How many people had never heard of Longyearbyen till the UA-cam algorithm introduced them to Cecilia, Christoffer and Grimm and then you proceeded to binge watch every episode of hers? No one has single handedly done more to put a remote part of the world on the map than Cecilia - The chamber of commerce should recognize her for her contribution. Another banging episode by the best UA-cam content creator in this genre
Love your videos. Great story with the family and how they live in such a cold climate. It is so interesting to watch compared to where I live in Miami, Florida, where the coldest it gets in winter is 35 degrees Farenheit 1.66 Celcious for maybe a day or two. By mid day, the temperature it will go up.
I was randomly wondering a couple years ago what the northern most town was, and Google mentioned Longyearbyen. So I looked up the town on Google, and it brought me to Cecilia's videos, and I've been hooked ever since.
I heard of it prior to watching Cecelia through van life travellers I follow on YT. Love watching what life is actually like through the eyes of those that live there.
I knew about it from the Tom Scott video years ago but a year ago I started seeing Cecilia's videos in the algorithm and started binging it. Then recently she was in a Kara and Nate video which she promoted and I started watching all of their videos.
I definitely hope she gets paid for her PR work. You couldn't ask for a better representative. It's obvious they love their lives. Lol I'm sold. Seriously, I don't think I could do the cold everyday, but I believe I would enjoy a lengthy vacation there.
I’m a Lithuanian-American who lives in Florida. I’m always looking for videos on UA-cam from very unusual environments. I found your channel recently and I love it. It was lovely to hear my native language on your video.
Welcome to Florida and welcome to some of the greatest content on YT! I’m like you in loving unique places. I am blown away seeing such a stunning environment in the cold, since I have lived in the Florida heat forever. 😂
@@braves96 heyyy I also lived in FL for years but am originally from ATL so I'm curious if that's what your username is referencing lol. I also love the videos from people in extreme climates! I loved the videos from Life in Yakutia (Siberia) but Maria and her family have had to relocate to Kazakhstan in the past few months. I learned a lot from her videos!
@Emma hi there. My name sort of is in reference to the city of Atlanta. It's actually in reference to the city's Major League Baseball team and I love both! I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta and still live here. We aren't as warm as Florida but our winters are mild and our summers are very hot. My dad lived in Palm Beach for 50 years I believe, and South Florida is amazing.
The way Medeina looked at Agne at the table almost made my heart burst. What incredibly sweet girls they have. I loved this peak into their life. Big thank you to Arvydas and Agne for letting us get to know them!
I couldn’t believe how little Medina sat so still while her mom put on the warm layers of clothing! We live in a place that snows not as cold as Svalbard of course but our son moves constantly he has never been still more than a second or two! It’s always such a struggle to dress him.
I'm seriously just blown away at the differences between what we'd do here in America vs. what y'all do there in such a beautiful, peaceful country. You'd never think to leave your child alone outdoors in many parts of the US, so this is beyond fascinating & just so lovely to see. It makes me want to live there even more! And truly, what a lovely family! Please extend my thanks for having you video them for 2 days. This was beyond educational & it showed us what family life is like there. Can't wait for more Meet the Locals videos! :) Marianna
I’ve read that the children that are left to take naps in the outdoors- suffer less sickness. Amazing the differences in their children and children in the U.S. - could be that’s why our kids stay sick with various viruses/bugs
I believe this is true. I think it started with the internet. Everyone reading all these stories that make it seem like it’s common. I walked to school in kindergarten but he eighties. Everyone did
I am rural, we kept a tent set up year round and the kids had sleeping bags and books to read. They spent many nights sleeping in the tent even when it first got cold.
When I was a baby (in the 60s) my mom would walk to the grocery store and leave me sleeping in the pram outside, along with all the other sleeping babies whose mothers were shopping. This was in a major US city, Seattle! I still live near there and would never even consider going to that same store, alone, in broad daylight. What a blessing to raise that beautiful family in a safe place like Longyearbeyen. Cherish that, and stay forever if you can!
My mother was from the Netherlands and I remember her telling me, back in 1977 when I was pregnant with my first baby, that babies need to be "aired". That means put outside for periods of time no matter what the weather. I did this with my boys and they rarely had colds!
A lot of people outside of Europe, mostly Americans, are in shock how babies sleep outside. Its totally normal. Also when she said that in her childhood she was playing outside from morning until evening, my childhood was the same. I really loved this video.
@@annah4267I’m from Italy, I live in a small town on the Alps, and we leave our babies to sleep outside too. Fresh air is life, and we have nearly the same temperatures of Svalbard, during wintertime. Obviously, we live in a very safe place, no crime here. 😊
I’m American, but grew up on a fruit farm. I would play outside all day unsupervised. But when my daughter was growing up in the suburbs I WOULD NEVER do that!!! Not a safe environment! Just depends on the circumstances.
@AnnaM84 confirming the same from Hungary! We always slept outside, in the summer and in the winter. Back then in the winter it was usually between -10 and -15 celsius.
Thank you for sharing your life’s with us, I’m an American and it’s wonderful to see how safe it is to be able to let your little one sleep outside and trust the people. We lack that here! It’s a wonderful country and I really like the population😃 Thank you again. Sending friendship from Las Vegas, Nevada
Cecilia, you’re an amazing story teller and equally amazing at getting the best shots to support your narrative. You’re a credit to Svalbard; I hope they know how valuable you are to the community. Always showing the good in the townspeople and the place. You’re one of the only content creators that I hit 👍🏼 before I watch the video. Please thank the beautiful family for letting us into their lives.
I was amazed. I don't have children but I do have 5 nieces and nephews and various other children throughout my life and dressing them in simple American spring clothing has always felt like trying to put the same clothes on a wild cat! ☺️😂
I was thinking of that, any other child would throw at least one tantrum per layer of clothing☺️ Not these girls, they even allow their mom to put that oily cream on their faces without any fuss.
