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I work shifts, four days on four days, as a firefighter. This gives me a huge advantage in terms of the time I have with my daughter.
Together, we attend play dates, and share games and crafts — and despite online pictures of a more equal world, I’m usually the only dad present.
Maybe that’s why when my daughter started school, I felt like I was suffering from a mild form of empty nest syndrome. I wanted to create our bond, so I decided to plan a trip – just for the two of us.
We are English, so I thought it best to stay in Europe, despite having traveled to Japan twice with my wife and daughter. (A long-haul flight without his mother was a scary concept, admittedly).
I checked flights, my budget and travel times that would keep his sleep schedule intact, narrowing it down to two places: Porto in Portugal or Bergen in Norway. So I asked my daughter if she wanted to go somewhere hot or cold. To my surprise, he chose the cold, so Bergen was.
A natural icebreaker
We left for Manchester Airport much earlier than we needed to, which ended up giving us more time to play catch-up and talk to people in the terminal. My son’s confidence and cuteness acted as an icebreaker, and we interacted with many more people than I would have if I had traveled alone.
Landed in Bergen, Norway, after traveling from Manchester.
Source: Thomas Board
I tactically booked an airport hotel to take advantage of our first night in Bergen. But we both arrived full of energy. Once the lights went out, she fell asleep almost instantly, while I woke up. I was now the excited child, excited about our journey ahead.
My daughter conveys a confidence that I hope she never loses.
The next day we took the train into the city center – and I already knew that Norway was the right choice. The tunnels and the amazing topography have been matched only by the people.
My daughter conveys a confidence that I hope she never loses. He gave “thumbs up” signs to the locals on the platforms at every stop, always receiving a reciprocal gesture and smile in return. He quickly moved on to the two-handed love heart sign, which a young Norwegian couple mirrored. With enough real hearts successfully melted, he returned to the coloring book the hotel concierge had given him that morning.
“Children come first” in Norway
From the efficiency of the train to the cleanliness of the city streets, Norway reminded me of Japan.
Similarities with the “Land of the Rising Sun” continue throughout our journey: the funny beeps on the road crossings, a prevalence of 7-Eleven convenience stores, reserved but kind people, subtle and mature fashion choices, a great customer service, tasty food and unreserved kindness to children.
“My desire to grow our bond and rekindle my past love for solo travel led me to start looking for a trip with just the two of us,” said Thomas Board.
Source: Thomas Board
“Children come first in Norwegian culture,” a mother told me at the VilVite, a children’s science museum in Bergen. We talked about how impressive the children’s museum was, how the staff in every corner were eager to improve the children’s learning experience. Opened 17 years ago, the museum looked new. Exhibits change regularly to keep local parents coming back.
As we talked, my daughter played with the other kids, building cars out of Lego to test on an undulating wooden track that eventually smashed them to pieces.
VilVite Science Center welcomes approximately 120,000 guests annually.
Source: Thomas Board
Raising children in Norway is different from raising children in England. There is a monthly limit on childcare costs, which encourages both parents to work and promotes gender equality in the workforce. Children do not start school until the age of six, which gives them more time in the family unit. The country’s low crime rate means that it is normal for children to walk to school or to other family members’ houses, alone – another similarity with Japan.
Loose plans guide our journey, and I let my son lead the way as much as possible. We ate pancakes at the harbor, laughing at the loud horns of the cruise ships nearby. We rode the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen, went to a lake and climbed rocks along the water’s edge. We saw cairns on the way, which are small piles of stones that usually mark an important place. My daughter insisted on building her own, honoring one of her favorite stuffed animals.
On top of Mount Fløyen, one of the seven mountains that surround the city of Bergen.
Source: Thomas Board
We spent the rest of our short vacation exploring the cobbled streets and alleys of the safe and quiet city, often taking photos of the eclectic street art. Our ambling took us to a toy store, parks, ice cream shop, fire station and a large church with a practicing choir inside.
A moment to remember
During our last night together, we sat on our hotel bed, me with a reindeer hotdog and my daughter with a leftover pizza box. She watched children’s shows on television, never mind that she could not understand a word.
This was a thoughtless and simple moment, and I will cherish this memory forever. We were both content and fulfilled from a day of father-daughter adventure with no responsibilities or thoughts of the future.
Explore the art scattered around Bergen, including this bronze statue, known as “The Homeless”.
Source: Thomas Board
No matter how spontaneous you can be, being a parent inevitably puts you into a routine. Even “fun” can be unwritten stipulations, worry and planning.
That’s why one-on-one time to really enjoy our kids is key — time when we forget about work, homework, bills, and anything else that can weigh life down. Exploring new territory, solving problems and having fun as a duo, miles from home, is one of the best experiences I’ve had as parents.
I wonder if my four year old will remember this trip when she grows up.
I know I have. I am already planning our next trip.
