I check out other people's blogs. (I know, so far, not very "out there.") I love to read them; that is, naturally, one of the pasttimes that inspired me to try one of my own.
One way I find blogs is to link back from the comments on other people's blogs. A couple of days ago, Helg posted a lovely suggested list of "All American" perfumes, in honor of our Independence Day. You'll see me, there, commenting. And others, of course, being more erudite/interesting/clever/provocative. That's how it goes. One of the commenters, Alt Godt, made a comment about other countries/peoples approach to America/Americans. And made clear she was Norwegian. That was enough for me...off I went to investigate.
Her site, Alt Godt, is a charming a visually appealing mix of perfume and cooking, with a hint of gardening. So far, so good. Unfortunately, is entirely in Norwegian.
This would be where perhaps it gets a bit odd. You see, I don't read Norwegian. But I "read through" her posts, anyway.
Mind you, I know that Norwegian is notable for being a modern construct of a language, created specifically to establish a unique identity from Sweden. I also happen to know that the 17th of May would be a day roughly equivalent to our own 4th of July, for they both mark the anniversary of independence from a reigning ruling country.
And I can say "excuse me" in Norwegian. But unnskyllde me please, while I confess this guys: I couldn't ask my way to the restroom in Norway. (Fortunately for me, if I had to, and I were there, just about everybody speaks beautiful English.) Yet I made my way on down the articles, all the way to "older posts," and enjoyed the garden picture, the food, the saying something about Hermes Gentian cologne. All in Norwegian. And I had fun. Just a quirk of mine.
So, thanks to Helg...thanks to Alt Godt...and thanks to all who keep my country and the internets "free." I might move about peculiarly, but I am grateful I am able to roam.
Through bloggery AND elsewise, natch.
