One of the very best experiences I even have had as a parent

As a firefighter, I work shifts, 4 days on and 4 days off. This gives me an enormous time advantage when I even have time with my daughter.

We've attended playdates, craft and toy swap days together – and despite online depictions of a more equal world, I'm normally the one dad in attendance.

Maybe that's why, when my daughter began school, I felt like I used to be affected by a gentle type of empty nest syndrome. I desired to nurture our bond, so I made a decision to plan a visit – only for the 2 of us.

Since we’re English, I assumed it best to remain in Europe, regardless that I had already traveled to Japan twice with my wife and daughter. (I admit, a long-haul flight without her mother was a scary prospect).

I checked flights, my budget, and travel times that will keep her sleep schedule intact and narrowed it right down to two locations: Porto, Portugal, or Bergen, Norway. Then I asked my daughter if she desired to go somewhere hot or cold. To my surprise she selected cold, so it was Bergen.

We left for Manchester Airport much sooner than needed, which ended up giving us more time to play eye spy and discuss with people within the terminal. My child's confidence and cuteness acted as an icebreaker and we got here into contact with many more people than I’d have if I had traveled alone.

I tactically booked an airport hotel to make our first night in Bergen somewhat more nice. But we each arrived filled with energy. When the lights went out, she fell asleep almost immediately while I lay awake. I used to be now the excited child, excited for the journey ahead.

The next day we took the train to the town center – and I knew that Norway was the suitable selection. The tunnels and breathtaking topography were rivaled only by the people.

My daughter exudes a self-confidence that I hope she never loses. She gave a thumbs up sign to locals on the platforms at every stop and at all times received a reciprocated gesture and a smile. She quickly moved on to the two-handed love heart sign that reflected a young Norwegian couple. After successfully melting enough real hearts, she turned back to the coloring book the hotel concierge had given her that morning.

From the efficiency of the train to the cleanliness of the town streets, Norway jogged my memory of Japan.

The similarities to the “Land of the Rising Sun” continued throughout our trip: the funny beeps at street intersections, the proliferation of 7-Eleven supermarkets, the reserved but friendly people, subtle and complex fashion decisions, great customer support, delicious food and far more the unrestricted friendliness towards children.

“In Norwegian culture, children come first,” a mother told me at VilVite, a children’s science museum in Bergen. We had talked about how impressive the museum was for kids and the way the staff at every turn were interested by improving the youngsters's learning experience. The museum opened 17 years ago and looked brand latest. Since the exhibitions change usually, local parents keep coming back.

As we talked, my daughter was twiddling with other kids, constructing Lego cars to check them on a wavy wood track that she ended up smashing into pieces.

Raising children in Norway is different from raising children in England. There is a monthly cap on childcare costs, which inspires each parents to work and promotes gender equality within the workforce. Children don't start school until they’re six years old, which suggests they’ve more time with the family. Due to the country's low crime rate, it is not uncommon for kids to walk alone to high school or to other members of the family' homes – one other similarity to Japan.

Our trip was guided by loose plans, and I let my child cleared the path as much as possible. We ate pancakes on the harbor and laughed on the loud honks of nearby cruise ships. We took the funicular to the highest of Mount Fløyen, hiked to a lake and glided over rocks along the shore. Along the best way we saw cairns, small piles of stones that sometimes mark a vital point. My daughter insisted on making her own stuffed animal to honor considered one of her favorite stuffed animals.

We spent the remainder of our getaway exploring the cobbled streets and alleys of the protected and quiet city, often snapping photos of eclectic street art. Our walk took us to a toy store, parks, an ice cream shop, a hearth station, and a big church with a practicing choir inside.

On our last evening together, we sat on our hotel bed, me with a reindeer hot dog and my daughter with a box of leftover pizza. She watched children's programs on television and it didn't trouble her that she couldn't understand a word.

This was an unplanned and easy moment and I’ll cherish this memory ceaselessly. We were each content and fulfilled from a day of father-daughter adventures with no responsibilities or thoughts in regards to the future.

No matter how spontaneous you could be, as a parent you’ll inevitably get caught up in a routine. Even “having fun” can involve unwritten guidelines, worries, and planning.

That's why it's vital that we are able to truly enjoy our youngsters – a time once we ignore work, household chores, bills and every part else that may put a strain on life. Exploring latest territory, solving problems and having fun together, miles from home, is among the finest experiences I've had as a parent.

I’m wondering if my little 4 yr old will remember this trip when she grows up.

I do know I’ll. I'm already planning our next trip.