INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (V), JORDI MORGAN

Hi, I'm Jordi Morgan. I was born in Trondheim, Trondelag and from a very young age I was fascinated by snakes.

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your name?

-My name is Jordi Morgan Jacobsen.

-How do you spell your second surname?

-J-A-C-O-B-S-E-N

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I completed my studies several years ago and now I work full-time.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I work as a snake charmer. I participate in educational shows and cultural events where I teach people about snakes and other reptiles.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I do. I find it fascinating because every animal has a different personality. I also enjoy helping people overcome their fear of snakes and learn more about nature.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Trondheim, a city in the Trøndelag region of Norway.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there for most of my life. Although I travel frequently for work, Trondheim will always feel like home to me.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I often meet tourists and participate in international events. English allows me to communicate with people from many different countries.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for two months with The Morgans. I started learning it at school when I was a child and continue to practise it with my family.

-Tell me about your city.

-Trondheim is one of the oldest cities in Norway. It is known for its rich history, beautiful waterfront, and impressive Nidaros Cathedral. It is also an important centre for education and technology.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy folk music, classical music, and some modern Scandinavian pop. Music helps me relax after a busy day.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the guitar. I'm not a professional musician, but I enjoy playing traditional Norwegian songs.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is the area around the Trondheim Fjord. I love the peaceful scenery and the opportunity to spend time outdoors.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy hiking, fishing, reading books about wildlife, and taking care of reptiles. I also enjoy photography.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy hiking and cross-country skiing. They are very popular activities in Norway and help me stay healthy.

-How did you become interested in snakes?

-I became interested in snakes when I was a child. I enjoyed watching wildlife documentaries and learning about different animal species.

-Are snakes dangerous?

-Some snakes can be dangerous, but most are not aggressive. They usually prefer to avoid humans. Understanding their behaviour is very important.

-What is the most challenging part of your job?

-The most challenging part is ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals during public events. It requires a lot of preparation and responsibility.

-What do people usually think about your job?

-Most people are surprised when they hear what I do. Some are curious, while others are a little nervous at first. However, they usually become more comfortable after learning about the animals.

-Would you like to continue doing this job in the future?

-Yes, I would. I enjoy educating people about wildlife and helping them appreciate animals that are often misunderstood.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remembered when we played together and I was always the winner. It was very special for me because tha family has a high level of knowledge and being the first is not easy. I'm very proud of my family and of my work.

-Which is your favourite song?

I'm a Norwegian. Sissel Kyrkjebø is the greatest. She sang 'Titanic Theme' for first time before Céline Dion did it and 'Liten fuggel' by Vamp is an anthem for us, but I'm going to choose a-ha and 'Take on me' because it was something really different when it was premiered.

So needless to say
I'm odds and ends
But I'll be stumblin' away
Slowly learnin' that life is okay
Say after me
It's no better to be safe than sorry.

a-ha

TRONDHEIM, THE FASCINATING CAPITAL OF TRØNDELAG

Today, The Grandma has been remembering when she was living and working in Trondheim, one of the most beautiful places in Trøndelag county, Norway.

Trondheim, historically Kaupangen, Nidaros, and Trondhjem, is a city and municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway.

Trondheim is the third most populous municipality in Norway, and is the fourth largest urban area. 

Trondheim lies on the south shore of Trondheim Fjord at the mouth of the River Nidelva. Among the significant technology-oriented institutions headquartered in Trondheim are the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF), the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU), and St. Olavs University Hospital.

The settlement was founded in 997 as a trading post and served as the capital of Norway from the Viking Age until 1217. From 1152 to 1537, the city was the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nidaros; it then became, and has remained, the seat of the Lutheran Diocese of Nidaros and the site of the Nidaros Cathedral. It was incorporated in 1838. The current municipality was formed in 1964, when Trondheim merged with Byneset Municipality, Leinstrand Municipality, Strinda Municipality, and Tiller Municipality, and further expanded on 1 January 2020, when Trondheim merged with Klæbu Municipality.

Trondheim is home to football club Rosenborg, Norway's most successful football club, and Granåsen Ski Centre, which has hosted the World Championship in Nordic Skiing.

