“I think curiosity, enthusiasm, all of these things — we age,” she responded. “I’m 79. … what makes a person more youthful is not their outward appearance … it’s nourishing that thing. That curiosity. I’ve always been curious.”
Lihkku Beivviin! February 6 is Sámi National Day.
Sámi National Day recognizes the culture, history, and rights of the Sámi, the Indigenous people of the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
#SamiNationalDay #Sami #LihkkuBeivviin
Fueling up for Day 1 of a three-month Norwegian language course. Starting work on a 2026 goal. 🇳🇴
#Norway #Bergen #Norskkurs #LifelongLearner #GodtBrød
Today’s journey: Voss > Oslo > Son
I’ve been volunteer pet & housesitting my way around Norway, while I wait for an answer to my residency application (14 months and counting…). I’ll spend the next few weeks with “Otto the Lagotto” while his human goes to Kenya.
#Norway #TravelNorway #Bergansbanen
You’ll find pilgrim paths all across #Norway, including the nine St. Olav Ways that all lead to Nidaros Cathedral in #Trondheim.
Together they span more than 3,000 km (1,860 miles) of quiet landscapes, small villages, and rich local traditions.
Learn more in this recent NYT Travel feature:
Today in #Oslo, the world’s largest preserved Viking ship begins a 12-hour, 94-meter journey to its new home at the Museum of the Viking Age. Built ~AD 890, the Gokstad ship is being moved fully assembled for the first time in history, traveling at just 7 inches/minute.
#GokstadShip #MarlaGoesNorth
S Y M M E T R Y | O D D A
✍️ This fall I’ve decided to host a virtual #JournalingClub, inspired by writer #SuleikaJaouad.
We’ll gather once/month via Zoom. Bring a notebook, pen & a bit of curiosity.
Learn more + sign up to stay in the loop:
✨ www.marlagoesnorth.com/journaling-club
#Journaling #Community #WritingTogether
After a summer in Bergen, I’m back in Skånevik—reconnecting with home, reflecting on growth, celebrating milestones, and navigating what’s ahead.
#Norway #Bergen #Skånevik #MarlaGoesNorth #TravelNorway
I wrote about the Sydney Sweeney jeans discourse and broken informations systems that make talking to each other impossible (in fact it's not even the goal). Context collapse is just how people (and brands!) communicate now. www.theatlantic.com/technology/a...
200 yrs ago, the #Restauration set sail from #Stavanger, launching the first 🌊 of Norwegian emigration to North America.
Next wk, I’ll join a friend from the U.S. in Stavanger as we take part in #Crossings200 — including sailing alongside the replica for the 1st leg of its journey to New York. 🇳🇴 🇺🇸
Summer is in full swing here in #Norway, and I’ve been house- and pet-sitting my way across the country.
In this update:
#Bergen crowds, #NeilYoung in the rain, #BergenPride in the sun, random connections and an upcoming once-in-a-lifetime voyage for #Crossings200 in #Stavanger.
#MarlaGoesNorth
“What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”
- Mary Oliver, #DogSongs
Grateful to spend 10 days with sweet Otto, in Son, #Norway, a corner of the country I haven't yet explored. 🐾
#MaryOliver #SonNorway #Lagotto
Spring in #Voss means mountain views, gondola rides, music festivals, food carts, and that joyful energy as the whole country gears up for #SyttendeMai. 🇳🇴 It’s a beautiful time to be here—nature’s showing off, and so is the spirit of #Norway.
www.visitvoss.no/en
#VisitVoss #VisitNorway #VossNorway
A year ago, I froze on a trail above Skånevik, sure I was trespassing.
Even after lots of time in Norway, walking across someone’s land without asking felt unthinkable.
That moment deepened my understanding of #allemannsretten— Norway's “right to roam”—& the quiet, radical freedom of #friluftsliv.
I'm back in Skånevik after travels to Haugesund and Bergen this month. The magnolia is fading, and the lilacs are coming in hot.
This time last year, I was sipping matcha in St. Paul, getting ready to return to Norway, and now I'm approaching the one-year mark here.
Read more in my second mixtape:
Text reads: "Democrat-Endorsed Candidate Wins Judicial Election in Wisconsin" over a map of Wisconsin with blue arrows showing a shift in the Democratic margin from 2024. Susan Crawford is shown with 55% of votes and Brad Schimel is shown with 45%. Source: Associated Press / Data as of 11 a.m. Eastern on April 2.
Judge Susan Crawford, backed by the state Democratic party, defeated Judge Brad Schimel, who was backed by President Trump and Elon Musk, to help liberals retain a 4-to-3 majority in the state’s judiciary. Read more about the results. nyti.ms/4hY4IJs
Mixtape #2: Greetings from Bergen | Hilsen fra Bergen
Iconic Bryggen, Bergen Street Art, exploring the city's nooks and crannies + book, music and spring cleaning recs.
➡️ www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/mixtape-2-hilsen-fra-bergen
#bergen #bryggen #bergenstreetart #streetart #springcleaning
One of my favorite activites: Exploring Bergen's street art.
#Bergen #StreetArt #BergenStreetArt #DavidBowie #Bowie
St Mary`s Church (Mariakirken) is the oldest existing building in Bergen, likely built between 1130 and 1170. It was ravaged by two great fires that swept the city in 1198 and 1248 and has been in continuous use since early medieval period.
--> en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do...
Krigsmoderen ("The War Mother"), sculpted by Per Ung & unveiled in 1997, honors Norwegian families affected by WWII & the resilience of mothers who endured loss & hardship while sustaining their families & communities.
Its message endures as a tribute to all who carry on in the face of conflict.
When I started my blog, I imagined sharing long, reflective posts abt my journey to Norway - an overwhelming task.
Now I'm introducing a monthly-ish post w/ brief life updates & recs. A way to connect more intentionally.
Welcome to my first mixtape. ✨
www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/marla-s-mixtape-1
Biggest fight of my life. I've thrown absolutely everything into it, after about 4 years and am still not there. Not a dream killer, but also not sure I'd feel comfortable advising it.
Yes. Unless you renounce your U.S. citizenship (shortsighted, bad idea), you will always be in a relationship with Uncle Sam.
Re: language, most Norwegians speak at least basic English, so it's super easy for me to get by, while I learn. Even in this little village of about 900 people, it's no problem. ;)
Yes, things are expensive and taxes are high but there is a social safety net. Absolutely worth it.
No - not until my application is approved (if it gets approved). BUT - If something were to happen to me, I would be far better off having it happen here as opposed to in the U.S.
I left full-time U.S. life in 2021 and have been mostly in Norway since then (with a few brief stateside visits + 4 months traveling the Balkans). I applied for residency in August 2024 and am here (in Norway) waiting for an answer. Fortunately I can stay while my application is under consideration.
I've been thinking about this a lot and absolutely want to be part of this effort.
