Pregnancy and Birth in Norway

I now understand why Norway is "almost" a paradise for preggies, young families, and single moms. "Almost" because of the language barrier. Apart from that, every kind of support, be it financially, medically or emotionally, is available for free. There is indeed such a thing as free lunch.

Prenatal check-ups with a personal midwife and doctor, ultrasounds, birth courses, are set at regular periods for free. Any additional medical examinations or treatments can be arranged. For free. In our case, we had an ultrasound examination on a monthly basis because I was discovered to have a myoma.

Delivery and full board stay at the hotel-cum-postnatal ward are also gratis. I cannot emphasise more how important is this because as a first-time mom, going through labour and birth can be such a painful, traumatic and overwhelming experience. One barely have the energy to eat, let alone think about how to foot the bill!

The first few days after birth are spent with the midwives and pediatricians recovering and learning how to breastfeed, bathe the baby, change nappy, and most importantly get to know your tiny little miracle. The baby undergoes a pediatrician's examination, ear test, guthrie test, and in our case, receives Hepatitis B and BCG vaccinations (for high risk group babies).

And of course, paternal benefits are simply awesome. Maternity leave for 56 weeks (inclusive 10 weeks paternity leave) at 80% of your salary or 46 weeks at 100%.

Postnatal check-up 3 months after birth, a home visit by a public health nurse within 2 weeks, and an opportunity to join a local postnatal group are just few of the postnatal support one gets.

Where it lacks the extensive family and social network and support system common among developing countries, Norway compensates it with its unparalleled social welfare system.

Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) website

Letter to the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt

To: H.E Mr. Waguih Hanafi (Ambassador in the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Norway)

I have had the pleasure of visiting Egypt last 27 March - 3 April 2009 as a tourist with my Norwegian husband. We were on a chartered tour to Egypt through Apollo travel agency.

I have a Filipino citizenship, living and working in Norway (with valid work/residence permit). Owing to my Filipino citizenship and according to rules and regulations, I applied for and was granted a tourist visa for Egypt by the Egyptian embassy in Oslo.

However, when we arrived in Hurghada (our port of entry), the immigration official at the immigration counter hesitated to grant me entry to the country and had me sent to another officer who in turn detained me for at least an hour. This certain officer only directed his questions to our travel representative (who was there to assist us upon arrival) about the purpose of my visit, how long I'm staying, what am I doing in Norway, what kind of work do I do, etc. I asked the officer (through our travel rep) if anything's wrong and is there a particular reason for detaining me. I insisted I have a valid visa from the Egypt embassy/consulate in Oslo. (Take note that the officer didn't even know where Oslo is. I said it's the capital of Norway). At one point, I was threatened that I would be sent back to my country (again, I don't know for what reason).

Throughout the questioning or detaining period, I was never spoken to by the officer nor I was able to voice out my opinions or questions. And I never really got any answers from the immigration officers who dealt with our situation on our arrival. All I got from our travel agent is that "Asians need an extra high security clearance before entering the country and I should have gotten a high security pass of some sort".

I have been to more than 20 countries both for work and pleasure but I never heard of such thing and I have checked relevant websites about travel to Egypt beforehand but there's no mention about extra security pass for certain country citizens to enter Egypt. Besides, your embassy in Oslo should have informed me about this or refused to grant me a visa under this circumstance.

In this regard, I have three questions which I hope you will grant me answers to:

1. Is it true and correct that we (Asians in general or Filipinos in particular) need a special clearance to enter Egypt and has there had been many cases that visitors were refused entry to the country even with valid visa/permit? Having this information will make me and others better prepared if faced such situation, when we travel to Egypt.

2. If there is such a rule, why did the embassy fail to inform me about this when issuing my visa? For me and my husband, the episode was perceived to be both dangerous and threatening. Our major fear was that I would be sent to a detainment facility, which could be dangerous to both me and the child that I am bearing. Had we known about this, we would not have taken the risk of traveling to Egypt.

3. If there is no such rule and the visa issued by the embassy was valid for me to travel to Egypt, will you take any actions in regards to finding out why this happened? And will people who are granted visa to Egypt by you, be warned that even with a valid visa one may be stopped and experience deportation at the border and/or dangerous situations with the border officials?

I would also like to point out that this sort of "incomprehensible action (of initially refusing entry without any reasons) which borders on harassment" should not be tolerated. I had a valid visa and I have rights to speak and be heard of.

Thank you for your kind attention on this matter and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience.


Yours sincerely,

Maria Majella Rio

The falling autumn leaves

The charm and attributes of the autumn season are often embodied in countless poems, songs, and films made throughout history. Melancholy, sorrow, and death are often associated with autumn. Almost daily showers, chilly wind, and grey skies inescapably dampen our mood. Yet, it also speaks and smells of nature's bounties. Think of grape harvests, apple pies, wild mushrooms, fat seafood, and game meat. It is also all about vivid and vibrant colours of the leaves - the lovely autumn foliage.

For many Norwegians, it's the time to light candles, have a drink of wine, and keep the hearth warm. Some go salmon fishing and moose hunting. Others go berry and mushroom picking.

