Author | Lightnews

Today in Oslo: The Gokstad Ship’s Final Voyage

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · 4d

Today in #Oslo, the world’s largest preserved Viking ship begins a 12-hour, 94-meter journey to its new home at the Museum of the Viking Age. Built ~AD 890, the Gokstad ship is being moved fully assembled for the first time in history, traveling at just 7 inches/minute.

#GokstadShip #MarlaGoesNorth

In Oslo today, the world’s largest preserved Viking ship begins its final voyage to the new Museum of the Viking Age.

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Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Sep 15

S Y M M E T R Y | O D D A

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Sep 4

✍️ This fall I’ve decided to host a virtual #JournalingClub, inspired by writer #SuleikaJaouad.

We’ll gather once/month via Zoom. Bring a notebook, pen & a bit of curiosity.

Learn more + sign up to stay in the loop:

✨ www.marlagoesnorth.com/journaling-club

#Journaling #Community #WritingTogether

Reflections on Growth, Reaping, and Sowing

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Aug 19

After a summer in Bergen, I’m back in Skånevik—reconnecting with home, reflecting on growth, celebrating milestones, and navigating what’s ahead.

#Norway #Bergen #Skånevik #MarlaGoesNorth #TravelNorway

After a summer in Bergen, I’m back in Skånevik, reflecting on growth, celebrating milestones, and navigating what’s next.

The Internet Loves Sydney Sweeney

Reposted by Marla Peterson

Charlie Warzel @cwarzel.bsky.social · Jul 30

I wrote about the Sydney Sweeney jeans discourse and broken informations systems that make talking to each other impossible (in fact it's not even the goal). Context collapse is just how people (and brands!) communicate now. www.theatlantic.com/technology/a...

That’s not necessarily a good thing.

www.theatlantic.com

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Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Jun 25

200 yrs ago, the #Restauration set sail from #Stavanger, launching the first 🌊 of Norwegian emigration to North America.

Next wk, I’ll join a friend from the U.S. in Stavanger as we take part in #Crossings200 — including sailing alongside the replica for the 1st leg of its journey to New York. 🇳🇴 🇺🇸

Crossings200: 1825–2025 | Honoring the First Norwegian Crossing to America

In early July, I’ll be heading to Stavanger for Crossings200, a celebration honoring the 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian crossing to America.

Summer in Motion | Looking Forward

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Jun 22

Summer is in full swing here in #Norway, and I’ve been house- and pet-sitting my way across the country.

In this update:

#Bergen crowds, #NeilYoung in the rain, #BergenPride in the sun, random connections and an upcoming once-in-a-lifetime voyage for #Crossings200 in #Stavanger.

#MarlaGoesNorth

Summer is in full swing here in Norway, and I’ve been bouncing between house- and pet-sitting as I travel around the southern coast and fjord regions. In this update: Bergen crowds, Neil Young in the ...

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · May 21

“What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”

- Mary Oliver, #DogSongs

Grateful to spend 10 days with sweet Otto, in Son, #Norway, a corner of the country I haven't yet explored. 🐾

#MaryOliver #SonNorway #Lagotto

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Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · May 13

Spring in #Voss means mountain views, gondola rides, music festivals, food carts, and that joyful energy as the whole country gears up for #SyttendeMai. 🇳🇴 It’s a beautiful time to be here—nature’s showing off, and so is the spirit of #Norway.

www.visitvoss.no/en

#VisitVoss #VisitNorway #VossNorway

Allemannsretten: Norway's Right to Roam

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · May 2

A year ago, I froze on a trail above Skånevik, sure I was trespassing.

Even after lots of time in Norway, walking across someone’s land without asking felt unthinkable.

That moment deepened my understanding of #allemannsretten— Norway's “right to roam”—& the quiet, radical freedom of #friluftsliv.

A year ago, I stood frozen on a trail above Skånevik, convinced I was about to trespass. Despite all my time in Norway—even after countless hikes and a full year in the mountains—the idea of walking ...

