Second stay was near Aberfeldy in a different timeshare in Kenmore next to a lake and set in a rock wall village. The cottage was comfortable and well equipped and the people around very friendly and helpful with whatever we wanted or needed. I must say that Diamond Resorts never lets us down. While there we visited a Safari Experience and were able to feed the red deer on the site and saw a baby feeding from its mother. We learned much about the deer, their personalities and the antlers and how they grow and how they are used in the cycle of a deer's life. It gave me new appreciation of this wildlife and now I will have a better understanding of the deer that come down out of the forests above where we live. All of these deer at this place were rescue animals for one reason or another and then are raised and do have offspring on this protected property,
We also at this safari place learned of a barn owl that was rescued and now being raised and taken care of by a gracious man who dearly loves these animals. The female owl was gorgeous in her plume of white and coppery feathers. She was extremely intelligent and particularly noisy, She and the ranger had a unique communication going between them. The ranger had only had her for three weeks at that time. She trusted him and flew forth and back from her perch to his heavily gloved hand and her noise indicated that she was happy, He fed her and she got this exercise/feeding two or three times a day. The ranger spoke to her as if she was a human child and one could tell that they really like each other. What a special gift this man has!
We hiked up in the hills above this village as well. We got a beautiful overview of this serene area with the lake and the sheep on the hillsides. The trail was muddy at spots, but that was to be expected as it had been rainy and cold while we were there.
One morning we were surprised to hear and then see from a window a bagpiper welcoming in the Monday morning as she does on a weekly basis there. We learned later that she was one of the bagpipers marching in with the youth bagpipers. I rushed to take her photo. She was gracious to stop walking so I could get the shot. We enjoyed our daily glass of wine and/or beer on the deck by the lake. It was a quiet, relaxing part of the day and the scenery so green and beautiful.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
SCOTLAND
Ahhhhh! Scotland! The land of rolling hills with heather and peat, red haired deer, squirrels, cattle, and humans. The land of countless distilleries, round-abouts, and small cars root-beer colored streams and rivers, and huge blue firths and friendly people. And, of course, golf courses like we know Starbucks.
Our first stay was at Aberfeldy, home of Dewar's single malt scotch, We stayed at a timeshare on the golf course and it was a sweet cottage that was very comfortable and close to whatever we wanted to do. We hiked through the Burk of Aberfeldy...............a fantastic walk beside a stream that tumbled over many rocks and falls of different sizes. There was a bronze monument of Robert Burns at one point. Evidently, he liked to go to this area when he wanted to relax and get inspired. He had a favorite spot up on one side of the stream that had a cave-like rock indentation where he sat to write.
Also, I found it interesting that it was a place where Mendelssohn liked to go for relaxation and creative inspiration, If I lived there, I am sure I would hike/walk this place several times a month.
On the first Monday of the month there is a bagpipe concert at a park in nearby Pitlochary, so we took that in and were delighted in hearing a young bagpipe band, a local vocalist and a great MC that kept the crowd laughing and interested. This is a common community gathering during the summer months. Different bagpipers host the evening. It was festive and fun we felt very welcomed and part of this small community's gathering. We even knew some of the songs that we joined in singing upon request of the evening's program.
AWenother hike we did was to go up into a forested area above Aberfeldy to see the variation of the trees planted upon the order of King George I. Much of the vegetation there is much to the same as we know in the Pacific Northwest. Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Ferns, some pine and we were delighted to learn that Douglas Fir seeds were planted and the forest was heavy with these beautiful trees brought to Scotland from America. At one point were surprised to see a Totem Pole carved into a standing Douglas Fir. The Squamish First Nation of Canada ( Vancouver ) made it, That hit close to home. We were able to speak with a couple about it and they seemed very pleased to know we lived so close to the makers of this grand item gracing their park trail.
We had super hot chocolate at a special chocolatier's, we shopped at a renowned book store, we got soaked by rain, and we slept soundly in our quiet cottage. A very good beginning to our visit to Scotland.
Our first stay was at Aberfeldy, home of Dewar's single malt scotch, We stayed at a timeshare on the golf course and it was a sweet cottage that was very comfortable and close to whatever we wanted to do. We hiked through the Burk of Aberfeldy...............a fantastic walk beside a stream that tumbled over many rocks and falls of different sizes. There was a bronze monument of Robert Burns at one point. Evidently, he liked to go to this area when he wanted to relax and get inspired. He had a favorite spot up on one side of the stream that had a cave-like rock indentation where he sat to write.
Also, I found it interesting that it was a place where Mendelssohn liked to go for relaxation and creative inspiration, If I lived there, I am sure I would hike/walk this place several times a month.
On the first Monday of the month there is a bagpipe concert at a park in nearby Pitlochary, so we took that in and were delighted in hearing a young bagpipe band, a local vocalist and a great MC that kept the crowd laughing and interested. This is a common community gathering during the summer months. Different bagpipers host the evening. It was festive and fun we felt very welcomed and part of this small community's gathering. We even knew some of the songs that we joined in singing upon request of the evening's program.
AWenother hike we did was to go up into a forested area above Aberfeldy to see the variation of the trees planted upon the order of King George I. Much of the vegetation there is much to the same as we know in the Pacific Northwest. Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Ferns, some pine and we were delighted to learn that Douglas Fir seeds were planted and the forest was heavy with these beautiful trees brought to Scotland from America. At one point were surprised to see a Totem Pole carved into a standing Douglas Fir. The Squamish First Nation of Canada ( Vancouver ) made it, That hit close to home. We were able to speak with a couple about it and they seemed very pleased to know we lived so close to the makers of this grand item gracing their park trail.
