Conference turris::scandia

    To take: things that are uniquely American, such as books by American
       authors, recordings/tapes, uniquely printed t-shirts.  Books
       about the US, especially the part your wife comes from -- with
       plenty of photographs.  Children like currency and stamps. 
    
    To bring back: hand-knit sweaters

    Since I have heard that Norway is like Sweden in the respect that
    both have VERY strict liquor laws (not to mention exorbitant prices),
    you might want to consider bringing along a bottle of good Vodka,
    or Aquavit or the like -- that is, if your friends are known to
    indulge in such on occasion.  I know, at any rate, that an aunt
    of mine made me solemnly swear to remember to bring a bottle of Vodka 
    with me the next time I come back .
    ...and maybe don't come back if I don't?  :-)   
    
    Anyway, if you decide to take this option, BE SURE to check
    with a Norwegian consulate, or other authority as to the legal
    limit you're allowed to bring into the country.  I know that this
    is also strictly controlled.
    
    As for things to bring back here form Norway...   SWEATERS!!  
    Norwegians make fantastic sweaters which are exceedingly expensive on this
    side of the pond, but which I understand can be puchased for a song
    in Norway (at least this is the case with Iceland's sweaters).
    
    Hope this is some help.
    
    H�lsningar!
    
    -Scott
    

    Comment on the last reply from here in Oslo.
    
    You are right about liquor prices---they are even higher here than
    in Sweden (though by some quirk, prices for drinks in restaurants/bars
    are cheaper here). However, some additional info:
    
    1) Bringing aquavit to Norway is a bit like coals to Newcastle,
    and a liquor with some "exotic character" might actually make this
    into more of a thoughtful gift.  Examples: Jack Daniels/Jim Beam
    (real American), Scotch is just about always appreciated, Cognac
    probably has the highest star (considered more festive, "finer")
    than other liquors, however it's expensive.
    
    2) Limits: Scandinavian residents, one bottle (liter) of liquor
    and one of wine (incl fortified). American (& other non-Sc) residents
    can take 2 bottles of liquor (if this has not been changed recently);
    in any case, the "tax free" (e.g., at Heathrow) will have lists
    of what can be taken into various countries.
    
    Added idea on what to bring:  What about a little twist?  Bring
    some real American arts & crafts.  Show that high quality craftsmanship
    and aesthetics are as much a part of the US as plastic. This need
    not be expensive.  Products with either strong local/regional
    character, or American Indian background can be conversation pieces
    as well as "good PR" for the US.
    
    The other way:
    
    1)  Glassware, perhaps pewter; try Christiania Glassmagasin in downtown
    Oslo, a depatment-store sized "gift shop".
        Try also "Husfliden" (home craft industries store) right behind
    the Glasmagasin.
    
    2)  The "song" you pay for a sweater is not the cheapest.
    
    Regards
    
    Mauritz
                             

    Re: -.1
    
    You can also try buying glassware at Severin, at Blaafarveverket near
    Modum. It's cheaper than buying it at Glassmagasinet and it's just as
    pretty as that from Hadelands glassverk.
    
    More stuff to bring back to the US:
    
    How about something real scandinavian, like a troll ? I've only seen
    them once in the US and that was at the Norwegian pavilion in EPCOT center.
    "Every home should have one", although I don't....(yet)
    
    			Terje.

>    How about something real scandinavian, like a troll ? I've only seen
>    them once in the US and that was at the Norwegian pavilion in EPCOT center.
>    "Every home should have one", although I don't....(yet)
 

I have one! as does my brother, my mother...


Chad

    Tobacco products are extremely expensive in Norway as well as
    Good Rum, Scotch, Blends and Whatever.  I would combine those
    were I to return.  Chocolate as well perhaps.
    
    Gut reise.
    
    Dave

    Chocolate may be expensive here in Norway, but on the other hand the
    chocolate is better than what you usually get in the states. At least
    that's my opinion.....
    
    What do you think, Mauritz ?
    
    				Terje.

Hi!  I have returned from Norway (although somewhat reluctantly) and had the
time of my life. Evidently it was the time of some of their lives, too, the
weather providing the rainiest August in 37 years. In any case thank you  one 
and all for the many helpful suggestions.  I thought you might be interested
in what I actually did end up taking there and bringing home.  The list went
as follows:

	took:one liter bottle of Scotch and one of Champagne (per request-
	though it would have been the least expensive purchased on board the 
	plane),two boxes of baking soda(it is unbelievably expensive there,
	as is most food)and a sweatshirt, as clothing seemed very high as
	well. My friend requested more clothing items which I'll send later
	on.

	brought home:children's jewelry which is more expensive than here,
	but of a higher quality and very distinct, a real wooden troll, some
	pewter-again expensive but well worth it, chocolate,chocolate,chocolate
	I found to be a real bargain with a taste not to be rivaled by anything
	we call by that name here, and lots of glass. I was only able to get to
	the Hadeland Glassverk, but I found the 2nd sortering (apprentice) glass
	to be of a very high quality and quite reasonably priced and bought
	several nice pieces. I mention these two bargains because I was 
	otherwise stunned by the prices.

One final note, my husband had advised me to bring half the clothes and twice
the money; I should have listened!


Takk!(sp?)

Jayne

    Is this the same Mauritz from MLO whose wife is named Astrid?
    Regards to both of you if it is,
    Esther Sharrigan (nee Eriksen)

    ref .-1
    
    Hi, Esther
    
    The answer is "yes". Good to hear from you. I'll write you a mail
    but right now I am a bit rushed. I'll give Astrid your regards.
    
    Mauritz
    

Hmm, bet it's the same Mauritz for whom I made life miserable when I
started in Dec in 1972.

Hej.

Martin.