Get to Know Showaround Locals in Oslo: Meet Helge
Background: Helge originally came from Bergen, which is on the west coast of Norway, but has been living in Oslo for the past eight years now. He has a master’s degree in Media Studies from the University of Oslo. Also, Helge works as a social media specialist and consultant.
Showaround: Why did you decide to become one of Showaround locals?
Helge: I’ve travelled quite a lot and lived abroad in both Australia and France during my studies. Even though I love visiting new places, the best parts of my travels have always been the people I meet, and the places they take me to. Nowadays, I’m pretty settled and don’t travel as much, but as a Showaround local, I would still get to meet travellers, right here in Oslo. That's an easy decision! So now I get to show people around, and tell them the stories I love about the areas we see, and about life here in Norway. Recently, I realized that I also get to experience my city in a whole different way, through the observations of my visitors, and the questions they ask. That’s a pretty awesome bonus.
Showaround: Walk or bike?
Helge: Difficult choice. I’d have to go for walking because then you’re completely free to wander off wherever.
Showaround: What’s your favorite coffee spot in Oslo?
Helge: There’s a small Kaffebrenneriet cafe that I like, which is located on the corner by the Palace Gardens close to my flat. It’s pretty small, so there’s not always room, but when I do get a spot, I can stay for hours with a book or a newspaper while glancing at the people walking by. They also have excellent coffee.
Showaround: How would your friends describe you?
Helge: My friends would probably describe me as a pretty outgoing type. Whenever I’m up to something, I like to gather as many of them as I can, and I often try to make my friends from different places come together and get to know each other. They’d probably also describe me as huggable and funny.
Showaround: How do you spend your free time?
Helge: In my free time, I hang out with my friends or my girlfriend. I’m a movie geek, so I enjoy TV series and movies. I love going to the cinema “Victoria” where they show critically acclaimed movies, and let you bring your wine from the bar into the cinema (which isn’t that common in Norway). I spend all my time outside in the parks or on one of the lovely islands in the Oslo Fjord, just 10 minutes by boat from the city centre.
There’s a saying that we’re like a thermos. Cold on the outside, but always warm on the inside.
Showaround: How would you describe the local people of Oslo?
Helge: Oslo is pretty much the metropolis of Norway with a lot of different types of people. Some might appear snobbish while others will be the coolest hipsters you’ve ever seen. In general, Norwegians might seem reserved towards people they don’t know, and might appear as cold. But don’t be fooled. There’s a saying that we’re like a thermos. Cold on the outside, but always warm on the inside (and full of cocoa!). Once you get to know us, we’re very friendly.
All in all, people in Oslo are pretty friendly, especially over a cup of coffee or better yet, a beer. We love to talk about our strange little country and our odd interests (just ask anybody about skiing, or what they prefer for Christmas dinner, and you’ll see what I mean).
Showaround: Thank you, Helge, for your answers!