We had super hot chocolate at a special chocolatier's, we shopped at a renowned book store, we got soaked by rain, and we slept soundly in our quiet cottage. A very good beginning to our visit to Scotland.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
REDWORTH, ENGLAND
A beautiful interlude is what it was. A treat for us both. Two nights in a country Manor house that is now a hotel. I felt like I was in a PBS movie set.
We left Newcastle and because we did not have a long drive to our next destination, we drove up to Bellingham, England near the border of Scotland. Why not see what this village had to offer? We ate lunch in a small café and many of the townspeople were having their lunch there, too. We told them where we lived and they smiled because they pronounce THEIR Bellingham much differently.
This town was set in the middle of farm country, but they had what looked like a beautiful school and school grounds. We bought some great bread at the bakery. People were not particularly friendly....a small place where we felt out of place.
After lunch we drove through farm country several miles to Redworth and there drove up a lovely tree-lined private road to the Manor House where we stayed and relaxed. We had to make a reservation for dinner. Everything seemed quite formal. Folks dressed for dinner. Like Sunday go -to-church-clothes. White tablecloths and napkins placed on your lap by the hostess. Great food, great service, great surroundings.
Dan was not feeling well, so we chilled and did nothing the next day. He slept, I read and knitted.
In the morning, Dan had a massage and I had a super swim in the large swimming pool. We took in a few sites of the town. It was a rainy, dark morning. We visited a work camp facility that had a very sad history, but it was good to learn what the government there and other places did for and to the destitute in the times after the plague and when folks were starving to death every day. A very blacktime in history for England and Ireland. This place was restored to bring the story of these people to light so they will not be forgotten.
After dinner and a good night's sleep, we woke up with Scotland on our minds. We had a full day ahead of us to drive to
We left Newcastle and because we did not have a long drive to our next destination, we drove up to Bellingham, England near the border of Scotland. Why not see what this village had to offer? We ate lunch in a small café and many of the townspeople were having their lunch there, too. We told them where we lived and they smiled because they pronounce THEIR Bellingham much differently.
This town was set in the middle of farm country, but they had what looked like a beautiful school and school grounds. We bought some great bread at the bakery. People were not particularly friendly....a small place where we felt out of place.
After lunch we drove through farm country several miles to Redworth and there drove up a lovely tree-lined private road to the Manor House where we stayed and relaxed. We had to make a reservation for dinner. Everything seemed quite formal. Folks dressed for dinner. Like Sunday go -to-church-clothes. White tablecloths and napkins placed on your lap by the hostess. Great food, great service, great surroundings.
Dan was not feeling well, so we chilled and did nothing the next day. He slept, I read and knitted.
In the morning, Dan had a massage and I had a super swim in the large swimming pool. We took in a few sites of the town. It was a rainy, dark morning. We visited a work camp facility that had a very sad history, but it was good to learn what the government there and other places did for and to the destitute in the times after the plague and when folks were starving to death every day. A very blacktime in history for England and Ireland. This place was restored to bring the story of these people to light so they will not be forgotten.
After dinner and a good night's sleep, we woke up with Scotland on our minds. We had a full day ahead of us to drive to
NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND
Our next stop: Newcastle. What a treasure! We loved it there. We stayed in a downtown hotel, an old building, but refurbished and in middle of much activity. It was a Bank Holiday ( in other words a three day weekend ). The town was buzzing with young people and beautiful they were and very fun to watch. It amazed me the groups of men together; four, six and sometimes eight at a time. Laughing, singing, reveling and just plain having a great time. Young women dressed to the nines in everything from hot pants to mini skirts ( and if you think mini skirts of the 70s were short, think again) hung out where the men were, of course. Gee, it was fun to take it all in.
We fell in love with the walkway along the River Tyne. There were five different bridges crossing the river and all of them with different architecture and one them was a double decker. The most interesting and beautiful was the newest named the Millennium Bridge that part of it rises a few times a day. Not that that is so unusual, but the way it was hinged to come up was an engineering feat. Absolutely amazing! Photos help tell about that. One whole half circle with a walkway is lifted to let boats come under this huge surface. Crowds gather to watch with big eyes and opened mouths. The city is home to two universities and several public parks. We walked about three miles to find a public market advertised in a brochure, only to find out that the market has not been at the place mentioned for about 4 years. It was okay anyway. We saw lots of dwellings and came into a big, green, lovely park that had a sweet gift shop. The park officials showed us the way back from whence we came. Also, I must mention that one of the nights we were awakened to the sound of the fire alarm. We put on our pants and grabbed our shoes ( Dan did not put his on?????). When we opened our door we could smell smoke. We followed the fire escape route and ended up in an alley where no one else was. Half asleep, we walked around to the front of the building and found the front door. We were the only ones who heeded the fire instructions. We were told that all was fine. Someone had candles lit in a bathroom and it set off the alarm. We only believed half of that story, but went back up a couple of flights of stairs and tried to go back to sleep. The next day was a Sunday and we had a good breakfast outside in the sun at The Quay restaurant where many people had the same idea.
