Bergen at night, taken from mount Fløyen, copyright: Google

Interview with Roald in the city centre

On our visit to the city center of Bergen, we got to talking with a man named Roald, he has lived in Bergen for 73 years. He used to be a teacher and he is very engaged in the topic of green areas in the city, and more specifically development from more green areas to buildings and infrastructure. We were lucky enough to get a chance to interview him.

How long have you lived in Bergen?

"I have lived in Bergen my whole life, so 73 years now."

Do you feel there is a big difference in green areas in the city now vs when you were younger?

"Yes. Oftentimes I feel like we are abandoning our past and it is sad to think about sometimes. When I was young, we had more green areas where we would go to play, walk our dog or go on walks."

How do you feel about this?

"I think its sad. I feel like we are abandoning our roots a bit. Like with the politicians wanting to build the tube over Bryggen. But I think it’s natural that it would sadden old people like myself because it is what we grew up with, and to see it get destroyed or developed into something more modern can be painful."

What do you suggest we do with this?

"Well I want to keep green areas in the city maintained and not reduced any more. But I feel that us old people could get better at letting our past go."