This autumn, my husband and I went mushroom hunting in Rogaland Arboret, had a delightful weekend trip to the cabin in Myrdal, picked loads of blueberries lingonberries, ate a traditional and unique dish called "smalahove" in Voss, made an autumn dish "fårikål" or lamb in cabbage at home, had regular pancakes and waffles in the weekends, and truly enjoyed our seafood dinners on Fridays.

Birds have migrated. Animals are soon to go into hibernation. The bright autumn colours are long gone. Autumn has almost left us and winter has arrived at our doorstep. Once again, we are reminded of the brevity of life when seasons change.

Small and Big Perks

Labeled as the "Oil Capital" of Norway, Stavanger is home to many big oil companies. In fact, it just recently hosted perhaps the biggest energy forum/trade show within the energy sector - ONS 2008. Like many other foreigners, I'm now also working within the oil industry, after much deliberation.

With a development background and thinking all along that I'm best suited in an NGO and non-profit organisation, never in my dreams would I have thought of working at a private company. Let alone working at a huge oil corporation.

I was to learn later that it could be truly exciting and stimulating. Whether I admit it or not, I enjoy the freedom of doing things independently - no sleepless nights worrying about project budgets, no donors watching our backs, no headaches thinking when is the next pay day (if paid after all!), and no administrative and bureaucratic pains.

With my current employer, big perks speak loud -- comprehensive health insurance, competitive salary, career progression opportunities, travels, full maternity leave, computer and mobile phone, etc.

However, small perks even speak louder. Flex-time (home office days), 5-week holidays, daily supply of fruits, endless supply of tea and coffee, subsidised cafeteria with diverse menu every week, yoga classes, discounted gym memberships, access to seaside and mountain cabins, etc. These are the simple things that matter most. And I appreciate that my company offers these benefits.

And of course, there are the intangible elements. The encouragement, appreciation, and recognition given. Learning and training opportunities. Interesting people. Company values.

Since I entered the company six months ago, I've witnessed the company donating to various organisations, hosting concerts and seminars, organising "run for fun" and social activities, while making business deals across the globe.

I would be naive to say that there is no office politics and that people completely trust each other. Of course there's room for improvement in regards to teamwork and departmental cooperation. The company could be better in managing people and money. Occasionally, competition between colleagues can be stifling. These are the times I wish I was back in the non-profit organisation with a cause -- there where people hold strong principles and they make the best of available resources to deliver services to the people they serve for. There where creativity, integrity, sincerity, and passion are needed to survive. There where huge salaries and other personal benefits sometimes become meaningless when lives are at stake. There where you get real satisfaction for doing something good for the society, for the world.

At the end of the day, I can only hope for the best. I would like to believe that my company leaders do care for the environment. That the company sincerely believes in its values and its people. That it seriously thinks that we are not only part of the problem but also part of the solution. That we continue to meet the world's energy demands in a sustainable manner, with the least carbon footprint, and give back to the society and world at large.

Stavanger: 2008 European Capital of Culture

The first week I moved to Stavanger, the wine festival was well underway. More than 10 fine dining restaurants participated and offered selected wines alongside mouthwatering dishes using the finest ingredients.

I saw myself wandering around Stavanger town looking at old buildings and visiting old shops after working hours and during weekends in my next few weeks.

Then came the highly profiled and oldest festival in Stavanger - Mai Jazz - which had been up and running for 20 years! For one week in May, several jazz concerts were held at various locations, from cathedrals to theater spaces, by local and international jazz musicians. I had the pleasure of witnessing a wonderful performance at St. Petri kirke by a local musician named Randi Tytingvåg. Her voice was powerful yet sweet & personal, "brilliant from start to end", according to a local newspaper. Meanwhile, a night with Hovedøen Social Club at Hall Toll was exciting & intriguing - it's salsa with Norwegian lyrics!

This year, Stavanger also boasts of culinary festivals; Bocuse d’Or Europe which features competing chefs armed with their culinary creations, and Gladmat (Food Festival) which brings together local produce, farmers, food enthusiasts, and cooks. These events certainly promise gastronomic delights.

And of course, there is an endless list of art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural performances in and around Stavanger. Every corner holds a surprise, every weekend is a delight. Fun-filled family day, Saturday afternoon concert in the park hosted by StatoilHydro, memories-filled family campers exhibition, local brass band competition, fanstastic dance performance by Inbal Pinto, wildlife photo exhibition by Steve Bloom...the list goes on and on.

From the wooden white houses in the old part of town to the vibrant cultural scene, from the fish market to the funky 23 iron figures scattered across town, from the accessible fjords to the lively nightlife, from the bustling port to the serene parks, it's a wonderful time to be in Stavanger. No stormy weather or strong wind can shatter the spirits of the international and local people living in Stavanger.