We got in on a birthday party with some women that asked to share our table. A fun game was played and we even got the table of young darling men behind us involved. Photos tell that story somewhat as well. We'll always remember that very fun morning. It was a short stay in Newcastle, but very
We fell in love with the walkway along the River Tyne. There were five different bridges crossing the river and all of them with different architecture and one them was a double decker. The most interesting and beautiful was the newest named the Millennium Bridge that part of it rises a few times a day. Not that that is so unusual, but the way it was hinged to come up was an engineering feat. Absolutely amazing! Photos help tell about that. One whole half circle with a walkway is lifted to let boats come under this huge surface. Crowds gather to watch with big eyes and opened mouths. The city is home to two universities and several public parks. We walked about three miles to find a public market advertised in a brochure, only to find out that the market has not been at the place mentioned for about 4 years. It was okay anyway. We saw lots of dwellings and came into a big, green, lovely park that had a sweet gift shop. The park officials showed us the way back from whence we came. Also, I must mention that one of the nights we were awakened to the sound of the fire alarm. We put on our pants and grabbed our shoes ( Dan did not put his on?????). When we opened our door we could smell smoke. We followed the fire escape route and ended up in an alley where no one else was. Half asleep, we walked around to the front of the building and found the front door. We were the only ones who heeded the fire instructions. We were told that all was fine. Someone had candles lit in a bathroom and it set off the alarm. We only believed half of that story, but went back up a couple of flights of stairs and tried to go back to sleep. The next day was a Sunday and we had a good breakfast outside in the sun at The Quay restaurant where many people had the same idea.
We got in on a birthday party with some women that asked to share our table. A fun game was played and we even got the table of young darling men behind us involved. Photos tell that story somewhat as well. We'll always remember that very fun morning. It was a short stay in Newcastle, but very
WALES
Not trusting what might happen to travel by train, we got on an airplane and flew to Wales, then rented a car to take us to our timeshare near Prestatyn, Wales. At the time, little did we know how close we were to Holyhead where we spent many hours waiting for a ferry because we missed the scheduled one due to the train fiasco from London. We rented a car and traveled on the auto way misunderstanding how to make our way to Prestatyn. What should have been no more than a two hour drive took us four hours, so we were into the early morning of the night.....AGAIN. We arrived at the timeshare at 1:30 am and had to get the security man from his sleep to get the key and show us our unit. The timeshare had its plusses, but not many. But, we won't dwell on that. Pea foul held reign of the grounds and the buildings. It was fun to have a family of six using our porch as a resting place. Mostly, it was cold and very dark the days we were there. Very, very windy, too. But, we did go for a few nice walks. One on a trail ( just 2 miles ) from our unit to the town where we did our grocery shopping. We also walked in the other direction to another burg where a pretty waterfall held our attention in a public park. On that trek, we met some folk from London that were staying at the same timeshare that we were. We would come across them every now and then through the week. That was fun. I swam in a great pool on the premises twice and enjoyed getting into the rhythm of the crawl. Best was our trip and hike around the Cliffs of Mohor. Dan has posted some photos of this tremendous place. Also, Llindundo. A lovely village set beside the Conwy Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. We hiked up the mountain where sheep dwell all over and overcoming all kinds of dung, we were rewarded with a most fantastic panoramic view of the huge water, the villages and the surrounding mountains. Terrain was soft sod as well as rocky in many places. We had a great day there. Wore ourselves out.
Back at the timeshare, we were entertained by a singer named DEEMO, a bald headed tenor that was excellent. Tuesday and Thursdays are his time to be on stage in the lounge there and children are even allowed in. Probably the one thing, besides the pool that was worth anything. However, it is a beautiful part of Wales itself and many folks spend their holidays on the beaches and camping spots near that area.
Back at the timeshare, we were entertained by a singer named DEEMO, a bald headed tenor that was excellent. Tuesday and Thursdays are his time to be on stage in the lounge there and children are even allowed in. Probably the one thing, besides the pool that was worth anything. However, it is a beautiful part of Wales itself and many folks spend their holidays on the beaches and camping spots near that area.
Friday, August 29, 2014
pics from Scotland
Water fall in the Burks of Aberfeldy seen on a hike we took
Where Robert Burns would sit and read
The warehouse of the Aberfeldy distillery
Afternoon tea
Dewar's Distillary
Heather on the hill
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
EXIT TO IRELAND
We found our seats on the Virgin Line train, so off we started for Wales. If I thought bringing our car back in Paris was a nightmare, it was nothing compared to what lied ahead for the next 29 hours.
The train went a short distance before we were stopped for an hour while the track was cleared of a mal-functioning train on the same track. That passed, and then we started again for a short while before we stopped because there was a death on the tracks. Backwards we went from where we came and got on another train. Good, then, we thought. But, we thought wrong. We had to join up twice at different stops, to join up and get on another train,thus putting us back a couple of hours. We then knew that we were going to miss the connection to the ferry to Ireland. Having to stay awake for the 2:40 am ferry in the ferry terminal was not a picnic. Dan beat me at two games of Cribbage. We were awake since 6:00 am the previous morning. Finally the huge ferry came and we found a place among sleeping-all-over-the-place passengers covered in blankets, sweaters, coats and what not.
In the midst of all of this, we discovered that we did not have our laptop, the carry bag it was in, and the tickets to get on the ferry, not to mention the 2000 some photos Dan had saved from our travels.
We obviously were helped to get on the ferry, but our spirits were a bit shattered.
If one has wondered why the blog has waned, we were without a computer for several days and without WiFi access and whatever else got in our way of communication.
Picking up our rented car at the terminal, we drove into the countryside to the timeshare we would have for four nights on a golf course. Exhausted, we slept the first day and missed any touring we would have done. We liked our accommodations. The weather was very cold. Dark sky ruled most of the days and wind blew continually. Undaunted, we did hike the Cliffs of Motor and found that to be great fun and a place for some good photo ops. Another outing was that of viewing and learning of a Work House built in the 1800s for the desperately poor. A story that will turn a person's stomach. This part of Ireland's history is so sad, but should be remembered and known in honor of the poor folks involved and the awful way they were treated. A third day out had us looking for a small computer and other things lost with the bag while shuffling trains.
