Interview 1: Ann-Kristin
Between the plant friends clinging to the furniture and the spunky collection of art hanging on the walls, to the sunbeams streaming through the windows and the warmth of our hands as they hugged our tea latte filled mugs, Ann-Kristin and I could not help but to smile.
Our suspicions were right; VÃ¥gal Kaffe og Vin radiated energy, and I was so jazzed to be there for my first interview.
Sitting down for the interview, I thought I had a good idea of how Ann-Kristin would answer many of the questions I scribbled on my paper. I mean, she was not only one of my housemates, but also my first friend in Bergen, and so I was surprised by just how much I did not know. But I suppose the surprise did not surprise me, if that makes sense. Ann-Kristin is nothing short of eclectic.
She grew up in a town named Ã…s, which is about 40 minutes south of Oslo, with her two younger brothers, Tim-Erlend and Lars-Henrik. Growing up, she loved playing soccer, as well as spending time with her family at the Oslo Fjord.
“I spent the first two years of my life at the sea...I love swimming, but it has to be the sea.”
Throughout primary and secondary school, the sea continued to hold a special place in her heart, and the universe must have known this because upon completion of the Norwegian equivalent of high school, Ann-Kristin found herself living on a Norwegian military ship in Bergen.
For all Norwegians graduating high school, taking a military year is a possible next step. Upon graduating, Norwegian students complete a fairly extensive questionnaire that could result in a year of military service. The questions asked pertain to many different things, from interest in joining the military to fitness level. Ann-Kristin checked all the boxes and so off she went.
The ship she was stationed on had the task of swiping and hunting mines, and Ann-Kristin's primary job was to clean the weapons. Ann-Kristin explained that while her year in the military was challenging work, she felt like it was very rewarding and that she became close with the other members of her team.
After the military, she spent one year studying environmental education in Kristiansand before returning to Bergen to begin her bachelor's degree in physical therapy. Outside of school, she spends her time in many different ways. From finger knitting headbands and pearling to weight training and bouldering at the climbing centers, she certainly keeps herself busy. I can always count on her to be in for a Sunday hike in the mountains or Tuesday night tea. Her adventurous spirit is contagious.
Near the end of the interview, I began asking Ann-Kristin about questions regarding being Norwegian. First, I wanted to know about the stereotypes: how accurate does she feel they are? When asking her what stereotype about Norwegians she thought was the truest, she said that it’s true that Norwegian people keep to themselves in public spaces such as on the bus and at training centers.
“If you are on the bus and at the training center… it’s not normal to talk. That’s true.” However, when asked about what stereotypes are not true, she was quick to tell me that not everyone has or can afford cabins, which is something that is often assumed.
To end the interview, I wanted to know what Ann-Kristin likes most about being Norwegian. What she is most proud of. Giggling, she said that even though it was general, she likes wearing her Bunad, which is the official name of the Norwegian national suit, on the country’s Independence Day—the 17th of May.
“I like wearing our National Suits... I feel like I’m apart of Norway. We wear them on the 17th of May and do so much on that day. It’s all really nice.” We each took a sip of our lattes and grinned at each other, excited for the 17th of May and all to come.
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