We are currently experiencing a cold spell—Arctic temperatures—making
it difficult to be outdoors. This winter has been one of the longest on record
(my record); it has dragged on and on, with snow one week followed by a quick
thaw, then plunging temperatures that make roads and sidewalks icy, and then the
snow starts all over again. This must be a record year for snowfall; I cannot
remember this much snow in all the years I’ve lived here. I’m hoping this is an
aberrant year and that next winter we’re back to ‘normal’, however that is
defined. I actually have not had much cause for complaint; the winters in Oslo
are not very different from those I left behind in NY. The main difference is
the shorter days here and the intense darkness. It’s sometimes hard to adjust
completely to that.
Winter does have its charms, and when the temperatures are
not bitingly cold, I am outdoors walking and taking photos. I took these photos
last week on one of my regular walks around St. Hanshaugen park.