In Ireland, cars are driven as they are in England. Learn that and how to shift with your left hand in opposite of what you may be used to in another country. Now be a passenger on the opposite side of the driver from what you are used to. Also, drive on country roads that are as narrow as a horse cart.
I feared for our lives!!!! The verges of the roads were lined with vegetation at least 8 feet tall, sometimes taller. It was akin to being in a topless tunnel. But, even at that, the countryside was beautiful and fields were sectioned off with shrubs, trees or hedges and sometimes rock walls like you see in the movies. All is green from light to dark with various shades, thereof. Wi
With white dots that are sheep happily grazing, the rolling hills and valleys are breathtaking. We wish we could have spent more time in Ireland.
The train went a short distance before we were stopped for an hour while the track was cleared of a mal-functioning train on the same track. That passed, and then we started again for a short while before we stopped because there was a death on the tracks. Backwards we went from where we came and got on another train. Good, then, we thought. But, we thought wrong. We had to join up twice at different stops, to join up and get on another train,thus putting us back a couple of hours. We then knew that we were going to miss the connection to the ferry to Ireland. Having to stay awake for the 2:40 am ferry in the ferry terminal was not a picnic. Dan beat me at two games of Cribbage. We were awake since 6:00 am the previous morning. Finally the huge ferry came and we found a place among sleeping-all-over-the-place passengers covered in blankets, sweaters, coats and what not.
In the midst of all of this, we discovered that we did not have our laptop, the carry bag it was in, and the tickets to get on the ferry, not to mention the 2000 some photos Dan had saved from our travels.
We obviously were helped to get on the ferry, but our spirits were a bit shattered.
If one has wondered why the blog has waned, we were without a computer for several days and without WiFi access and whatever else got in our way of communication.
Picking up our rented car at the terminal, we drove into the countryside to the timeshare we would have for four nights on a golf course. Exhausted, we slept the first day and missed any touring we would have done. We liked our accommodations. The weather was very cold. Dark sky ruled most of the days and wind blew continually. Undaunted, we did hike the Cliffs of Motor and found that to be great fun and a place for some good photo ops. Another outing was that of viewing and learning of a Work House built in the 1800s for the desperately poor. A story that will turn a person's stomach. This part of Ireland's history is so sad, but should be remembered and known in honor of the poor folks involved and the awful way they were treated. A third day out had us looking for a small computer and other things lost with the bag while shuffling trains.
In Ireland, cars are driven as they are in England. Learn that and how to shift with your left hand in opposite of what you may be used to in another country. Now be a passenger on the opposite side of the driver from what you are used to. Also, drive on country roads that are as narrow as a horse cart.
I feared for our lives!!!! The verges of the roads were lined with vegetation at least 8 feet tall, sometimes taller. It was akin to being in a topless tunnel. But, even at that, the countryside was beautiful and fields were sectioned off with shrubs, trees or hedges and sometimes rock walls like you see in the movies. All is green from light to dark with various shades, thereof. Wi
With white dots that are sheep happily grazing, the rolling hills and valleys are breathtaking. We wish we could have spent more time in Ireland.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
CONTINUED (FRANCE)
On we went, then, from Germany into Brussels and into France. We thought it fun to have been in three different countries in one day! We finally came to Giverny where we stayed in a charming hotel near the grounds where Claude Monet lived and did his work. In this small village there are still buildings used from the middle ages. We toured the gardens where Monet is said to have had his inspiration for his paintings.
His mansion is also part of the garden grounds and Dan's photos can give you a glimpse of how absolutely beautiful is all was there. We also viewed the sight that has memorialized the graves of seven British airmen that died in a crash there during WWI. The people there are grateful to those who lost their lives to give them the freedom they have today. The world history that comes up in these places is sobering.
So, then we traveled on country roads for awhile to reach the freeway to take us to Paris so we could return our leased car. We stayed overnight in the same timeshare resort where we began our journey through Europe. We met a few Americans at a meet and greet hour, so it was fun to have some chatting with folks about their travels. It was Monday. The first Monday of the month. Most shops and restaurants were closed, but we did find a place to eat.....finally. It was good fish and chips and lamb kabob.
Tuesday morning. A nightmare! Paris is no place to be driving a car. We should be shot for doing so.
The GPS screwed us up, for one thing, and then to drive where there is a free-for-all in the downtown core would put anyone in an insane asylum. Thankfully, we arrived at the Peugeot destination and all went fine.
A cab was called for us and we loaded our luggage into this small vehicle and went back into the rat race with a very good driver at the wheel. We reached the train station in one piece and did not have to wait long before we were on the tracks to London. Hauling the luggage around can be fun if you can imagine a movie made of all the crazy things one has to do to get luggage down stairs and onto escalators. People in London were very helpful and friendly. The whole transport system in London is the best in the world. It is comprehensive and easy to use. One does have to get used to the three hundred bazillion people, however.
Thus started our week in London.
GERMANY AND FRANCE
After leaving Norway, we traveled the coastline of Sweden starting at Lokkeberg and ending at Malmo where we took a ferry into Denmark. We skirted Copenhagen and soon we were in Germany on a small island where we spent the night. Our destination the next morning was Staufenberg, Germany where we lived for several months while Dan was in the army ( 1968-1970). We parked the car and walked around this country village trying to find the house where we lived, but only touched on where we thought it might be.
In forty-five years things change and it definitely had in some respects. We saw much of new housing being under construction as we walked. We did find the big castle where we had attended a banquet those many years ago. It is now a hotel and restaurant in the same rock/brick building that we knew. From its high perch on a hillside, we could see the farmlands and the red roofed houses so familiar to us. We tried to find the bakery where we bought brown bread occasionally, but were unsuccessful with that.