My husband is Russian and he has the same philosophy about being outside. We live in Minnesota (US) where it can be as cold (or colder) than Svalbard in the winter, and we take our baby outside everyday up to -15C! We also notice that she sleeps better and is happier when she gets fresh air. It’s a lot of effort to get her outside, but it’s so worth it. I really appreciate this glimpse into this lovely family’s life!
Amazing series - it's been a real insight into family life on Svalbard. I loved seeing the 5 year old on ski's, taking a tumble and getting right back up. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how Arvydas and his wife cope with the children during midnight sun. UK summertime was always a struggle for me when daughters were young children (many years ago) They just didn't want to go to bed as it was still daytime - still light outside.
This is why Scandinavia - from Svalbard to Iceland to Denmark in the south - is such a success in almost every area of human endeavour. Reasonable people, produce reasonable governments and their policies. Thank you, Cecilia!
I loved the two videos with this wonderful family so much. You all gave us such a good feel for what it’s like to raise children in this place and climate. I wish we had more of a focus on outside time for children (and adults) in the United States again. I grew up playing outside in Minnesota every single day of my childhood in the 1970s and 80s, and I think it’s made me a very hardy adult. Nowadays parents have to send their children to private schools with a focus on nature time in order to get that, and most can’t afford it. I hope the pendulum swings back to more outside play again!
Hello from Fargo! My neighborhood went from us playing outside most of the year to no kids playing, but now with people from Africa living here, we now have kids playing outside again.
@@lorainefleeman6011 I’ve seen exactly the same in St. Cloud! Our new Somali neighbors’ kids are outside all the time and having so much fun, and I ask myself, where are the white kids? Only because it’s a shame that white families no longer let their kids go outside without adults. We need to change perceptions so all families feel it’s safe and necessary to get kids playing outside again.
Long time watcher here - thank you for these family videos. Your friends are lovely! The little girls are precious. The parents are doing a great job, which is a hard thing even in the perfect climate :)
As an Italian I have always been attracted to the Scandinavian countries and in particular the Svalbard Islands and your channel is perfect for getting to know them better. This family with their children is just wounderful. Thank you very much. Great video❤
What a lovely way to raise children! I also was fascinated by the journalist who chronicled his expulsion from Longyearbyen. I read his article and was struck by how wonderfully he was treated. It seems you Northern folks have the key to a happy life. Thanks for sharing!
I love sleeping in the cold, buried in blankets. I think I sleep better. I bet the baby sleeps so well. She’s sure bundled up and ready. And look at that little skier! She’s doing a great job! I appreciate seeing how this beautiful family handles life in such extreme circumstances. Thank you for allowing a glimpse into your life. ❤
I extend my thanks to this lovely family for opening up their lives and visiting with us. It does my cold black 🖤 good to hear parents believe in raising kids outside! Unfortunately in many places in the US, if you left your child alone like that, your kid would either be taken or you'd be arrested for abandonment; very sad. Thx for bring us the good vibes from Svalbard and give Grim a big kiss for me. ✌️❤️🐕
Having gone to university in southern CA with many Scandinavians - I’m now understanding more about their upbringing and I love it! Thank you for sharing!
Hello Cecilia, how are you doing today ? Thank you for this very interesting video and thank you to Arvydas and his family for these shared moments. Here, in France, in Paris, your life always seems so exceptional and unique to me. A child here could never sleep peacefully outside alone in his stroller without a certain danger. You have the cold, the bears maybe, but your quality of life is undeniably better, healthier, more secure. It's quite magical!
Hey Cecilia~ This two-parter was absolutely fabulous! Fascinating in so many ways. May I say a big Thank You! to Arvydas, Agnè, Gabija, Medeina, and Aila for sharing themselves with you so you could share with us! Their kind generosity and openness was very much appreciated. I am so looking forward to the next visit you have planned with them. I am loving this series of Longyearbyen. Brilliant.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see more of this lovely little family. How much better the world would be if more had the attitude of these parents-wanting the kids to spend time playing outside, feeling satisfied with what they’re small town offered. Their sweet children and adorable dog at the end. Just a perfect video! Thank you to Cecilia & this family! 💕
Between you, Christopher & this family, I wish I was living there too! Those kids were simply wonderful, they’re going to have such great , stable lives . To me, this is exactly what raising children and your own little family is what it should be about for everyone, but sadly too many people lose sight of what’s good & right. It seems like such a great place for kids to grow up and have adventures….
Loved this and love seeing how active and healthy children grow up, being outside is the norm, not the exception. I had also heard that having children sleep outside started in the 20's in Iceland during an epidemic, of flu I think. A doctor recommended the children nap outdoors for health and it still goes on. There is a lot of common sense behind that idea, I think.
Another brilliant video! Really like the ‘Meet The Locals’ idea. Fascinating to hear everyone’s story of how they arrived in Svalbard. Something I also love in a lot of your videos is showing places I went to when I visited Svalbard last May, like the high street…. and the husky cafe! Loved that place, and I remember that white dog too! 😊
I’ve loved seeing what it’s like to raise young children there on Svalbard! It’s refreshing to see no matter what the climate, the language, or culture, all of us parents are trying to do right by our kids to bring them the best upbringing we can give them ❤️ Thank you for this two part series, Cecelia!
I love this family. Thank you for showing us this part of life there. What an amazing childhood for those precious girls. Can’t wait to see more of them and life with kids there.
Ah the northen European lifestyle, its the best ! Healthy food , ourdoor living , open minds and hearts , whats not to love . 50 nationalities ! What a great way to grow up .
We visited Iceland with my then 8 months old and could feel the warm culture around kids and family (and eye opening leaving babies nap outside in the cold on its own in its pram). Coming from tropical place it's almost out of the world. As a mom, I just loved the sense of safety and in a way also respect and openness for kids I felt in Iceland. One day we'll visit Longyearbyen....
