposed to live in that tension, not knowing 100 % who we are or how we are perceived? All in all: the movie shows us real people in real situations, and it shows people, all of them – that are in need of grace – from each other and from loving arms at the end of the road. I guess that's where we all need to be, knowing that each individual's life is a mix of being heroes and villains in the confusing state of living.

Justice for the World - UNDP

For my work I went to the launch of the UNDP Human Development Report 2005 this week. Crown Prince Haakon, Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, Minister of Development Hilde Frafjord Johnson and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) / UN representative Moez Doraid was present at the launch. The report focuses on three measurable dimensions of human development: living a long and healthy life, being educated and having a decent standard of living. In that way it presents a broader view of a country's development than does income alone. Norway was once more No. 1, and can in some ways be regarded as one of the best countries to live in. I don't dispute that, but the report reveals more important things than making Norwegians filled with pride. Children are dying - more than three times the victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia dies every month. The rich becomes richer, and the poor becomes poorer. If we, living in the rich countries of the world (the 10% that uses 90 % of the resources), decrease our part of the resources with 2%, we could be rid of extreme poverty. But are we up for it? I hope we are - I hope I am!

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik at the launch of the Human Development Report 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

Terracotta warriors

Yesterday I was looking into the eyes of warriors from 210 BC. A strange experience. At the historical museum here in Oslo there's an exhibition of several artefacts from China, among them are two terracotta warriors and several smaller figures. It's not the grandest of exhibits, but it's worth the entrance fee. I went with some of my colleagues, and we had a great time. The artefacts are placed in a setting of sounds, lights and visual effects. It's kind of interesting to see the contrast between the old artefacts and the super modern surroundings.
















China Exhibition, Historisk Museum, Oslo (All photos: Norwegianblogger)

KG Hammar - faith & controversy

I’ve been reading a book of / about the Archbishop of Church of Sweden, KG Hammar lately. While reading it, the Archbishop released a statement about planning to resign next summer. He’s been the Archbishop of the Church of Sweden for several years, and experienced the separation of the Church and State in Sweden as the head of the Church. He’s been a highly controversial leader in the church and has been under a lot of criticism. He’s raising questions, more than giving answers, he’s questioning a lot of the central doctrines of the church and has been an outspoken leader against war in Iraq, in favor of same-sex marriages and other current issues. It’s great to be able to listen to a person in more detail, than hearing a quotation or seeing an interpretation in the tabloids. A book is a wonderful tool in that respect. After spending some time “with him” in a book written as a conversation between him and Swedish author Ami Lönnroth I am intrigued. At the same time I understand why he is so controversial. He refuses to give clear answers and answers a lot of the questions for clarity with new questions. I don’t share his views on all matters, but in some ways, that doesn’t really matter. He don’t want me to agree with him – he wants me to find my way to God, and find faith without him giving me all the answers. I find in him an interesting approach to life and to faith that resonates with something within. His view of faith is connected to a strong emphasis on relationship, between God and us – and between human beings. Faith is first and foremost a relationship to God, and not a doctrine or a set of rules or regulations. This can be seen as a mystical approach to faith. Where there is unselfish love – you’ll find God. So – where does that leave us? I don’t know. His approach challenges me to the core – he urges me to ask questions myself – What is faith? What is spiritual leadership? Who is God? What is the human race? Where are we headed? Who am I? I guess the answer lies in opening up – opening up for questions, for answers, but most of all for the ability to live in openness towards God AND to other human beings. Not being afraid of all the questions, but slowly letting myself fall – out of control – out of the orderly systems – into the arms of God. Maybe not the answer the Archbishop would have preferred, but I believe it’s a process he would have supported. So thank you Archbishop KG Hammar for trusting us to find our own answers, and giving us tools and a framework from where to find our way. Maybe that is spiritual leadership? Exercising spiritual leadership, from a position of power, but in a spirit of servitude.

Lord of the Rings in Oslo

Lord of the Rings in Concert, Frognerparken, Oslo (All photos: Norwegianblogger)


Saturday the biggest park in Oslo, Frognerparken, was filled with ten thousands of people for a Lord of the Rings Concert. Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Anbjørg Lien, Sølvguttene, Oslo Bach Choir and others joined forces to give a two-hour performance of Howard Shore's score from the Lord of the Rings movies. I walked into the park a few minutes after they started to play, and walking underneath the big, old trees, with the sun shining and partying, picnicking people everywhere, felt like entering into an enormous party at Hobbiton. And then, to have the film music all over the place made the setting complete. The music was great, the orchestra was great, and the setting was fantastic. The concert could possibly have been cut down a little bit more - some parts felt a little repetitive, but in the great atmosphere Saturday, that didn't matter. During the last minutes of the concert, the sky opened and the rain poured down. That's Norway at this time of the year I guess - always difficult with open-air festivities. In spite of this: A great afternoon!
In the evening A-ha played for 120 000 people, but I joined a friend to a play at the National Theater. It was called "Demokrati" ("Democracy") and is written by Michael Frayn. The play is about the German chancellor Willy Brandt, and his assistant Günter Guillaume, who after four years was revealed to be a spy for East Germany. An interesting plot for a play, and I was definitely impressed by it!