BBC News on Stavanger

Spring in Norway

Beautiful yet peculiar sounds and sights greet spring in Norway. Starting early April, I was annoyingly awakened around 5:00 a.m. by a cacophony of barking & warring sounds, which turned out to be (to my bewilderment) bird sounds! The arrival of migratory birds beckons the coming of the warm season, and for that, I could be a bit forgiving about the strange noises that wake me up each morning.

I must admit, seeing so many human-friendly birds of all sizes and colors does make my day. And not a day goes by that I don't stop by and appreciate them flying high & low as I bike to work.

Meanwhile, an overwhelmingly powerful smell fills the air around April. No, I'm not talking about the blooming fragrant flowers. I'm referring to the ultimate sign of spring -- the smell of cow shit! Yes, it's the time for farmers to nourish their land with natural fertilizers. Holy shit indeed.

The smell is literally everywhere, there's nowhere to hide. It even haunts you in your dreams. Okay, I'm exaggerating. But it does take a while to get used to the smell.

And the spring flowers like hvitveis (small white flowers called wood anemone in English), tulips, and yellow spring flowers are now a pleasingly common sight.

And people have come out from hibernation! You can even catch your neighbors tending their gardens or drinking beer in their terraces. Outdoor cafes are virtually full. For someone from the tropical country like me, it's quite an amusing phenomenon that Norwegians remain anonymous and hide in their winter hole (aka home) during the long cold months and voila, they are all outside when the warm weather sets in! They even start smiling and saying hi to you!

Spring is also the time for all sorts of intriguing events and holidays, such as "russ", Labor Day, and 17th of May. Russ is the time for intense, crazy, and obscene partying of graduating high school kids. Dressed in blue & red overalls, they get loud, drink heavily, get injured, strip, dance, and have insane fun! For two weeks or so! Not to mention that they do this before their final exams. Oh well, the follies of being young and carefree. And the general public seems to be tolerant to the rowdy behavior of these kids on the loose.

1 May usually starts with a politician's speech, followed with a parade of marching bands and various groups carrying slogans related to working conditions, pension, social and ethnic issues. You are not supposed to work on this day...and if you do, it's a big blow to some.

And the winner of them all is the 17 May National Day celebration, yeah! It's a proud and colorful day for all Norwegians - a day exemplified by national flags, children's parades, traditional "bunad" costumes, royal family exchanging waves and greetings, royal guard parade, ice cream, hot dogs, and hordes of people. In fact, it appears like all 4.6 million of the population is put together in one place, in one event. The air of excitement, pride, and happiness is intoxicating. In spite of the nasty weather in Oslo this year, the day was still a memorable one...even for an "outsider" like me.

Going Green

Growing up in a third world country does not provide you the luxury of thinking and living green. You are most likely to ponder long and hard if you will have food in the table, if you can afford to send your children to school, if you have safe water to drink, if you have medical access when you're sick, or if you live long enough to see your grandchildren.

You don't think of separating your garbage, let alone think of cutting your carbon emissions.

So imagine how impressed I am when the Japanese religiously segregate their waste according to a litany of categories: paper/boxes, plastic bottles, cans, broken glasses, ordinary waste, bulbs, broken bicycles, biodegradable waste, electronic stuff, old furniture, etc. And it seemed to me that their minds are programmed to know exactly what day (and time) of the week or month is the garbage collection for these different items. It's a small wonder why Kyoto Protocol was born in this country of 127.4 million people.

If you bring your own recyclable bag and avoid using plastic bags when shopping at grocery stores, you get a point on your stamp card. And you get a small prize according to the number of points you collected. If you're really good, you may even get a food processor for free!

Norway also makes it a serious business to care for the environment. From CO2 taxes to carbon capture & storage technologies, name it and Norway has it. In fact, it has some of the world's strictest environmental standards and measures. And Norwegians had been aware of climate change even before Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth hit the theaters. I guess being close to the arctic circle, having dramatically high mountains, and surrounded by rough seas make them more susceptible to climatic alterations.

Empty cans and plastic bottles, for instance, can be returned to any grocery store in return for a few NOKs. It does pay to be environmentally-friendly. There are of course special bags for the organic waste.

Somehow I learnt to think and act green in my day to day life, in spite of (or owing to?) the fact that I come from a developing country. I rode a bicycle while commuting to work and school in Japan. I try to use public transportation, as opposed to taking taxis or driving a car (this makes it easy since I don't have a car anyway) here in Norway. Or I walk instead. And I started biking to work now that the weather is becoming more and more pleasant.

I must admit I preferred taking cabs while in Thailand. All the smog prevented me from walking, the hordes of people somehow discouraged me from taking the trains, and crazy drivers stopped me from taking the buses.

I turn off the tap while brushing my teeth. I recycle. I turn off the lights at home or work when not in use. I try to use the same towels when staying at hotels. And now I take part in carbon neutral or offset schemes when I fly.

I swap clothes with friends. I don't take bank receipts from ATMs. And I try to buy organic, fair trade and eco-friendly products. I bring my own grocery bag when I shop. I use my own reusable mug at work instead of disposable cups. And where possible, I drink water from the tap.

I'm far from being eco-savvy but at least I'm taking small steps and learning the ABCs of going green.