Only 9K from Staufenberg is Giessen where the army base was. We rode around the city looking and trying to remember just where it was located. Knowing that the base no longer exists as it was, it was a bit difficult. A second try down one big street had us recognizing a few things. Viola! I sighted a restaurant named PIZZA PIE and we remembered eating at an establishment with that name. We parked the car.
We walked past the restaurant wondering if it could be the same one we frequented. We made our way to the corner of the block and it hit me! The very first place where Dan had to have me stay when I arrived in Germany. It was a Gasthus and I knew the spot well. Across the street were the same trees in a park-like setting and I had observed children going to school with backpacks on when I woke on my first morning from a second story window. I'll never forget that scene in my mind which has often come into my brain.
The Gasthus seems now to be apartments and a closed restaurant, but it is exactly the same structure painted now a light green. My heart pounded with excitement. We were curious about Pizza Pie, so we stopped in to ask about it and we needed to eat anyway. There on the wall was the photos of the first owners taken at their 50th year in business. A young woman, a decendant of that couple talked to us about the restaruant's history. It was the place! Of course, we had a photo taken of us there. Then we walked about a quarter mile along the street where the army base was and is now a university seeming to do with law ( from what we could read). Dan recognized some of the same buildings still in use, but most of the base is totally gone.
The young woman remembers riding her bike into the base grounds when she was a child. It confirmed our thoughts about location. This was one highlight of our trip. We had hoped to see our stomping grounds where our married life began.
In forty-five years things change and it definitely had in some respects. We saw much of new housing being under construction as we walked. We did find the big castle where we had attended a banquet those many years ago. It is now a hotel and restaurant in the same rock/brick building that we knew. From its high perch on a hillside, we could see the farmlands and the red roofed houses so familiar to us. We tried to find the bakery where we bought brown bread occasionally, but were unsuccessful with that.
Only 9K from Staufenberg is Giessen where the army base was. We rode around the city looking and trying to remember just where it was located. Knowing that the base no longer exists as it was, it was a bit difficult. A second try down one big street had us recognizing a few things. Viola! I sighted a restaurant named PIZZA PIE and we remembered eating at an establishment with that name. We parked the car.
We walked past the restaurant wondering if it could be the same one we frequented. We made our way to the corner of the block and it hit me! The very first place where Dan had to have me stay when I arrived in Germany. It was a Gasthus and I knew the spot well. Across the street were the same trees in a park-like setting and I had observed children going to school with backpacks on when I woke on my first morning from a second story window. I'll never forget that scene in my mind which has often come into my brain.
The Gasthus seems now to be apartments and a closed restaurant, but it is exactly the same structure painted now a light green. My heart pounded with excitement. We were curious about Pizza Pie, so we stopped in to ask about it and we needed to eat anyway. There on the wall was the photos of the first owners taken at their 50th year in business. A young woman, a decendant of that couple talked to us about the restaruant's history. It was the place! Of course, we had a photo taken of us there. Then we walked about a quarter mile along the street where the army base was and is now a university seeming to do with law ( from what we could read). Dan recognized some of the same buildings still in use, but most of the base is totally gone.
The young woman remembers riding her bike into the base grounds when she was a child. It confirmed our thoughts about location. This was one highlight of our trip. We had hoped to see our stomping grounds where our married life began.
Friday, August 8, 2014
NORWAY'S END
We departed Holsen and headed north to Lom so we could head south to Denmark. The drive was incredible on the western side of Norway. We followed the Sunnfjord for many kilometers on a narrow highway and it was a rainy morning. Low clouds hung over the mountains, but the fjord was beautiful and the mountain benches lush green. We went to Urnes to view our fourth Stave Church and it was worth the 22K drive down a one way road used by traffic in both directions. Pullovers helped when an oncoming car came into view. The church is said to be the oldest of the 28 still standing Stave Churches. We had a very interesting tour and learned much about the use of the church. Carved entrance posts ( now put on one outside wall ) are patterns used in making Viking style jewelry and have much influence from the Celts. Serpentine twists and turns seem dominant and all have meaning within the design.
Through the high mountain we drove through melting snow that made for rushing green glacial rivers. It reached a low 13C there and we saw many tents where folks were camping on what seemed like freezing ground. Even though the rugged high peaks were awesome ( in the true sense of the word), they were a bit intimidating. It was a grand experience and we won't soon forget the feeling of being there. We came to a town called Lom where lots of folks were camping. Fishing and hiking were the main interests at least for summer fun. We stayed in a log cabin hotel there and bought bread and sweet rolls from the famous bakery that has its own fame for destination. There is even a Zip-line across the massive tumbling, rushing waters that makes it way through this rustic village. It is a place for outdoors people in all seasons.
There, too, is a Stave Church. This one still used every Sunday for church services. On three sides of the church grounds is a beautiful kempt cemetery. All graves have lovely live flowers and grass was beautifully manicured. It was our fifth viewing of a church of this kind. They hold such interest as each has its own "personality"
After a good night's rest, we drove onto the eastern side of Norway which proved to be much different than the West. At times I felt like I was in Montana as the vegetation and terrain is similar. Good road conditions brought us to a small town named Asta where we stayed in a charming B&B. Hearing a different dialect and manner of speech proved to be different, too. We were told that the two sides were different. Now I wonder about the difference in the North and the South! Another trip, I guess!!
Through the high mountain we drove through melting snow that made for rushing green glacial rivers. It reached a low 13C there and we saw many tents where folks were camping on what seemed like freezing ground. Even though the rugged high peaks were awesome ( in the true sense of the word), they were a bit intimidating. It was a grand experience and we won't soon forget the feeling of being there. We came to a town called Lom where lots of folks were camping. Fishing and hiking were the main interests at least for summer fun. We stayed in a log cabin hotel there and bought bread and sweet rolls from the famous bakery that has its own fame for destination. There is even a Zip-line across the massive tumbling, rushing waters that makes it way through this rustic village. It is a place for outdoors people in all seasons.
