Russians and Norwegians. A Quick Guide to Mutual Understanding

Crossing the border of another country, along with suitcases, we carry with us a load of our ideas and clichés about habits, mentality, traditions local residents. For example, a German must certainly love beer and sausages. An Englishman wears a "bowler hat" and drinks tea, without fail, at five in the evening. A Frenchman, even at the age of 75, confirms the status of a womanizer. As for the Norwegians, the ideas of the Russians are more vague, but they also exist.

The stereotypical Norwegian is a calm and peaceful person, a skier, a fisherman and a fan of the A-ha group. Norway, as a rule, evokes positive emotions: a beautiful country, an interesting history. In addition, the Scandinavian model of a quiet life is perceived as an ideal. In general, Scandinavians are open to guests, their friendliness can even frighten Russians who are not used to being friendly to strangers.

Relationship history

Since ancient times, the common people of the northern fjords had close ties with the population of the Arctic regions of Russia, such as the Arkhangelsk province and Murman. In the 16th century, even a special language of the merchant people developed: "Rusinorsk" or "mine - according to - yours." It consisted of half Russian and half Norwegian words. For example, “Five wagons of flour for a hundred fiscus” (Five carts of flour for a hundred fish).

At the state level, both countries did not have serious political contacts for a long time, rather, due to the fact that Norway passed from hand to hand either in Sweden or Denmark. After Norway gained independence from the Swedish crown in 1905, Russia was the first to recognize its sovereignty. In response, after the collapse of the USSR, this country took the same step.

Since the mid-1990s, Norway has actively supported, promoted and created various cooperation projects. For one of them, which was called the "Barents region" and currently exists, the northern neighbors spent 49 million NOK. In the late 1990s, political complications were also brewing: a spy scandal among diplomats, the expansion of NATO up to the border with the Murmansk region, disputes over natural resources in the Arctic. An interesting fact: in the Norwegian army, soldiers are taught Russian, as the language of the enemy, so well that the latter speak it almost without an accent.

Unfortunately, today the political abyss has become deeper. Norway joined the EU sanctions against Russia, and against this background, many cooperation projects ceased to exist.

However, ordinary citizens of both countries want to be friends. Extensive cultural, scientific, student exchanges and even marriages become markers good relations in the noughties and to this day.

Nordic character

Norwegians remember whose descendants they are. The brave Vikings left a legacy of independence and freedom of opinion. Perhaps that is why the northerners keep apart from the European Union: “next to each other, but not together”, they have their own currency and with all their might stand on the foundations of democracy, while providing serious social support to their citizens. No wonder state structure This country is called the ideal embodiment of the ideas of socialism.

It should be noted that historically Norway has always lived modestly, and even when large reserves of oil were discovered in the shelves, its inhabitants did not rush to mindlessly spend millions. Instead, the country invests the income received in the development of new technologies and in the "future generations fund". Being rich in Norway, and, moreover, for show, is not beautiful. An embodied socialist equality reigns here, which Russian revolutionaries could envy. This Scandinavian phenomenon can be explained by the peculiarity of thinking: "he who steals or takes bribes does not steal from his neighbor, but from himself."

There are few big cities in Norway. And those, in comparison, with the Russians seem to be small settlements. Basically, these are quiet, calm villages with one supermarket, and therefore, out of the ordinary events, for example, God forbid, murder, will be discussed here for more than one year.

The Norwegians have always trusted their politicians and the state system, although they can laugh at them. This trust has developed a certain inflexibility in their mentality. They implicitly believe what they write in the newspapers and say on TV, because the "people's" media cannot deceive or fool their fellow citizens. In addition, the belief is firmly planted in the minds of the northerners that such everyday banalities as turning off the water are simply impossible. After all, municipal services simply will not allow this. In this case, the Russians have a great chance to unobtrusively show their northern neighbors that life is eternal change and nothing can be accurately predicted in it.

But what is worth learning from the Norwegians is caring for nature. Despite the fact that the country actively produces and sells petroleum products, it intends to abandon cars with gasoline fuel. Here you will not find garbage, abandoned unnecessary things, bottles or plastic. Even if this can be seen today on the streets of Bergen or Oslo, cleaning services will quickly clean everything up.

By the way, in Norway they are trying to get away from the usual zoos for wild animals, where they languish in cages. For them, huge open-air cages are made in nature, in which wolves, bears, foxes live, not noticing their territorial limitations.

Alien soul - darkness

Norwegians are sociable, polite, but always keep a little distance. Here it is not customary to show one's feelings for show, to eat widely like Russians, and during the holiday "to break three button accordions." Before visiting, it is worth eating, as only light snacks, tea or coffee can be served on the table. Dancing or drinking songs in the company of the house is a rarity. To do this, the Norwegians have clubs and numerous choral or dance studios.

Here they talk loudly in transport, never curtain the windows and unceremoniously look at a stranger. There is an explanation for this behavior: the Scandinavians did not know either the camps or the cellars of the NKVD. In Norway, it is customary to express your opinion directly and openly.

It is safe to say that no one knows how to arrange a space as comfortably as the Scandinavians. They are all born decorators and designers. Well, who would think of freezing tinted water and making ice candlesticks out of it to winter evening the path to the house looked more welcoming.

Norwegians, like all Scandinavians, are avid athletes. In winter it is, of course, skiing. There are even national proverb: "A Norwegian is born with skis on his feet." In summer, the inhabitants of this country prefer rather difficult training - running up the mountain paths.

