As a firefighter, my work schedule allows me to enjoy an uncommon luxury: dedicated time with my daughter. With shifts of four days on and four days off, I cherish our moments together, whether we’re engaged in playdates or exploring crafts. However, when she began school, I experienced an unexpected wave of melancholy akin to empty nest syndrome. Wanting to deepen our bond, I decided to take her on a trip—just the two of us. As we are British, I considered a short jaunt within Europe, which felt less intimidating than venturing off to the other side of the globe without my wife. Exploring the possibilities, I narrowed it down to two destinations that promised enchanting experiences: Porto in Portugal or Bergen in Norway. To my astonishment, my daughter chose the cold of Norway over the warmth of Portugal. So off to Bergen we went, filled with excitement.
Our adventure commenced at Manchester Airport, where we arrived far earlier than necessary. This extra time turned out to be a boon, allowing us to bond through games like eye-spy while immersing ourselves in the bustling terminal atmosphere. My daughter, with her natural charm and confidence, quickly became a social butterfly, effortlessly striking up interactions with strangers. It was an unexpected twist; instead of feeling understandably cautious as a father traveling alone, I found myself buoyed by her exuberance.
After booking a cozy hotel at the airport to ease our first night in a foreign city, we arrived in Bergen full of energy and anticipation. While my daughter surrendered to the bliss of slumber almost immediately, I found myself wide awake, bubbling with excitement for what awaited us. At that moment, I absorbed the realization of my daughter’s vibrant spirit—one I hope she retains throughout her life.
The next day, as we took the train into the city, it became evident that Bergen was the right choice. The picturesque landscapes, coupled with a fascinating public transport system and the friendliness of the local people, made it feel like a second home. My daughter’s instinctive gestures, like flashing “thumbs up” signs to fellow travelers, received warm reciprocations, creating a delightful rapport between her and the locals. Soon, she evolved this casual exchange into playful two-handed heart signs, further endearing herself to those we met.
The cleanliness of the city and its resemblance to Japan—a place I hold dear—came rushing back to me. From pristine streets to courteous service and delectable cuisine, every aspect of Bergen mirrored those quintessential Japanese touches. During our visit to VilVite, Bergen’s captivating science museum, a local mother remarked on Norway’s prioritization of children. A notable aspect of life in Norway is the promotion of gender equality through child-care policies, allowing both parents to thrive in their careers.
In alignment with this family-centric culture, my daughter thrived in the museum, eager to collaborate with other kids on building cars from Lego, testing them on ramps, and relishing the joy of imaginative play. This environment stood in stark contrast to our experiences back home.
With a loose itinerary guiding our explorations, spontaneity became our mantra. We feasted on pancakes by the vibrant harbor, giggling at the blaring horns of cruise ships docking in the picturesque bay. Ascending Mount Fløyen via a funicular railway, we hiked, skipped stones across serene waters, and encountered quirky cairns that melted into the landscape—a project my daughter insisted on, dedicating her stone pile to a beloved stuffed animal.
Our days in Bergen unfolded in a delightful manner as we meandered through cobbled streets adorned with striking street art. We frequented parks, visited toy shops, quenched our thirst for adventure at an ice cream parlor, and paid tribute to my profession at a local fire station. Each experience stitched together a tapestry of cherished memories.
On our final evening, we nestled in our hotel room, surrounded by laughter, enjoying simple fare—reindeer hotdogs for me and pizza leftovers for my little one. She was transfixed by a children’s show on television, blissfully unaware of the foreign language. In that serene moment, free of responsibilities and future concerns, we relished the beauty of togetherness.
In an era where life’s responsibilities can dominate our thoughts, carving out time for pure enjoyment with our children is invaluable. This father-daughter adventure allowed us to step away from the daily grind, emphasizing the importance of exploration, problem-solving, and laughter together. While I wonder if my daughter will remember this trip as she grows, I know it will forever resonate within me. Planning our next escapade is now at the forefront of my mind, as each journey solidifies our bond and enriches her childhood experience.