Oslo 2007

Is the name of Norway coming from word "North" or has this direction been shaped because of the location of the country? In most Western europe, when you go North, that means you are going to reach Norway somehow. The only scandinavian country not part of EU. The border to the Arctic Circle.

Oslo is a very nice city. Perhaps my favorite in Scandinavia so far. I am not sure why, I felt there like standing at the side of things. Somehow like a haven in our complicated and violent world. The Fjord in front of Oslo is so beautiful and quiet. It's giving you a feeling of balance. Of plenitude. Of Peace.
 
It is said that Norway has lots of money coming from Oil, and that they are the best in the world in using that money for future generations. No Porche or Ferrari here (at least I did not see any). The city itself is well organised, clean, with parks, loads of nice buildings and pieces of architecture.  It's not big. It's not small. You don't see any poor people in the streets, even though prices seem higher than in Paris or London. People in the street seem to have no worry of any sort.

I am always amazed to think that this country is the origination of the Vikings, because the people seem so quiet. Nowhere near the warriors who went south for land, women and money.

If you like intensity and violence, I don't think Oslo is for you.
But for my dream-like walk near dusk time, Oslo was the perfect location...