Norwegian Zen
‘The no-stress, outdoor life in Norway has changed me,’
writes outgoing Ambassador of Poland, Iwona Woicka-Żuławska, in her farewell letter to International Forum
All Photographs in this text by © Iwona Woicka-Żuławska.• Captions: Anita Pratap
The majestic slopes of Svalbard
I came to Norway almost 6 years ago together with my husband Sławek. It was my first posting as Ambassador, and I was quite confident that I would be able to leave a mark on the bilateral relationsbetween my country Poland and the one I was sent to. When looking back at these years, I think that perhaps I have succeeded here and there in shaping our mutual relations. But first of all: Norway just changed me. Yet, I believe that I only realised the extent of the impact this country had on me when leaving it.
First of all, I knew when coming that there are always cultural differences, even between countriesthat are so close geographically. But then I discovered that the ‘no-stress’ approach of Norwegians – combined with the pursuit of the work-life balance – is at a totally different level in the country of the fjords! At first, to be frank, it was unsettling and even somewhat frustrating! At the end, I found out it would be great to achieve the mythical middle ground – retaining some of the impulsiveness and ‘do-it-now’ Polish attitude, while mixing it with the Norwegian ‘Zen’ attitude, especially in situations that you know that are beyond your control, and which you can’t influence or change.
The second thing I learned is the ‘applied slow life’. It is of course very much linked with theNorwegian no-stress approach, but that doesn’t mean that you are
not quick in reacting (well, sometimes maybe that, too) but rather that you take things slowly, as they come. And enjoy the small things in life. Mixed with the outdoor way of life (friluftsliv) it is a potentformula for well-being and taking it easy. Walking in the woods around Oslo, exploring the different regions and landscapes, enjoying the change of seasons… It is all there, part of the Norwegian philosophy of life.
Where Eagles Dare Having a whale of a time
At the end, I could really say that I appreciated the calm of winter, the soft light and darkness of wintertime in the North (even the constant need for snow- shovelling didn’t change the spirit!), as wellas the budding life in springtime, the incredible brightness of the summer months and the amazing colours and crisp air of the autumn! I have enjoyed so many things here! Travelling, looking at the changing landscape, feeling its vastness, but also – discovering the hospitality of Norwegians, especially outside of Oslo (sorry, Capital – but, in each and every capital city, people seem slightly spoiled!) and in the Far North.
Botanical art is one of the Ambassador’s passions, which she pursued especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to experience so many activities I have never dreamt of trying! Dogsledding (also on wheels during summer), and cross- country skiing; looking at the tail of a sperm whale in the sea near Andenes, at sea eagles fighting over herrings in Lofoten, at walruses close to Longyearbyen; and watching for cute puffins on Lovund Island – enhancing my passion for nature to the next level, and discovering new facts about the incredible flora of Dovrefjell, Rondane, Lofoten orSvalbard. It inspired me to go for improving my botanical painting skills, which at the end led to an exhibition on Norwegian challenging times of the pandemic, for sure!
But the most important things I will take with me forever from my Norwegian times are the emotions and memories linked with amazing events and great experiences, and the friends that I have madethere, both among Norwegians, as well as within the diplomatic corps. I have to mention one of the groups which will remain to be closest to my heart: the Female Ambassadors Oslo, those incredible, knowledgeable ladies, whom I had the chance to meet and befriend during my long stay, in the spirit of true sisterhood. Of course, there were also many great male colleagues that I have been privileged to meet and know since 2018. And groups of friends like the International Forum. I will remember all the great discussions we had, the joint events, walks, swims – and cooking!
The Diplomatic Charity Event: Presenting the diversity and delicacies of 55 countries in Oslo
A special place among my memories is left for the Diplomatic Charity Event – the multicultural meeting place, buzzing, enabling us to savour delicacies from all around the world, but also to fund a water well in Africa, as well as an ambulance for Ukraine! All those interactions made me more aware than ever, that regardless of our country of origin, traditions, and religions – we are always humans – feeling, experiencing, trying to make the best of our lives for ourselves, but most importantly for our loved ones, our country, our region, and the world. It gives hope that, at some point, we can overcome the differences that are still there, or rather, perhaps, no longer be controlled by negative emotions, beliefs and presumptions that make us so often succumb to the need to clash with others.
Looking back at our years in Norway, I will remember the laughs – and the sweat – associated withwalking on trails with friends, discovering the Far North or Svalbard, falling and getting up while cross-country skiing in a fairy-tale scenery, or just enjoying coffee and waffles together. Of course, the formal, professional events and talks will also be there among the cherished memories, like the concerts and celebrations of national days, the challenging times of the COVID-19, or the opening of the Baltic Pipe and the new links formed between Polish and Norwegian businesses, universities and researchers, or the chance to see in person the place where the first battle won by the Allies happened during WWII.
The Ambassador with her soul mate and spouse Slawomir Zulawski at Haukåsen radio station
However, it is true that the essence of a country is primarily linked with the people you have the chance to know there. And – together with Sławek – we were really lucky to get to know someamazing ones! Goodbye – Vi ses snart, Norge!