A trip to the islands

Flowers at Hovedøya Monastery, Oslo August 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)


Yesterday I went on a trip to one of the islands in the Oslo fjord with my colleagues from work. I liked being able to spend time with my co-workers in such an environment. After a barbecue with hot-dogs and salad and a little hike on the island we had a tour of the old monastery at Hovedøya. It was incredibly interesting to listen to stories of how the monks managed to live there 800 years ago. Ruins of the monastery are still there, and it's a great spot.

Oslo Jazz Festival

Yes, I love this city. Right now there are two - three festivals going on at the same time. There's a poetry festival, a multicultural festival, a chamber music festival and a jazz festival. A friend asked me if I wanted to join him for a concert yesterday. It was with the Norwegian jazz-rock group Lava. and it was part of Oslo Jazz Festival. It was great fun. Felt like being back in the eighties again. It's funny to see people in their thirties and fourties re-experiencing old memories through music. The group is known for their collaboration with American singer Randy Crawford. We missed her yesterday. Her presence would have made the evening complete.

Norwegian jazz-rock group Lava at the Rockefeller Music Hall, Oslo Jazz Festival August 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

Murder of a spiritual giant

I was really shocked yesterday when I heard about the murder of Brother Roger, the founder of the Taizé community in France. He was killed during the afternoon's service in Taizé with 2500 people present. Knowing that he all his life fought for peace and reconciliation makes the murder even more shocking. I visited Taizé three years ago, and those days made a deep and lasting impact on me. During one of the services Brother Roger prayed for me by laying a hand on my head and saying a blessing. Seeing him that close and sensing his strong spiritual presence and love for God was something to remember. I experienced Taizé as a place that added another dimension to my life, the dimension of spiritual introspection and peace. From that place of peace I was able to look at my life in a more honest way, and I sensed a strong spiritual presence of being seen and loved by God. This is the legacy of Brother Roger and Taizé in my life, and I know that there are thousands of stories from people all over the world that can testify to the impact of Taizé in their lives. Brother Roger was stabbed to death with a knife by a 36 year old woman from Rumania. I don't know what went through her head, but I know that even though Brother Roger was killed, his message of love, reconciliation and peace will prevail. Taizé might have lost a spiritual giant, but his legacy will live on!

The Church of Reconciliation in Taizé, France (Photo: Norwegianblogger 2002)

Kiss the frog!

Kiss the frog, exhibition in the National Gallery, Oslo. (Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005)

I'm not talking about me, neither am I talking about fairy tales, but yesterday I went to see the much hyped exhibition "Kiss the frog" at the National Gallery here in Oslo. The exhibition was opened by Queen Sonja of Norway earlier this year, and will be in the museum until September 18th. Seeing the exhibition left me with a few questions about modern art and where the art world is headed. The main question is: What is the difference between art and design at one side and art and entertainment at the other side? First of all: Is it really important to discuss that at all? The theme of the exhibition is "the art of change", and to be art, I guess the artifacts should make us think and reflect. Was I challenged to reflect yesterday? Both yes and no, immediately after I left the building I felt a little empty and I asked myself: was this all? Was this really everything? Do I have to think of art as something that has to be discovered everywhere, or is it the setting it's placed in that makes it art? It's in the most prestigious museum in Norway, and that makes it art? I started to wonder, because parts of the exhibition could have been on a ride in Disneyland or as a part of the decoration in Vienna's Prater. Would I have reflected about the message and what the artist want to convey if I'd seen the same artifacts in Disneyland? Probably not, but is that a problem? Andy Warhol was known because he put the artifacts of everyday life in a museum, and suddenly it was art. In some ways I like that. The video installations was a part of the exhibition that in some ways left me puzzled. Yes, they were about the possibilities for change. One was about things that suddenly was alive, another one was about a dog flirting with a woman at a bridge, I guess both is about the possibilities for change, and we are challenged to think "what if....". At the same time we're living in an age were life is threatened by terrorists, threats to the environment, political upheavals, hunger in Africa and a lot of uncertainty. There are elements in the exhibition that points in these directions, but mostly I felt like I walked through a theme park. Again, I'm not opposed to theme parks, and I'm happy about change, also in the National Gallery. I heard a woman complaining to one of the guards yesterday that she was annoyed that everything had changed, and that the paintings not were in the exact spot they've always been. I don't share that view at all. If the art is going to challenge us and speak to us, I think it constantly should be put in new contexts. In one of the rooms at the exhibition, Erik Werenskiold's famous drawings from the Norwegian Folk tales was put opposite Vanessa Bairds enormous painting of weird situations involving children and adults. Did it work? Yes, in some ways I felt that Baird's painting made me think about the grotesque and challenging in the folk tales all over again, because, believe me, her painting is really challenging! All in all, the exhibition left me with a lot of questions about art and few answers. Perhaps we have the answer right there? If we are challenged to think and reflect, and are challenged to feel and react we are in the presence of art. Was I yesterday? Yes, I was challenged to think about art and were it is headed, but I'm not sure if I was challenged to reflect about the world, the future, the human race or my own life, in some ways I raise the question if the art world only loves itself. If we kiss that frog, what do we get? Maybe Narcissus?

