‘Nature’s vast Adventureland’
Ireland’s outgoing Ambassador, H. E. Keith McBean bids farewell to a land he loved to explore.
Four years in Norway have passed in the blink of an eye – it has been such a great posting. While the period was very impacted by the pandemic, there was also the positive of focusing more attention on discovering Norway, as alternative holiday destinations were not even an option for long periods of time.
What a country! It is clichéd to say that a posting has been a rich and rewarding experience but that accurately sums up my time in Oslo. From a professional perspective, there has been much going on and it’s been difficult to identify too many points of friction in Ireland’s excellent relationship with Norway. Ireland is fortunate to have thriving and active links in almost every sphere of the Embassy’s activity, and the two countries are working ever more closely together. A vibrant Irish community plays an important part in bringing a flavour of Ireland to Norway, through music, dance, and literature in particular.
In Ireland, we talk a lot about the Viking connection. Aside from more fearsome aspects of their reputation, we also know that the Vikings were great traders who did much to develop commerce in medieval Ireland. I think it is fair to say that Ireland also influenced Norway in this period. While many Vikings brought Christianity to Norway when they returned from Ireland, the connection through
Besseggen, Jotunheimen Gjende, Jotunheimen
the Saint Sunniva legend, an Irish princess, the heir to an Irish King, is perhaps one of the more important and enduring links. In more recent times culture, trade and perhaps most significantly shared values have drawn and continue to draw the two countries together.
I have found fascination in many aspects of Norwegian life. Much is said by expatriates about the length and darkness of the winters, admittedly trying at times, but all is rapidly forgiven once the days lengthen, and spring starts to appear.
I often describe Norway as a vast adventure playground, an aspect of Norway that will provide lasting memories. It will draw me back.
With its jaw-dropping magnificence and stark beauty, the Norwegian landscape continues to surprise and amaze, even after covering a lot of ground over the past years. Many gaps are still left to fill.
A trip from Kirkenes to Bergen on the Hurtigruten in the first summer was as spectacular as billed, helping to set the agenda for further explorations. A field visit organised by the MFA to Svalbard last autumn fulfilled a long-standing ambition, and a trip to Helgeland established it as an area to revisit.
Romsdalsalpene were all strong and memorable experiences. Conditions have been challenging at times, with unpredictable weather, rough terrain, and exposed mountain ridges, butalways hugely rewarding and incredibly scenic.
Membership in the DNT has been transformational in providing an infrastructure for travelling around. Norway can be very proud of such an excellent and accessible outdoors organisation.
Hurrungane Romdalseggen Sognefjell
The comfortable confines of the Irish Residence on Bygdøy have at times been substituted by the more basic attractions of DNT hytter (huts). The absence of running water and electricity, and an utedo (privy) some distance away provide less typical diplomatic accommodation but one which is compensated by a stunning environment and unrivalled views.
Closer to home, the versatile environment of the Oslo fjord and ‘Marka’ has been a constant, especially as a form of much-needed therapy during the challenges of pandemic restrictions. With the privilege of living very close to the sea, daily immersion in the fjord have heightened the senses for the day tocome, although I did chicken out during the mid-winter months.
Sunset at Huk
I leave with the intention of returning, and for that reason I have tried to avoid a sense of farewell.‘God speed’ and I leave you sadly and fondly with some of my favourite images of this unique country.
A return will, however, be in a different context and not without a tinge of nostalgia for the honour of having been Ireland’s Ambassador for four years, surrounded by such a warm and welcoming environment. Norway has of course been the primary focus, but the international community has been a great resource, filled by talented and versatile people, none less than that powerhouse of our lives here, Anita, whose friendship I greatly value.
Still evening at Huk
Tusen takk Norge!