Travel notoriously offers you opportunities to connect with those on the same journey as you: one of attempting to experience another culture. I have had that exact experience meeting my friend Ludvig, a native of the outskirts of Oslo. Recently while out with him, he took to asking me about some of the differences I’d noted between the United States and Australia. The differences I noted were all common to him from growing up in Norway.
Our conversation began with talk of the higher average wage, even in typically lower paying jobs. Though not entirely foreign to me, seeing it implemented is foreign. He mentioned that the idea works in Norway because everyone in Norway is extremely behind the idea of keeping those around them uplifted in society and happy, showing the collectivist attitude.
We next spoke about me having noticed the increased health care availability. He noted that not only was his health care the same in Norway, his health care while in Australia is actually paid for by the Norwegian government as a result of their desire to ensure all citizens have access at all times.
Finally, came the higher taxes I had noticed. To Ludvig, taxes seemed low. Everyday items are taxed as a way to pay for the higher wages and the social programs in Norway, but it make sense. Alcohol is extremely expensive, but it’s unhealthy so the vice is taxed to help pay for health care, leading to a healthier population as fewer choose to drink.
Despite not totally agreeing with all of his ideas given lack of lived experience of these things, I was able to better extrapolate the collectivist aspects of Norwegian culture and the type of individuals I would be interacting with in Bergen.
Bon Voyage to Bergen 