The Norwegians also have dachas. "Hyuta" - as they are called. A Russian person might expect to see sturdy houses outside the city, however, a Norwegian hut is a trailer on wheels, with an awning attached to it, serving as a veranda. No vegetable gardens, front gardens and weeding of endless beds. Only calm nature around, forests, mountains and waterfalls, a comfortable folding chair and a bottle of light beer in your hands. And it's understandable why have Vacation home when in the city almost everyone has their own. Few families live in apartments.

Women are another big topic. Russians are easy to spot by their appearance. Norwegian women prefer to wear simple, "hoody" things, flat-heeled shoes, almost never use makeup and jealously think of Russian women as blondes in direct and figuratively. However, among the northerners there are truly Nordic beauties, and if she has a natural taste, then the so-called “killing power of the snow queen” is formed.

Norwegians do not hold internal freedom. It is difficult to imagine her dependence on a man. Moreover, none of them will remain with the representative of the stronger sex, raising his hand to her. Of course, state social institutions are actively helping women who find themselves in such situations to survive difficulties.

Tolerance is a special feature of the Scandinavian character. It begins with respect for the other person, tolerance for non-traditional sexual orientation, another culture, skin color, traditions. But with widespread acceptance, Norwegian society risks stepping on a very dangerous trap: Muslim expansion. Today, the country is actively accepting refugees and emigrants from Arab and African countries. Trying to give the best of my European culture, they do not notice that Muslims live according to their own principles, in closed communities, and do not want to become "Norwegians".

"Norgs", as they are called by the inhabitants of the border areas, are well-organized and punctual people. They know very well how to bring a project to life. At this point of contact with the Russian mentality and thinking, brilliant things can be born: Russians are rich in ideas, and Norwegians have all the tools to bring creative thoughts to life. However, eastern neighbors it is worth remembering that national symbol Scandinavians is a calendar with planned and, most importantly, completed tasks.

In Swedish Nursing Homes, which are free like everything else, only those lonely old people live who have no one left alive at all;

Swedes and Swedes are much more beautiful than Russians, they dress better and more elegantly;

The Swedes are "real gentlemen and knights"

The Swedes help third world countries and refugees a lot, so they are even more generous at home.

The Swedes are a very religious nation, since almost all holidays in the calendar are religious. The only strange thing is that all the churches are always empty.

Politicians are punished for mistakes. At least economically, they are fined.

March 8 is a public holiday in this country. And, of course, all Swedes give their women flowers and gifts.

Alcohol in Sweden, as in Russia, can be bought around the clock at any kiosk / shop / tent. The quality is certainly much better.

Swedes are very fond of talking about politics, I was convinced of this after reading many posts and articles. “I ran into one ... Finn ... Here he is, too, about politics, saying so and so, "Anyway, you won't live better." I diplomatically kept silent about this phrase, and then smoothly moved away from the topic of politics, because, I know that ... you need to be good at the topic ... "

Russians about Norwegians.

Norway beckons with its majestic mountain scenery, legends of brave Vikings and tales of trolls. The nature of Norway is no less amazing: thousands of secluded bays and picturesque fjords encircle its coast, and low mountains covered with forests and meadows create a unique flavor of this country. Are the inhabitants of this country just as beautiful?

Norwegians are very fond of humor, but at the same time they are modest themselves, and appreciate it in others. “Norwegians are not as prone to melancholy as neighboring Finns. But just like everyone else northern peoples tend to be calm and peaceful. “Wonderful people! funny, interesting people with a great sense of humor!” There is a stereotype about the "isolation" of the Norwegians. But those who know this country and its inhabitants say otherwise. “Perhaps it was once, but now. If you find yourself in a sauna together with a Norwegian, he will be the first to say hello and, for sure, will drop a couple of light phrases, “for a conversation” ... "

One of the stereotypes is that in Norway everyone speaks only Norwegian. This opinion is wrong. “In Norway everyone, with rare exceptions, speaks English. In any shop, on the street, in transport.

There are many children in Norway. Dogs too. “Norway has an amazing abundance of children and dogs. Sometimes it seems that women of all ages give birth here, and, at the same time, each family keeps a dog in the house for each child.

Living in harsh natural conditions, Norwegians respect industriousness and laconicism in people. “… the achievements of the people living in this country are impressive and prove that they… work. What are the tunnels cut (many by hand) through which green wagons run today railway Flam." In business, they are cautious and take risks only with trusted partners.

Finns about Russians

According to Finns, Russians are funny and know how to enjoy life. “Cheerful, even if things are going badly”, “I don’t understand how people can be cheerful and pleasant in communication, although the general situation is so difficult and the future does not bode well.” My opinion is the truth. The Russian soul is mysterious and cheerful.

Another stereotype that Russians are very emotional. “Often in Russia you can see that things are not treated rationally, but emotionally.” “Russians express their feelings very openly, and they know how to respond to the manifestation of sympathy towards themselves, and to show it to others.”

Russians, according to the Finns, are optimistic about the future, careless and superstitious: "In my opinion, one of the dominant traits of the Russian character is carelessness, hope" at random "." “Many Russians believe in omens. They talk about their dreams and believe that omens affect their lives.”

One of the stereotypes is that Russians are rude and indifferent to strangers, but friendly to friends: “People can be rude, for example, in shops or on the street, ... but when you get to know them, you will easily make friends: they will stop you on the street and ask about affairs and family, hugging, introducing others, inviting guests and accepting "as if they were my own."