The city was established in 997 by Olav Tryggvason and it was originally named Nidaros, in Old Norse Niðaróss. The first element of the name was the local river Nid. The last element of the name was óss which meant the mouth of a river. Thus the name meant the outlet of the river Nid. Although the formal name was Nidaros, the city was commonly known as kaupangr, which means city or marketplace, or more specifically kaupangr í Þróndheimi which means the city in Trondhei". 

Trondheim, in Old Norse Þróndheimr, was the historic name for the whole district which is now known as Trøndelag. This is the area where the people were known as Trønder (þróndr). This district name Trondheim meant the home of the Trønder people (literally Trønder-home) and Trøndelag, in Old Norse Þrǿndalǫg, originally meant the law area of the Trønder people (literally Trønder-law). The name of the Trønder people derives from the Old Norse word þróndr which is an old present participle of the verb þróask which means to grow or to thrive.

During the late Middle Ages, the city name was commonly shortened to Þróndheimr, dropping the kaupanger part, and over time the name became Trondhjem, using the Dano-Norwegian spelling rather than the Old Norse spelling since the city was part of the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway for centuries.

On 21 December 1917, a royal resolution enacted the 1917 Norwegian language reforms. Around the time, many municipalities and cities had their names changed to Norwegianize the spelling and make them look less Danish.

On 1 January 1919, the name of the local Church of Norway diocese was changed from Trondhjem stift to Nidaros bispedømme. In 1924, the name of the Norwegian capital city was changed from Kristiania to Oslo, removing the name referencing a Danish King in favor of the very old name Oslo. 

In 1928, a referendum in Trondhjem was held on whether to keep the current name or to bring back the original name of Nidaros. On 6 March 1931, the name was formally changed to Trondheim, using the medieval Norwegian spelling instead of the Danish version Trondhjem. The name of the diocese and cathedral, however, continued using the name Nidaros.

Trondheim was briefly named Drontheim during the Second World War as a German exonym.

Trondheim was named Kaupangen by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 CE. Shortly after that, it came to be called Nidaros. Initially, it was frequently used as a military retainer of King Olav I. It was also frequently used as the king's seat and was Norway's capital until 1217.

People have lived in the area for thousands of years, as evidenced by the rock carvings in central Norway, the Nøstvet and Lihult cultures, and the Corded Ware culture. In ancient times, the kings of Norway were hailed in Trondheim at Øretinget, the place for the assembly of all free men by the mouth of the River Nidelva. 

During the Second World War, Trondheim was occupied by Nazi Germany from 9 April 1940, the first day of the invasion of Norway, until the end of the war in Europe, 8 May 1945. 

The city and its citizens were subjected to harsh treatment by the occupying power, including the imposition of martial law in October 1942. During this time, the Germans turned the city and its environs into a major base for submarines, and contemplated a scheme to build a new city for 300,000 inhabitants, Nordstern, near the wetlands of Øysand on the outskirts of Melhus municipality. This new metropolis was to be accompanied by a massively expanded version of the already existing naval base, which was intended to become the future primary stronghold of the German Kriegsmarine. A start was made on this enormous construction project, but it was far from completed when the war ended, and today, there are few physical remains of it.

Trondheim is situated where the River Nidelva meets Trondheim Fjord with an excellent harbour and sheltered condition. In the Middle Ages the river was deep enough to be navigable by most boats. However, in the mid-17th century, an avalanche of mud and stones made it less navigable, and partly ruined the harbour.

Trondheim has a broad music scene, and is known for its strong communities committed to rock, jazz and classical music. The city's interest in Jazz and classical music are spearheaded by the music conservatory at NTNU which has been called one of the most innovative in the world, and the municipal music school, Trondheim Kommunale Musikk- og Kulturskole. The Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and the Trondheim Soloists are well-known. The city hosts a yearly Jazz festival, and is home to Trondheim Jazz Orchestra. The Fjordgata Records label is also hosted in Trondheim.

Classical artists hailing from Trondheim include violinist Arve Tellefsen, Elise Båtnes and Marianne Thorsen. Also the Nidaros Cathedral Boys' Choir.

