Norway

In the grip of winter

Most of Norway is on the first Sunday in Advent in the solid grip of winter, with temperatures well below freezing, - but with not too much snow as yet.

However, there is a white cover most places, and we don't have to travel too far before the cross country skiing conditions are quite acceptable, and for alpine skiers most hills are already well prepared, much thanks to the artificial snow produced by the large "snow guns" installed in most hills nowadays.

Christmas markets are popping up everywhere and Advent concerts fill churches across the country.

And the shopping for food and gifts is well underway, with predictions of another spending record at the crowded malls this Christmas.

About the snow, - if we can trust the TV newscasts, it seems most of that white stuff has dropped off on the Continent and over the British Isles, resulting in long line-ups and ditched cars.

But then, there are still four weeks to go for those who wish for an even more White Christmas.