And also, according to the Finns, Russians value relatives and family. “Kinship ties, in my opinion, mean much more for Russians than for Finns, whose family includes father, mother, children, grandparents, but does not include, for example, cousins ​​​​as close relatives.”

The Finns think that the Russians are attentive, often come to the rescue and are very curious: “The people I became friends with came to the rescue and were attentive. … I noticed that they were very interested in me and wanted to know what life is like in Finland, what I do, where I live, etc.”

Russians are more hospitable than Finns. This is not to be taken away from us. “Russian hospitality and generosity, in my opinion, cannot even be compared with Finnish. Sometimes I even felt uncomfortable when I accepted … gifts, but despite my protests, I had to take everything, as this is ‘our Russian custom’.”

Another stereotype that Russians are disorganized and unscrupulous. “In my opinion, the Russians are unorganized. Many times I noticed that they lack the ability to think rationally. “I observed both the uncleanliness of people and premises.”

According to the Finns, Russians are not punctual and irrationally use working time. “Some Russians are very punctual and never late. Others may forget what day of the week it is ... it may turn out that the one who is supposed to work according to the schedule will not appear at all or will come to the evening shift instead of the morning one ... "

And also, according to the Finns, Russians are very lazy. “If the door handle came off, then let it, if the elevator does not work, then let it, if the tap is leaking, then let it flow.” "Everyone dreams of a western car of the latest model, own house and dacha. All this should appear by itself ... Nobody wants to work honestly.

In fact, the Finns in us are amazed by many things: why do we, living in poverty, strive to buy gold and furs? How can you live without receiving a salary for months, and still be fed and clothed? Why, when going to work, do our women dress and make up as if they were going to a party? Why do Russians put so much sugar in their tea, but don't stir it well and don't finish the tea at all? Yes, and the Finns, like other foreigners, have stable, clichéd ideas about us. They really think that Russians rarely bathe, are undisciplined, lazy, prone to theft and crime, kind, aggressive, emotionally open, sometimes obscenely beautiful. State public toilets and porches in Russia amaze any foreigner, sometimes becoming the main impression about the country and its people who inhabit it.

Swedes about Russians

A short time ago, the Swedes believed that polar bears roamed our Russian streets. Now they think a little differently. The Swedes believe that the Russians are inveterate alcoholics, and we are all mafiosi. “Russia is presented as a country where the mafia rules, crime flourishes, crime and drunkenness is very common.” They are also led away that a typical morning starts like this: Russians wake up, play the harmonica, drink vodka, eat porridge and go to work. Another cliche is that it is very cold in Russia, and therefore they usually have fun here by dancing in Cossack fur coats on Red Square.

The press plays an important role in the formation of such stereotypes about Russians in the eyes of the Swedes. The media often raise a wave of negative and dark sides Russia.

Even the Swedes are sure that the Russian people are stupid. Here is the dialogue presented by a girl who had a chance to chat with one of the Swedes:

Where are you from?

From Russia.

You're russian?

You don't look Russian, maybe you're German?

No, I'm Russian. Why isn't it similar?

You are too smart and intelligent (lit. You "re so smart & intelligent).

And the Russian, - I say, - cannot be like that ?!

Maybe, of course. And yet, among your ancestors there were no Germans? ..

The Swedes have great respect for Russian culture. Although, like other foreigners, they are limited to knowledge of a small part of Dostoevsky's creations.

Norwegians about Russians

Norwegians, like Swedes, think that all of Russia is full of Russian mafia, and for this reason they are afraid of us. And they sincerely believe that our state takes care of us.

Norwegians associate Russian with the word "vodka" (in my opinion, we all associate with this word). “From their knowledge of Russia, they know “vodka, the mafia, the KGB”. These are our neighbors…”

According to the Norwegians, Russian theater- It's ballet. Although they have heard enough about our culture: they read books about Stalin, about Potemkin...

In sports, the pressure of parents on children is clearly expressed.

· Russians live the American dream.

· Strive to be like the Western world and at the same time turn away from it.

· Listen only to Russian pop music.

· Do not have a drop of tolerance towards representatives of gay minorities.

· Sex in Russia is a taboo subject.

· Russian films are unknown in the world film industry.

· Crime is on the rise.

Lots of lonely people.

There is practically no middle class.

· Eat a lot of pickled cucumbers.

· Russians often smell of onions and garlic.

· Russians come to Norway to go to COOP, Spar, REMA, etc. (economy supermarkets).

are carriers of very interesting culture, art and history.

Drug addiction and alcoholism are widespread.

Kola Norwegians - who are they? Coming to Russia does not mean becoming a part of it, but they managed to merge into a different world for them, leave behind a memory, create their own Russian-Norwegian history.

Who are Kolanordmenn

The concept of "Kola Norwegians" (or in Norwegian Kolanordmenn) appeared around the 1990s, when Norwegian families resumed searching for relatives who immigrated to Russia in the 19th century. These were people from the Norwegian Finnmark, who created settlements on the Murmansk coast and later became a whole sub-ethnos.

By the 18th century, the Murmansk coast had become a center of trade between the Norwegians and the Pomors. They communicated in slang - "Russenorsk", consisting of Norwegian and Russian words. Trade was exclusively barter: Pomors brought bread, flour and grain to Finnmark, and in return they took away fish.

