You know you live in Norway when...

It's no secret, Norway is expensive.

It doesn't come as much of a shock to us as we find it quite similar to Gabon but where we notice it most is in the alcohol.  In Gabon, beer was cheaper than water.  In Norway, a bottle of domestic beer in the grocery store will cost you close to $5.  Yes, $5/can in the grocery store.  Hard alcohol seems to be the worst with a bottle of vodka costing around $70.

Our first flight into Norway, Joe and I sauntered off the plane into the terminal only to be pushed aside as a mass of Norwegians and expats literally began running to the Duty Free store.  We stood by and watched as they grabbed carts and rushed around the store filling it with mounds of alcohol.  We laughed and continued on our way to collect our bags.  Little did we know, we'd later regret that decision.

Our stock after Prague.

Now, we plan ahead of time.  We study the limits and work out exactly what we'll each get in order to make the most of our duty free shopping experience.  Some may think this is a sign of a problem, I think it's being budget conscientious.

{I'm also on Lost in Travels today with a post about perspectives after expatriations.  Check it out here if you are interested!}