Norwegians are known for being reserved and not so social. However, what you perhaps don’t know is that most natives belong to social clubs and societies. The changes that happened in the 1800’s like increase in the population’s literacy may have contributed for the emergence of social clubs and other associations.
I was telling my 20-year-old colleague at work that I had a book club meeting that evening and I was looking forward to it. She smiled and said: “Oh yes, these clubs that older people love. My mom also belongs to a club, a wine club”. In a blink of an eye, I was placed in a box: the old people’s clubs’ box. The original line is worth mentioning: “Å ja. Sånne foreninger som de eldre liker. “
Anyway, I know why so many Norwegians have clubs and associations. Being a member of a club gives a sense of belonging. (Don’t we foreigners in Norway need that?!!) You get to practice a cool hobby among people who share the same interest. It’s cozy. It’s social. It’s good for the brain. It’s relaxing. It’s engaging. And it’s the best activity on a dark, windy, rainy November day.
The most popular associations in Norway are: knitting group, book club, wine tasting association, choir group, cooking, beer brewing lovers, cycling club, skiing, running.
Knitting deserves its own post. It is a tradition, passed on from generation to generation. Norwegians are experts in knitting. I have seen the most beautiful and warm sweaters with typical Norwegian motif coming to life in the middle of business meetings. At first, I thought it was rude to knit while your boss is speaking. In Norway, it’s ok, it’s cultural.
Integrating, getting the feeling of belonging to a group, that you are relevant to them, you contribute. All these life saver benefits you can get by joining associations.
How to join one. It can either come from networking, someone from work that invites you, or you take the initiative. Approach a group you like and ask to join. Do you have no idea where to start? Becoming a volunteer is also huge door for integrating in Norway. Volunteers are in this helpful vibe, open to know new people like you and me. Check my post about it here.
My stories and my clubs. I owe my sense of belonging in Norway to these people. Seriously. After my family, they are some of my favorite people in Norway. When we meet, I charge my batteries (in all senses). It’s like I’m in Rio again, with my niche, my cup of tea. They’ve supported me in so many ways. For example: when I was pregnant. I got to perform Murder and Mystery on stage when I was eight weeks pregnant. And later, by the sixth month, I did a short guest appearance in the Robin Hood panto. That means I did what I love the most, with whom I love the most inside my belly. Priceless and unforgettable. The book club girls threw me a baby shower when I was really big. Not only a baby shower, but with joy, jokes, fun. I felt celebrated and my baby soooo welcome to the world.
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BATS Theatre Stavanger. I am a professional actress. In Rio, I used to act on tv soap operas, theater plays, short films, radio and dubbing. When I came to Stavanger, I tried to find a way to continue my career. Not easy at all. I got denied by the traditional Rogaland Teater and got other NOs until I found an interview with a BATS member on the internet. I contacted the producer, Lisa Watson, and she invited me to a Cafe. I am so happy I got to join BATS. The group was founded in the 80’s by British who wanted to keep their traditional pantomime and use their creativity outside the corporative oil business. Read more about BATS here. The sense of community in this group is special. Many generations, diverse cultures produce shows every year with such a passion, joy, organization and professionalism you hardly ever find. I am a member of the board. We’ve just had filming day today for the next show. It’s a British panto for children, written (by Wendy Pagler) specially for the current situation. Due to Corona pandemic, part of the cast will be on stage while the other members will be seen on screen. One more point to BATS, making the impossible possible. It was 9C outside and we were dancing two different choreographies. If you live in Stavanger, come to see the show in January 2021. (pictures and more on my Instagram)
My Book Club is one of the best things of living in Stavanger. A Norwegian friend, Anita, invited me to join her book club. It’s a private group of 11 ladies (half part from Norway and the other half from Germany, Brazil, Colombia, France, USA and Venezuela). What a wonderful mix. We’re different in so many ways, but we’re similar in the most important way: our values.
Here are some books that we have been reading at the book club. We had a vote and now we all got kindles. It’s very practical and easy to read in the evening with the night light. I recommend it.
Here’s the book we read on Easter: The Silent Patient. Norwegians have this habit of reading crime books every Easter. Don’t ask me why. It just is like that. I don’t like crime books, but this one I couldn’t put down. It’s really catchy and not scary. More of an intelligent walk inside people’s minds.
Wild. This book had a huge impact on me and my book club friends. It’s about a woman in her early twenties that decided to hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State, alone.
One Night, Markovitch. This one was also very popular in our group. It was suggested by a Brazilian friend.
Educated. And this is the book we’re currently reading.