A tragedy happened in Norway few days ago when a 32 year old Norwegian put a bomb in front of the government in Oslo that killed 7 people and then went to a small island 30 km from Oslo and killed around 70 young people gathered for a camp. This kind of attacks happen all around the world but somehow it's stronger when you have friends in a place that has been attacked in this kind of way.
I don't want to go through the reasons why that guy did the attack but say something about what really surprised me and that was the reaction of the norwegian people. Watching CNN just an hour or two after the attack and hearing the mayor of Oslo talking about how people should stay together, don't panic and surround themselves with good friends was really something different, a tone in his voice which was rather calm and sober.
And yesterday 150.000 people gathered in Oslo for the rose ceremony to mourn and grieve the death of the people that were killed in the attacks. Everyone held flowers sending the message that Norway will continue to be a free and open country, believing in democracy and refusing to react with hate. I don't know about you but I find that surprising.
This is what a german newspaper said: "Even in their deepest sorrow the Norwegians don't get hysterical. They resist the hate. It is amazing to see how politicians and the whole country reacts. They are sad to the deepest thread of their souls. They cry in...dignity. But nobody swears to take revenge. Instead they want even more humanity and democracy. That is one of the most remarkable strengths of that little country".
And there is just one more thing that came to my mind after the attacks. There is no perfect country on earth. No country where you earn a lot of money, live a peaceful life and enjoy perfect safety.
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