Am I weird?

I don't know, but maybe? It's Saturday night, and I've spent the whole evening alone watching a couple of TV shows on DVD, listening to some good music, looking out of the window, thinking about my past, praying, sensing a mild breeze from my window and being overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude. There have been so many good things happening in my life, and there have been so many wonderful people that I've been fortunate to meet, and tonight I had time to think about it. I guess it was my time with the family album yesterday that started it all. Tonight I thought about my life until now, all the people I've met, all the places I've been and all the kindness, care and love I've experienced. Even in times alone I've never been left in loneliness. There's an old word in the vocabulary that covers my experience of my life until this day, it's "GRACE", amazing grace! Am I weird? Probably!

Picking up memories

Since I'm having my vacation right now, and I'm spending it in Oslo, I have time to do a lot of things. This morning I've been spending some time with one of the old family albums. It's strange to see yourself as a four- or five year old. To look into the eyes of that child and know that it is yourself. Two photos drew my attention this morning. One is with my grandfather and one is with my father. It's kind of funny, because photos can be deceiving. I remember when the photo with my grandfather was shot, because it was a completely arranged situation. I think it was the only time ever that I was that close to him, and I guess it was the only time ever that we read a book together. Kind of funny isn't it? I do remember him as an incredibly nice person, but always at a distance, with my grandmother as the central person for me. I think I would have loved to know him as a grown-up man, but he died when I was ten.

Me and Grandpa, back in the mid 70s.

The photo with my father is interesting. This is typical for his sense of humor. I've obviously been sleeping, and has just woke up. My father is pointing at me with a smile on his face. My father had a lot of artistic gifts. One of them was being a fabulous storyteller. Several mornings I remember waking him up begging him to tell me stories. It wasn't stories from books, but he made them up right there, involving me and the rest of the family in incredible stories from far-a-way countries and kingdoms. Sometimes I was the hero of the story, and what a feeling that was! Sometimes he brought a sketch book and made incredible drawings and sketches. I loved it and I am in some ways puzzled by the fact that after being a commander in the army, he spent his whole life in a factory. It's actually a little sad. What would have happened if he'd been able to free these artistic gifts? I don't know, maybe he would have felt more fulfilled and would have been happier? Hard to say, but I'm sure glad I was able to hear the stories, see the drawings, and experience that art can make ties between fathers and sons, parents and children.

Dad & me

Queen Mary 2 in Oslo

The world's biggest cruise ship, Queen Mary 2 arrived in Oslo yesterday. What a ship! I had to have a look at it yesterday and went downtown to see it. I was not the only one. From Aker Brygge at the other side of the harbor I could see the ship almost hiding Akershus Castle. An impressive sight it was, and I was reminded of stories of how it was when the Norwegian America Line arrived in Oslo on it's journey to and from New York. Have a look at a couple of my photos of Queen Mary 2.


Queen Mary 2 in Oslo, July 26, 2005 Both photos: Norwegianblogger

South Coast in summer

I've spent the last week in a cottage at the south-coast of Norway with four friends. This is the ultimate summer spot for me. The sea, the boats, the sun, the vegetation - there are few other places that can compete with the south-coast of Norway. We spent the first day close to Portør, swimming and enjoying the sun and the view of the ocean.

Close to Portør, Norway Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005

Another day we went to Jomfruland, an island with 70 inhabitants situated far out from the coast line. I enjoyed it tremendously. We went for hikes, for a swim in the ocean and spent hours in the sun.

Jomfruland, Norway Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005

In the evening we enjoyed a concert with the Norwegian poet and artist Odd Børretzen. The setting was perfect. The stage was set directly underneath two light houses, and with the humour and jazzy feeling of Lars Martin Myhre and Odd Børretzen's poetry and music, the evening was made perfect.

Lars Martin Myhre and Odd Børretzen in concert, Jomfruland, Norway. Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005


Coastal charm in Kragerø, Norway. Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005

Sad news from London

The news last week about the terrorist attack in London left me numb. I was there less than a month before the attacks and used the tube all the time. I was at all the stations that were targeted. It makes me feel sad and furious! Both London and New York are cities that belongs to the world. There are people from every nation, living there, sharing life and struggling to communicate and to live together peacefully. These kind of attacks puts fear as a central factor, and knowing that this is the goal for these people leaves me disappointed and sad about the state of humankind. I hope they will never succeed! At the same time: What if we give away all our rights for privacy and personal freedom to the government? That would not be right either - and I wonder if this is the goal of the terrorists as well. To crush democracy and personal freedom on the altar of security.

