Breaking Free from Routine: A Father-Daughter Adventure
As a firefighter, I’m fortunate to have a unique schedule that allows me to spend quality time with my daughter. With four days on and four days off, I’ve been able to attend playdates, craft sessions, and toy-sharing events, often finding myself the only dad present. When my daughter started school, I felt a pang of empty nest syndrome and decided to plan a special trip – just the two of us.
Choosing the Perfect Destination
I narrowed down our options to Porto, Portugal, and Bergen, Norway, considering factors like flight times, budget, and my daughter’s sleep schedule. When I asked her if she preferred a hot or cold destination, she surprisingly chose cold, and we set our sights on Bergen.
A Journey of Discovery
Our early morning departure from Manchester Airport gave us ample time to play eye-spy and interact with fellow travelers. My daughter’s confidence and charm broke the ice, and we chatted with many people before our flight. Upon arrival, we checked into an airport hotel to ease into our first night in Bergen. Despite our exhaustion, my daughter fell asleep quickly, while I lay awake, excited for our adventure ahead.
Exploring Bergen
The next day, we took the train into the city center, marveling at the stunning topography and tunnels. My daughter’s enthusiasm was infectious, and she greeted locals with “thumbs up” signs, receiving warm smiles in return. We visited the VilVite children’s science museum, where staff went above and beyond to engage children in learning experiences. A local mother shared with me that in Norwegian culture, children come first, and it showed in the museum’s dedication to their young visitors.
A Different Approach to Parenting
Raising children in Norway is distinct from England. With a monthly cap on childcare costs, both parents are encouraged to work, promoting gender equality. Children don’t start school until age six, allowing for more family time. The country’s low crime rate also means children often walk to school or visit family members alone, a freedom reminiscent of Japan.
Unscripted Adventures
Our trip was guided by loose plans, with my daughter leading the way whenever possible. We savored pancakes by the harbor, rode a funicular railway to Mount Fløyen, and hiked to a serene lake. We even built our own cairn, honoring one of her beloved stuffed animals. As we wandered through Bergen’s charming streets, we discovered eclectic street art, toy shops, parks, and a fire station.
Cherishing Simple Moments
On our final night together, we relaxed in our hotel room, enjoying a reindeer hotdog and leftover pizza. My daughter watched children’s shows in Norwegian, unfazed by the language barrier. In that unscripted moment, I realized that one-on-one time with our children is essential – time to forget about responsibilities and simply enjoy each other’s company.
The Value of Spontaneity
As parents, we often get caught up in routines and planning. But exploring new territories, solving problems, and having fun as a duo, miles from home, is an experience unlike any other. I’m already planning our next adventure, and I know that this trip will remain etched in my memory forever.
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