Mixtape 2: A Season of Return: Lilacs, Longships & Looking Ahead

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Apr 23

I'm back in Skånevik after travels to Haugesund and Bergen this month. The magnolia is fading, and the lilacs are coming in hot.

This time last year, I was sipping matcha in St. Paul, getting ready to return to Norway, and now I'm approaching the one-year mark here.

Read more in my second mixtape:

Hello from Skånevik—where the magnolia is fading fast, and the lilacs are coming in hot. I'm back after a month on the move. On Monday I returned from Bergen after my third time house- and cat-sitting...

Reposted by Marla Peterson

The New York Times @nytimes.com · Apr 2

Judge Susan Crawford, backed by the state Democratic party, defeated Judge Brad Schimel, who was backed by President Trump and Elon Musk, to help liberals retain a 4-to-3 majority in the state’s judiciary. Read more about the results. nyti.ms/4hY4IJs

Text reads: "Democrat-Endorsed Candidate Wins Judicial Election in Wisconsin" over a map of Wisconsin with blue arrows showing a shift in the Democratic margin from 2024. Susan Crawford is shown with 55% of votes and Brad Schimel is shown with 45%. Source: Associated Press / Data as of 11 a.m. Eastern on April 2.

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Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Mar 4

Mixtape #2: Greetings from Bergen | Hilsen fra Bergen

Iconic Bryggen, Bergen Street Art, exploring the city's nooks and crannies + book, music and spring cleaning recs.

➡️ www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/mixtape-2-hilsen-fra-bergen

#bergen #bryggen #bergenstreetart #streetart #springcleaning

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Feb 24

One of my favorite activites: Exploring Bergen's street art.

#Bergen #StreetArt #BergenStreetArt #DavidBowie #Bowie

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Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Feb 24

St Mary`s Church (Mariakirken) is the oldest existing building in Bergen, likely built between 1130 and 1170. It was ravaged by two great fires that swept the city in 1198 and 1248 and has been in continuous use since early medieval period.

--> en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do...

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Feb 24

Krigsmoderen ("The War Mother"), sculpted by Per Ung & unveiled in 1997, honors Norwegian families affected by WWII & the resilience of mothers who endured loss & hardship while sustaining their families & communities.

Its message endures as a tribute to all who carry on in the face of conflict.

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Feb 24

Back in beautiful #Bergen for a few weeks. <3

When I started this blog back in 2021, I imagined sharing long, reflective posts about my journey to becoming a permanent resident of Norway. But honestly, sitting down to write those big updates some...

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Feb 6

When I started my blog, I imagined sharing long, reflective posts abt my journey to Norway - an overwhelming task.

Now I'm introducing a monthly-ish post w/ brief life updates & recs. A way to connect more intentionally.

Welcome to my first mixtape. ✨

www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/marla-s-mixtape-1

Marla’s Mixtape #1

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Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Jan 23

Biggest fight of my life. I've thrown absolutely everything into it, after about 4 years and am still not there. Not a dream killer, but also not sure I'd feel comfortable advising it.

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Jan 23

Yes. Unless you renounce your U.S. citizenship (shortsighted, bad idea), you will always be in a relationship with Uncle Sam.

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Jan 23

Re: language, most Norwegians speak at least basic English, so it's super easy for me to get by, while I learn. Even in this little village of about 900 people, it's no problem. ;)

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Jan 23

Yes, things are expensive and taxes are high but there is a social safety net. Absolutely worth it.

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Jan 23

No - not until my application is approved (if it gets approved). BUT - If something were to happen to me, I would be far better off having it happen here as opposed to in the U.S.

Marla Peterson @marlapeterson.bsky.social · Jan 23

I left full-time U.S. life in 2021 and have been mostly in Norway since then (with a few brief stateside visits + 4 months traveling the Balkans). I applied for residency in August 2024 and am here (in Norway) waiting for an answer. Fortunately I can stay while my application is under consideration.