Hi all,
So, it looks like I have to go to Norway. Not my choice, but what can you do. In all my years here in Northern Europe I have never once stepped foot in the Norge, thankfully. I've hither to been limited to what I like to refer to as "the normal countries of Scandinavia".
Anyways, apparently one of the board members decided it would be a good idea if a bunch of us missionaries met up and went camping in a fjord and what have you to discuss tactic. (Once again, not my idea.) I guess they think it would be good for moral - since it gets pretty tough living in these parts.
The trip is planned for May (when the snow is gone) and everything is already booked so I can't get out of it. Heck, they've already sent me a parcel of camping gear and some new boots. I guess we are going to be doing some hiking around some pagan area known as the "Troll Steps" and they don't want anyone falling to their death.
So, to get to my question.
I know most of you have travelled extensively throughout the world – which means many of you have probably been to the Norge and can help me out. Now, the only thing I know about Norway is that it is stupid expensive (imagine the whole country being a hotel lobby in Switzerland), that the people aren't too bright (even the Swedes make fun of them), and that there is little to no respect for laws and Christian ethics. Throw in the fact that it is mostly wild countryside with an abundance of wild animals and you can see where I am going with this. Point is: Do I need to bring a weapon?
I am going by train so getting it through security won't be an issue. I'm also talking about, say, a large knife or dagger nothing really serious. (I don't actually own a gun here...sort of a law thing they have.) The last thing I want is to get stuck-up in some small village by some farmer looking to score some blue jeans for one of his daughters. Or, even worse, attacked by a gang of drunk fishermen while trying to get some sleep. The wild animals I could probably handle - but a combination of animals and locals would probably do me in.
Is it this bad? Is it worse? Or have I been misinformed? Any and all advice is indeed welcome.
Better safe than sorry,
Two-Dollar Bill
So, it looks like I have to go to Norway. Not my choice, but what can you do. In all my years here in Northern Europe I have never once stepped foot in the Norge, thankfully. I've hither to been limited to what I like to refer to as "the normal countries of Scandinavia".
Anyways, apparently one of the board members decided it would be a good idea if a bunch of us missionaries met up and went camping in a fjord and what have you to discuss tactic. (Once again, not my idea.) I guess they think it would be good for moral - since it gets pretty tough living in these parts.
The trip is planned for May (when the snow is gone) and everything is already booked so I can't get out of it. Heck, they've already sent me a parcel of camping gear and some new boots. I guess we are going to be doing some hiking around some pagan area known as the "Troll Steps" and they don't want anyone falling to their death.
So, to get to my question.
I know most of you have travelled extensively throughout the world – which means many of you have probably been to the Norge and can help me out. Now, the only thing I know about Norway is that it is stupid expensive (imagine the whole country being a hotel lobby in Switzerland), that the people aren't too bright (even the Swedes make fun of them), and that there is little to no respect for laws and Christian ethics. Throw in the fact that it is mostly wild countryside with an abundance of wild animals and you can see where I am going with this. Point is: Do I need to bring a weapon?
I am going by train so getting it through security won't be an issue. I'm also talking about, say, a large knife or dagger nothing really serious. (I don't actually own a gun here...sort of a law thing they have.) The last thing I want is to get stuck-up in some small village by some farmer looking to score some blue jeans for one of his daughters. Or, even worse, attacked by a gang of drunk fishermen while trying to get some sleep. The wild animals I could probably handle - but a combination of animals and locals would probably do me in.
Is it this bad? Is it worse? Or have I been misinformed? Any and all advice is indeed welcome.
Better safe than sorry,
Two-Dollar Bill
Comment