In Murman (as the Murmansk coast was then called) no one lived until late XIX century. The Russian authorities did not control this territory, so the first Norwegian settlements settled there without permission. And after 10 years, only with the permission of Alexander II, almost the entire coast was inhabited: in the western part mainly by Finns and Norwegians, in the east - by Russians. The colonization of Murman was part of overall process development of the Russian North.

First colonies of Kola Norwegians

In 1859, the Norwegians were the first to apply for "permission" to settle on the Kola Peninsula. In their homeland there were huge taxes, famine and lack of any opportunities. And here is free land and rich nature. The Norwegians were enterprising and independent in the improvement and organization of crafts and trade, so the local authorities understood that the Norwegian settlement would save money from the state treasury.

By decree of the king, the Norwegians were given the official right to settle on the Murmansk coast. There was only one condition - all foreign settlers must become Russian subjects. The colonists were exempted from taxes and military duty for 3 calls. Settlers of all nationalities were free to engage in any crafts and trade; the importation of goods from abroad was duty-free, and a gratuitous loan of up to 150 rubles per family was issued for the construction of houses and farming.

Why did the Russian Empire need all this? Permanent settlements in Murman were supposed to increase income from fisheries and strengthen Russian sovereignty in the Arctic. The territory had to be protected from the economic and political expansion of Norway.

During the first 5 years of colonization, 245 Norwegians came to the Murmansk coast. On the Rybachy Peninsula in the village of Tsypnavolok, which was closest to their homeland, the Norwegians organized an international colony. The Russians for a long time did not want to become colonists on Murman - in anticipation of a loan, their settlements lived there in terrible poverty.

At the same time, foreign migrants built houses at their own expense, started a household and several times changed the place of settlement in search of a better one. When loans began to be issued, the Pomors changed their minds, but the governor of the region forbade the poor to settle on the coast. Those who did not ask for any help, Norwegians and Finns, were more willingly allowed to inhabit Murman.

How did the Kola Norwegians live?

The houses of the Norwegians were spacious and comfortable: instead of stoves, fireplaces, private baths, chests of drawers in the rooms and even cushioned furniture. They raised livestock and reindeer.

Norwegians could freely travel to their homeland: attend church, sell hay, meat, firewood, fish oil and blubber, and also bring soap, matches, kerosene, woolen clothes from there. Income was mainly brought by fishing and hunting for seals and the Greenland shark.

Already after the revolution, in 1930, a group of Norwegians organized a fish farm " polar Star". And despite the fact that the fishermen gave half of the proceeds from the catch there, their standard of living was much higher than that of the Russians and Finns.

The colonies of the Norwegians, contrary to the wishes of the local authorities, lived in a certain isolation. Most of all, this was facilitated by the language barrier and confessional differences, as well as a wary attitude towards Russians. On the Rybachy Peninsula, out of 7 settlements of the colonists, there was not a single Russian person.

Education at school was held in Russian, there were practically no textbooks, cultural events only dancing, and then rarely.

The opportunity to import alcoholic beverages duty-free from abroad, which appeared in 1876, made many Kola Norwegians very wealthy. They brought from Finnmark cheap low-quality rum, which became the main alcoholic drink on the coast. In Norway, this rum was banned for sale and was purchased exclusively for import to Russia.

So drunkenness appeared in Murman and earnings decreased, the Pomors became permanent debtors of the Norwegians, so in 1886 the Russian authorities had to cancel the duty-free import of alcohol into the Kola Peninsula.

By 1899, the number of permanent residents on the Murmansk coast reached 2153 people. The Norwegian colonists were more active in commercial and industrial activities than the Russians, so their influence on Murman was high. This, of course, did not please the authorities. By 1940, the Soviet authorities had deported most of the Norwegians from the coast.

Cleansing the Kola Peninsula

After graduation civil war the Soviet government suddenly discovered that Western part The Kola Bay is inhabited mainly by Norwegians. From the point of view of the strategic importance of this area for the control of the North, this was dangerous. The political persecution of the Norwegians began. The NKVD accused them of espionage and participation in the preparation of the overthrow Soviet power. More than half of the population of Tsypnavolok was deported from the peninsula to Karelia and Zaonezhie.

From 1930 to 1938, about 25 people ended up in camps, 15 people were shot. At that time, every fourth Norwegian was subjected to political repressions.

By order of Stalin, all border areas were to be "cleared of alien elements." Thus, the history of the existence of the Kola Norwegians on Murman ended in 1940.

During World War II, some Norwegians became Red Army radio operators, NKVD agents, scouts and pilots. After the war, the survivors were allowed to return to the Murmansk coast, but the Rybachy Peninsula and Tsypnavolok became a closed military zone. Some Norwegians settled in the village of Port Vladimir. Most of them assimilated with the Russians.

Today, the former colonies are uninhabited, and the Kola Norwegians are scattered across different regions former Soviet Union. In 2007, the village of Port Vladimir was officially abolished as uninhabited and abandoned. locality. A stone was erected in Tsypnavolok in memory of the Norwegians who once dared to settle in great Russia.

Our reader EdgeP writes:

1. Norway is a fantastic country. The richest and most diverse nature, huge reserves of energy resources and their reasonable development make the Norwegians an extremely wealthy nation.

2. The population of Norway is negligible - they do not even reach 5 million people. This is about a quarter of modern Moscow. More than 1.5 million Norwegians live in the capital Oslo and its suburbs. Any city with a population of over 30,000 is considered large.

