When 16-year-old Simon Strand moved from snow-filled small-town Norway to the megalopolis of Beijing, he traded country roads for skyscrapers, bland cheese sandwiches for fiery Sichuan cuisine, and frostbitten winters for Beijing’s distinct four seasons. Almost a year into his experience, the WAB 10th grader had made up his mind: he’ll take Beijing’s chaos over Norway’s remoteness any day. Here’s why.

Born in Manila to a Norwegian father and a Filipino mother, Simon has already lived in four countries: the Philippines, the United States, Norway, and now China. After a six-year stint in Norway, Simon and his family moved to Beijing when his father took up a diplomatic post. Nine months into his new life, we sat down with him to discuss the biggest differences he’s noticed between Norway and China.

The first shock was Beijing’s towering skyline. In Norway? Almost none—even the tallest buildings were modest by comparison. The sheer scale of Beijing’s population was equally staggering: the city alone holds four times as many people as all of Norway.

Then came the food. Beijing offered a dizzying array of international flavors and bold spices, while Simon found Norwegian cuisine comparatively plain—think untoasted bread with a single slice of cheese. In contrast, he now relishes Beijing’s spicy dishes, savoring flavors he never experienced back home.

The convenience of Meituan and other delivery apps also amazed him; in Norway, such instant gratification simply didn’t exist. And then there was the weather. Norway’s winters were brutal, with snow piling up to his knees. He recalls being stranded at school once when snow blocked the train tracks—and frostbite among friends wasn’t uncommon. Beijing’s milder winters and hot summers, where snow barely dusts the ground, felt like a reprieve.

In the end, Simon’s choice is clear: Beijing’s vibrant energy, diverse community, and endless opportunities have won him over. For a global nomad like him, China isn’t just a new home—it’s an adventure that Norway could never match.