‘There is no such thing as bad weather!’
A farewell recollection by Portugal’s outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission
Mr Pinto da Rocha Duarte
One of the things that surprised me most during the two and half years of pandemic in Norway was the high level of compliance with public health advisories. People complied even when the guidelines were not mandatory. In addition, the health authorities invited residents to exercise and walk outside in order to protect their physical and mental health. A remarkable approach that proved to be quite successful.
The pandemic forced us to adapt the way we live, work, network, travel, enjoy life and move ahead. And move ahead we did, together, supported by a sound vaccination program that restored freedom to both citizens and businesses.
After four wonderful years, our posting in Oslo has come to an end and the road forward leads to Beijing where I shall begin my new assignment as DCM at the Portuguese Embassy.
The simplest advice is often the most useful. Allow me to encourage those of you who stay on in Oslo to get out there and enjoy the city as much as you can. Relish in the city’s beauty and human scale, its colours, the surrounding hills and the fjord, irrespective of the season. And remember the golden rule:
‘There is no such thing as bad weather! Just bad clothes. And bad shoes.’
So, enjoy the rain and the sunshine, the long bright summer days️ and the beautiful autumn light, the Norwegian nature and life in Oslo!
We learned as a family in Oslo how crucial it is to enjoy outdoor activities, no matter the meteorological conditions or the season. A new approach to the outdoors that I intend to keep up. It gave me the opportunity for nature walks and was the perfect excuse for taking pictures around the city, Oslomarka and beyond.
Winter, spring, summer or fall… much to do outdoors, provided you dress for the occasion.
So, ‘Goodbye’ to Oslo and to all the friends we leave behind. We are taking with us fond memories of the culture and the language and the spectacular beauty of the Norwegian landscapes. Oslo was always a city where we felt at home and welcome, and we hope the same will happen in Beijing.