By Frankie Chee

Would you believe that most Norwegians take a four-week summer vacation every year?

But do not go packing your bags just yet, especially if you love local food. Auditor Benjamin Tse says he has not found a place that sells Hokkien prawn mee or nasi lemak.

The 29-year-old bachelor has been living in the city of Oslo for more than 11 months and while he has found other Asian fare, Singaporean food has eluded him so far.

And even if there is a Singaporean restaurant, it probably would not be cheap. Dining out in Oslo is expensive and people there usually eat out only on weekends.

In fact, some studies have listed the city as one of the most expensive in the world. And shopping is not much of an attraction either. But the city draws visitors because of its proximity to nature, its nice weather and its people.

Tourist attractions, such as the Steve Church at the Folkmuseum, are within walking distance of one another

GETTING AROUND

The best way to explore the city is...

By walking. Oslo is small and many sights are within walking distance from one other.

The climate is also cooler and less humid and walking at any time of the day is more pleasant than in warm and humid Singapore.

The Oslo citybike (www.oslobysykkel.no) is also an excellent way to explore the city. Just pick up one and return it at any of the 94 stations spread across the city.

It is cheap (about $18 a year) and can be used from spring through autumn, with each ride valid for three hours.

The best time to visit is...

In spring in May, when Norwegians look and feel their best after enduring a long and cold winter.

Which places in the city excite you?

The cafes and lounges in the Grunerlokka area, which is dotted with them and popular among the young. Each has a distinct character and charm.

FOOD AND WINE

Where can you find food that is close to Singaporean fare?

Asian eateries selling Chinese, Indian, Thai and Japanese food are common throughout Oslo. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find roti prata, Hokkien prawn mee or nasi lemak.

Your favourite breakfast is...

At home. It usually consists of bread with either ham, mackerel in tomato sauce or hot dogs, washed down with fruit juice. Very simple stuff.

To date, I am still able to start work without a cup of black coffee, which most Norwegians deem mandatory.
There are no kopitiams in Norway, though the Deli de Luca chain of stores does sell decent coffee and sandwiches.

Your favourite eating place is...

Bislett Kebab. The take-away stall is fast, cheap, arguably healthy and certified by the local paper to be the best kebab stall in Oslo.

The kebabs are prepared fresh and extremely popular among the young, and the intoxicated on their way home from a long day or night out. And, at NOK 50 (S$13) including a 0.8-litre soft drink, it is one of the cheapest food deals you can find in the city.

The coolest place to chill out is...

Outdoors during winter. There are numerous charming cafes and bars around the eastern part of Oslo which are excellent for lounging both day or night.

Cafe Mono (Ploensgate 4, Youngstorget; www.cafemono.no) and Fru Hagen (Thorvald Meyersgate 40; www.fruhagen.no) are two which I particularly like. Both places have charming decor, good music and are patronised by a young and vibrant crowd that is not pretentious.

CULTURE FIX

What do you think Singaporeans will like most about your city?

For nature lovers, it has to be the city's proximity to nature. Cross-country skiing, hiking and camping areas are just a half-hour subway ride from the city centre.

The four-week summer vacation most Norwegians take from June to August would be the best thing for an overworked Singaporean taking on a job in Oslo.

What is the biggest difference between Singapore and this city?

The eating habits. Lunches in Norway are served in office canteens at 11am and are usually cold, while dinners are usually home-cooked.

A regular meal at McDonald's costs around NOK 90, and cafes and restaurant prices start above that. So eating out is usually a weekend affair.

What is one place you always take your friends to when they visit you?

Vigelandsparken, a park filled with nude sculptures depicting the various stages of human life. There are 192 bronze and granite sculptures in the park and it is filled with Norwegians having a picnic or barbecue in summer, or a stroll in winter.

What is the one thing you must do in your city?

Get to know some Norwegians. Norwegians speak excellent English and are more than happy to share their views on the weather, work-life balance, skiing, summer vacations and cost of living.

What do you do on your weekends?

I go cross-country skiing in winter, explore nearby towns outside the city and treat myself to a restaurant meal or meet friends.

SHOPPING

Where is the best place to go on a shopping spree?

Oslo was recently ranked the fourth most expensive city in the world. Prices are generally higher due to the 12 to 24 per cent value-added tax imposed on all goods and services, so shopping is not top of the list here.

If you must shop, the Bogstadveien stretch - where you can find a good mix of clothing brands such as Zara, H&M and Vero Moda - is the equivalent of Orchard Road in Singapore, though a fraction of its size.

Scu;tptures depicting different stages of life.

FESTIVALS

Are there any festivals that travellers should look out for?

Norway's National Day on May 17 is a nice time to be in the city. That is when the streets are packed with Norwegians in their bunad (national costume) making merry. A favourite practice on that day would be to go to the royal palace and wave to the royal family who would be standing on the balcony.

The Oya Music Festival (www.oyafestivalen. com) in early August is also a very popular festival. Acts this year included N.E.R.D, Sonic Youth and Lykke Li, who were among the 250 or so guests who performed over four days.

A LITTLE FURTHER

Are there things to do or see outside of the city?

Boat taxis depart from the wharf, Aker Brygge, to a small group of islands to the south, which are nice for a walk or sunbathing on the beaches.

The Nordmarka area to the north of the city centre (half an hour by subway, alight at Frognerseteren or Songsvann stations) is also very popular for hiking and camping, or skiing during the winter.

frankiec@sph.com.sg

SINGAPOREAN ABROAD
IN OSLO WITH...

Benjamin Tse
Age: 29
Occupation: Auditor
Length of stay: 11 months

This article was first published in The Straits Times on September 07, 2008.

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