30 Aug 2007

Keepin' warm!

Did you know that Norway is the one of the world's biggest exporters of oil? In fact, it is the second largest outside of OPEC (Russia being no. 1). Pretty amazing for a small country, really.

I know, I know...one of those facts you've always wondered about...and now you're just dying to know more about the oil-producing countries of the world, right? OK, pay attention now. No falling asleep in class, you'll see soon enough where I am going with this. There is a point. I promise.

Oh, and there'll be a quiz later.

You'd think a country so awash in petroleum might also be one of the world's biggest consumers of oil. Well, to not put too fine a point on it, you'd be wrong.

Based on a highly rigorous, supremely scientific study performed while jogging up and down various residential (hilly!) streets, Norwegians much prefer another, more traditional form of heating.

I submit to you the following as evidence:

Exhibit number one



A nice chunk of firewood here...for the next 2-4 years?

Exhibit number two




Getting a bit carried away here, are we? I think the stump in the foreground speaks for itself!


Exhibit number three:



There's always the ones who just have to take it to a whole other level. Check out the custom-made rack - I am sure they are the envy of the neighbourhood.

Exhibit number four:



I am no expert on firewood, but does this seem a tad excessive to you? If you look closely, there's at least another two or three piles in the background. Wow.

Perhaps the winters in Norway are way more extreme than I remember...



...and if so, we should be worried about this little piddly pile, courtesy of my father...?

1 comment:

Hae Yung said...

I guess they like things old fashion way. There is something to be said for a nice wood fire instead of gas. Kinda romantic.