When we arrived in Oslo, we barely had time to unpack before being swept into the company’s annual ski weekend. It was a warm and welcoming introduction to our new life, thanks to my husband’s colleagues, who went out of their way to help us feel at home. The trip also marked a milestone for us—we tried cross-country skiing for the very first time. It’s not as easy as it looks!

Once the weekend ended, though, reality set in, and we shifted our focus to settling into life in Oslo.

The Daily Grind

My husband’s first work project was in Asker, a town outside of Oslo. His daily commute became a journey in itself—a subway ride followed by a connecting bus, adding up to at least an hour each way. With his long days, including travel time, he was gone for about 9-10 hours on workdays.

Looking back now in 2024, the ability to work from home feels like such a luxury. It’s incredible to think about how much has changed, from flexible work arrangements to being able to text or call when delays occur.

Exploring Oslo: My Personal Journey

With my husband away for most of the day, I found my own way to adapt to our new environment. A travel card became my golden ticket to explore Oslo’s buses, trains, and subway system.

Almost every day, I’d take care of small errands around the house and then set out on mini-adventures around the city. Sometimes I’d head to the city center; other times, I’d explore shopping centers in different neighborhoods. I wasn’t always shopping—it was more about immersing myself in Oslo, observing the rhythm of life here, and getting a feel for the society we were now part of.

This routine became my way of familiarizing myself with our new home. Slowly but surely, I found myself falling in love with Oslo’s charm and discovering the countless little details that make this city unique.

Looking Ahead

Those early days in Oslo were a mix of challenges and discoveries, but they laid the foundation for the life we’ve built here. The journey has been as rewarding as it was humbling, and I wouldn’t trade those first weeks of adjustment for anything.

Have you ever relocated to a new city or country? How did you find your footing?