Live 8 Live

I saw parts of the incredible Live 8 live -concert yesterday, and what a concert it was. Many highlights, but for me the three songs with Annie Lennox stands out. Her voice is still strong and better than ever, and at stage she's there with authority and integrity. Events like this never leave me untouched, both in 85 with the original Live Aid concert and yesterday's concert Left me very touched. Seeing people from all over the globe sharing the same event, experiencing the same songs, the same message and acting on it is great. It binds us together as a human race, in spite of our differences and disagreements. In 1985 I was only a teenager being totally excited about being able to see musical heroes live from the UK and the US. Even though I only saw the concert on TV I felt I was part of history. Being young, being hopeful, believing in change. Yesterday, seeing Pet Shop Boys playing in Moscow, Nelson Mandela giving a speech in South Africa and A-ha in Berlin made me remember how the world was like in 1985. What changes hasn't happened in the last 20 years? The world has changed, the issues have changed, there is freedom in those countries, the artists that were young back in 85 are still there, but they have aged. I have aged, and am now a man, but the concert made me realize that hope is still there. Yes, the world has changed, but there are still problems in Africa. The world still needs a Bob Geldof and a Bono to make us remember, and to challenge us! Yesterday the task was signing our names in a global fight for justice. Did I sign? Yes, and I felt a bit of that youthful hope I had back in '85 as well.

Gandalv in Oslo

I saw Sir Ian McKellen or Gandalv (from the Lord of the Rings) walking the streets of Oslo Saturday. He's here for the Europride festival and participated in the big parade through the streets of Oslo. He's a wonderful actor and as Gandalv in the Lord of the Rings - he was superb! Here's Ian through my lense.



Sir Ian McKellen in Oslo, Norway, June 25, 2005 Photo: Norwegianblogger




Europride parade (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

Norway - a young nation

Today I went to a lecture about June 7th 1905 when the Norwegian Parliament dissolved the union with Sweden. It was interesting to hear how the Norwegian Parliament actually was able to reject the King and dissolve the union. An English commentator called it "the most gentlemanly revolution in history". No violence, no war and today there are no hard feelings between the two countries. In some ways I guess it's quiet unique in European history and an interesting field for research. At the same time: We are a young nation, and in the same way as young people I guess we are trying to understand ourselves and find our way. What does it mean to be a nation in Europe today? What is a country and should we as inhabitants have our belonging to the nation as a foundational part of our identity or should we think of ourselves as Europeans or maybe only as human beings? I do believe that it is important to feel a belonging to something outside of yourself - a community. It could be your family, your friends, as supporters of a football club, a religious community, your city or your country. The fantastic thing is that there are a lot of different ways to belong - to be a part of a community. I'm sure glad to be Norwegian, but who knows - I think I would have enjoyed being a Swede as well. :)

Swingin' London

I'm spending great days in London. Yesterday I was actually out of London on a walk in Salisbury and Stonehenge. Thanks to the TKTS booth I was today able to see two plays. First I saw Hedda Gabler - I was really impressed and even though I haven't been the greatest Ibsen-fan, I was touched by the play. Compliments to the casting - all of them were great. The choice of Eve Best as Hedda Gabler was superb and ALL the supporting actors were outstanding!

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In the evening I saw Val Kilmer and Charlotte Emmerson in The Postman always rings twice. Powerful, yet sensitive. Raw and violent, yet romantic - and both the main actors had a strong presence on stage.

P&C
Originally uploaded by Norwegianblogger.

Charlotte Emmerson and me in London.


Seeing both of these plays in one day knowing that the first was set in my native country, while the other one was set in the other country I've lived, made me think about the differences and similarities of these countries. I think the plays in many ways elaborated some typical traits of the people living in these countries, but at the same time are both stories universal. Seeing these two plays convinced me once more of the power of theater! I enjoyed it tremendously - and London - what a city. You just have to avoid some of the stressful parts of it, like Piccadilly Circus, Oxford street and the streets around Parliament. The rest of it can both be peaceful, interesting and diverse!

Where did summer go?

We're still waiting for summer here in Norway. It's cold and windy, and I long for those long summer nights. This could be the best part of the year, but not this year. In London there's been a heat wave, why not share with us? By the way, next week I'm going to London, so maybe it's OK the way it is ;)

Vienna, Maria João and a city of culture.

Vienna from the air, May 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005) 

This week I came back from Vienna after spending four days in this elegant city. It's obvious that this is a city where the rulers have been concerned about spending money on culture. There are magnificent buildings everywhere and at night they look even better with the lights. I'm impressed. I went with three friends and we had several cultural experiences. In my impression I have two highpoints: 1) the concert with jazz-artists Maria João and Mario Laginha at the Birdland jazz club in Vienna's Hilton hotel. Maria's voice and personality is extraordinary - there's not another word that covers it. In one minute she's like a bird, in the next a lion. She's like a thunderstorm and a Brazilian breeze, as Björk in one minute and as Ella Fitzgerald in the next. Not only in singing, but also in her expressions is she totally free at stage, loving every minute of it. Using her hands, dancing around stage, smiling, flirting and crying. She's so alive! Her musicians are the best and made the concert even better. After being sung into heaven we walked out of Birdland with a smile on our faces.


