Rapp shares memories of Norway

Rapp met his Norwegian wife, Kristine Lock, in Las Vegas, where he taught high school science for 20 years. Lock, an anesthesiologist, has dual citizenship in Norway and the U.S., and served as her husband’s sponsor when he decided to become a Permanent Resident of Norway.

Rapp said the immigration process took three years to complete. It included 50 hours of Social Class learning about customs and appropriate behavior and 450 hours of Norwegian language. He also completed night driving and ice driving courses to qualify for a Norwegian driving license.

“I was a different kind of refugee. I went on my own volition, not because of war or famine. At Johannes læringssenter, I met three immigrants who changed my life. They were from Burundi, Iran, and Syria. They were political refugees immigrating to save their lives. They were the hardest working students there and they spoke the best Norwegian in my class,” Rapp said.

Although Rapp was immersed in the language, he said he was not able to master the language at the level needed to secure a teaching position. After living in Norway five years, Rapp returned to the U.S. for his career.

He said he and his wife use technology to maintain their long-distance relationship. They also visit one another several times a year.

“We bought new phones with good cameras and we video chat every day,” Rapp said.

App said public healthcare in Norway is amazing but the taxes are much higher to finance it.

“One of the guys in my social class had an accident his first week in Norway. He had to take a flight for life and never got a bill. The health care is amazing. I pay taxes to Norway even though I am living here because its tax level is higher. Over there, if you see someone doing business under the table, you tell the authorities. The system does not work if everybody doesn’t pay their fair share,” Rapp said.

Hiking is one of Rapp’s favorite pastimes. Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, is a popular destination only an hour from his home. The trail, which takes about two and a half hours to complete, begins at 270 meters above sea level and ascends to 600 meters where it overlooks fjords carved 200 to 300 feet deep by glaciers.

Another outdoor sport Rapp enjoys is cross-country skiing.

The fresh fish of Norway is another feature Rapp finds delightful.

“The fish is so fresh and so clean because the water is so cold and clear. The fish is delicious. Norway is a fantastic place for fish lovers. I’ve never eaten bad fish there. There’s so much flavor to it, there’s no need for sauces, just simple spices,” Rapp said.

Rapp also described and displayed photos of Norwegian traditional clothing, architecture and holiday customs he finds endearing.

“I have every intention to move there and die there one day,” he said.