There, too, is a Stave Church. This one still used every Sunday for church services. On three sides of the church grounds is a beautiful kempt cemetery. All graves have lovely live flowers and grass was beautifully manicured. It was our fifth viewing of a church of this kind. They hold such interest as each has its own "personality"
After a good night's rest, we drove onto the eastern side of Norway which proved to be much different than the West. At times I felt like I was in Montana as the vegetation and terrain is similar. Good road conditions brought us to a small town named Asta where we stayed in a charming B&B. Hearing a different dialect and manner of speech proved to be different, too. We were told that the two sides were different. Now I wonder about the difference in the North and the South! Another trip, I guess!!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
OUR LAST DAYS IN NORWAY
The last week in H|olsen was busy as usual. We visited with a cousin named Turin who is a sister to Riedar and a lovely woman. She and her husband have a beautiful pent-house apartment filled with tasteful furnishings, a full all surround deck and a great view of the city of Forde and the mountains. She served us delicious smor brod ( open face sandwiches) of various kinds and she could rival any restaurant in her presentation of them. She also made a nut type cake topped with lush whipped cream. She is working on the lineage of my mother's family, so it was good to talk with her about that. She knows a ton more than I have ever known, so I learned from her as well. Much of the conversation we have had with the folks in the Holsen area has been about family and lineage. That day we also visited the grave sight of Sigmund, one of their brothers who died just a few years ago at age 47. Visiting grave sights and keeping up good grooming of such is a big part of their lives. The gravestones are beautiful and lovely plants and flowers decorate each place.
We hiked up a mountain where a seter is linked to property ownership of a farm that Reidar inherited. He repaired and fixed it up and it is now a sweet cabin where they go on occasion to spend the night to get away or just a day trip to spend the afternoon. We had a yummy lunch and had fun seeing the lowing cows and even some sheep. ( go figure!) It is summer. The animals are up on the mountains eating their fill before winter has them moved back onto the farmland and barns. We walked through the water at a low spot of the snow melt. It felt good on hot feet.
Again we hiked up a different mountain to another seter. This one is owned by Reidar's son, Stig Erik, and he and the family have been working hard to extend the cabin into a larger one. It was an education to see all that they have done with that place and all of the equipment it took to do it. The setting is so serene and ultimately gorgeous. No wonder they love to spend time there. He and his wife are farmers and have been haying and working hard every single day. They are some of the happiest people we have ever met.
There were cows eating high up on the mountainside and sheep grazing on the mountain bench. A waterfall between two huge rocky area serves as their shower. There is a lake formed from the snow melt and a little part of one side of it is sandy, so there is a great beach for a swimming area. A huge river (creek) tumbles down from the lake and a bridge crosses it so one can hike up to the cabin. They have several neighbors there. I called it Seter Village. Young families now own these places handed down from generation to generation. It is a rugged, but wonderful area with sights unbelievable. I thought I was in a picture book!
We hiked down to the farm and ended the evening with ice cream, cookies and coffee. Some other family members joined us and it was real good to get to know them a bit better.
Dan and I hosted an American BBQ on Saturday . Requested was ribs, and hamburgers. So Dan stoked up the BBQ and cooked up a good meal of barbequed ribs, hamburgers,and hotdogs. We also baked potatoes and had a huge fruit salad. We tried to teach them how to eat a hamburger, but they insisted to use a knife and fork to eat them. They favored the ribs and told Dan that it was the best they had ever had!! YAY, Dan!!! Baked potatoes had all of the trimmings we know as |Americans and everyone at them. Ice cream and cookies for dessert. Then later, Magnhild served a cake she had made, no, wait, 3 cakes she had made for the occasion. It was a good party. One of the days we visited an elderly woman who was married to one of my mother's cousins. Kjelaug is now 83 and living in an assisted living place in Forde. It was good to see her again. All three times we have been in Norway, we have seen her. She is now thin, but still sharp in her mind. I am glad that we took the time to see and visit with her. On Sunday we packed after the hike to Nordal. We ate BBQ leftovers and got things ready to leave on Monday morning. Our stay in Holsen was over.
We hiked up a mountain where a seter is linked to property ownership of a farm that Reidar inherited. He repaired and fixed it up and it is now a sweet cabin where they go on occasion to spend the night to get away or just a day trip to spend the afternoon. We had a yummy lunch and had fun seeing the lowing cows and even some sheep. ( go figure!) It is summer. The animals are up on the mountains eating their fill before winter has them moved back onto the farmland and barns. We walked through the water at a low spot of the snow melt. It felt good on hot feet.
Again we hiked up a different mountain to another seter. This one is owned by Reidar's son, Stig Erik, and he and the family have been working hard to extend the cabin into a larger one. It was an education to see all that they have done with that place and all of the equipment it took to do it. The setting is so serene and ultimately gorgeous. No wonder they love to spend time there. He and his wife are farmers and have been haying and working hard every single day. They are some of the happiest people we have ever met.
There were cows eating high up on the mountainside and sheep grazing on the mountain bench. A waterfall between two huge rocky area serves as their shower. There is a lake formed from the snow melt and a little part of one side of it is sandy, so there is a great beach for a swimming area. A huge river (creek) tumbles down from the lake and a bridge crosses it so one can hike up to the cabin. They have several neighbors there. I called it Seter Village. Young families now own these places handed down from generation to generation. It is a rugged, but wonderful area with sights unbelievable. I thought I was in a picture book!
