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 Its fun, but some of the futuristic clothes seem a little outdated today.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