Aboriginal Art

The oldest art in Australia is the aboriginal’s art; it started out with cave paintings. The natives would mix soft rocks with water or blood to make a sticky paint. This they would either apply to the cave's surface with a fine stick or they would use a bone to blow it onto the wall, using arms and hands as stencils.

What may appear to be squiggles and dots in an aboriginal painting, actually, holds a deeper meaning.  Originally, the art work was made as maps or religious manuscripts. The artwork is riddled with symbolism.  Although, contemporary aboriginal art does not have to have the religious nor the geographical significance, it is still more than just abstract art.

For example, an upside down "U" shaped line is, actually, a person.
If one were to draw a line on the left side of the "U" it would turn into a woman and two lines would make it a man. If someone were to draw several circles within circles it would symbolize a waterhole.

Waterholes are some of the most common symbols in aboriginal art. Water was very scarce in the outback, and extremely necessary. So, a waterhole would be the center of a village and, thus, the center of the artwork. There are many more aboriginal symbols that are very fascinating to know when looking at the ancient artwork. A quick web search for "aboriginal art symbols and their meanings" will bring up numerous results that will aid in the understanding of the artwork.

However, do not feel bad if you still do not understand all of the artwork you will encounter. The artists sometimes would purposely add extra dots and lines to confuse people! A map may have been clearly drawn to the nearest waterhole and then made unreadable by layering colors and textures on top of it.

The colors that were traditionally used were earth tones, red, brown, yellow, black etc. This is because all of the pigments were derived from minerals - the earth - it would make sense that the product would be earth tones. However, contemporary aboriginal art uses a lot of vibrant bright colors as well, such as blue, green, pink, purple and many others. So, if you see a painting that has a lot of bright colors one can guess that it is a contemporary painting, rather than a traditional.

After learning about aboriginal art, I became inspired to try it out for myself! I decided that since I didn't have soft rocks available, nor did I want to kill a kangaroo...that I would use markers. I used the traditional colors as well as the contemporary, and of course filled it with symbolism. 

I encourage you to pull out your art supplies and try your hand at it, get your family involved too! It's a great activity for younger children as well. You could either make it very traditional and apply paint using a small stick or you could make it by using any art medium, markers, crayons, pencils, rocks, it's up to you! Have fun while getting a hands on peak into history and art at the same time!

 

Australian Cuisine

Australia's cuisine is mainly seafood. Australians will occasionally have smoked kangaroo, beef cheeks, chooks (aka chickens) or other land animals to go with their meals. However, most Australians diet will consist of oysters, fish of various kinds, shrimp, or really any other seafood.

The reason for this is because of the geography. Most of the population of Australia lives on the coast, or near the coast. Inland, is the brush and outback, which makes a hard life. Very few people live in the outback, most of those people are ranchers. Since so many people live on the coast, of course they are going to eat more fish. Just like people in Florida tend to eat more fish than people in Kansas!

I decided to try my hand at making a true Australian dish! I went to a website where people can submit recipes and I typed in "Australia." This gave me recipes for Australian food, a lot of times submitted by Australians!

I found a recipe that was submitted by several individuals for breaded tilapia. If you have never made breaded tilapia the Aussie way, you are missing out. Not only was it delicate and flavorful, it was very relaxing to make! Basically, one thaws the frozen fish in cool water, then dips it into a milk, mustard and vinegar mixture, then lays it into cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme and some more seasonings. Then places them onto a well oiled pan and broils them for about four minutes on each side. I found it extremely therapeutic to handle the cold, wet fish. It's not like shake and bake pork with the nasty smell and liquids. It's refreshing and comforting. I came away thinking about becoming a sushi chef.

I also made a pea salad that is often eaten on an Australian picnic! I made the healthy version because it looked easier. I placed thawed peas, a bell pepper, and water chestnuts into a bowel. And dressed it with dairy free sour cream (you could use regular sour cream or yogurt), Dijon mustard and dill. That was it! The dish is very simple, but quite flavorful. Three out of four of my family loved it. However, be warned, because it is an unusual combination of flavors some people won't enjoy it. Try making it in a small amount first, that way if it is a bust for you or your family there won't be much waste.

My last side I made, was a tomato and onion salad. This was extremely easy, all one has to do is slice tomatoes and onions and place them in a bowel with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The result is a tangy sweet side that deserves seconds (or thirds!) The only thing I would change next time, is to put less onions. When the salad was marinating for an hour it did add a great flavor. However, when one goes to eat the onion itself it is quite strong. So instead of putting a full onion, with the five tomatoes, I would put in half an onion (or less if your family isn't a fan of onions.)

I also made an Australian mocktail. I blended rice milk (regular milk or coconut milk would be yummy too), ice, a banana, a kiwi, and some crushed pineapple and garnished the smoothie with a kiwi. This wasn't my favorite drink in the world. The kiwi tickles the throat and tongue, it wasn't sweet enough for my taste (one could add agave nectar or sugar to make it sweeter), and the flavors weren't my favorite. My family didn't seem to hate it, but it wasn't something that we were in awe of. However, if you are one to like a tropical drink and don't mind a tickled tongue go for it!

