Norway's Bovine University

Since I have been in Norway, one of the most reoccurring questions I get from Norwegians are "Do movies accurately depict American life? While that is kind of a crazy question (I almost don't bring up the fact that I lived in Baltimore lest I be lambasted with "The Wire" questions... Though, that's something I'm asked by anyone who has never been Charm City) the other prominent query is totally legitimate. 

"What is the most noticeable difference between Norway and America?" 

Obviously, the language is the first and foremost, but, most Norwegians speak English (to varying degrees... but that's another blog entry).  There are numerous websites that will try and detail the major differences, but, for me, it comes down to food.

In addition to being one of the best Troy McClure shorts from, arguably, the best Simpsons' episode ever (Lisa becomes a Vegetarian... you still don't win friends with salad!), it is a great satire on the American cattle industry.  Like all satire, definition-alert, it is grounded in truth (see: pink slime).  We, as Americans, will eat anything with proper condiments on it.  One of my new teammates, who is also from the states, recently related an antidote about buying burgers back home that were so saturated, they actually ripped through the bag (I won't name the chain that it came from for fear of legal action... *cough* Golden Arches *cough*).

Conversely, here in Norway, the standards for the cattle industry, to quote the rapper/poet, Canibus, "are above precision".  The Norwegians only import American animal products that come from a certified EEA facility.  More so, prior to their EEA agreement in the early 2000s, Norway was even crazier about their food standards.  Up until a decade ago, synthetic coloring was banned (there was no yellow 5 scare!) and roughly 1/4 the additive sweeteners were allowed in foods.  Fast forward to today, where everything down to the feed (grass for my cattle!) and welfare (namely, the outdoor time, health monitor, regulation, etc) is extensively outlined in a comprehensive act that is constantly revised to ensure the utmost quality.

I'm not a doctor or a biologist, but I imagine this means the food is probably better for you...

Though, there is a downside... The portions are... uhmm... smaller.

Norwegian Portion

American Portion (I miss you, Alewife)

Though, I'm definitely more of a fan of the nutritional facts included in American food.

American Nutrition Facts... I am constantly checking to make sure I'm getting all my Riboflavin!

I would include the Norwegian version here, but its not really much:  Calories, Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fat.  

Yup... 

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Alt for Norge!

Questions and a taste of home

Nothing says home quite like home-made Cheesesteak!

Another week is in the books, dear friends.  The highlight of the past seven days definitely has to be the home-made cheesesteak (hjemmelaget ostebiffsmørbrød) that was a perfect compliment to the unseasonable, good weather (is it a bad sign when 60 degrees in March is cause for celebration?) and good times.  So thanks for that!

Now, as I've been here for a little over three months, I have accrued some questions from those of you back in the US of A... I thought I'd share some of them here.

Q: What are your plans for Summer?
- PY

Norges sommer er vakker

A: Hopefully, I will be employed and working.  Additionally, I had been thinking of doing some traveling (I hear that Trondelag is nice this time of year!).  However, after a few days of discussions, I have been invited to training camp for a Norwegian American Football team.  So, that may be my summer extracurricular (No, it's not like their NFL.  Its more recreational, but it is pads and tackles... I'll make sure to include plenty of updates on my sports blog.


Q: Where are the pics of you skiing?
- JO

A: Fine... here are two

Q: What was the craziest thing you've eaten since you've been there?
- ADJ

With brie on whole grain bread it is divine!

A: Sauna-cooked Moose heart... Though, aquavit salmon and other aquavit-infused meat is pretty out there, too.  Though, things with aquavit tend to be more extreme.


Q: I don't really understand about the clothing.  Do they dress just like us (Americans)?
- DS

A: I can't really explain this one... its hard because, well, I have NO fashion sense (which, in itself, I guess is a fashion style).  Though, I will point out an oddity here in fashion that I find hilarious... A company here produces imitation letterman jackets... and they're a SMASH HIT!

Don't mind these patches that say "Boys Soccer State Champs 1980"

If that's not noteworthy enough, the material is not like that of the American forebear.  These are cotton-blend, lightweight jackets as opposed to the wool-and-leather fall/winter overcoats.  Also, a lot of them have patches that say things like "State Champs 1980" or "All-Conference Boys Basketball".  Though, that shouldn't seem so strange since American Eagle, Aeropostale, and Old Navy have made a prosperous market out of doing the same thing with their clothing.

And that's that for this week (or whatever period of time before the next post)...

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Alt for Norge