Today was an opportunity to relax, de-stress, and support recovery by sitting in a sauna, with the optional thrill of a dip in the fjord. In the United States, saunas are typically found inside fitness centers, not floating on water like they are here.
After several days of nonstop walking and exploring the city of Oslo, the sauna offered exactly the kind of rejuvenation we needed. The heat, the stillness, and the contrast with the cold fjord, it was both calming and exhilarating. If you had asked me a year ago whether I’d ever voluntarily sit in a steaming hot sauna and then run outside to throw myself into a freezing cold fjord, I probably would’ve laughed and changed the subject. It just wasn’t something I ever imagined myself doing.
Interestingly, this was on my bucket list, but at the very bottom. I never thought I’d cross it off so soon. And yet, here I am, grateful for the chance to do something bold and out of the ordinary. This whole experience reminded me of the value of spontaneity and the joy that can come from embracing the unexpected.
After our thrilling sauna and fjord-jumping experience, we hopped on a bus to Oslo Street Food, just 17 minutes away from the Oslo Badstuforening sauna. The place was vibrant and full of life, offering a wide variety of food options. Honestly, it felt like a slice of home. It reminded me of Budd Dairy back in the U.S., and the atmosphere was just as awesome.
With so many delicious choices, deciding where to eat was no easy task. I eventually landed on Peppern, an Indian spot, and let me tell you, it was heavenly. The flavors were bold and comforting, exactly what I needed after a busy day.
What made the evening even more special was sitting down to share a meal with our group and some of the Norwegian locals who joined us. Getting the chance to chat, connect, and learn more about one another added so much meaning to the night.
One of the Sustainable Development Goals that aligns with today’s activities is good health and well-being. The experiences we had promoted improved health outcomes, both physically and socially. Today was full of exciting moments, new people, great food, and unexpected memories. Definitely a night to remember.