Maria João in Concert in Birdland Jazz Club, Vienna (Photo: Norwegianblogger May 2005) 

For me the next evening's concert in Musikverein was the opposite of the experience in Birdland. Musikverein is probably the most beautiful concert hall in the world, made famous through the broadcasting of the New Years Concert each year. There's no better place to enjoy a concert, and the hall lived up to its reputation. When you walk into this hall your expectations rise. In some ways I felt a little sad when the orchestra entered the stage. They were dressed in Mozart costumes and played Mozart on routine, short pieces of music without any plan or artistic integrity. It was all accompanied by hundreds of digital cameras and mobile phones clicking and flashing throughout the whole concert (among them mine). In some ways I felt a little surprised that this wonderful concert hall was used to a concert like this. One of my friends said it well when he compared it to a Disneyland show (I love Disneyland by the way, but Disneyland is Disneyland - and Vienna is Vienna). For my sake I said that the board of the Musikverein is guilty of cultural prostitution when they use this wonderful hall to a concert like this, but I guess that's a bit too much. To be able to enter this wonderful hall is great, and listening to any kind of music enhances the experience. Imagine the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in this hall - that would have been something!

My second highpoint was definitely the Kunsthistoriches Museum - probably one of the best art museums in the world! The house in itself was a work of art - and the collection is impressive. We spent hours in the museum, and even had time for an hour in the museum's café. The cakes where like a work of art as well.

All in all: Vienna is highly recommendable!

Three days in Sápmi

Wednesday I was back in Oslo after spending three days in Kautokeino in Northern Norway (almost at the North Cape). It was a fantastic experience. The nature is wild and there
are hundreds of miles of tundra and mountains. I was there for the National Sami Church Council and met a lot of the indiginous people of Norway. A great experience. Today I'm going with three friends to Vienna, Austria.


Finnmark at sunset, May 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005) 

At first I thought this photo was blurred and I was going to erase it, but then... I realized: I like it! Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005

Nationalism and rights for the Sami people

There's been a discussion in Oslo lately connected to the celebration of Norway's national day, 17th of May. The Sami people want to use their flag in the 17th of May parade in Oslo, but the City Council of Oslo has said no. Only Norwegian flags will be tolerated in the celebration of the national day. It's interesting to observe the fight for symbolic power. There have been two peoples in this country in recorded history. One (the Norwegians) has been dominant in all ways - the language, history writing and cultural symbols. Combined with the ideology of Nationalism we, as Norwegians have been able to establish our culture and symbols as the "natural" for this territory. But is it really? We don't own this land even though we have connected a few symbols and stories to it. I am proud of my heritage, I'm proud of what my forefathers and foremothers have done, but I don't believe that we as Norwegians have a right to dominate another part of the population that have been here as long as us. Should the idea of Norway be connected to nationalistic symbols or should it be about freedom, brotherhood and equality (to use the phrases from the revolution)? To celebrate our freedom, our rights, our heritage I would have loved us to celebrate our national day as two peoples, two flags, united in the values and ideas that made us a democracy. That's what our national day should be about, isn't it?

Being visible!

Yesterday I started my day by having hours of conversations with my wonderful house-mate. Through the conversation I found that being invisible has a lot to do with making myself invisible. Relationships are not about withdrawing, but it's about daring to show who you are. Daring to confront, discuss, forgive and to be real. We don't like being criticized, but I actually think it's important to be able to have people around that are able to confront me, challenge me and help me to be a better man. I've had some people confronting and criticizing me lately, and my answer to that has been withdrawing - I guess my answer should be the opposite - to seek towards those relationships, because that's where I grow. It does not mean to say that they are right, but knowledge about who I am and where I should go in my life comes through struggling with these questions and inviting others to participate. I guess that's where life is really worth living, and that's where I want to be: Visible, real and transparent.

Who are we really?

As I wrote in Paris I have felt lately that I have become more invisible. In some ways I feel it's because of my own choices - I have chosen to be more isolated. It has made me think - who am I really - and who are we as part of the human race? What is a man and a woman in itself - more than flesh and bones? Why are we able to give each other heaven and hell through the words we're saying or from a touch from our hands? I've had some conversations lately that have made me think (yes, Im not totally isolated :) ). We are trying to make sense of our lives, we're searching for acceptance and to be embraced, we are so fragile. The distance between sanity and being "out there" is so short. What is a life then, and why are we here? I don't know - I only know that the sun rises and the sun sets every day, the wind blows and our lives are like being on a journey where you don't know the destination. Right now I feel a little lost, but there are a few lighthouses here and there that leads the way. I'm looking intensely for those lighthouses.