We hiked down to the farm and ended the evening with ice cream, cookies and coffee. Some other family members joined us and it was real good to get to know them a bit better.
Dan and I hosted an American BBQ on Saturday . Requested was ribs, and hamburgers. So Dan stoked up the BBQ and cooked up a good meal of barbequed ribs, hamburgers,and hotdogs. We also baked potatoes and had a huge fruit salad. We tried to teach them how to eat a hamburger, but they insisted to use a knife and fork to eat them. They favored the ribs and told Dan that it was the best they had ever had!! YAY, Dan!!! Baked potatoes had all of the trimmings we know as |Americans and everyone at them. Ice cream and cookies for dessert. Then later, Magnhild served a cake she had made, no, wait, 3 cakes she had made for the occasion. It was a good party. One of the days we visited an elderly woman who was married to one of my mother's cousins. Kjelaug is now 83 and living in an assisted living place in Forde. It was good to see her again. All three times we have been in Norway, we have seen her. She is now thin, but still sharp in her mind. I am glad that we took the time to see and visit with her. On Sunday we packed after the hike to Nordal. We ate BBQ leftovers and got things ready to leave on Monday morning. Our stay in Holsen was over.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
LIFE IN HOLSEN
We awaken every morning to see the mirror-glass lake and the mountain across the water. We check out the waterfall that is diminishing daily due to the lack of snow now on the mountain top. There is still a line of water and we can faintly hear it. We eat at a table full of food every morning at 9:00. Fish, eggs, breads, cheeses, jam, sometimes cereal ( oh we Americans!) scrimp salad, liver pate, etc.etc.etc. We do not go hungry.
We drive to Forde where we shop for groceries and the like. We visit family members. We met many at a farm in Haukedalen where they gathered folks to meet us. I remembered a few that were children when we were here in 1970. The younger people now own the farms. They had a lovely long table set under the shade trees and we ate fish caught from their lake ( smoked and yummy) several salads and lefser and other desserts. Currants are ripe now, so there were two different currant dishes. We picked red currants a few days ago on the mountain farm across Lake Holsen. They are good to eat as is with a bit of vanilla sauce on them. I think jam will be made with most of them. I learned to make Natronkake from one of the family.
Her name is Turid and is a master of this delicious biscuit. It is served with brown cheese ( often goat cheese) or with jam. I can hardly wait to make this for my family and my church family. Dan caught two fish in Holsen Lake two nights ago and plans to catch more. We swam in the lake yesterday after a hot day and hike up to the cabin on Gulefjellen. Hiking on big rocks is a norm here, but I must say it was a challenge at times. There is marshy, mossy grass fields we walked through, also. Keep in mind that the cows and sheep are grazing up high in the mountains now. They are stepping into mud up to their middles in some spots.
We saw and dodged big holes in the mud where their footprints are and also cow pies. Many people have summer cabins up on this and other mountains and along the lakes. They are kempt and beautifully painted.
One could spend much time in these spots.
We eat the biggest meal ( called middag) at around 3:30 or 4:00, and eat another meal later in the evening.
The light remains from early morning until 11:30 p.m. Indeed, we are now seeing the light lessening earlier this past week. It seems we are going from morning to bedtime being busy every minute in between.
We are enjoying it here immensely. It will be hard to leave here on Monday morning 28 July.
We have seen 4 Stave churches on little trips around Sogn og Fjordane. This is where the longest fjord is and the most fjords are. It seems idyllic to me, and I think Dan, also. We won't buy property here, but there is an urge to do so. This quiet life seems inviting.
We drive to Forde where we shop for groceries and the like. We visit family members. We met many at a farm in Haukedalen where they gathered folks to meet us. I remembered a few that were children when we were here in 1970. The younger people now own the farms. They had a lovely long table set under the shade trees and we ate fish caught from their lake ( smoked and yummy) several salads and lefser and other desserts. Currants are ripe now, so there were two different currant dishes. We picked red currants a few days ago on the mountain farm across Lake Holsen. They are good to eat as is with a bit of vanilla sauce on them. I think jam will be made with most of them. I learned to make Natronkake from one of the family.
Her name is Turid and is a master of this delicious biscuit. It is served with brown cheese ( often goat cheese) or with jam. I can hardly wait to make this for my family and my church family. Dan caught two fish in Holsen Lake two nights ago and plans to catch more. We swam in the lake yesterday after a hot day and hike up to the cabin on Gulefjellen. Hiking on big rocks is a norm here, but I must say it was a challenge at times. There is marshy, mossy grass fields we walked through, also. Keep in mind that the cows and sheep are grazing up high in the mountains now. They are stepping into mud up to their middles in some spots.
We saw and dodged big holes in the mud where their footprints are and also cow pies. Many people have summer cabins up on this and other mountains and along the lakes. They are kempt and beautifully painted.
One could spend much time in these spots.
We eat the biggest meal ( called middag) at around 3:30 or 4:00, and eat another meal later in the evening.
The light remains from early morning until 11:30 p.m. Indeed, we are now seeing the light lessening earlier this past week. It seems we are going from morning to bedtime being busy every minute in between.
We are enjoying it here immensely. It will be hard to leave here on Monday morning 28 July.
We have seen 4 Stave churches on little trips around Sogn og Fjordane. This is where the longest fjord is and the most fjords are. It seems idyllic to me, and I think Dan, also. We won't buy property here, but there is an urge to do so. This quiet life seems inviting.