My 22 year old daughter introduced me to Cecilia's channel and I LOVE it! We are on vacation (holiday) in Europe and I am currently on the Eurostar from Paris to London watching her channel. We visit Portugal for our first time in a week and I have been watching Cecilia's Portugal videos as well! Thank you Cecilia and Christoffer for all of your hard work to bring Svalbard to us all! Much love!
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we all could safely leave our children outside in a stroller/pram to sleep? There is NO way that could ever happen in the states. We can’t even let our children play in the front yard anymore without being worried they’re going to be kidnapped & trafficked. The more I watch Cecilia’s videos, the more I want to move to Svalbard. No homelessness, very little crime, if any, beautiful environment, trust among each other in the community. I can only imagine what it feels like to be able to walk outside without holding a can of mace in my hand. I’ll take polar bears any day over the criminal behavior of people in my area. Thank you for sharing, Cecilia. Also thank you to Arvydas & Ange for allowing us into their lives & home. ❤
These are the best videos when you’re able to interview the few people you’re able to interview it gives us so much insight into the life there. Definitely the most beautiful place on earth in my opinion.
We can’t do that in the USA with how unsafe it is. I wonder if kids there are more resilient to illness since their respiratory system has such a strong foundation from such an early age? I absolutely love the idea of this. We would take our son on 2 mile walks in winter in his stroller every day. Best sleep of his life, but our winter is like summer where they are. 😂
I remember growing up in the mid 70's in the UK, and we were always outside playing with friends (although it didn't get as cold as Longyearbyen in the winter). Someone once said to me there's no such thing as bad weather if you wear the right clothes 😄
Me too. I was always out whatever the weather. That's the only way to build up any resistance to the cold and to build up immunity. Greetings to you from Cheshire UK.
As a Brazilian, I don’t think that phrase applies to the hot weather tho so that’s why I prefer Winter, bc you’re absolutely right! I personally find it unbearable to withstand our hot temperatures here 😅 you can be in a bikini and still uncomfortable lol
@@bestnarryever Lol, I was thinking of the cold and wet English winter when I made the bad weather comment. We had a hot (for us) summer last year, and I was here in a pair of shorts and it was too much for me 😄
Wow! This is very enlightening about how families live on the island. The parents are full of wisdom on how to read their children by watching the kids behaviors. I,however feel very uncomfortable about leaving my child unattended while they nap. Really do appreciate including and sharing your series on families on Svalbard. Thank you to you and Christopher for sharing. Well done!
How wonderful to be pulled along by your doggie on your skis! Any child would love this. Being a Mum, I couldn't stop thinking of how much work it would be to change your baby under all that clothing. All comes with this amazing territory I guess. Here's me in tropical Queensland Australia. But I love the world and all its diversities. And you bring this to us so well Cecilia. Thank you! 😍
Leaving my baby alone in the dark and cold blows my mind so far into the universe I am certain I will never have it blown again. Every single thing I hear from here on out will sound normal. ❤
Wonderful to see such a calm confident mother . What a truly special video ! Sending you warmest greetings and many blessings from an expat Brit in South India.
I’m loving this series. I’m so surprised how much time Ardyvas gets for maternity. That is so awesome. I would love to have all those layers the baby had. Wool is the best thing! Hugs & love to you, Christoffer, & Grim ❤️❤️❤️
The BBC series 'Call the Midwife' begins in London in the 1950s & shows mothers frequently leaving their babies outside in their prams while they go shopping, etc.
Such a difference for the children. It makes sense once the baby is all snuggled up in the pram, but it would not be safe here to leave a child outside and alone. Thank you for sharing this wonderful family.
My mum lived in Norway when I had my daughter (in uk), she bought me over this pram insulation cover, so come January when we moved to a place with a garden my daughter slept outside in her pram for her morning nap. Nothing like it available here in the UK. When we were finished with it the whole lot went back to Norway for her cousins, a well used pram and accessories ! SO enjoying your videos !!!
Just the fact that you can leave the little ones outside like that without worry, unlike here in the USA, says a lot about Svalbard and what a close knit safe community y'all have there! Thank you for sharing some insight into family life in Svalbard and a BIG thanks to this wonderful family for allowing us in! ❤
Not gonna lie, I was so surprised to see that the baby was left outside.Being from the U.S. and knowing how easy it is to have your child taken, is a huge culture shock. Thank goodness there is no crime where you live. I don't think I would be able to do that if just moving there from the U.S. Love your videos. Thank you and Arvydas and his family for sharing a little piece of their life!
I just love this lovely family. They are so smart taking this kids outside. I wish to see more parents doing this. It's so healthy! I remember seeing families while visiting in Sweden eating inside while babies were outside in town sleeping in strollers, and thought, wow! Then a Swedish friend explained to me, and I was so impressed how safe it was. I'm envious. I wish we could do this here in the US. Great video. Oh, I remember mark Sabbatini and his online magazine ice people! He lives in Alaska now, I think.
What an awesome Family...So sweet and very mature in their thought process....The kids are great and enjoy like it should be..thanks for the vlog Cecilia
I'm from the US and the first time I saw a baby sleeping outside in their pram was in Germany back in the 90's. I thought for sure they forgot the poor little one until my German friends set me straight 🤣. I love these videos and have learned so much about Longyearbyen in the 6 months that I have watched the channel and am addicted! Thank you for sharing Cecilia.
Absolutely loved the series! I’m so glad that there’s a safe place out in the world with compassionate people. As an American, we can’t even let go of our kid’s hand in a store because of the fear they’ll be taken. We have videos of parents explaining how they have to put leashed bands on kid’s wrist & lock the doors with kids in the car while we unload groceries. Longyearben is such a beautiful place with beautiful people. Thank you all for showing this ❤
@@Shadeadder There’s an average of 460,000 kids that go missing in the US each year. If those statistics don’t prompt you to secure your children a bit more then bless your heart. I didn’t mean this as me going out scared for my life but I hold my child closer in public places. I applaud Longyearben for not needing to think twice on leaving their baby outside as they don’t have the statistics as we do.