3. Know: 100% of Norwegians speak, write and read English perfectly. Children learn the language from the age of 5-6 or earlier. Any child over 10 can easily communicate with you in English. The exception is very old pensioners 75+.

4. Norwegians love and appreciate the sea. They prefer to live no further than 200–300 meters from the water, or in its direct line of sight. Those who live in the depths of the country still buy a second house by the sea. Boats or cutters have 80% of the population.

5. Norway has an incredibly variable climate. Fog, sun, harsh wind, rain, and again fog can change with fantastic frequency. The Norwegians even made up a saying: “Don't like our weather? wait 15 minutes."

6. The nature of Norway is majestic and diverse. Forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, the sea, and everything else - in its original state. The attitude towards nature is very careful. There are no poachers, there is practically no garbage either. Thanks to the sea, there are no mosquitoes and other insects of evil spirits. It's not hot in summer... paradise!

7. By law, any resident of the country and its guest has the right of unhindered access to all natural resources without restrictions - both in the forest and at sea. You can walk and swim wherever you want. If the land is private or fenced, it is advisable to ask permission out of courtesy.

8. Stories that Norway is a very expensive country - true truth. In general, all goods are expensive, and the most common products are everywhere as in the Azbuka Vkusa. It's easy to go to a supermarket and spend 200 euros without really buying anything. Services (for example, a taxi or construction) will cost even more - they cost simply unrealistic money. Gasoline is almost 2 euros per liter. Auto taxes are insane. At the same time, Norway is the 2nd oil exporting country in Europe. Such giants as Shell or Statoil are Norwegian.

9. Products in Norway highest quality. Especially dairy. The local ice cream is just great. Even at McDonald's, the meat in the hamburger is perfectly edible. By the way, here are the most expensive hamburgers in Europe. By the same principle, any ordinary fast food costs terrible money. In an ordinary pizzeria, paying 200 euros for 4 without alcohol is the norm. However, the pizza itself is not great.

10. Compliance with laws and the absence of crime - almost everywhere. Theft is unthinkable for most residents. Only large retail chains have frames-detectors of theft of goods at the exit, or surveillance cameras. Otherwise, they are practically nowhere to be found.

11. Almost 100% of the population is connected to high-speed Internet. Due to climate and long distances, Norwegians spend a lot of time online.

12. Norwegians love and protect their monarchy. The adult population, to a greater extent than the younger ones, are proud of having preserved the royal family.

13. Compared to other Europeans, almost any Norwegian who travels outside the country is a mini-oligarch. In Asian countries, this is how kings are in general. average salary for many Norwegians, it can be up to 5-7 thousand euros per month. Thus, for visitors, local prices are prohibitive, but for locals everything is ok.

14. Sea and lake fishing in Norway is a connoisseur's paradise. An incredible variety of fish and various marine reptiles. There are fishing regions only in the northern regions, and starting from the city of Bergen and to the south, there is no fishing. You can catch it always and in any weather, almost anywhere. Crabs, mussels, sea snails and other goodies are also in abundance. Fishing licenses are not required.

15. That is why many Europeans in recent times a profitable hobby developed: to come to Norway in auto-refrigerators, live in the cheapest houses or tents, fish for two weeks without a break, stock up on fish for 6 months in advance, and leave back. The Germans, Dutch and Belgians are perhaps the most active.

16. Norwegians do not collect the gifts of the forest, do not understand mushrooms and berries, do not know the properties of herbs. Therefore, in good season all this goodness is just heaps. In a fruitful year, there are so many mushrooms that in 2-3 hours one person can collect a 100-liter bag of selected white mushrooms. I’m not talking about blueberries, wild raspberries and blackberries at all - they grow everywhere like a weed.

17. Norwegians are terribly surprised and admire the knowledge of Russians about mushrooms and berries. Many are sure that we are brave and risky people if we go to the forest to collect them. They refuse to try. In the supermarket, they easily take greenhouse champignons and chanterelles, completely ignoring the forest 10 meters from the house. The first time is shocking.

18. You can't just buy strong alcohol in Norway! It is sold only in special stores - Vinmonopolet. It translates as alcohol monopoly. State owned. They work strictly Monday-Friday, in the capital there are also Saturday shops, they are open until 7 maximum, with a big break for lunch in the middle of the day. And they are not everywhere. Alcohol is insanely expensive there: a bottle of vodka for 70–100 euros is the norm.

19. In supermarkets, you can only buy beer or cider not stronger than 5.2 degrees. Everything above, including wine - only in a restaurant, bar, or as already mentioned in the wine monopoly.

20. Norwegians love to drink, but they don't know how. Get drunk quickly, lose their minds just as quickly, behave noisily and funny. Hangover skills, or knowledge of how to cheer up with cucumber or cabbage pickle, are absent as a fact. They are wildly delighted if they are brought to their senses in such a simple way.

21. Norway has the longest fiords in the world. A fiord is a wide, often winding and deep channel with rocky shores, piercing from the sea deep into the mainland for many kilometers. There are also fiords in Canada, Chile, and New Zealand. The ones in Norway are the most beautiful.

22. Norwegians are very mediocre women in terms of beauty. Medium height, stocky, heavily built with wide-set eyes, snub-nosed, and generally very independent.

23. But Norwegian men are the opposite: tall, athletic, many natural blonds, a kind of Vikings with a wide smile and blue eyes. One can understand why they are not always in a hurry to marry local Norwegians.

