Bergen, Norway

Oslo, Feburary 2011

I had a great time at Øyafestival this year. The weather and band quality was spotty at times, but you cannot fault the festival for the great vibe it had regardless, from regular punters as well as bouncers and merchants. Everyone was really quite happy and chilled out. The festival is also quite amazing in how clean and environmentally-friendly it is. In Australia some of the festivals are characterised by people having a little too much of what ever they are having and a general aggro atmosphere. After attending three Øyas, I am yet to experience so much as a shove at the beer line. But then, Norwegians are so damn nice (although it must be said they are often unintentionally rude simply because they sometimes seem unaware of other people).

Running alongside the main festival – which winds up by 11pm or so each day – was an excellent Øyanatt line-up of more bands and DJs playing at venues around the city and running to the early morning hours. Sadly however this required extra tickets to be purchased, and the fatigue really starts to set in after such a long day.

Photos:

• Stereogum
• 20 in colour
• 30 in black and white

Some ultra-quick slideshows of the days:

• Saturday
• Friday
• Thursday
• Wednesday

When I first arrived in Norway, I was struck by the ridiculous number of baby carriages around the place. Norway, or at least Oslo – or at the very least, Grünerløkka – is serious about making babies. The sight above, in front of the newly-opened and rather popular Nighthawk Diner is a typical one.

It’s no wonder, though, when there is excellent paid leave for both parents and attitudes are such that having a baby during university or early career is not seen as terribly unfortunate.