@@AK-vr4fi Statistics mean nothing without understanding the details behind them. The number is terrible, but I bet very, very few of them were kids at the grocery store with their parents in your average suburbia. The vast majority (4:1) of kidnapping crimes involve family perpetrators, not strangers. Moreover, the majority of kids who go missing (84%) are runaways between the ages of 12 to 18. The chances of your child being abducted in broad daylight with their parent is extremely, extremely low. I'm not saying "Don't be vigilant". But saying "we can’t even let go of our kid’s hand in a store because of the fear they’ll be taken" is definitely a reflection of a cultural hysteria.
@@Shadeadder You protect your kids the way you want & I will protect mine the way I want. It’s not a hassle to hold my young child’s hand in a store. I’m not judging anyone who does otherwise.
97.8% of those reported missing are found and 90% are runaways or have been taken by a family member. America is much safer now than it was in the 70s, we just get bombarded with terrible news because the media wants us to keep watching. I live in Detroit and I feel my family is very safe.
I think you had under 100k subscribers when I started watching it’s amazing to see your growth the recent vlogs have been amazing. Cannot wait to see you celebrate seeing the sun again!
This is the first time I'm watching on UA-cam. I found you on TikTok and to get FULL videos is so exciting! Thank you for showing us this life, I LOVE it. Well watching, I couldn't do the cold myself to be honest! LOL Long Island, New Yorker here!
I love watching you. I've always been fascinated by the northern parts of Canada so this is just something I love to find out about. I'm from Scotland now living in Alberta, Canada so I'm used to the early dark nights and cold weather. I love sharing with my friends back home the different ways we love compared to my birth home. I always enjoy what you post. I found you on TT
I found this video most interesting, Cecilia. I teach ESL to adults so hearing about the different nationalities living there was fascinating to me. Also learning about the age statistics interested me. Wow, very few elderly there too.
I love this family! It is so fascinating that they put their baby outside to sleep in the cold weather. I can see that she is dressed very warmly. Agné is such a good mother! Tell them thank you! 💛
That is smart to watch the flags to see what type of weather is out. The wind is a major factor on the island weather there. I love how safe it is there. It is a beautiful city to live in if you can afford it. Kids have so much energy. They are like the Energizer Bunny from that battery company.
Thank you to the beautiful family letting us take a peek into their lives on Svalbard! Amazing how resilient the little ones are. So impressed with the linguistic skills of the parents and kiddos alike.
Adding “the” before Philippines is a small detail that most people neglect but as a Filipino I really appreciate that. Well done Cecelia. You do great work. ❤
Love your new series on families and their lives on Svalbard. As a person living in California it’s very interesting to see how families and their children adapt to the Svalbard life. Keep up the good work. I’ve watched you for a long time and find these episodes one of my favorites.
Cecilia I'm so happy I found your channel, I am so intrigued to how you and families live on Svalsbard. Really enjoyed Gabby and her family. Thanks for sharing this!🥰
How many people had never heard of Longyearbyen till the UA-cam algorithm introduced them to Cecilia, Christoffer and Grimm and then you proceeded to binge watch every episode of hers? No one has single handedly done more to put a remote part of the world on the map than Cecilia - The chamber of commerce should recognize her for her contribution. Another banging episode by the best UA-cam content creator in this genre
Love your videos. Great story with the family and how they live in such a cold climate. It is so interesting to watch compared to where I live in Miami, Florida, where the coldest it gets in winter is 35 degrees Farenheit 1.66 Celcious for maybe a day or two. By mid day, the temperature it will go up.
I was randomly wondering a couple years ago what the northern most town was, and Google mentioned Longyearbyen. So I looked up the town on Google, and it brought me to Cecilia's videos, and I've been hooked ever since.
I heard of it prior to watching Cecelia through van life travellers I follow on YT. Love watching what life is actually like through the eyes of those that live there.
I knew about it from the Tom Scott video years ago but a year ago I started seeing Cecilia's videos in the algorithm and started binging it. Then recently she was in a Kara and Nate video which she promoted and I started watching all of their videos.
I definitely hope she gets paid for her PR work. You couldn't ask for a better representative. It's obvious they love their lives. Lol I'm sold. Seriously, I don't think I could do the cold everyday, but I believe I would enjoy a lengthy vacation there.
I’m a Lithuanian-American who lives in Florida. I’m always looking for videos on UA-cam from very unusual environments. I found your channel recently and I love it. It was lovely to hear my native language on your video.
I’m in Florida too! I can’t imagine that cold!
Vid, me too and if you have any suggestions I would love to hear more.
Welcome to Florida and welcome to some of the greatest content on YT! I’m like you in loving unique places. I am blown away seeing such a stunning environment in the cold, since I have lived in the Florida heat forever. 😂
@@braves96 heyyy I also lived in FL for years but am originally from ATL so I'm curious if that's what your username is referencing lol. I also love the videos from people in extreme climates! I loved the videos from Life in Yakutia (Siberia) but Maria and her family have had to relocate to Kazakhstan in the past few months. I learned a lot from her videos!
@Emma hi there. My name sort of is in reference to the city of Atlanta. It's actually in reference to the city's Major League Baseball team and I love both! I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta and still live here. We aren't as warm as Florida but our winters are mild and our summers are very hot. My dad lived in Palm Beach for 50 years I believe, and South Florida is amazing.
The way Medeina looked at Agne at the table almost made my heart burst. What incredibly sweet girls they have. I loved this peak into their life. Big thank you to Arvydas and Agne for letting us get to know them!
I couldn’t believe how little Medina sat so still while her mom put on the warm layers of clothing! We live in a place that snows not as cold as Svalbard of course but our son moves constantly he has never been still more than a second or two! It’s always such a struggle to dress him.
but why did Mom grab the snow shoes away from Cecilia so quickl? 😅 she even started Cecilia 😂.
