dare to be diff-erent

Elisabeth has a new hobby - swimming in the sea at least once a week. She was inspired by her friend Siri who has formed a group in Holmestrand on the Oslo fjord. Their group is called "Damer i Fri Flyt" (DIFF for short) which translates literally to "Women Floating Free" (as opposed to "Free Women Floating").

So in August Elisabeth formed the Rogaland Chapter of DIFF. To become a member you have to pass a few tests:

1. Be a woman.

2. Swim at least three strokes in the cold sea with a witness.

They have some other rules:

1. No swiming alone after the 1st September.

2. No swimming if you have a fever.

3. No hats (see below) to be worn from May until the end of August.

Members that show dedication by attending at least three or four sessions get presented with an ugly woolly crocheted hat; made with no pattern and lots of inspiration and enthusiasm.

After their swim they enjoy an old fashioned chin-wag over a cup of hot cocoa from their DIFF cups.