"SYDEN" is where Norwegians loose control
It is a general term to describe all place abroad where it is warm and there is Sun
Norwegians do crazy things in Syden
They start to smile
They acknowledge others
They talk to each other
And even talk with strangers
For no practical reason
I was in Croatia
Enjoying some days in the Sun
Like many Norwegians do in Syden
Including one of my neighbors
The type neighbor that waits behind her door not to see others in the hallway
Or pretend not to have seen you in the garden
That neighbor came to me and started speaking for no reason
She was suddenly excited to have a conversation
After years living in the same building and avoiding any occasion to speak with others
It seemed like being at the same place in Syden was a perfect occasion to speak together for the first time
I was rather suspicious that she now wanted to speak with me
That because we were far away from home
It was expected that we would spend time speaking to each other
Despite her passing next to me at home
days after days
without looking at me and barely answering if I would greet
My neighbor was not the only one around
A day later I heard other people speak Norwegian on the beach
I turned around and smiled
A mother and her daughter smiled back and we started to talk
Naturally
Without any Norwegian awkwardness
We ended up talking for about 20 minutes
Some of their friends and family joined in
They included me in the conversation and we ended up spending several hours together
Enjoying the Sun and discussing all sorts or things
It seems like being outside Norway
Somehow provides a framework for socialization
Norwegians have a reason to talk
(We are abroad at the same time)
And it is easy to escape
Furthermore, they are certain not to disturb others
They know everyone is on vacation and have time to speak
At home they could be disturbing their busy neighbors by saying "hei" and having a short chat
The moral is
Talk to Norwegians when you are sure that
(1) You have a reason to
(2) They can easily escape
(3) You are sure that they have time to speak
Abroad or in the mountains works really well
Have a great summer enjoying Norwegians! :)
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