24. Many Norwegian children are unusually beautiful. Fair-haired, slender, athletic, some with curly hair - the purity of genetic lines is visible. Children are brought up strictly enough. Pampering is not accepted.

25. You can drive all day in the central part of Norway, however, and in any other part of it, and not meet a single police car. Or the cops themselves. But a tractor on the road at a speed of 40 km per hour is quite common.

26. Each day is similar to the previous one. In the sense that everything flows very calmly and measuredly. Norwegians start working at about 10 am, and by 4 am they are already rounding off. Only restaurants or supermarkets are open on weekends. Nobody is in a particular hurry.

27. Almost 100% of the population skis and snowboards. Women are often not worse than men.

28. Children are put on skis from 4-5 years old. It's normal to see how dad pushes the baby down from a very decent slide for this age. Children of 10 years old make me, a person with 12 years of experience, almost without straining.

29. On country roads, usually near a farm, you can often find a table with vegetables or fruits. And the price tag is something. On it there will be scales, shopping bags, and a jar for money. This is a type of self-service. Everything is built on trust. There is no one around.

30. Young Norwegians and even middle-aged people are very fond of science fiction and fantasy as a genre. Movies like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars are very popular.

31. Most of the TV shows are in English, with maximum Norwegian subtitles. It is very comfortable.

32. Norwegians dress very casually and simply, as in general and all of Europe. see beautiful dressed girl or a guy is difficult.

33. The local cuisine is simple and unpretentious. They don't cook well, to put it mildly. But the Norwegians have succeeded in the recipes for harvesting fish: dried, salted, smoked, etc., much is delicious. It is customary to cook seafood very simply: a minimum of any additives, a minimum of processing. Try local fish caviar in iron tubes like RekerOst - very tasty.

34. For the most part, Norwegians are well-mannered and trusting people. Older generation pedantically enough, many observe the traditional way of life and business.

35. Getting a very large loan from a bank at 3-4 percent per annum is not at all difficult. In general, everything is done for the sake of man. You can plan your life 10 years ahead, including any expenses and career advancement. And the plan will come true.

36. The attitude towards foreigners is restrained, but friendly. Norwegians calmly invite guests, share food, help with advice. It is quite possible to make good friends.

37. Outside the big cities active life Hardly ever. No clubs, no movies, no shopping malls. However, there are almost no Norwegians themselves either.

38. The state does its best to keep the population busy. Subsidies are available in many areas of private business. So, you can buy 30 pieces of sheep, nail tags on their ears, declare to the state that I am now a cheerful farmer, and let them graze for a whole year on some island. For this, you can receive subsidies, equipment, benefits from the state. At the end of the year, catch and sell - and earn some more.

39. The murder of at least one person is discussed on national TV and radio for at least a week. Robbery too.

40. The roads in Norway are very good, but almost the entire regional transport network is single lane. The highway offers only one lane in each direction. It's terribly annoying.

41. AT last years Norway has increased the influx of immigrants from other countries. And not only from traditional Africa or Asia - but we even met Chechens! Most of the immigrants behave arrogantly, they don't want to integrate, they don't learn the language, they get together in groups, breed like cockroaches, they don't like to work and they exploit the system. This was not the case 10 years ago.

42. Learning Norwegian, or Norsk, is quite difficult. A lot of jumping intonations, heterogeneous words. But if you try - in two years everything is ok.

43. Many young Norwegians complain about boring life, excessive law enforcement, high prices and a harsh climate. However, they are proud to be themselves and part of the nation.

44. In summer, the southern part of the country is a very warm place. Strawberries, plums and pears ripen in abundance. The water in some places gets angry up to 20 degrees, and swimming in the North Sea is very funny. You can even get sunburned.

45. Air travel within the country as well as abroad is extremely cheap. At the same time, the quality of service is higher than that of European air discounters. Flying to Dubrovnik from Bergen (3.5 hour flight) for 40 euros, or to Amsterdam for 35 from Oslo is a common thing.

46. Smoking is being fought with unrealistic tobacco prices. However, Norwegians love to smoke. Many people buy cut tobacco in briquettes and smoke hand-rolled cigarettes, or they bring cigarettes from duty free.

47. Norway has the largest cumulative number of tunnels in Europe. There are just hundreds of them all over the place. There is one that passes under the sea strait at a depth of about 4 km. Some tunnels are tolled, as are some bridges.

48. Renting a car, even the simplest one, is expensive. 2-3 times more expensive than some European countries. There are very few petrols. Diesel is everything.

49. Norway is the northernmost point of mainland Europe. It is called the North Cape, located on the edge of a cliff far to the north. In good weather, you can see the edge of the Arctic glaciers.

50. Despite the geographical proximity to Sweden, the people of Norway are different people. And in general, among all the Scandinavians, they must be the most original. Nature is also different.

51. The funds that Norway receives from the sale of resources are distributed prudently. Norway has an unrealistic amount of real estate and land abroad. But few people know about this - they prefer to behave with restraint.

52. By virtue of a large number islands and straits, a ferry network is very developed. Ferries go anywhere and very often. You can save hours of travel by taking the ferry. Mostly in your car. The ferries themselves are large, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive.

53. In Norway, it is legal to fish for sea crab - but not to fish for lobster. If a lobster gets to your crab catcher, and this happens quite often, according to the rules, it must be released. When asked “what are you doing with a lobster”, most Norwegians smile and say that of course they release this wonderful arthropod into the wild - while winking slyly. Live lobsters are sold at the fish market, their capture is scheduled according to quotas.

