Even the dogs are well behaved…

Yesterday, Elliott and I went for a hike in the beloved Sognsvann area of Oslo. As we were traipsing through the woods, we talked about our blog and both came to the conclusion that in our first three weeks of being here, it has become a bit of a love letter to Norway.

A theme I will continue with this post! It is hard to believe we are already on week 3. This weekend was filled with tons of our new favorite activity: walking! Friday, I came home from the office, we did our Insanity workout (yes, we’re on an ultra health mission these days) and then we went for our maiden venture to Sognsvann. I have heard of this place many times, but never ventured to explore it. So, Friday afternoon, when it was stunningly beautiful, 35 degrees, blue skies, sun…we headed up the hill and came to find out Sognsvann is only about a 15 minute walk from our apartment. It was glorious!

The main attraction is the lake, which is surrounded by a path. But, there are also other tributary trails that one can take throughout the woods north of Oslo. The paths are lighted and are available for biking, running, hiking and even skiing in the winter… our sights have now turned on saving as much money as we can to afford some cross country skis for this winter!

On Friday, we walked for about 90 minutes. It was such a glorious decrescendo to the week and reminded me of the power of walking – a lesson I keep learning in new ways every time I come to Norway be it through the pilgrim hike or many other avenues.

What I guess was so impressive about Sognsvann for me was the number of people there on a Friday afternoon. Yes, the weather was beautiful and it was an afternoon, but the people we saw didn’t look like fair-weather outdoorsmen; they looked authentic as if this was part of their weekly or even daily ritual.  Walking, running, biking…whatever it may be, people were committed to being outdoors.

Here are some pictures from Friday’s walk (sorry for the duplicate posts on Facebook):

So, Sunday we decided to head up to Sognsvann again to engage in the traditional Norwegian Sunday walking ritual.  Yes, we did skip traditional church for an opportunity to commune with nature. Yesterday’s experience blew Friday out of the water.

As we walked up to the entrance of Sognsvann, the parking lots were jammed with cars. Families, sports groups, friends, couples all poured out of their cars, on a day that was overcast and even colder. Just before passing the little “Sognsvannkiosk” where one can purchase their Sunday pølse (hotdog), varm sjokolade (hot chocolate), Kvikk lunsj (best. candy. ever.) or what have you, an accordion player serenades the droves of people entering the area. It felt like entering a fairy tale.

Yesterday, we ventured beyond the lake, back into some of the more wooded, less traveled paths. Except we kept finding people wherever we went. Trail runners, hikers, even a group of what looked like school kids ages 13-14 with two Dads who had obviously been out in the woods for an overnight camping trip.

What struck each of us most, though, was the atmosphere. Whereas a workout in the United States is always to be “fit in” to the schedule, walking is such a part of Norwegian culture that taking a few hours on a Sunday to be out in nature, is natural. No one was looking at their watches, yelling at people to get out of their way, fighting with each other. Parents weren’t screaming at their kids, kids at their parents (I know, it’s sounding so utopian now!), and yes, even the dogs are behaved when they are off their leashes – they don’t jump on people, they keep close to their owner … it was time focused on family, friends, your spouse or whoever you may be out walking with that day.

We spent about 2.5 hrs hiking yesterday – one foot in front of the other. A mantra that has been with me since I started this Ph.D. program and I think will serve me well even now as I am nearing the end (I got the go-ahead to defend in March – hallelujah!). But more than that, focusing on one step at a time is a call to pay attention to where you are in the moment, who you are with and the blessing it is to spend time in special places with special people.

I am going to try and hold that close as I learn more about walking, paying attention and gratitude!

Here’s a pic of us from yesterday’s hike:

Have a great week everyone – we so appreciate your comments and posts – so great to be in touch with so many people!

Thus ends this week’s love song to Norway.