Overall, my Australian meal was very delicious! I will most definitely be making breaded fish and pea salad again! Perhaps, if you are stuck for some dinner ideas look up another countries favorite foods. You might have a relaxing time cooking, and of course, eating!

The Struggle

Norway has two main stream beliefs that are in combat with one another. Both of these beliefs are quite prevalent when people are making every day decisions as well as in the thought processes of the government itself!

The first, is humanism to a blatant extreme. Human-Etisk Forbund - or the world wide association for humanism and it's practices - is prevalent in and around Oslo, the capital of Norway. Human-Etisk has about 78,000 members, considering that the whole country of Norway only consists of five million people, this is quite a lot. The Humanist Association isn't quietly gaining members one by one. They aren't sitting around on their hands hoping people come. They are actively targeting the youth of Norway with attractive buzz words and influential people.

On Human-Etisk Forbund's website they declare that most of their members are politicians, school and university teachers, counselors and other influential people, as well as having some farmers and businessmen sprinkled in there. Basically, Norway's youth is being bombarded at school, in the media, and sometimes even at home with the humanistic ideas that the Association promotes. 

Some of the activities that Human-Etisk Forbund promotes are: religion free weddings, funerals, baby dedications - they welcome the child into the world with a humanistic certificate - confirmations (in which a fourteen year-old goes through a course that outlines the humanistic values and freedom from religion, that the teen is dedicating their life to follow), and Youth meetings (like one would have at church, except instead of disusing the Bible, they are disusing humanistic ideas.)

Although, Human-Etisk Forbund is actively trying to gain new members, the Christians aren't just standing by letting this happen. They are one of the top most sending countries...in the world! And they aren't ignoring their own people either!

Over the last several years the Christian Church has been exploding into a ministry that sends out missionaries into all parts of the world. In this small country there are over 14,000 missionary centers. Not only is Norway's churches expanding into the rest of the world, but in 2000 they had a goal to plant 500 new churches in Norway.

The Christians are striving to reach the lost of the drug invested Oslo, the home of the Human-Etisk Forbund. Sending missionaries and help into their own capital to combat the corruption of individual's lives in the only long term way...helping them find the help they need in Christ!

In the Norwegian Government, Christians and Non-Christians alike are trying to pass a movement and partner with other countries in the world to help religious minorities be free from persecution. Even though Christianity is one of the most widespread religions, their focus is going to be helping Christians. Norway recognizes how horrible and widespread the persecution is and they want to help.

I pray that other countries will partner with Norway and learn from it's example to give awareness and aid to Christians in the world that need their support.

These two strong contrasting beliefs are battling for Norway's people. The darkness is spreading, but just as fast - if not faster - God is using this little country to send out His light around the world!

I encourage you to pray for Norway - and the rest of the world - during this time of spiritual battle, for battle it is. Perhaps, become more aware of how you can help your country see God's light and love!

Norwegian Interior Design

Norway's artistic endeavors are very fascinating. However, what interested me most was their interior design. There seem to be a couple of different styles they tend to use mostly, shabby-sheik country, or new/space age. Both have their certain appeal. However, with both of these contrasting styles they have the minimalist theme weaved throughout their few belongings.

Part of the reason for the minimalist custom is because when Norway was being settled - and in some circles even today - they couldn't afford to fill their homes with many imported goods. They needed to live with what they had with one or two imported French pieces. What resulted was a fascinating blend of stark country and gaudy France. The floors of the country houses would be unfinished wood planks, the walls would either be simple dull pastels or the Norwegians would use paint to decorate what little they could. Toward the center of the room, or in a prominent place, would be one or two pieces of expensive imported furniture: a bench, table or chair. This would be the room, simple, bare even. However, it would be home.

This tradition of keeping things to a minimum has stuck with the Norwegian people, even when they could afford more expensive furniture and more of it!

The new age style is all about minimalism, the bare necessities with a few keep sakes sprinkled here and there. The furniture is sleek, and although may not be made out of plastic, it at least looks like it is made out of a similar material.

Solid colors run rampant in the minimalist style. Unlike the country style, where patterns are one of the few things that give the room an appearance like it is full. Space age style isn't trying to combat the bare look, but embrace it.

If you are feeling like your home is filled with clutter and in need of a make-over. Get a book from the Library about Norwegian design. You may find that the bare necessities are actually more stylish than the clutter that adorns a normal American home.

Norway's Culinary Culture

Norway's culinary delights are varied.  Some of their meals I would eat in a heart beat, others - although I do not consider myself a picky eater - I dare not try. And then there are a few where I tilt my head and wonder, then I try my hand at creating the foods.

The stews, filled with beef, pork, lamb or elk; potatoes; carrots; and onions I would gladly fill my stomach with. Also, depending on the season, Norwegians eat a lot of roasted vegetables, including: beets, potatoes, carrots, onions and celery. Even though I'm not a huge vegetable fan, this sounds hearty and pleasant on a cold night.

