In the November issue of Viking magazine, we highlight Norwegian Political Adviser Bård Ludvig Thorheim. Throughout his career, he’s held positions with the Norwegian Embassy in Sri Lanka, Washington D.C. and Norway. Currently, he’s the political adviser to Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs office works to promote Norway’s interest internationally and safeguard the country’s prosperity. Cooperating with like-minded countries, such as the United States, is an important part of those goals. In May, Thorheim visited the Midwest, including Sons of Norway headquarters, to reinforce cultural and commercial ties between the countries. Here are a few additional questions from the interview.
Q: What was one of your favorite memories from your post in the United States?
A: My post in Washington, D.C. was very important to me. When my family and I moved there, I connected with some of my relatives who lived in Maryland. We had close connections with them while we were away from my family in Norway. I was in D.C. from 2010 to 2012. The primary elections were kicking off in Iowa, and I really wanted to go see the Iowa Caucuses. My family and I flew to Minnesota, rented a big car, drove to South Dakota and down to Iowa. We stayed at the Honorary Counsul’s house for three days. They helped us find babysitters, so we could go to the Caucuses and townhall meetings. That trip made a deep impression on me. It was the most important trip for me during my years in Washington, D.C.
Q: What are some of your Norway travel recommendations?
A: Being from Bodø, Norway, I would recommend going there. The Lofoten Islands and Northern Norway are some of the most scenic and exotic place in Norway. I’d recommend the “Norway in a Nutshell” trips. When you come to Oslo, you can set up one-, two- or three-day trips and head over to the west coast to see the fjords.