I thought the exact same thing. I was so shocked how cooperative she was! She’s so cute
*Medeina. It is one of our pagan goddess name
I'm seriously just blown away at the differences between what we'd do here in America vs. what y'all do there in such a beautiful, peaceful country. You'd never think to leave your child alone outdoors in many parts of the US, so this is beyond fascinating & just so lovely to see. It makes me want to live there even more! And truly, what a lovely family! Please extend my thanks for having you video them for 2 days. This was beyond educational & it showed us what family life is like there. Can't wait for more Meet the Locals videos! :)
Marianna
I’ve read that the children that are left to take naps in the outdoors- suffer less sickness. Amazing the differences in their children and children in the U.S. - could be that’s why our kids stay sick with various viruses/bugs
I believe this is true. I think it started with the internet. Everyone reading all these stories that make it seem like it’s common. I walked to school in kindergarten but he eighties. Everyone did
Sorry, I meant to say in the eighties.
I am rural, we kept a tent set up year round and the kids had sleeping bags and books to read. They spent many nights sleeping in the tent even when it first got cold.
We would get arrested in the US for leaving such a young child unattended outdoors. It happens all the time
When I was a baby (in the 60s) my mom would walk to the grocery store and leave me sleeping in the pram outside, along with all the other sleeping babies whose mothers were shopping. This was in a major US city, Seattle! I still live near there and would never even consider going to that same store, alone, in broad daylight. What a blessing to raise that beautiful family in a safe place like Longyearbeyen. Cherish that, and stay forever if you can!
My mother was from the Netherlands and I remember her telling me, back in 1977 when I was pregnant with my first baby, that babies need to be "aired". That means put outside for periods of time no matter what the weather. I did this with my boys and they rarely had colds!
A lot of people outside of Europe, mostly Americans, are in shock how babies sleep outside. Its totally normal. Also when she said that in her childhood she was playing outside from morning until evening, my childhood was the same. I really loved this video.
Babies sleep outside just in the north Europe not all europe
@@annah4267I’m from Italy, I live in a small town on the Alps, and we leave our babies to sleep outside too. Fresh air is life, and we have nearly the same temperatures of Svalbard, during wintertime. Obviously, we live in a very safe place, no crime here. 😊
I’m American, but grew up on a fruit farm. I would play outside all day unsupervised. But when my daughter was growing up in the suburbs I WOULD NEVER do that!!! Not a safe environment! Just depends on the circumstances.
@AnnaM84 confirming the same from Hungary! We always slept outside, in the summer and in the winter. Back then in the winter it was usually between -10 and -15 celsius.
Thank you for sharing your life’s with us, I’m an American and it’s wonderful to see how safe it is to be able to let your little one sleep outside and trust the people. We lack that here! It’s a wonderful country and I really like the population😃 Thank you again. Sending friendship from Las Vegas, Nevada
Cecilia, you’re an amazing story teller and equally amazing at getting the best shots to support your narrative. You’re a credit to Svalbard; I hope they know how valuable you are to the community. Always showing the good in the townspeople and the place. You’re one of the only content creators that I hit 👍🏼 before I watch the video. Please thank the beautiful family for letting us into their lives.
Agreed. She's very talented at this.
I do the same. 😂👍🏻
Strongly agree aswell !!
Totally agree!!
@@AngelLuluBlu WOW 😲
You can definitely tell the baby is used to being bundled up. She just sits there and get your layers on. ❤
I was amazed. I don't have children but I do have 5 nieces and nephews and various other children throughout my life and dressing them in simple American spring clothing has always felt like trying to put the same clothes on a wild cat! ☺️😂
I was thinking of that, any other child would throw at least one tantrum per layer of clothing☺️ Not these girls, they even allow their mom to put that oily cream on their faces without any fuss.
@@minime7375 I'm thinking they probably did both kids like that since birth, so it's second nature.
This babies sleeping outside thing blows my mind every time I see or hear about it.
It is common up here in the north and Scandinavia.
My husband is Russian and he has the same philosophy about being outside. We live in Minnesota (US) where it can be as cold (or colder) than Svalbard in the winter, and we take our baby outside everyday up to -15C! We also notice that she sleeps better and is happier when she gets fresh air. It’s a lot of effort to get her outside, but it’s so worth it. I really appreciate this glimpse into this lovely family’s life!
Amazing series - it's been a real insight into family life on Svalbard. I loved seeing the 5 year old on ski's, taking a tumble and getting right back up. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how Arvydas and his wife cope with the children during midnight sun. UK summertime was always a struggle for me when daughters were young children (many years ago) They just didn't want to go to bed as it was still daytime - still light outside.
This is why Scandinavia - from Svalbard to Iceland to Denmark in the south - is such a success in almost every area of human endeavour. Reasonable people, produce reasonable governments and their policies. Thank you, Cecilia!
I loved the two videos with this wonderful family so much. You all gave us such a good feel for what it’s like to raise children in this place and climate. I wish we had more of a focus on outside time for children (and adults) in the United States again. I grew up playing outside in Minnesota every single day of my childhood in the 1970s and 80s, and I think it’s made me a very hardy adult. Nowadays parents have to send their children to private schools with a focus on nature time in order to get that, and most can’t afford it. I hope the pendulum swings back to more outside play again!
Hello from Fargo! My neighborhood went from us playing outside most of the year to no kids playing, but now with people from Africa living here, we now have kids playing outside again.
@@lorainefleeman6011 I’ve seen exactly the same in St. Cloud! Our new Somali neighbors’ kids are outside all the time and having so much fun, and I ask myself, where are the white kids? Only because it’s a shame that white families no longer let their kids go outside without adults. We need to change perceptions so all families feel it’s safe and necessary to get kids playing outside again.
@@WellEditedCo I know. White kids don't play outside here, either, but I'm just enjoying seeing the African kids play.