54. Silver is inexpensive in Norway. Silverware good quality.

55. If you come as a tourist, do not forget to ask for Tax-free everywhere you go. It can be issued almost everywhere and for any goods, from the purchase amount equivalent to 50 euros. As a result, you can return up to 30% of the money spent.

56. A hero of Norwegian folklore, the troll is a very popular symbol in many establishments. Despite being very demonic appearance, trolls are the spirits of nature, they protect it, and also help good people. Here's an interesting fact for you: take a troll figurine, put it next to it, and try to compare it with the appearance of the surrounding local residents, especially women. A careful observer will be able to detect an unexpected similarity!

57. Pets, especially dogs, are extremely well behaved. They bark a little, are very friendly, and generally do not interfere with the owners. Even with each other, they are very reserved.

58. It's not easy to piss off a Norwegian. Many choose not to get involved. But if you have achieved your goal - do not expect anything good. Norwegians are terrible in anger.

59. Energy in Norway costs crazy money. For 4 weeks, a family of 5 can easily threaten about 1 thousand euros for electricity. And even more. Be very rational with your energy expenditure.

60. Guardianship of children and youth is very strong. It is not at all uncommon when Kindergarten 20-30 kids from the same area walk around, and no one else. For others, another garden is being built. And it's not just a house with a playroom. This is a whole complex of a playground, locker rooms, toilets, a kitchen, etc. It is customary to take off your shoes at the entrance. Being a child in Norway is a blessing.

61. There are few high-rise buildings and residential complexes, almost none. Most people live in private houses. The houses are simple but comfortable. They are usually painted red or blue and white, often with a field grass lawn on the roof. This is not only a tribute to traditions - such a roof perfectly insulates in winter. Looks funny.

62. There are not many well-known facts about Norway. The most famous associations are Vikings, Edvard Grieg, mountains, fjords and trolls.

63. Most of the economy's income comes to the treasury from the sale of petroleum products. Next comes marine fishing, shipbuilding, engineering and the construction of deep-water platforms.

64. The northern part of the country is very different from the southern climate. Winters in the north are cold and snowy. In the south, there may be no snow at all and the temperature in winter is positive.

65. In the market or in the supermarket you can buy whale meat. It is scarce and expensive. Whale meat is dark, almost black, and tastes like moose. They sell steaks and minced meat.

66. In some cities, the local fauna is quite accustomed to the neighborhood of man. Pigeons in the square can sit right on your hand and famously start eating your bun. Seagulls can soar a meter from the deck of a passing ferry and grab thrown bread right on the fly.

6 7. Engineering universities, maritime academies, as well as oil and gas institutes are very prestigious.

68. According to tradition, every man must make a knife and scabbard for himself. With my own hands. Everything that is needed for this is sold in abundance. Blades, blanks, tools, leather. Handles made from scraps of Karelian birch are especially good. Difficult to process, but beautiful and durable.

69. Along the road you can often see small pyramids from stones. They are called "tog" and no one touches them. Previously, they were folded so as not to go astray after a snowfall or in heavy fog. Now it's a fun tradition.

70. There are many game and wild animals. A deer or a galloping roe deer running out onto the road is not uncommon.

71. When drinking, Norwegians clink glasses and say “Skol!” At the same time, the letter “O” sounds like something in between the “o” itself and “ё”. Toasting is not accepted.

72. The population of the country is not very religious. Of course, there are churches and churches, but not many. The service is attended mostly by adults.

73. If you live in nature in your house and have only electricity, you can feed yourself from the earth by 80%. The sea is rich in any marine food, the water in streams and many lakes is drinkable without pre-treatment, and the forests are rich in game and fruits. However, the population is very well off, and in general does not burden nature with its presence.

74. The Norwegians have nothing, and there is no need to share with each other. In addition, many people usually know each other. As a result, the complete absence of skirmishes or hostile factions. But visitors who are generously allowed to come and live in the country often crowd out the locals with their behavior and arrogance.

75. Correct spelling is not Norwegians, but Norwegians :) Forgive me all for the habit of writing incorrectly.

76. Finding worthy Russian products is not at all easy. They are easier to order online with delivery. But there are exceptions. So, Kefir is sold everywhere in supermarkets. Almost like ours. But pickling cucumbers or fermenting cabbage is easier on your own.

77. If you set a goal, then in a fairly short time you can achieve a meeting with the Prime Minister of the country. To do this, it is not at all necessary to be a well-known oligarch, a member of his party or a classmate from the student bench.

78. If the hosts are at home, it is customary to raise the national flag on a flagpole next to the house. Many people have it. When leaving, it is lowered.

79. Respect for private property is observed everywhere. During the day, most houses are not locked at all, except for housing in big cities - and this is completely safe. Visiting is by invitation only.

80. Recently, online poker has become very popular in the country. Today, this is a common trend throughout Scandinavia. Norwegian players are popular and very dangerous: they are aggressive, persistent and calculating. Many achieve excellent results in the global poker arena.

81. As a gift, Norwegians can bring high-quality alcohol. From the hands of the Russians, it is even recommended. There are no clichés in this.

