Thoughts on arrival in Oslo

On the 6th August we arrived in Oslo. The city is our gateway to leaving Norway, and eventually the EU/Schengen, to spend time in the UK for a couple of months (to see family/friends, reassess, repack, do admin, make arrangements for the next part of our trip).

After five nights of wild camping and time in the mountains, we made our way down the Nordmarka towards Oslo. As the day unfolded, more people walking, running and cycling appeared and we could tell that we were leaving the rural setting and getting closer to the city.

Despite Oslo being the capital city, it has around 750,000 residents which is about the same as the population of Newcastle and much less than the population of London which exceeds nine million. Nevertheless, I found the sights and sounds of the city a little overwhelming. There were more people, cars, trams, junctions, e-scooters, cycles, bars, shops which felt far from the quiet hills and lakes we had spent time in.

Our journey has also been through largely prosperous parts of Norway (or perhaps deprivation has been less visible) with a multitude of summer and winter cabins, well-kept houses and newer electric cars, holiday-makers and tourists in large motor homes. Near to where we’re staying is a rehabilitation centre and walking by we saw a large number of people who appeared to have addiction issues, or little to their name. We had not seen this part of the community since we left Worcester and it was a stark reminder of inequality, and the privilege of our position. We are technically homeless (without a home of our own) but out of choice. We have our health, money, and we could return to a more conventional life in society if we chose to do so. In a country as rich as Norway and with its celebrated healthcare, it’s clear that there are too many people who are falling through the cracks and do not have the life that they deserve. This has given us a lot to think about.

From our travels so far, it has emerged that we are quite happy in our own company and enjoy the solitude and being around nature. A city is a big contrast from this but this place has also shown us the best parts of humanity. At a gig on Thursday evening (Momo at Blå) the venue was welcoming, safe, and full of joy and life. There were very few phones in view (very different from other gigs we have been to…), lots of dancing and good vibes, lots of young women and young people with keffiyahs/badges in support of Palestine. To see so many young people aware and engaged in what’s happening is promising and encouraging. There is hope for humanity and I’m grateful to have seen this.

As we travel, we will be challenged and will have to face up to some difficult truths and situations. The world news continues to be filled with shock and horror at how people can treat others. It’s a stark reminder of our luck in being born in the UK. Others are born into places of conflict or persecution. If you can, please consider supporting people who are less fortunate than us…