Through the last posts you probably guessed I'd moved from Tromsø, and yes, I have: here's a shot of my new base, in Heggelia, Bardufoss, (Malselv), about 200k from Tromso, Southbound and a bit inland.
I've started work these past weeks as a social worker at a refugee transit centre, for refugees seeking asylum. As my shifts are mostly at night this leaves day time free for snow and all else. It's a busy town, despite it's small size, as there is a military training base here, so plenty of planes, helicopters, tanks.... But it's a great location with mountains surrounding us, and a quick climb up into the woods behind the house leads a pretty nice 'backyard' playground (I guess that's why the military like it too).
I like it here and the work so far, and we shall see where it takes me. The centre where I work is newly opened so I'm meeting a lot of new faces (staff and refugees are all new). I have to admit, I feel pretty sorry for people arriving in Norway the first time under very hard circumstances from hot destinations coming straight up North (it was -25C the other day). No-one seems to quite understand I want to be here because of the snow, but then again, summer will be a tonic for sun-lovers. I hope most of these folks are able to stay and reap the benefits of experiencing the sunnier side of North Norway. They look incredulous when I say if they stay they will curse the sun later for not being able to sleep! ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment