What should we do this weekend? The classic question.
The Oslo Music Festival -- June 2011
Living in a city like Oslo is great because there's always something to do. Unfortunately, as an expat, it can be tough to know what all (or any) of the options are. If you don't read the language... if you haven't found an active group to join. But there IS an answer to this question.
The Events List
This "non-profit, community service intended for individuals of the English speaking community in and around Oslo" takes the form of a weekly email that lists as many events--tours, concerts, art installations, festivals--as possible taking place in the coming week.
The Oslo Music Festival -- 2011
Citizens of Norway (and, I suspect, of other countries, but I can't speak to that for certain) organize their calendars by week. We're currently coming to the end of Week 1 in 2013. I'll give you a taste of the Week 1 Events List email:
Iyengar Yoga 1 in English will be taught on Mondays, at 8 pm starting on Monday, January 7 at 8pm. For more information visit the Oslo Iyengar Yoga Senter, Kirkeveien 56, entrance at Arbos gate 2 C, in the Majorstua area of Oslo www.osloiyengaryoga.no
There is a newish club in town - the Oslo International Club (one year old :) and they hold a variety of events from Cafe Scientifique to monthly pub nites to May 17th picnics etc. Their website is here: www.oslointernationalclub.com Our next pub nite will be Wednesday, January 9th at Fru Burum's in Skovveien 3, Oslo from 6pm onwards.
Women's suffrage anniversary concert will be held on Friday & Saturday, January 4 & 5 at 6 pm at Universitetets Aula, Karl Johans gate 47, center city Oslo. Admission 395 kr. Featuring The Norwegian Radio Orchestra and two of Norway's funniest women, Kari Slaatsveen and Ingrid Bjørnov, to celebrate the 100 anniversary of women's right to vote in Norway. Conductor: Christian Eggen
Guided tour of the Opera House in English will be held on Wednesdays & Sundays at 1 pm from January 5 - 31 and Saturdays at 1 pm from January 5 - 31 at Den Norske Opera & Ballett, Kirsten Flagstads plass 1, down town Oslo. Tickets at tlf 21 42 21 21. Admission 100 kr, children and students 60 kr. Transport to Jernbanetorget. www.operaen.no
This is just an example. The list goes on and on. There's something for everyone. It's especially helpful around the Norwegian holidays, informing non-Norwegians about parades and gatherings. It's how we knew when and where to show up for our first Christmas tree lighting on Karl Johans gate. It's how we knew to visit the Oslo Music Festival during our first summer here. (Granted, the list didn't mention open-source cola drinks or emo horses, but some things you've just got to see to believe.)
The list also includes bios and links for several expat blogs on life in Oslo. I'm in there! So is my friend Gisèle (whose blog, An Expat's Norway , is a lot more "helpful" when it comes to Norwegian cultural insight than mine... plus, she's hilarious).
Have I sold you on the Events List yet? If so, signing up is terribly easy:
Individuals may receive their own copy of the Events List by sending an email with the word Request in the subject line to events.list@yahoo.com. All email addresses on the distribution list are kept confidential. You are welcome to forward the Events List to anyone who you think may enjoy receiving it.
There. If you're an Oslo resident, consider yourself "in the know." It's a good feeling, isn't it? Have a fun weekend!