Travel blog
Robert, Sara and Marius started their journey to Stavanger from Trondheim with a train ride down to Oslo S. Sara found a cheese rool in the limited selection in the food cart. Marius brought a packed lunch but was told to put away due to the fact that it was not allowed to enjoy brought food. Marius left us quite early because he was sitting in the opposite direction. The nausea came creeping up. The rest of the train ride went perfectly well for Sara and Robert who could sit and work while enjoing the beautiful nature through the train window.
After arriving at Oslo S we went on the bus to Kongsberg. From Kongsberg we went on the night train to Stavanger. These cabins had very good beds and some of the Justice League gang actually fell asleep before the train started running. After approx. 18 hours of travel, we arrived the oil city and energy capital of Norway. We were met by Nora (who rode the bike) and continued on to the place where we were going to make the final preparations before the first workshop.
The oil business in Stavanger has contributed to increased prosperity and welfare in the city. Nevertheless, we find differences between districts and social living conditions. In connection with the workshops, we ordered food that we ate with the participants. A meal is not just a meal. As the famous chef and author Anthony Bourdain once said: “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together. Sharing a meal is often a gathering place to meet, but also sharing stories. How can we get to know our participants' stories over a meal?
It is 15 minutes until the first workshop starts. We are excited. How many will show up? What stories will they invite us to join? 5 minutes later the first participants appear. They find a place around the table. Some people supply themselves with coffee . The seats around the table fills up. Sandwiches is passed around and the conversation begins to go. We talk about the trip to Stavanger, the weather and the food.
Eventually we divide the participants into two groups. All the participants received a paper with som question about their everyday life. Firstly, they get some time to sit by themselves to reflect and write some key words / sentences. Afterwards, everyone gets the opportunity to share their personal story with the rest of the group. The goal is to learn about the people's life situation and gain insight into their reality and their everyday life. What works well? What is challenging? Living an environmental life? Living with a low income?
We are listening to stories about shame and stigma. Shame about acknowledge their life situation and ask for help, afraid to get their child stamped as a first-price child. Some participants also share positive experiences where they have received help to deal with the life situation they live in. In this way, the workshops also provide an opportunity to learn about each other's life situation, share experiences and collectively discuss opportunities and challenges in relation to live a «good» and environmental friendly life.
Later in the evening we went to «Fargegaten» in Stavanger. This street is one of the most popular tourist attraction in the city - well knowns for its buildings in all vibrant colors, cozy cafes restaurants. We are not going may years back when it was just an «ordinary» grey street…, however, no one thought this street as any special or a place to visit at all. Eventually, an idea - and a few coats of paint later the street had transformed and become something visible, attractive and unique. Those colors made people recognize the street in a different way.
In Fargegaten we were "crouched" in to participate in a Quiz. To quote Anthony Bourdain again: “Skills can be taught. Character you either have or you do not have ”. We combined different skills about geography, music, music groups and anatomy. We struggled to a 2nd place and went happy back to the hotel to get a good night sleep until the next day.
Day two it rained heavily in Stavanger. The plan for the day was to travel to the other side of town to perform the last two workshops in the city. Also here we were met by nice and open people who invited us into their everyday stories. We gained insight into different difficulties in relation to housing, living conditions difficulties and mobility struggles. Our participants stories are characterized by great challenges in relation to their living conditions. Even though they have a low level of consumption. What does it mean to live a good life (for you)? Of course this is a very individual question. Is it possible to live a happy life that are both environmental friendly and financial affordable for each individual/household?
In the evening we met a researcher from UIS. It was a pleasant gathering with laughter, academic discussions and ongoing research work.
The next day we boarded the bus to Bergen. On the first ferry there was a great sea and we staggered across the ferry floor to find a seat and felt the nausea subside. The discussion on the ferry went on why it is called «sveler « and «lapper»? Is it the same product? And what is the best filling? Butter filling with sugar and cinnamon or brown cheese?
Boarding the second and last ferry it was difficult to find a vegetarian food offer. The result was paprika screws, carrots and flatbread with butter. Arriving Bergen after 4 hours and 35 minutes traveling, we were met with a good rain shower. Marius, Sara and Nora wore a rain jacket, but for Robert it got a little worse with a bubble jacket.
On day four, two workshops were to be held in Bergen. The participants talked about consumption patterns and challenges buying food. Food is a physiological necessity, as well as it has many social and cultural functions. Some of our participants told stories about how they grow their own vegetables and participation in collective nature gardens. Others were happy to be apart of social meeting places were they could meet other people and share a meal (for free). The right to food vs having the affordability to foos is however not the same thing.
In the evening we explored a restaurant where all the dishes were vegetarian, but meat could be ordered as a side dish. What an ingenious concept to get more people to try out, but also introduce guests to vegetarian food.
Day five and we the last workshop was to be arranged in Bergen before returning home. Through the group discussions, we have met many different people; young people, the elderly, single people, single parents, families and the disabled. When we first meet the participants, it is easy to notice how a person moves and dresses, for example, but what does it really say about the person? Just like «Fargegaten» was made visible and more recognized after the houses were painted. The participants life-situation both their difficulties and opportunities are getting more visible to us.
When the authorities say that we must make more environmentally friendly choices, this requires that we reflect and become more aware of the consequences of the choices we make in everyday life. The participants everyday stories have provided important input in the transition to a more climate-friendly society. We need to pay attention and recognize people with a less income to ensure that they will not be left behind. Their stories have given insight and shed light on their living conditions, consumption patters and mobility. How can we meet this needs and at the same time maintain a low climate footprint?
Workshops with group discussions have now been conducted in Trondheim, Bergen and Stavanger. Intensive individual interviews are now being planned in the cities and an extra workshop in Trondheim.
Skrevet av Nora Kristiansson og Robert Næss