Long time watcher here - thank you for these family videos. Your friends are lovely! The little girls are precious. The parents are doing a great job, which is a hard thing even in the perfect climate :)
As an Italian I have always been attracted to the Scandinavian countries and in particular the Svalbard Islands and your channel is perfect for getting to know them better. This family with their children is just wounderful. Thank you very much. Great video❤
What a lovely way to raise children! I also was fascinated by the journalist who chronicled his expulsion from Longyearbyen. I read his article and was struck by how wonderfully he was treated. It seems you Northern folks have the key to a happy life. Thanks for sharing!
As a Finn, the way they work with weather and kids is very relatable! I highly enjoy watching this!
Lived in Finland for 10 years and as you say normal to leave kids outside in winter to sleep.
Yep same in Sweden! At least on the countryside! The best way for kids to sleep in the cold and be outside in every weather 😍
I love sleeping in the cold, buried in blankets. I think I sleep better. I bet the baby sleeps so well. She’s sure bundled up and ready. And look at that little skier! She’s doing a great job! I appreciate seeing how this beautiful family handles life in such extreme circumstances. Thank you for allowing a glimpse into your life. ❤
In the winter months, I close the vents in my bedroom to keep it cold because I love to sleep in a mountain of blankets - makes me so happy and cozy!
I love how much fresh air they get! They are definitely going to grow up loving nature in Svalbard. ❤
i mean they have to, to stay healthy since how little light they get! but yes it’s refreshing to see :)
I extend my thanks to this lovely family for opening up their lives and visiting with us. It does my cold black 🖤 good to hear parents believe in raising kids outside! Unfortunately in many places in the US, if you left your child alone like that, your kid would either be taken or you'd be arrested for abandonment; very sad. Thx for bring us the good vibes from Svalbard and give Grim a big kiss for me. ✌️❤️🐕
Such a nice family to share their lives with us, thank you. You can see how happy the little girl is living there.
Having gone to university in southern CA with many Scandinavians - I’m now understanding more about their upbringing and I love it! Thank you for sharing!
Hello Cecilia, how are you doing today ?
Thank you for this very interesting video and thank you to Arvydas and his family for these shared moments.
Here, in France, in Paris, your life always seems so exceptional and unique to me. A child here could never sleep peacefully outside alone in his stroller without a certain danger. You have the cold, the bears maybe, but your quality of life is undeniably better, healthier, more secure. It's quite magical!
Hey Cecilia~ This two-parter was absolutely fabulous! Fascinating in so many ways. May I say a big Thank You! to Arvydas, Agnè, Gabija, Medeina, and Aila for sharing themselves with you so you could share with us! Their kind generosity and openness was very much appreciated. I am so looking forward to the next visit you have planned with them. I am loving this series of Longyearbyen. Brilliant.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see more of this lovely little family. How much better the world would be if more had the attitude of these parents-wanting the kids to spend time playing outside, feeling satisfied with what they’re small town offered. Their sweet children and adorable dog at the end. Just a perfect video! Thank you to Cecilia & this family! 💕
Between you, Christopher & this family, I wish I was living there too! Those kids were simply wonderful, they’re going to have such great , stable lives . To me, this is exactly what raising children and your own little family is what it should be about for everyone, but sadly too many people lose sight of what’s good & right. It seems like such a great place for kids to grow up and have adventures….
What a lovely family! I'm from the US, so it's nice to learn about how different cultures raise their children
Loved this and love seeing how active and healthy children grow up, being outside is the norm, not the exception. I had also heard that having children sleep outside started in the 20's in Iceland during an epidemic, of flu I think. A doctor recommended the children nap outdoors for health and it still goes on. There is a lot of common sense behind that idea, I think.
I gasped and said “wow!” Out loud when he said how much he gets for paternity leave. That would of been wonderful to have here in the states.
lots of Americans wants it but are you willing to pay up to 60% total in taxes to pay for it?
My son works for a tech company here in the us and gets 18 weeks full pay paternity leave.
Another brilliant video! Really like the ‘Meet The Locals’ idea. Fascinating to hear everyone’s story of how they arrived in Svalbard. Something I also love in a lot of your videos is showing places I went to when I visited Svalbard last May, like the high street…. and the husky cafe! Loved that place, and I remember that white dog too! 😊
I’ve loved seeing what it’s like to raise young children there on Svalbard! It’s refreshing to see no matter what the climate, the language, or culture, all of us parents are trying to do right by our kids to bring them the best upbringing we can give them ❤️ Thank you for this two part series, Cecelia!
In a perfect world, every place on our globe would be as safe and idyllic as Svalbard! What a WONDERFUL place to grow up and live!🌎 🌍🌼🌈💙
What precious tiny humans, what a lovely family! Bless!
I love this family. Thank you for showing us this part of life there. What an amazing childhood for those precious girls. Can’t wait to see more of them and life with kids there.
. 18:45, re. little one sleeping outside. "...the kid's just gong to chill here." No truer words were ever uttered in these videos.
Ah the northen European lifestyle, its the best ! Healthy food , ourdoor living , open minds and hearts , whats not to love . 50 nationalities ! What a great way to grow up .
We visited Iceland with my then 8 months old and could feel the warm culture around kids and family (and eye opening leaving babies nap outside in the cold on its own in its pram). Coming from tropical place it's almost out of the world. As a mom, I just loved the sense of safety and in a way also respect and openness for kids I felt in Iceland. One day we'll visit Longyearbyen....
I would love to know more about the other 2 villages on Svalbard! They sound so interesting especially the one with 10 people living there!!
OMG, Gabby and being pulled by her doggo on skis - my heart! Lovely family and beautiful video.
Cecilia, I can’t believe how fast your channel is growing, your videos are wonderful and fascinating.
Agreed!!!!
My 22 year old daughter introduced me to Cecilia's channel and I LOVE it! We are on vacation (holiday) in Europe and I am currently on the Eurostar from Paris to London watching her channel. We visit Portugal for our first time in a week and I have been watching Cecilia's Portugal videos as well! Thank you Cecilia and Christoffer for all of your hard work to bring Svalbard to us all! Much love!