More information: Life in Norway

I just enjoy walking around the city [Trondheim]. 
I would go to Bakklandet. 
It's the oldest part of the city. 
It's very beautiful and cozy there. 
It's a great place to walk around on a sunny day.

Ingrid Syrstad Engen

MERCHE A.H.JONES, THE NORWEGIAN SPIRIT OF NATURE

Merche Jones at the Norwegian Fjords

Merche Addams-Holmes-Jones. Twister Chaser and Mountain Climber. Norway.

I'm Merche Jones. I was born in Trondheim in Norway. Perhaps because I was born in a mountainous and cold country, I love nature. I love winter sports and climbing. I'm a mountain climber and a twister chaser. Climbing can cure, I'm sure. Being in contact with nature is something fascinating but dangerous. You must know that you are a part of Nature and it can control your future. I'm reading a fantastic book: Victor Riverola's Mountain and life. I recommend it. I'm a crazy fan of Killian Jornet. He's a superhero. I have been a member of three different families which I adore and respect.

-Good morning, Merche Jones, and thanks to attend us.

-Good morning. It's a pleasure.

-Well, to start this interview I would like to know how you define yourself.

-I'm a mountain climber and twister chaser, a person who climbs mountains trying to arrive to the summit and who chases twisters, hurricanes and tornados. They are beautiful and dangerous jobs because you are in extreme contact with nature and its forces and, as you know, nature is unpredictable.

-Some people don't believe that climbing and chasing twisters are jobs. Could you explain it to them?

-A job is a union of skills and knowledge that you have to do something. Then, you receive some money for this effort. It's simple. It's the difference between amateur and professional sport. Amateur is done by leisure but professional is done to earn money. In my case, I have my sponsors which pay me some money if I arrive to reach some objectives. That's all.

-What is your motto when you are climbing?

-'Impossible is nothing' although you must be clever to know when is a good moment to continue and to stop. In my case, it's my life which is in danger and you must be brave but sensible. Nature is incredible nut it's also very dangerous because you can't control it and although you can predict some phenomenon, you can't do it with 100% of security. You live in the world of predictions and you must take some important decisions in only some minutes because your life depends on it.

-And when you are chasing twisters?

-'See and escape'. You're in a big danger when you are near a twister but it's an incredible feeling that you must live at least once in your life.

-Do you believe mountains have a part of mysticism?

-All things which have a connection with the unexpected world need a part of mysticism and perhaps this is good because we will continue respecting them. You must be afraid of danger; you must respect the mountain because although it is able to offer to you incredible moments and experiences, it can kill you, too.

-How do you feel being a member of The Jones?

-Well, very well. We're a great family full of happiness, collaboration and sense of humour. I like enjoying time with them. They are a great and unforgettable family.

-How is a normal day with The Jones?

-I think there isn't a normal day, if you consider normal like standard. Every day is a different day, isn't it? Then, why is the reason you try to do the same every day? Today is May, 15 2018. Is another date like this going to exist? No. This is our philosophy: enjoy your time and do whatever you wish because impossible is nothing.

-How long have you been studying English?

-Since I was a child. I'm from Trondheim, a town in Norway. On one hand, English is studied at school in Norway since you're a child. On another hand, if you are a professional climber, you travel to other countries to climb as important mountains as you can and English is the common language in this profession.

-Then, you speak two languages? Is it very difficult to do it?

-Well, in fact, I speak three languages: Norwegian, English and Sami. 

-What is Sami?

-Sami is a Uralic which is spoken in parts of northern Finland, Norway, Sweden and extreme north-western Russia.

-Which is the real situation of these languages?

-All of them are protected and recognized by the Norwegian Parliament. The UNESCO has elaborated a great project for recovering as languages as it was possible but to keep a language is very important the conscience of being a part of this language, of being a part of this community, of sharing culture and habits and nowadays, in a global world, this is more difficult, although I think we are in the correct way. Some of these languages are alive because they have survived thanks to the geography. Their speakers live in mountainous zones with difficult access and this has allowed their survival. New roads, new links and new communications are putting in danger these communities. In Norway lives a Romani community which, obviously, speaks Romani. 