Spring in Oslo. (Photo: Norwegianblogger) 

Dentist Paradise

It's quiet amazing isn't it? I've been to the dentist today and she worked on two holes without me feeling anything. I was almost asleep during the procedure. I get in a meditative mood when I'm in a dentist's chair. I don't exactly know why, but there is something about the light, the comfortable chair and someone quietly working around (and in) me. My thoughts starts to wander and I drift away. It's not that I LIKE it, but it's actually not too bad. It's wonderful to be without pain throughout the whole procedure though. I hope that she's done a great job as well.

Death of a Pope

Pope John Paul II died this evening. It strange isn't it? He's been there for almost 27 years as Pope and now he's gone. I was always amazed about how people reacted around him, but I finally understood when I was in Rome in 2001. I walked around St. Peter's Square one evening when a priest approached me and asked me if I wanted an invitation into the Vatican to see the movie Que Vadis with the Pope present. It was a surreal experience since the movie was really violent. A few rows in front of me I could see the Pope sitting in his chair. After the movie he was coming up through the middle of the big hall. The atmosphere was electric, and the closer he got people the more people was totally extatic. He had an aura that was really strong, and even through the photos I shot this evening you can sense a bit of his charisma. Here's the Pope through my lense in 2001.

Pope John Paul II in Rome 2001. Photo: Norwegianblogger 

A new star in Jazz?

I went to the library here in Oslo a couple of days ago. I brought home a CD from the jazz department called "Glittercard". The artist is Torun Eriksen. I'd never heard her name and thought it could be interesting to listen to some new music. I was really surprised. Her voice is rich and warm and the music is both innovative and interesting. There are some voices that have a quality that makes you want to listen to them for hours: Eva Cassidy, Randy Crawford, Norah Jones, Sidsel Endresen, Silje Nergaard, Al Jarreau, Sarah Vaughn and others have that kind of quality in their voices. Now there's a new person to add to that list: Torun Eriksen. Visit her homepage for a little taste of what she has to offer: http://www.toruneriksen.no/ - or best of all: Buy her album!

Piaf, Morrison, Wilde and the others..

Père Lachaise, Paris - March 25, 2005. Photo: Norwegianblogger 2005 

Yes, I've been visiting them all today - at their last resting place at Père Lachaise here in Paris. What a strange place. I arrived in the morning, and the sun shone through the trees and there was a little mist in the air. Even in sunlight it felt a little spooky. It's strange to meet death in such a profound way. At times I felt that I could smell it when I walked between the gravesites. All these people that were so filled with life, art and meant so much to so many now rest there, as bones and earth. Their work lives on though. The music of Chopin, the voice of Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf, the works of Moliere and Wilde and all the others that now are at the other side of life - dead in other words. Today I was thinking that most of the famous people resting in this graveyard experienced a lot of tragedy in their lives. Is that the price of fame? Is tragedy and sadness necessary for real art? It's hard to say, but today gave me an opportunity to think about the lives of these people and to observe (there we go again :) ) how different people react when they get to the gravesite of their heroes. At Jim Morrisson's grave there were a lot of young people with their headsets on - obviously listening to his music. At the same time there were guards at this place keeping an eye on everybody that came close and shouting out if something inappropriate was going on. The city of Paris had even closed off the area around the gravesite because of the doings of his fans. That's rock'n'roll I guess. At Chopin's grave it was really quiet, and a lot of flowers had been arranged around the white marble sculpture. At Oscar Wilde's gravesite I was amazed to see the ornamentation of the grave - when I got a little closer I could see that there were lots of marks from kisses that made up what I thought was the ornamentation. I think he would have liked that! At the same time I heard a guide say that someone had damaged parts of the sculpture because they hated that he was gay. I guess he wouldn't have been surprised about that either. At Edith Piaf's grave people stopped up and stood quietly around her grave looking sad. I guess she gave voice to a lot of people here in France during her lifetime. All in all - a visit to a cemetery could be an interesting experience. It surely was for me.

Today is a wonderful day in Paris by the way - it's summer and enjoy every minute of it. Tomorrow I'm going back to Norway so now I want to go out and enjoy the rest of the day. Au revoir!!

Ani Di Franco and me in Paris

Yesterday was a wonderful day here in Paris. Sunny and nice. Couldn't be better. During the day I walked the streets and spent hours in Parc Luxembourg listening to music, reading and enjoying the scenery. In the evening I went to Parc de Villette for a concert with the American singer Ani Di Franco. It was a fantastic concert; political, lyrical and fantastic - and I wasn't invisible anymore. Spent the whole evening with Margi from Paris; and had a great time. And Indian Ruby, my only (?) reader - YES; I AM HERE IN PARIS: Wish you could have been here too.

Invisible in Paris?