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we all could safely leave our children outside in a stroller/pram to sleep? There is NO way that could ever happen in the states. We can’t even let our children play in the front yard anymore without being worried they’re going to be kidnapped & trafficked. The more I watch Cecilia’s videos, the more I want to move to Svalbard. No homelessness, very little crime, if any, beautiful environment, trust among each other in the community. I can only imagine what it feels like to be able to walk outside without holding a can of mace in my hand. I’ll take polar bears any day over the criminal behavior of people in my area. Thank you for sharing, Cecilia. Also thank you to Arvydas & Ange for allowing us into their lives & home. ❤
These are the best videos when you’re able to interview the few people you’re able to interview it gives us so much insight into the life there. Definitely the most beautiful place on earth in my opinion.
Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
@@CeciliaBlomdahl wonderful!!! 🌺🌹🌺
I can’t even imagine leaving my baby outside like that. With no worries. That’s awesome though. That they can do that ❤
No way ever would I park my baby in the states.
Yeah, that's completely normal in Norway, even on the mainland where there's way more people.
We can’t do that in the USA with how unsafe it is. I wonder if kids there are more resilient to illness since their respiratory system has such a strong foundation from such an early age? I absolutely love the idea of this. We would take our son on 2 mile walks in winter in his stroller every day. Best sleep of his life, but our winter is like summer where they are. 😂
It's like another world!! Just wow
I feel exactly the same. Could never do that.
I remember growing up in the mid 70's in the UK, and we were always outside playing with friends (although it didn't get as cold as Longyearbyen in the winter). Someone once said to me there's no such thing as bad weather if you wear the right clothes 😄
Me too. I was always out whatever the weather. That's the only way to build up any resistance to the cold and to build up immunity. Greetings to you from Cheshire UK.
As a Brazilian, I don’t think that phrase applies to the hot weather tho so that’s why I prefer Winter, bc you’re absolutely right! I personally find it unbearable to withstand our hot temperatures here 😅 you can be in a bikini and still uncomfortable lol
@@bestnarryever Lol, I was thinking of the cold and wet English winter when I made the bad weather comment. We had a hot (for us) summer last year, and I was here in a pair of shorts and it was too much for me 😄
@@dragonmac1234 it’s ok though, no worries! I found it actually really funny to see the opposite perspective 😂
So good learning about families, school, childhood…sleeping outside! Please give them my thanks!
Wow! This is very enlightening about how families live on the island.
The parents are full of wisdom on how to read their children by watching the kids behaviors.
I,however feel very uncomfortable about leaving my child unattended while they nap.
Really do appreciate including and sharing your series on families on Svalbard.
Thank you to you and Christopher for sharing. Well done!
Please thank this wonderful family for sharing their lives with us. I enjoyed hearing their story very much
How wonderful to be pulled along by your doggie on your skis! Any child would love this.
Being a Mum, I couldn't stop thinking of how much work it would be to change your baby under all that clothing. All comes with this amazing territory I guess. Here's me in tropical Queensland Australia. But I love the world and all its diversities. And you bring this to us so well Cecilia. Thank you! 😍
Leaving my baby alone in the dark and cold blows my mind so far into the universe I am certain I will never have it blown again. Every single thing I hear from here on out will sound normal. ❤
Wonderful to see such a calm confident mother . What a truly special video ! Sending you warmest greetings and many blessings from an expat Brit in South India.
Loved it! Gaby reminded me of Cecilia with her skis and how she was showing the dogs some love at the end ♥️
I’m loving this series. I’m so surprised how much time Ardyvas gets for maternity. That is so awesome. I would love to have all those layers the baby had. Wool is the best thing! Hugs & love to you, Christoffer, & Grim ❤️❤️❤️
The BBC series 'Call the Midwife' begins in London in the 1950s & shows mothers frequently leaving their babies outside in their prams while they go shopping, etc.
I was going to mention the same thing!
Such a difference for the children. It makes sense once the baby is all snuggled up in the pram, but it would not be safe here to leave a child outside and alone. Thank you for sharing this wonderful family.
Loved getting to see what family life with small children is like. Looking forward to more of the meet the locals series!
My mum lived in Norway when I had my daughter (in uk), she bought me over this pram insulation cover, so come January when we moved to a place with a garden my daughter slept outside in her pram for her morning nap. Nothing like it available here in the UK. When we were finished with it the whole lot went back to Norway for her cousins, a well used pram and accessories ! SO enjoying your videos !!!
Thank you so much Arvydas and family for sharing your experience. We lived in the Arctic Circle in Canada with our 2 young kids. Kids just adapt.
Just the fact that you can leave the little ones outside like that without worry, unlike here in the USA, says a lot about Svalbard and what a close knit safe community y'all have there! Thank you for sharing some insight into family life in Svalbard and a BIG thanks to this wonderful family for allowing us in! ❤
If you go through the comments you can see that other countries do this too 😊
Such a prolific storyteller you are. Thank you for the wonderful video, as always!! ❤
Thank you so much! ♡
13:45 having a morning Moon just hovering there is dreamy.
❤- from California
Not gonna lie, I was so surprised to see that the baby was left outside.Being from the U.S. and knowing how easy it is to have your child taken, is a huge culture shock. Thank goodness there is no crime where you live. I don't think I would be able to do that if just moving there from the U.S. Love your videos. Thank you and Arvydas and his family for sharing a little piece of their life!
Living in Germany and visiting Sweden, I fell in love. I seriously would love to move there! Beautiful people!!!!!❤
Many thanks, for the video, greetings from Lithuania, Vilnius! Linkėjimai Arvydui ir Agnei, jauki ir graži Jūsų buitis, nuostabūs Jūsų vaikučiai! :)
I am a new subscriber to your channel. I love it! You Christoffer and Grim are wonderful to watch! Thank you for this channel, I enjoy it completely!