-Do you believe the new generations will keep the language?

-Yes. Although living in a global world means diversity, and diversity is something very good, every human needs to belong to somewhere, and even your life was a constant travel when you go to sleep and think to yourself, you speak only one language. This language determinates your culture and your culture indicates your place. We are the best ambassadors of our cultures.

-Why are you interested in these languages?

-Because I'm also a climber and these communities live in the mountains. If you want to climb a mountain you must know it. You must know people who live around it because they know it perfectly and they are the best guides and advisers. They know the weather and the geographical conditions better than anyone and the mountain is a part of their home, then, if you want to understand the mountain, you must understand the community and language is a great tool of integration.

-What can you explain about your life with The Jones?

-Well, we're a multicultural family and this is one of our great secrets. You learn something every day because every one of us has something to explain and share. It's amazing and beautiful but we must accept that all has a beginning and an end.

-And after?

-We will never forget this experience. We will continue being a Jones but every one of us will take his/her path although he/she knows that he/she is not alone and we will be always a united family.

-Which is your best memory with the family?

-It's difficult to choose only one but I remember every time we play bingo. I was the speaker and we spent funny moments. My family is very competitive and everybody wanted to win. I like this because demonstrate a great spirit of overcoming and effort.

-Do you believe that 'Impossible is nothing' for The Jones?

-Of course. We can achieve whatever we propose. Now, we are in better conditions than three months ago.

-Why?

-Because, when we start we were sixteen individualities and now we are one team. You work better knowing that you aren't alone and you can trust in your family because they are always there to help you if you need them. This is very important to get over problems and bad moments.

-Do you like this message?

-Yes. It's a great message of motivation to arrive to reach your objectives. If nobody had believed in doing things, we would have lived Prehistoric times and we're in 21th century. Take Killian Jornet as an example and you realize that 'Impossible is nothing'.

-What do you do when you return at home after climbing a high mountain?

-I like staying with my dog and my cat. I love them. My dog is an amazing loyal animal which likes playing with his ball and walking out with me. He's a middle-size light brown dog with a crazy personality. He's lovely and very protector. My cat is a small Persian. She is very nice and she likes climbing furniture. She's a climber like me (Laughs). When I arrive at home, I like sitting on the sofa, drinking a cold drink and watching a good film with them.

-What are their names?

-Mont and Cayo.

-Who is who?

-Mont is the cat and Cayo the dog.

-Thank you very much, Merche Jones.

-Thanks to you.

One time, to know that it's real.
One time, to know how it feels.
That's all.
What do you see?
What do you know?
One sign, what'll I do?
Just follow your lifeline through.

A-ha

M.JOSÉ BOND: OPEN HAPPINESS FROM NORWAY

M.José Bond in her Viking ship

M.José Bond. Writer. Norway.

I was born in Trondheim, Norway in the Scandinavian lands. We are the country with the highest level of happiness. 

I'm a writer, a person who writes stories, who has something to explain, who can create fantastic worlds or terrible nightmares. 

I like literature and I was influenced by Hulda Garborg, one of the best Norwegian writers but also by an incredible painter: Edvard Munch.  I love sailing and I would like to write the story of the Vikings, my ancestors.

-Good morning, M.José Bond, and thanks to attend us.

-Good morning. It's a pleasure.

-It's difficult for me, as an interviewer, to sum up some questions about you.

-Why?

-Because of your job.

-Well, I'm a writer, a person who creates stories and shares them with other people.

-You create characters, you invent stories, you imagine places... how can I be sure that you're who you say that you are?

-You will never know it. It's a risk that you have to choose: believe me or not.
 

-How is the life of a writer?

-A normal one like other people. Writing isn't only a pleasure or hobby for me, it's also my profession, and then, I must write even these days when I'm not very inspired.

-What happens these days?

-Well, you must write and you can read it again next day. If you like writing, you continue writing, if you don't like, you change it and you start again.

-How many times have you started again?

-Every day. Every new day is a new beginning and you must start doing things to fill your life with your interests and hopes.

-Norway isn't a famous country... How can a Norwegian writer arrive to be a best seller and survive against the Anglo-Saxon competence?