I'm in Paris - walking the streets, enjoying the scenery, marveling at the architecture and all that's going on in the streets. It's strange to walk around at a place where you don't know a single person, where every person you meet is a stranger and you're not known by anyone. I'm an observer of the life of others, and I'm not observed by anyone. I think I enjoy it though. It's maybe part of my nature. I enjoy being an observer, and being an Anthropologist by education makes it even more interesting - it's my craft - at the same time - is this life? These last days in Paris have made me think about this. Do I really enjoy being invisible? I guess the answer is both yes and no. It's wonderful to observe life - to see people communicate trough words, gestures and deeds. That's easier when I'm at a distance - then I'm able to take in a lot more about the situations, but I'm not there, I'm not feeling, talking or acting. In Paris I really feel invisible - people look away as soon as I look at them, and no one is really approachable. I'm probably like them, looking away - not being open and approachable. Why are we like that? Why are we not able to share more of this life? I'm not sure if I like or dislike being invisible, but maybe there is something to learn from this? A couple of years ago I visited a monastery in Taizé here in France. It did take a day or two to be able to quiet down within and to be able to connect with God through my thoughts and noise within. Traveling is in many ways similar to this, especially when I'm traveling by myself. It takes a day or two to get into the mood and to learn to appreciate the loneliness as a way to quiet down and to listen to my thoughts and to God through my experiences. I've tried to find my way to some of the churches in the city. Yesterday I did light two candles in the Notre Dame de Paris. One of them was for Indian Ruby - and it was nice to be able to let the candles be wordless prayers of love and concern when words are hard to find.


Notre Dame De Paris March 22, 2005. Photo: Norwegianblogger 

Have I connected with God in Paris? I don't know - I feel that the churches are havens of peace in a noisy city, and I have felt called to pray and to meditate while I'm there. The Church of St. Severin in the Quartier Latin was especially a peacefull place today. There was a simple cross made of branches hanging above the altar - it was simple, but powerfull. I was praying, and then my thoughts started to wander - there's so much noise inside of me, but I'm trying to open up. In my mind I'm reaching out to the people I pass by or observe, but there's no response. Is God like that as well in my life? Is He reaching out to me, and I walk by - thinking of Him as an invisible presence that really don't know me? I dare to think that even here, in Paris, I am seen be Him, known by Him and loved by Him - and I hope that this knowledge will be felt as well - I guess this is my prayer for everyone I pass by, and for myself a late night in Paris. That we all are seen by Him - and when we're not seen by anyone, we are loved by the Creator of all things.

I do know that there are few other cities in this world that can compare! Looking forward to explore the city, my inner being and God's ways in the next days - and if you're here in Paris maybe I'll see you. Enjoy life!

Paris on my mind

I have a couple of places on this planet where I feel at home - one of them is of course Oslo, but other than that New York and Paris are places where I feel really ALIVE. For Easter I'm actually going to Paris, and I'm looking forward to it. Last time I was there I went with two friends and met another American friend there. I loved it. This time I'm going all by myself, but I think that'll be great as well. I love to explore the different parts of the city, just walk for hours and then to sit down and enjoy the scenery. There'll be a couple of cultural experiences as well. I bought a ticket to a concert with Ani DiFranco - that'll be fun. The wonderful jazz artist Lian Amber will be in Paris as well, and I guess you'll see me there.

It's great to have something to look forward to. Paris - here I come!

Loves us out of isolation

During the last week I've had a couple of conversations that have made me think more about my faith and where I'm at in my Christian walk. I've realized that a lot of the theological conflicts today are grounded in the view and interpretation of the Bible. I read something yesterday that made me think about this. It said that Christians today are challenged to live in the tension between being naive and intellectual. We are allowed to think, but at the same time we are told that the highest faith level in the Kingdom of God is that of a child. It might mean that faith is about a relationship - letting God mother us and love us. I love that thought, because it tells us that God loves every human being, and sees them as family. I believe that - and I do hope that every human being is included in this, but what then about the Bible? Is there room for interpretation or are we to think of every word as God's direct voice into our lives and situations? I think of the Word as a gate - a gate into a life in God's love and presence; a gate into a relationship with God. It tells us about who God is - how Jesus is the bodily presence of God at Earth and shows us how God loves every human being. There are a lot of difficult passages, but how are we to read them? I believe that fellowship and relationships are crucial in a human being's life - and GOOD relationships are images of God's relationships to us. A mother and a father love their child, even though they don't live according to their principles. A brother will always be a brother even though he doesn't share the same values. I believe our view of humanity should be similar to this view of family. We're all created by God, loved by God and created to fellowship with God. The task of the Church is to be a Family - a family who loves all, included the so-called "black sheeps" of the family, and don't divide who's in and out. A family with one task at hand: To love the world, so that the love of God is seen through the Church and the World.

Words - words - words....

Indian Ruby had a wonderful reply to my last posting: Perhaps our words are the arms we are missing. Wow - what a sentence! Our words are able to build up, tear down, move us, make us hopeful and filled with despair. A blog is more than anything only words. The only thing you see here are words - no music, no movies or pictures - only words. Through words we are here to share life. As Indian Ruby says: our words might be the arms we are missing.