I just love this lovely family. They are so smart taking this kids outside. I wish to see more parents doing this. It's so healthy! I remember seeing families while visiting in Sweden eating inside while babies were outside in town sleeping in strollers, and thought, wow! Then a Swedish friend explained to me, and I was so impressed how safe it was. I'm envious. I wish we could do this here in the US. Great video. Oh, I remember mark Sabbatini and his online magazine ice people! He lives in Alaska now, I think.
What an awesome Family...So sweet and very mature in their thought process....The kids are great and enjoy like it should be..thanks for the vlog Cecilia
I'm from the US and the first time I saw a baby sleeping outside in their pram was in Germany back in the 90's. I thought for sure they forgot the poor little one until my German friends set me straight 🤣. I love these videos and have learned so much about Longyearbyen in the 6 months that I have watched the channel and am addicted! Thank you for sharing Cecilia.
I would love to sometime hear the feelings and viewpoint of people nearing the end of their life living here due to aging. Love all the episodes!
Absolutely loved the series! I’m so glad that there’s a safe place out in the world with compassionate people. As an American, we can’t even let go of our kid’s hand in a store because of the fear they’ll be taken. We have videos of parents explaining how they have to put leashed bands on kid’s wrist & lock the doors with kids in the car while we unload groceries. Longyearben is such a beautiful place with beautiful people. Thank you all for showing this ❤
??? Where do you live?? My family is in the Southern U.S. and I've never heard parents be that fearful.
@@Shadeadder There’s an average of 460,000 kids that go missing in the US each year. If those statistics don’t prompt you to secure your children a bit more then bless your heart. I didn’t mean this as me going out scared for my life but I hold my child closer in public places. I applaud Longyearben for not needing to think twice on leaving their baby outside as they don’t have the statistics as we do.
@@AK-vr4fi Statistics mean nothing without understanding the details behind them. The number is terrible, but I bet very, very few of them were kids at the grocery store with their parents in your average suburbia. The vast majority (4:1) of kidnapping crimes involve family perpetrators, not strangers. Moreover, the majority of kids who go missing (84%) are runaways between the ages of 12 to 18. The chances of your child being abducted in broad daylight with their parent is extremely, extremely low. I'm not saying "Don't be vigilant". But saying "we can’t even let go of our kid’s hand in a store because of the fear they’ll be taken" is definitely a reflection of a cultural hysteria.
@@Shadeadder You protect your kids the way you want & I will protect mine the way I want. It’s not a hassle to hold my young child’s hand in a store. I’m not judging anyone who does otherwise.
97.8% of those reported missing are found and 90% are runaways or have been taken by a family member. America is much safer now than it was in the 70s, we just get bombarded with terrible news because the media wants us to keep watching. I live in Detroit and I feel my family is very safe.
Wow, how SAFE it must be to live there!!! How cool to feel that sense of safety for your kids!
I think you had under 100k subscribers when I started watching it’s amazing to see your growth the recent vlogs have been amazing. Cannot wait to see you celebrate seeing the sun again!
I love the idea of kids sleeping outside!! I love the real rest I get sleeping out and think it is very healthy. Great video
This is the first time I'm watching on UA-cam. I found you on TikTok and to get FULL videos is so exciting! Thank you for showing us this life, I LOVE it. Well watching, I couldn't do the cold myself to be honest! LOL Long Island, New Yorker here!
That gorgeous baby was so good about getting dressed up! Bless her ❤
I love watching you. I've always been fascinated by the northern parts of Canada so this is just something I love to find out about.
I'm from Scotland now living in Alberta, Canada so I'm used to the early dark nights and cold weather. I love sharing with my friends back home the different ways we love compared to my birth home.
I always enjoy what you post. I found you on TT
What a wonderful family. Everyone seems so kind and friendly.
In all my travels and my love for camping, Svalbad has my record for the longest camp 18 days.
I found this video most interesting, Cecilia. I teach ESL to adults so hearing about the different nationalities living there was fascinating to me. Also learning about the age statistics interested me. Wow, very few elderly there too.
Nothing sweeter than that bundled up baby. 😍 So cute…
What a lovely video. The little girl on her skis is just precious.
I love seeing how kids live in the village. This family is adorable. I used to leave my kids in the pram too
I look forward to having my Sunday morning coffee with Cecilias videos. ❤
It is so funny watching the dog pull the little girl on her skis. She falls over and gets right back up. 😅
I love this family! It is so fascinating that they put their baby outside to sleep in the cold weather. I can see that she is dressed very warmly. Agné is such a good mother! Tell them thank you! 💛
That is smart to watch the flags to see what type of weather is out. The wind is a major factor on the island weather there. I love how safe it is there. It is a beautiful city to live in if you can afford it. Kids have so much energy. They are like the Energizer Bunny from that battery company.
Great video as always! Thank you to your friends for helping you show us how family life works on Svalbard. Cheers from Canada!
I loved for the little girl is pulled by her dog for skiing. Very interesting series.
Thank you to the beautiful family letting us take a peek into their lives on Svalbard! Amazing how resilient the little ones are. So impressed with the linguistic skills of the parents and kiddos alike.
Adding “the” before Philippines is a small detail that most people neglect but as a Filipino I really appreciate that. Well done Cecelia. You do great work. ❤
Love your new series on families and their lives on Svalbard. As a person living in California it’s very interesting to see how families and their children adapt to the Svalbard life. Keep up the good work. I’ve watched you for a long time and find these episodes one of my favorites.
Thank You to Cecilia and this amazing family❤❤
Cecilia I'm so happy I found your channel, I am so intrigued to how you and families live on Svalsbard. Really enjoyed Gabby and her family. Thanks for sharing this!🥰
That is so awesome!! Looks like that family has made a friend in you and Christoffer!!
What a lovely family and so kind to share their lives. :) Wonderful!
Love, love those cozy houses at 15:45.
I love the tranquility of family life there. So must trust and contentment.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story ❤