We have lived in Oslo for two years and during our stay there, I haven’t remembered any major violence that occurred. While there were some petty crimes of pick pocketing committed by their ‘guests,’ where I was almost a victim had it not for my son’s alertness, Oslo is generally peaceful….and clean.
Considered the most peaceful and the safest place in Europe, if not in the whole world, living in Norway, however, has its price. The cost of living is high and considered the most expensive. An hour ride in Oslo’s public transport costs 20 kroner (about four dollars) the same with a cup of tea. (Price rate was during our stay there two years ago and I have heard the price has gone up). But what is money in exchange for peace? There, you can sleep with unlocked doors, you can walk in the street worry-free, the locals are friendly and accommodating; the surroundings are essentially clean and safe. The champion of peace (Oslo is home to Nobel Peace) and humanitarian assistance, it was very ironic that an incident that resulted to too many deaths and massive devastation occurred in this peaceful country. And it has become doubly ironic because the suspect was a Norwegian himself. While others pray that it was plain “lunatic” action, the degree of devastation and loss of lives were unimaginable. What would drive a native citizen of a peaceful country, that provides good social services, among them free education and hospitalization, commit that dastardly act? Can a single person capable of committing such crime with the same magnitude? Norway, aside from being safe and clean, is also among the most liberal countries in the world. Media is uncensored. Information facilities are well in placed and easily accessible, and the state is generally accommodating to immigrants. In a group of school children having their walking activities, you would notice that there are more children of different descent than native Norwegians. With a mere population of less or over five million, some 15 percent are naturalized-born Norwegians. Cross-cultural exchanges and the uncensored flood of information would have probably influenced the suspect in doing his ‘dastardly acts.’ The recent spate of mass actions in Africa and the Middle East would have influenced him; he tested how his country would react on such kind of violence. I wish it was simply an adventure on the part of the suspect. Or I can say there is no longer safe place to stay. Even our own home is sometimes unsafe to stay… To the people of Norway and Oslo, the place which I still miss despite having left the city two years ago, may you regain the peace and orderliness that I have learned to love. I miss my cozy nook near Aker Brygge where I used to do my reading and writing during sunny days. I miss walking along that street of Karl Johann on my way to school. And I remember sitting on a bench in front of the local newspaper building adjacent to the Prime Minister’s office, where a bronze statue of a man reading newspaper was located. My son and I also used to play snow in front of the Prime Minister’s office on our way home after attending the evening mass at the St. Olav Cathedral, located some meters away from the incident. May those affected by the heinous event found solace in the arms of our Unseen protector and Redeemer.
1 Comment
leonor
7/23/2011 09:55:31 am
well said about Norway..... cheers! so sad about the tragedy... anxious to know his motive/s in doing this horrible killing and bombing...
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