The new “normal” life in Norway and Summer 2020. A nova vida “normal” na Noruega e as férias de julho.

We have gone through many changes since the lockdown was implemented in Norway, in March 12th. At first, it was a shock. This invisible enemy made us act weird. I had panic when I needed to do grocery shopping. Then my husband got in charge for such errands. It’s been almost three months and we have had some opening, but social distancing, home office and different school routine will remain until after the Summer holidays. Or (who knows?) maybe until the end of the year. Now some experts say that these safety measures like washing our hands often and less travel, have come to stay. It takes a while for us humans to adapt to a new way of life, for a new rule to be incorporated to our routine, until it becomes to feel like normal life. Here are some points of the Norwegians’ new normal life:

Zoom meetings. People no longer travel on business. Not even inside Norway. The office’s new normal is home office. I’ve heard many friends say it has worked well for them, they feel like they can focus better without distractions, don’t waist time to commute. Many confess they love to wear formal shirts with flip flops and shorts.

Outdoor schooling. In order to avoid contact, children are set in small groups and spend part of their school time outside. We have wonderful parks and public playgrounds everywhere in Norway. Smaller groups make it cozier and allows the kids to know each other better, to build relationships and have good contact with the teachers/assistants. Latest news confirm that the government has now allowed all schools and kindergartens to work normally. That means no need for smaller groups anymore and full school day again. So in this case, the new normal is back to the old normal. 😀 That’s due to the low rates of contamination in Norway.

Washing hands when entering the supermarket, pharmacy, restaurant, home. There’s always antibacterial lotion or a sink with soap available. We have never been so healthy (free from cold and flu). I have just learned tips for avoiding dry hands: after washing them, just gently tap the towel on my hands, not rub it.

Social distancing. It’s possible to visit the grandparents, though hugging is still not recommended. Groups until 20 people can meet in private if they manage to keep the safety recommendations. Concerts and other events can have up to 50 audience members. There’s been some drive in concerts and a comedy show.

Travel only inside Norway. From last speech, the prime minister made it clear that we’re not safe yet and should not travel abroad. If we do so, we must stay in quarantine for 14 days when we return. Tourists are not allowed. So it will be Norwegian Summer for the Norwegians this year. I’ve heard many immigrants (and even Norwegians) saying they’ve never traveled inside Norway. It’s not that they lack money. It’s just that Greece, Spain, France, Italy and Croatia are much more appealing because Summer there is warmer, dryer and restaurants are cheaper. In Norway, you never know, it may rain almost every day some places. It’s a great opportunity for us to discover Norway and its charming cities, breathtaking views from the fjords, cute landscapes and much more. Now that restaurants and Cafes, theaters and cinemas are open again, there’s a lot to enjoy on your trips, and even exploring your own city. Just avoid crowds.

I think this new normal as a whole is very positive. It has leveled the families. Nobody can actually brag about traveling abroad, nobody can brag about their children’s expensive birthday gifts nor about how many extra activities they attend. Now everybody is at home, spends more time outside with their families, parties have fewer people. Going to school is not stressful as parents aren’t in a hurry to work. Social distancing now in the new normal means smaller groups. We are currently hanging out with nice neighbors instead of crossing town to party at some big place. Norway has become more low profile. Life is simpler.

I hope we can keep the simplicity of the new normal and pass it on to the next generations.

I’m sending my thoughts and love to those who have lost their jobs and those who are sick. May this time be over soon and you get well and find yourself a job you like ASAP.

It will be Summer holidays in Norway for those who live here. I am going to write about many cities I have visited in Norway. Good also for you who don’t live in Norway, to get inspired by this beautiful country. 😉 Subscribe here on the side, where it’s written GIMME! so that you get all the cool content.

I have started with my city: Stavanger. https://makingnorwaymyhome.com/come-explore-my-dear-stavanger-with-me-it-is-much-more-than-the-norwegian-oil-capital/

And Tromsø, which is up North, where you can see the Northern Lights https://makingnorwaymyhome.com/the-day-i-saw-the-northern-lights/ and the Midnight Sun. https://makingnorwaymyhome.com/i-love-tromso-in-the-winter-and-in-the-summer/

A vida aqui na Noruega está ainda restrita e deverá permanecer assim pelo menos até o final das férias de julho. Especialistas dizem que leva tempo até que uma nova regra se torne parte da rotina de uma vida “normal”. Alguns pontos do novo “normal” da Noruega:

Trabalhar de casa. Ninguém mais viaja a trabalho, nem mesmo dentro da Noruega. As reuniões online e o escritório em casa tem agradado aos funcionários, que dizem ter mais foco e usar melhor o tempo em que estariam no trânsito. Envio minha solidariedade e amor aos que perderam seus empregos. Que seu novo caminho seja brilhante e o novo trabalho melhor ainda que o anterior.

Escola ao ar livre. Os alunos foram divididos em grupos menores e passam parte do tempo tendo aulas ao ar livre, pra evitar contato. Eu acho maravilhoso poder desfrutar dos parques lindos e outras áreas públicas da Noruega. Temos sorte de estarmos na primavera. Em grupos menores, as crianças podem desenvolver amizades e tem mais contato com o(a) professor(a). As últimas notícias: agora as escolas e creches podem funcionar normalmente. Isso significa voltar ao tempo e grupos de tamanho original. Isso devido aos baixo índices de Corona vírus aqui na Noruega. Nesse caso, o “novo normal” passou a ser o “antigo normal”. 😀

Higiene. Ao entrar nos supermercados, farmácias, restaurantes, etc, tem sempre um álcool em gel ou sabonete e pia disponíveis. Estamos livres de gripes e resfriados como nunca. Até aprendi uma dica nova: sempre que for secar as mãos na toalha, apenas dar batidinhas, leves em vez de esfregar a toalha, para não feri-las.

Distanciamento social. Só grupos de até 20 pessoas podem se reunir, sendo observadas as normas para evitar contágio. A gente, por exemplo, tem se encontrado mais com is vizinhos do que cruzado a cidade atrás de um evento ou festa grande. A vida ficou mais simples.

É nesse sentido que eu acho o novo normal positivo. Mais qualidade de vida, mais tempo em família. Menos stress de correr para o trabalho. Mais foco nos produtos locais, dando suporte ao pequeno empreendedor. Mais interesse pela natureza e simplicidade. Esses valores eu espero que mantenhamos e passemos às futuras gerações.

Para quem mora na Noruega, estou escrevendo posts sobre as cidades e lugares que visitei, pra inspirar vocês sobre as férias de julho. Quem mora fora da Noruega também pode se inspirar pra quando essa pandemia passar. 🙂 Comecei por Stavanger, onde eu moro, e Tromsø, de onde se vê a Aurora Boreal. Os links acima.

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Gratidão 🙂 Luz e paz para todos e muita saúde pra quem está doente.