Nothing to say?

Have you ever had the feeling that you have nothing to say? There are so many words in this world, and after browsing a few of the blogs of the web I almost feel empty. Sometimes when I'm in a meeting at work I feel the same. I listen to others say all the right things, and my head feels blank. I love to listen and to read all the thoughts and to be challenged by all the people out there, but I start to wonder: What do I have to say? Is there anything more to say in this world or has it all been said, all been challenged and thought through. I don't know. Maybe, even probably it is so, but why then go on saying all the things that has been said? I guess the word is communication. We are all communicators in some way or another. The question is what do I communicate? I'm not shy at all, I enjoy conversations and discussions tremendously, and I do it often, but when it comes to settings where I have to say something in a big group, I go blank. That's me, and during the last couple of weeks I've had a bit of the same feelings againgst this blog. I wonder - do I have anything to say? I guess the next days and weeks will show, at least I guess I should try - even though it has been said before....

Oslo - can it get any better?

This week Aftenposten, one of the major newspapers here in Norway, presented a survey involving hundreds of inhabitants of Oslo. The question was how people like living here. 9 or 10 people either loves or likes the city, while one of ten thinks it’s OK or bad. For me it’s no surprise. I’ve always really enjoyed living here. The combination of culture and nature in this city is its strongest asset. Concert halls, movie theaters, a lot of museums, art galleries and then the fjord and thousands of miles of forest a few minutes by subway from the city center – can it get any better? I don’t think so. I have some favorite spots on this planet: New York is one, Paris is another – but, amazingly enough – Oslo is definitely up there with these cities in my mind. Is there nothing bad about Oslo? Sure it is. There are a lot of people that are struggling; with drugs, with prostitution and crime. On my way to work I meet them every day, but I’ve never had any bad experiences myself. I don’t want our city in all areas to show off a polished surface where everything is slick and without scratches. This is not a theme park, but a city. I like that – diversity – both among people and in the different areas of the city. In other words, I live my life here in Oslo, and it’s great to live in a city that I really enjoy living in, and where most others share that joy! You are welcome to experience it yourself – it’s here and it’s waiting for you!

Friends in faraway places

Oh what a joy to open my mailbox today and find e-mails from three great friends I haven't heard from in a very long time! It reminded me how a few lines in a mail keeps us in community with each other and helps us to feel connected. Thank you Matt in Seattle, thank you Forrest in Seattle and thank you Christine in Vancouver for writing these mails today and sending them to me. You are indeed friends in faraway places. To everyone reading this today: Perhaps it's time to send an e-mail to an old friend somewhere in this world. Do it today!

Insomnia?

After having a long vacation I was back at work today. I've loved the long nights and long mornings for the last couple of weeks. Going to sleep at about 2 AM and waking up at about 11. It's actually great to be able to turn around life like this for awhile, but today the alarm went at 6:45. I was really tired because I wasn't able to sleep before 3 AM - but I'm OK. Actually it feels like a jet-lag - trying to cope with everyday life again. Back to work and back in the routines.

It's the ordinary days that make up most of our lives and I believe we have to take care of these days and nights that we get. Being 35 I realize that I don't live forever. I've always known that, but now I feel it. Maybe I've already lived half of my life? Man, I'm glad to be alive. I sincerely hope that knowing my mortality makes me live my life to the fullest!

Making room for rage

Hi! Why am I here as a blogger? I was actually inspired by a good friend of mine who opened her blog a couple of days ago (http://indiarubyflower.blogspot.com/ ). I thought it was wonderful to se her on the web - and I thought - why not join the community? After reading another blog for months( http://www.thursdaypm.org/blog/rachelle/ ) I have felt really touched by what Rachelle's been writing - and it's inspiring to read everyday wisdom. Rachelle is a very wise woman.

A friend of mine told me once that he thought that I should be less analytical and more active, but now I think: Perhaps blogging could be a kind of action? Being me is partly being analytical, and this is a forum for that. I don't know if there will be anyone reading this, but I'm here. I'm writing, and sharing, and analyzing and trying to find my way in this wonderful, but confusing world. I'm here and you're welcome to share in this frightening, hopeful and great journey called life.

The tsunami in Asia has really been on my mind in the last week. I stayed in a hotel at Patong Beach a few years ago, I walked the beaches of Phi Phi island and I stayed in a shabby hostel at Penang island in Malaysia. It's been surreal to watch these locations totally destroyed and chaotic. People died those places and paradise is suddenly hell, and there is no escape - I've been there - I've stood at the exact places where the photographers and the CNN reporters stand today. Why do some people live - and others die? If the earthquake had happened a few years ago I could have been among the dead ones. I don't know why some people die. I think about it a lot, but I don't find a lot of answers. The Bishop of Oslo said something wise today. He said that in situations like now we should make room for anger. Being angry at God and letting ourselves ask questions. I guess this is my prayer this night: Help us to make room for rage when there are no answers to all the why's of our lives.