The everyday hero of the week, Fana | – It takes so little to make everyday life a little extra nice

Fanaposten has asked readers to tell us who their everyday hero is. “Torill is always smiling and cheerful, and very service-minded. In addition, she is a great jeweler with a lot of creativity”, was the reason why Torill Thorsen deserves such an award.

Torill Thorsen owns and runs Totto’s goldsmith in Blomsterdalen centre. She finds it touching to be referred to as an everyday hero.

– I didn’t think I would feel such a lump in my throat. It was practically touching. Thank you very much!

Why do you think someone nominated you?

– Perhaps it must be because Totto’s goldsmith provides good service, and that I meet people with a smile. Totto’s goldsmith is a small niche shop with good knowledge and customers who have followed us since 1997.

What do you like best about your job?

– It is a creative job where no two days are the same. I get to make new and old, but what I like most is repairing things. Especially old things, give them new life so they can be used further. I have repaired everything possible over the years. Once I repaired a typewriter. It’s not an ordinary job for a jeweler, but I managed it – I think it was luck! I also really like talking to people; What would one do without the customer?

Who is your role model?

– It must be my son Thorbjørn Ludvigsen. He is so smart and down to earth. He really stands up!

What daily routines can’t you do without, at work and in private?

– I always have the radio on NRK Hordaland. The first thing I do when I get to work is turn on the radio.

What has surprised you the most in your current job?

– That customers come from afar, from large parts of Bergen/Os, even from Norheimsund and Nordhordland, all the way to Blomsterdalen centre.

What blunder in a work context can you look back on today and laugh at?

– When I worked in the cash register at Mecca and I couldn’t give change back to a boy who was so handsome. I got up from the checkout and left.

What fun fact about yourself can you reveal to the public?

– I am adventurous. I love good experiences and have been on some incredibly great trips. A fun fact is that I collect mountain tops. I have been to Everest base camp, Aconcagua in Argentina, the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu and Kilimanjaro. At home I have been to Slogen, Hornindalsrokken, Falketind, Glittertind, Galdhøpiggen, Eggenibba, Skåla about six times, Saudehornet and many more.

Why do you think you are so adventurous?

– I think it could be because I lost my mum so early. I was only in my 30s. Nothing is given in this world and you never know what will happen – so it is important to live and seize the day! Mum was also a life lover, so I probably got a bit of that from her. It takes so little to make everyday life a little extra nice. I sleep in a hammock in the garden, I actually did that last weekend. You can spend the night under the open sky at Ulriken, it’s not that far to travel.

Do you have any more trips planned?

– I was actually going to Greenland this year. There I was to ski and sledge across Greenland for 26 to 30 days. I have been training for a long time for the trip by dragging car tires behind me. People must have been terribly wrong when they saw me riding on car tires in the Skageskogen. The trip was unfortunately canceled by the tour operator. But instead of going to Greenland, it will be skiing and sledding for 10 days in Svalbard next year. We will sleep outside in tents and keep watch for polar bears. I look forward!

Who has impressed you the most recently – and why?

– Volodymyr Zelenskyj, President of Ukraine, and how he stands up and works for the freedom of his people.

What provokes you?

– Injustice.

What makes you really happy?

– Birds chirping and children’s laughter.

If you walked into a room where everyone you’ve ever met was, who would you go to first and why?

– It had to be dad! I was so happy for my father. I have lost both my parents, so it might as well be both mother and father that I would seek out first.

Which Bergens, living or dead, would you like to have dinner with – and why?

– Trude Drevland, she is a firework! NOT Bergens? Oh yes! I have such a feeling for her, she is straight from the liver, someone who really lives. It would also have been fun to meet Bjarte Hjelmeland. Dinner with the two of them together? Think about it, that would have been fun!

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What is your signature dish?

– Pizza à la Torill. My partner Arild always says; “You should open a pizzeria!”. The secret lies in the pizza base. I make several pizza bases and put them in the freezer.

Where do you prefer to go on holiday?

– Fjords and mountains, preferably in Norway.

What was your last cultural experience?

– Painting course at Ryvarden Kulturfyr.

How do you spend a perfect day off?

– Preferably in the mountains or at home on Grimseid with grandchildren and family, barbecuing and swimming.

What are your plans in 2024?

– First of all, it will now become our Easter paradise Gurostølen in Hol. Trips to the mountains with friends and family. Then it will be a trip to the lighthouse in June. We are a group of friends who go along the Westland coast and visit lighthouses. We’ve done that every June since 2003. And then I’m going to a wedding in New York in November. Seize the day!