Oslo

Orderly and Calm, are the words that come to my mind when I am thinking about Oslo and Scandinavia. I have rarely seen a capital city as calm and quiet as Oslo. The atmosphere was warm when I left the train station in the late afternoon. The crowds were ready to start the weekend. I could easily walk through the large boulevards and reach the parliament, which had traces of old yet modern Norwegian independence sovereigns that valued freedom above all. There were no security guards near the parliament. Although there were security cameras and a mobile police van nearby, this was the first time I could see a country's parliament so close.

Further up the hill, I could see the open and beautiful palace gardens and buildings. Notably, these and many more parks, are free for the public to relax in the pleasant evening fragrance from the nearby blossoms adding to the charm. I loved the water fountains, the trees with birds chirping, and the flower baskets on the footpaths, giving a perfect holiday vibe on a late sunny evening. Norwegians love for nature, outdoors and forest is visible everywhere.

Next, I visited the Akershus Fort the prime tourist attraction near the seafront. It's a large 1300s castle with a government building, huge grounds, an old prison, and a tower. I missed visiting the famous Vikings ship museum, at the other end of the bay, as it is closed for renovation. But the fort gave a glimpse into the history of Norway. A short walk from here took me to other areas like the seafront museum and the Nobel Peace Prize building. It is unique as it's the only place bestowing noble prizes outside Sweden. The building has unassuming grandeur and is open to all. However, there is an entry fee to visit the halls where the ceremonies are conducted. I loved the open spaces outside these buildings, with fountains, gardens, and benches, to relax, giving a vibe of peace and calmness.

I visited the National Museum, a newly constructed building, to view the famous Nordic designs from the past and the present. The design sections covered items from various materials - glass, metal, textiles, wood, and plastics. Many items felt old, like a coffee concoction apparatus, yet very modern. I was mesmerized by a glass shop replica(video, audio, and actual shop) from the perspective of the people inside the shop. It vividly captured the hustle and bustle of the outside world, people admiring the shop from outside, some pressing their noses to look at the price of glassware. The sound of horse-drawn carriages took me straight to Oslo in the 1800s. In other sections, items like washing machines, hob cookers, typewriters, vacuum cleaner, chairs, and many more had a unique design. Simple yet fit for the functioning of the days. I could see many of our modern furniture took inspiration from these Nordic designs.

I crossed the other end of the city to marvel at Oslo Opera House hosting theatre and opera shows. Its sloppy rooftop is made from marble and serves as a free skiing area for the public in winter. In the bright summer, people use it to stroll and sunbathe with views of the marina. I have never seen a building specifically a rooftop with these many uses. Across the street is the famous Deichman Bjorvika, a public library that serves not only books but coffee, free wi-fi, toilets, and resting places along with a wide range of books. The small kid's play area right opposite the train and tram station was so advanced, free to use, and was built to keep the kids busy while waiting for the transport. Every building, and area I crossed had something for all age groups and animals. It left me with an impression of how much the government and the people of Norway care for each and everything. No wonder the taxes in Norway are so high and it's one of the costliest and happiest cities in the world.

On one of my memorable train journeys, I was seated next to a Norwegian student, who was heading home for her holidays. She helped me understand the culture, the people, and the country in great deal. I could sense how proud and responsible Norwegians felt for their motherland. In the few hours of our chatter, we both learned a lot about our countries and cultures. She found Indians very fortunate with good weather, food, and caring parents who help their kids till old age. She explained how all Norwegians work for 2-3 jobs to complete their education and make a better living. She explained how kids in Norway are encouraged to be independent, be adventurous given the tough weather and beautiful outdoors, and take up any work to learn and grow. Even though a student, she had a sense of dignity in her work and aspired to serve her country. Yet again I learned from her that, the dignity of labour and appreciation for others will make us a kind person. Oslo left a mark of a perfect capital city amalgamating the old and new for every person.