There are two categories which I don't want to try, fish and heads. I do enjoy some kinds of fish. However, after reading recipe after recipe for salmon, trout, carp, and other kinds of fish, one gets tired of the sea creatures before even making the dish (at least I did).

The other category I avoid completely contains: broiled pig's head (snout and ears included), as well as broiled mutton head (horns included). Those did not strike me as appetizing.

However, there are some meals, as I said before, that strike me as odd, but strangely tasty. One of these was Kjøtt I Kål (meat in cabbage). Basically, one carves out a head of cabbage so it makes a bowl (this kind of head I can handle). Then they fill it with a meat loaf mixture, place the top of the cabbage head back onto it and simmer it in water for two hours. The result is cooked cabbage filled with meat loaf! Shocked? I was shocked that it actually tasted different than cabbage and meat loaf when they are cooked separately.

The meat gave a flavorful, but not strong taste to the cabbage. And the cabbage seemed to make the meat loaf taste a bit softer.

I had left over meat filling, so I tried my hand at Norwegian meatballs while I was at it. I didn't add the gravy that would normally be traditional to a Norwegian meal, but I did add spices that I was rather nervous about, ginger and nutmeg. Both of these are the spices that are used most often when making one of Norway's most traditional meals, meatballs. The recipe I was reading from didn't define how much ginger to use, it simply stated to "use your Norwegian instincts." Since I am not Norwegian (as far as I know) this was a bit difficult. So I did what any good cook would do, I guessed.

The result was much better than I had expected! I prefer the spices in the meatballs opposed to the simple version I am used to. Without the spices the meatballs taste like...hamburger. With the spices the meatballs taste like nothing I can compare it to. It doesn't make it superb - they are still meatballs - but it gives it such an unusual flavor that I cannot really tell you what they taste like.

I suppose you will have to make some for yourself! A simple web search for "Norwegian meatball recipe" will give you several recipes full of tips and Norwegian folk history. Try finding some where individuals write in or titles like "Grandma's meatballs" this helps you find real life Norwegians sharing their traditions with the new generation!

Oslo Norway

Norway's capital, Oslo, is a destination that both includes nature and outdoor recreation, as well as clubs and bars. It's very paradoxical in many ways. While every few blocks you will find a small park, you will also find a club on every corner. Oslo promotes both of these lifestyle.

Oslo, Norway, also promotes a different kind of lifestyle. They admittedly are encouraging homosexuals to continue, and be proud of, their decision to lead that kind of life. On the Oslo visitor's website their promotional video was clearly encouraging homosexual couples to come to a country, and city, that not only will accept them - but cater to them.

The visitor's website not only had lists of local fjords, ski resorts, beaches, restaurants (both traditional Scandinavian and Norwegian), the royal palace, shops and parks. They also had a Gay Calendar, a list of local gay bars and clubs with their appropriate slogan (such as "a club for girls who likes girls"), and also a list of their annual promotional homosexual holidays and festivals.

I admit, I was taken aback and disturbed by how much they were promoting - or pushing - the homosexual lifestyle. There is a difference between tolerating and encouraging. Tolerating means not to hate the person, hate the ideas. That way you can disagree whole heartily, but it doesn't become a hateful bombardment upon an individual. However, they weren't just making sure that the world knew they would tolerate, or even accept, that lifestyle...they would encourage  it.

Curious to see where we, as America, is on the tolerance versus encouragement spectrum, I visited San Francisco's official visitor's website. I wanted to see if we had made it to the point where we were pushing this lifestyle, like Norway, on sites that should be relatively free from tendentious material. I was shocked to find that we were even worse. On the home page the slogan "The city that practically invented gay." read proudly and boldly. After doing a quick search for the word "gay" on the website, I received 81 results that included: specialty shops, restaurants, clubs, bars, landmarks that would appeal to gays, local events, hotels,  holidays and festivals, etc.

Have we become a country that isn't happy with just tolerating differences? Must we, like Norway, begin to put pressure on others to agree  with the differences?

I thought Norway was headed for trouble...then I looked at us.

Some general information about Norway just because it's fun:

Site Seeing: fjords, mountains, beaches, skiing, capitol, wilderness and safari tours, arctic

Climate: ranges from 30* Celsius and -40* Celsius

Bodies of Water:  Gulf of Bothnia, Baltic Sea, North Sea, Skagerrak, Norweigen Sea, Vestfjodre, Barents Sea. Rivers: Angermanaleven, Skellefetealven, Lulleafven, Tornealven. Lakes: Inar, Oulujarvi, Pielinen, Vanern

Fauna: elk, moose, foxes, deer, badgers, owls, hawks, mice, wolverines, lynxes, etc

Flora: twenty-seven percent of Norway is forests

Changes in Population: Norway started out only having just over 400,000 people. By 2012 the population rose to five million.

Soil: They are worried about contamination, due to lack of proper disposal from factories, as well as, landfills and mining.