-Creating good contents. Writing interesting books and I don't agree about the idea that Norway isn't a famous country.

-Why?

-Norway has extensive reserves of petroleum, natural gas, minerals, lumber, seafood, fresh water and hydropower. We are the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas outside the Middle East. We have the fourth-highest per capita income in the world on the World Bank; the highest Human Development Index ranking in the world; the highest inequality-adjusted ranking. We rank first on the World Happiness Report, the OECD Better Life Index, the Index of Public Integrity and the Democracy Index and all of these things without being a member of the European Union, because Norway belongs to the EFTA.

-Norway was one of the poorest countries in the beginning of the last century. How has been possible this success?

-We are great administrators of our resources. We control all our richness and we believe in the most important active that a country has: our people.
 

-How do you feel being a member of The Bond's family?

-It's the same that Norway. The most important active in our family is ourselves. We're people with great energy and creativity and we must believe in ourselves.
 

-How is a normal day with The Bonds?

-A normal day is a day full of happiness and effort. We laugh a lot but we work very hard. You learn better if you spend good time. It's easier.

-How long have you been studying English?

-Since I was in the school. I belong to the Sami community. I speak Sami and Norwegian, the two official languages but there are three more recognized languages: Kven, Tavringer and Romani.

-Romani in Norway?

-Yes, of course. There's an important Romani community in Norway and we respect its language and culture. The question is not why we protect Romani language; the question is why Portugal, Spain, Italy or France don't protect it when the Romani community is bigger in these countries.

-Why?

-I don't know. I'm Norwegian but, perhaps they don't respect their diversity in the way we do it. Romani people are an incredible community which one day left Egypt and started to write a story of migrations, surviving, art and resistance. They wrote their history but, at the same time, they wrote our own history. I'm a member of the Sami community. I can understand Romani people very well, in fact, our flags are very similar. We need to write our history because if we don't do it, other people will do for us.

-Then English is not difficult to learn for a Norwegian?

-We have the same mother language, German. It's an advantage. 

-What can you explain about your life with The Bonds?

-It has been a great experience, a great source of inspiration to write something in the future.

-Which is your best memory with the family?

-It's impossible to choose only one but I remember two special days: one with Joanjo Bond when we won Eurovision representing Cyprus and Norway together and another when I talked about The Lovers of Teruel, an Aragonese couple with a tragic final. I'm a writer. I enjoyed composing the Eurovision song and I enjoyed reading the Aragonese story.

-Which character would you like to write about?

-My hero is Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer who was the first to reach the South Pole, on 14 December 1911 and the first expedition leader for the air expedition to the North Pole in 1926.

-Do you like exploring?

-I'm a writer. I'm curious. I need to know. I need to discover new things. I love prospectors. I remember the story of American prospectors who were cold because they had thin trousers and Levi Strauss used the sailcloth which he transported to make stronger ones.

-A mix of prospector and explorer could be Christopher Columbus?

-Well, it's not my favourite.

-Why not?

-The modern story says that Columbus sailed from Spain on August 3rd, 1492 to the west. After ten weeks, a sailor saw a bird. They had arrived to land and they named the island San Salvador. So he discovered that the Earth was round.

-And?

-The modern story must say that Columbus was the last European to discover the American continent. Native American lived in the continent and science has demonstrated that Vikings had arrived to America before Columbus because there are some inscriptions older than his arrival.

-What is your next project?

-I'm working in a Christmas story, a tribute to Charles Dickens and his Christmas Carol. 

-What's the worst nightmare of a writer?

-I suppose every writer has his/her own demons, his/her own Frankenstein. I hate sharks. It's an interesting animal because they mainly live in the oceans; they eat fish, seals, crabs and sea birds. We can find more than 250 types of sharks and my worst nightmare is swimming near one of them.

-You're a writer. Can you write a slogan for The Bonds?

-Open happiness.

-Thank you very much, M.José Bond.

-You're welcome.

We must always remember with gratitude and admiration the first sailors who steered their vessels through storms and mists, 
and increased our knowledge of the lands of ice in the South. 

Roald Amundsen