It's Not Summer WIthout You

1 degree (Celsius... 34 Fahrenheit)

That was the temperature when I woke up this morning.

Almost in disbelief, I went outside in jeans and my summer coat (that's a funny thing, before I came to Norway.  I had three coats.  One I wore in fall, one I wore when it was winter, and another I wore in both months when I was wearing something sorta fancy... Now, I have eight coats) and was quickly re-buffed.

It was, indeed, cold outside.

(I realize "cold" is relative, but, when you're anticipating low-teens Celsius/mid-50s Fahrenheit, getting smacked in the mouth with something quite lower than that registers as cold)

Autumn is leaving its mellowness behind for its spiky, rotted stage.  Don't remember summer even saying goodbye.

Fortunately for me, I had (at the behest of the lady) swapped out my summer clothes.

The week prior, I had carried up the winter clothes, in their dormant boxes tucked away in the back of the unit in the basement, to the apartment.  Then, solemnly, I folded and sorted which summery things I still dreamed of wearing between now and when the sun's warmth returned from those which I could go without (this seasonal change is the saddest I feel for inanimate objects... Sorry, threadless.com t-shirt. I just don't have space for you.  I don't like you any less... It just won't be that warm and... you'll understand when you're older?).  The unchosen were placed in the spot formerly reserved for the winter clothes, which, in turn, replaced the summery clothes spots in my drawers and closet, and then, I returned the boxes to their sub-terrain storage.

So, I'm not cold today.  Bring it on fall/winter.

ALT FOR NORGE

Like me on Facebook: facebook.com/OSLOST

Follow me on Twitter: @BoomerOSLO

Buy my non-Norway based book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/This-New-Normal-ebook/dp/B008M0GPW2

The Cost of Living the High Life

Norway is a pretty wealthy nation.

Based on last year's end-of-year numbers, it ranks in the top 5, globally, in both Purchasing Power Parity and Nominal GDP (both rankings are in terms of "per capita", an important distinction to make.  In terms of "gross", Norway doesn't rank in the top 20).  The abundance of riches are not just limited to monetary units, as Norway is rated as the global leader in human development (a seemingly unquantifiable thing to measure, but the process the UNDP uses is addressed, at length, via the link I've provided).

Not only does Norway create a conducive situation for their own citizens, they extend a helping hand to developing nations around the world as the globe's second-largest foreign aid contributor, in terms of percentage of GDP.  Also, while the number is in decline, Norway is the world's, 13th largest recipient of asylum seekers.

What does this mean in day-to-day life?

Norway is second-globally in wages and, while the citizens enjoy a plethora of upscale cars, multiple homes, and jet-setting vacations, Norway has one of the largest, maximum, personal income tax rates in the world.  If one were to read the Government's 2011 Tax Report such phrases that would be heresy in my native country are present, for example:  "redistribution of wealth", "fair tax system", and "plans to increase the pension income social security contribution" (there are a few, familiar phrases such as "90% of the equity is owned by 10%").

Puffy would probably not enjoy Norway

Taxes, like death, are unavoidable and profitable ($36 billion in Norway in 2010), but where the average person really feels the pinch is on the VAT.  Value Added Tax is basically a punishment for balling that only effects the buyer.  It isn't a godless, euro concept, it is present everywhere.  Even in America.  The US' version of VAT is the reason why gas and cigarette prices vary so much from state-to-state (well, partially the reason).  The main difference in how VAT is used in Europe (specifically in Scandinavia) on more products and with a higher rate of pay.

For food, there's a 15% rate and a variety of transportation, hotels, and entertainment come with a 8% rate.  While that seems hard to keep up with, it's nothing compared to alcohol.

A 12-pack of 12 oz (.355 liter) Sierra Nevada or Samuel Adams costs $14 on the east coast, but a six pack of half-liter (16.9 oz) Tuborg costs $25 in Norway.  There's a 25% VAT on alcohol + 5 kroner ($0.90) per can environmental VAT + 1 kroner pant ($0.17) per can.  Additionally, on wine, there's 4 kroners for every percent of alcohol (13% alcohol = 52 kroners/$8); on spirits, the cost rises to 6 kroners for every percent (40% alcohol = 240 kroners/$40).  This is before you factor in the soon to go into effect 5% increase in alcohol tax.

You have to pay the cost to be the boss.

ALT FOR NORGE

Like me on Facebook: facebook.com/OSLOST

Follow me on Twitter: @BoomerOSLO

Buy my non-Norway based book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/This-New-Normal-ebook/dp/B008M0GPW2

Letter home from Norwegian Summer (camp)

Dear Mom and Dad,

Sorry for not writing more lately, I've been caught up in the summer.

Where to begin?

Well, for starters, I passed on a trip down the coast to watch boats and eat ice cream so I could write this.  It wasn't a popular decision, but I had to catch you up on everything.

There was camping in the Oslo fjord.  It was great!  If you were on Facebook, you could see my photo albums, but I'll include some here.

The fishing didn't go so well.  It took me about three, different outings to figure out how to catch actual fish and not just seaweed.

But the swimming has been fun.  It started with the water being really cold!  Like 15 Celsius (59 Fahrenheit), but, in the last few weeks, its been up to 21 (69 Fahrenheit).  Which is pretty cool.  Not so cool is that most of the beaches are rocky and don't have the easiest exit strategies.

Of course, there have been a few nights out.

But, uhmm, there was also a field trip to the old harbor town of Skudeneshavn.

The crown jewel of this old town is the old, foghorn factory which is now a store... which doesn't sell foghorns. 

I know this letter is lacking in substance, but it's hard with the great weather outside.

See you again in August!  Until then, sun only sun!

Sincerely,

Son #2

Alt for Norge

Like me on Facebook: facebook.com/OSLOST

Follow me on Twitter: @BoomerOSLO

Buy my non-Norway based book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/This-New-Normal-ebook/dp/B008M0GPW2