Would You Like to Purchase a Plastic Bag? — And Other Scandinavian Things I Miss

Nothing like the feeling of being the bad guy

We were once driving on roads very similar to the scenery in the featured photo. The sheep were there too, and they wouldn’t budge. My husband, my sister, and I had to wait for what felt like forever for them to pass. Those walking wool producers were taking their time, without a single worry in the world.

Typical sheep.

I bring this up because sometimes you miss the oddest things in life.

Today, for me, it’s Norwegian sheep blocking the road, feeling like the bad guy for buying a plastic bag, and Friday night tacos.

Would you like to purchase a plastic bag?

Most people I know in Norway, my family included, use tote bags when shopping for groceries. There’s the environmental aspect of it, and it’s the politically correct thing to do.

You also have to pay for a plastic bag in most, if not all, grocery stores. It’s about 25 cents per bag, with the current exchange rate.

So when I was about to pay for my groceries during our vacation in Norway, I didn’t bring a tote.

The cashier looked at me, no smile whatsoever, and asked:

“Would you like to purchase a plastic bag?”

“Yes, sorry, I totally forgot to bring the tote”, I said.

The way she looked at me, like I was the bad guy for not thinking about the environment, was… unique. She was judging me and it was very obvious to me and those behind me in the line.

In the United States, I usually get a smile, although it may be a fake one, it’s a smile, from the cashier.

So why on earth do I miss getting a bad look from a stranger working at a grocery store? I know, I’m weird.

I didn’t really laugh about the very obvious judgment from the cashier at the moment, but it made me think about how that hate for plastic stands very strong in Norway, and I find that refreshing.

Although I was the black sheep for purchasing it, it made me appreciate how they make a real effort to reduce plastic.

It’s the tiny environmental wins.

Those sheep blocking the road

Sometimes, all you can do is wait.

That’s easy to forget in a culture that worships productivity.

When we were stuck on a road similar to that featured photo, waiting for the sheep to get out of the way, all we could do was wait.

Honking the horn didn’t help, because, sheep.

In a culture where life and surroundings can feel stressful and rushed, I miss the moments when there simply isn’t anything you can do to make things move faster.

It is what it is and that’s ok.

Close to where I currently live, there are horses and buggies on the road from time to time. Car drivers go nuts.

The car drivers put themselves and others in danger by trying to rush past the horses. They have zero patience. And if you’re right behind the buggy, the cars behind you will beep, mad at you for not flying past the horse and buggy asap.

It’s stressful and terrifying.

I can’t stand driving around here, but that’s for another story.

Friday night tacos

It’s not as much about the tacos as it is about the tradition itself. Not 100% sure if the Swedes and Danes are into taco Friday, but it’s huge in Norway.

Currently living in what has been praised as a diverse food county in the Northeast, we have plenty of amazing options when it comes to cuisines, and the Mexican food is great.

Friday night tacos in Norway aren’t even close to being an authentic meal, but that’s not the point of it. It’s not made from scratch, like many dinner meals in Scandinavia. It’s ready-made tortillas, sauces and spices, with ground beef and cut-up vegetables. And a dash of sour cream topping it all.

It’s a collective tradition, all about spending quality time with family, watching silly comedies while enjoying non-authentic Mexican food.

It’s fun, and simple.

Even as a teenager when I would rather be in my room than spend time with my parents, I would not miss out on Friday night tacos. It’s an enjoyable night for all ages, popular among the entire population.

Fun fact — according to statistics from The Haugen Group, which distributes the brand Old El Paso in Norway, Norway is within the top five list of countries that eat the most Mexican food per capita after Mexico.

I might just start making these tacos for my own family on Fridays again. I haven’t thought too much about this tradition after moving to the United States, but all those good memories popped in today.

It’s funny the odd things that makes you smile.