82. After sea fishing, many people want to try lake or river fishing. Often, at the entrance to a freshwater lake, you can see a poster prohibiting the use of marine gear in the lake. In especially fish lakes at the entrance there are machines with detergents for your fishing rods and gear. This measure prevents marine microorganisms on gear from moving into fresh water. There have already been cases of algae infestation.

83. There are practically no expensive cars on the roads in Norway. In half of the cases, Germans or other Europeans will be driving the new S-Class or BMW X6.

84. It is almost impossible to meet beggars on the streets. The only exceptions are big cities, and almost always it is one of the immigrants. In the nineties, this was not the case at all.

85. Register own company simple enough. Be prepared to pay high taxes and remember that Norwegians are very conservative in their choice of goods and services.

86. There is a beautiful amusement park near Oslo. It is very interesting and fun there, there are very few queues.

87. Pilots of civil aviation are cold-blooded and fearless guys. Takeoffs and landings are often very fast, and the weather conditions are not the most ideal. But this is justified - there are solid mountains around, there are not many direct platforms, and you need to take off quickly. Dozens of flights around the country under very harsh conditions have repeatedly proved to me their professionalism.

88. When traveling in Norway, don't spare your money and treat yourself to a traditional wool sweater! Usually they are painted in a multi-colored ornament, sometimes in deer, in squares or broken lines. They can be very expensive, from 300 euros - but the quality is excellent, and they will last you an incredibly long time without fading or shrinking.

89. Unless it's a foreigner or immigrant, the chances that you'll get a cigarette fired on the street are nil. If you yourself share it with a friend, he will try to return it to you.

90. Local residents are not inclined to be overweight. They spend a lot of time at sea and fresh air The food is not greasy and of good quality. Very little fast food.

91. When getting married, Norwegian wives become very homely. Often they are very educated, hardworking and well-mannered. Given the fact that many citizens have inherited wealth for several generations, often women are quite wealthy even before marriage.

92. All cars on the roads of Norway have a built-in permanent low beam mode. It is not disabled in most cases. This is due to changeable weather.

93. For renting a boat with an engine less than 9 hp. management license is not required. It is almost impossible to rent everything that is more powerful and faster without special water rights.

9 4. The English word Thursday (Thursday) comes from the name of the Norse god of thunder Thor (Thor). At first, the day was called Thor's day.

95. Throwing show-offs, showing off and showing off are not held in high esteem by the Norwegians. Basically, this is how immigrants and tourists behave.

96. There are few Russians, almost none. This is good, because our citizens tend to spoil and behave defiantly. Recently, more often in the summer, our tourists have increased. Most are well-to-do and so far behave in a civilized manner.

97. Go to the grocery store, find a large refrigerator with bags of frozen shrimp sold by weight, put them in a thermal bag, weigh them, pay - and at home just dump them into the kitchen sink and turn on the boiling water. Once the shrimp are thawed and warmed up, remove and serve. Shrimps will be juicy, fragrant and already quite salty. They don't need to be cooked or specially prepared.

98. Finding a sushi restaurant or cafe that serves sushi is almost impossible. They are only in Oslo, Bergen, and it seems in Stavanger. In other cities there is only one such institution. The quality is very modest. And, of course, expensive.

Norwegian sociologists have come to a very strange conclusion - their compatriots perceive Russian women in skirts and dresses as ... prostitutes. Even if the women themselves do not give any reason for such thoughts.

Norwegian researcher Tatyana Vara wrote an entire doctoral dissertation in which she notes that Russian women living in Norway are forced to exercise some caution in choosing clothes. This is necessary in order not to attract too much attention of local residents.

Seeing a Russian woman in a dress or skirt, the Norwegians rush to her with unambiguous offers. Moreover, we are talking not only and not even so much about the numerous African and Asian migrants, who are known to everyone for their "obnoxiousness", but about the Norwegians themselves - sort of like Europeans and sort of like cultured people. Tatyana Vara interviewed many Russian women who emigrated to Norway a long time ago, and almost all of them admitted that they faced an impartial attitude in labor collectives precisely because of their clothes. Russian women have to give up their usual wardrobe, just to avoid the judgmental looks from colleagues - both men and women.

Director of the KVINNEFORSK Women's Research Institute at the University of Tromsø Ann Terese Lotherington, having studied the doctoral dissertation of a woman researcher, came to the conclusion that modern Norwegian society is not tolerant. The point here is not at all in clothes, since European women wear dresses and skirts, but in a biased attitude towards visitors. The values ​​that the Norwegian government has been promoting for decades are not working. Norway is friendly to Somali migrants and Syrian refugees, but not to Russians. Although our countries have almost never been opponents of each other, Russians are very afraid in Norway.

If a Russian man is a bandit, if a woman is a prostitute. The cultivation of such stereotypes is also facilitated by the Norwegian “yellow press”, which specializes in all kinds of “horror stories” about Russia and the Russian people. If it is customary to feel sorry for African and Asian refugees, then the Russians are met with a rather cold and unfriendly attitude.

In Norway, as in some other Western European countries, modern everyday women's fashion really not distinguished by sophistication. Scandinavian women prefer to dress modestly, in a unisex style. After all, the same media are very actively exaggerating the topic of sexual harassment, which those women who dress too revealingly are allegedly subjected to. Sheer clothing includes both skirts and dresses. Some Scandinavian (both Swedish and Norwegian) human rights activists have gone so far as to urge women to dress in "unisex" so as not to provoke numerous migrants. After all, it is easier to force your women to change their style of dress than to keep foreign criminals out.