FLAM AND VOSS
We traveled back to Holsen only to repack and head out for Flam and Voss. Rita has a boyfriend named Frode and they have a little house just outside of Voss. We had a lovely time and spent 5 nights and packed a lot of activity into the four days we had there. People can see this area by doing Norway in a Nutshell. We felt we had superb guides ( those being Rita and Frode). We saw every nook and cranny and what most tourist see. Frode took us to his parents' house and on this land they are still finding artifacts from the Viking Age. It never ceases to amaze us ! Aurlandsfjorden is the waterway into the city of Flam. Huge cruise ships come into there daily. When we were there, three of them were anchored. It is a big industry in Norway and some folks here feel intruded upon because of it. One can understand why, but I will keep my opinion to myself. One of the things we did was to take the train up into the mountains to view the vast waterfalls and the mysterious woman dancing by the biggest. The myth says that she draws in the men to the water of the falls. This train runs daily from Bergen to Oslo. There is a trail that can be hiked from Fram to Mydal along the train route. Also, hearty outdoors folk can bicycle there and back...or ride the train up and ride a bike back. What fun the would be!!!! I would love to do that.
Voss is a great ski area in the winter and to me it seemed like a skier's paradise. Lots of neat places to stay and many runs to conquer.
On the trip driving to these places we zig zagged around mountains on a very narrow road. The scenery was awesome, of course, with magnificent waterfalls, deep fjords, rugged mountains and peaceful lakes. Occupying the landscape were goats. Countless numbers of them. At one spot, a goat was laying in the middle of the road and the cars were having to go around it. The animal decided to sun itself there, and there it was going to stay. Because vehicles had to share this narrow road, neither coming or going cars could pass this contented animal. We were stopped! Soon one goat after another started to jump from the rocks on the roadside. It was like a waterfall of goats!!! I started to laugh, then got out of the car and called the animals to the side. " Come on, little goats", I purred. " Come on over here." "Come out of the road, please", I beckoned. Two of the goats come up to me as if I had something to feed them. They let me pat their heads and they looked me strait in the eye. They were adorable! Several goats were on a concrete picnic table in a turn-out on the road. How humorous and fantastic! Finally, the middle-of-the-road goat moved out of the way, the others followed and we in cars got to be on our way. An experience not soon to forget. Countryside is filled with sheep as well. Mama sheep (ewes) and lambs. I love the peacefulness of it. Little bells jingle while they eat and move to greener pastures. Many folks now are up in the "setters" while the sheep and cows graze and fatten up for winter. Farming seems to be big here and I marvel at the way the farmers drive their machinery on these steep slopes and rocky land. They are haying now. Many dry the grass on peaked fence lines. How you see it in old photos or paintings is how it is mostly today. However, there are many modern ways of doing things here, too. It has been fun to learn how this process works. July is the time for vacations ( called holidays here), but the farmers may hay while the sun shines!
Voss is a great ski area in the winter and to me it seemed like a skier's paradise. Lots of neat places to stay and many runs to conquer.
On the trip driving to these places we zig zagged around mountains on a very narrow road. The scenery was awesome, of course, with magnificent waterfalls, deep fjords, rugged mountains and peaceful lakes. Occupying the landscape were goats. Countless numbers of them. At one spot, a goat was laying in the middle of the road and the cars were having to go around it. The animal decided to sun itself there, and there it was going to stay. Because vehicles had to share this narrow road, neither coming or going cars could pass this contented animal. We were stopped! Soon one goat after another started to jump from the rocks on the roadside. It was like a waterfall of goats!!! I started to laugh, then got out of the car and called the animals to the side. " Come on, little goats", I purred. " Come on over here." "Come out of the road, please", I beckoned. Two of the goats come up to me as if I had something to feed them. They let me pat their heads and they looked me strait in the eye. They were adorable! Several goats were on a concrete picnic table in a turn-out on the road. How humorous and fantastic! Finally, the middle-of-the-road goat moved out of the way, the others followed and we in cars got to be on our way. An experience not soon to forget. Countryside is filled with sheep as well. Mama sheep (ewes) and lambs. I love the peacefulness of it. Little bells jingle while they eat and move to greener pastures. Many folks now are up in the "setters" while the sheep and cows graze and fatten up for winter. Farming seems to be big here and I marvel at the way the farmers drive their machinery on these steep slopes and rocky land. They are haying now. Many dry the grass on peaked fence lines. How you see it in old photos or paintings is how it is mostly today. However, there are many modern ways of doing things here, too. It has been fun to learn how this process works. July is the time for vacations ( called holidays here), but the farmers may hay while the sun shines!
FLORO ll
To finish up a bit from my previous blog, I want to tell about a hike we took to the top of mountain in Floro.
We hiked late in the afternoon on a road about 3Ks long and straight up. A very big reward was had at the end. The panoramic view of the outer waters and islands and mountains was worth every step. We were able to spot the islands where we visited the previous day. We spotted snow clad mountain tops and waters of the sea everywhere. Suddenly, black clouds gathered and thunder roared. We knew we had to get down the road fast to avoid danger from lightening, not to mention getting soaked from a heavy rain.
A few spits of rain followed us down the road, and as soon as we got into the car in the parking lot, big drops of rain came pouring down. We were happy for the experience and even got to sign our names in the log book on the top of the mountain. Yay us!!!
We hiked late in the afternoon on a road about 3Ks long and straight up. A very big reward was had at the end. The panoramic view of the outer waters and islands and mountains was worth every step. We were able to spot the islands where we visited the previous day. We spotted snow clad mountain tops and waters of the sea everywhere. Suddenly, black clouds gathered and thunder roared. We knew we had to get down the road fast to avoid danger from lightening, not to mention getting soaked from a heavy rain.
A few spits of rain followed us down the road, and as soon as we got into the car in the parking lot, big drops of rain came pouring down. We were happy for the experience and even got to sign our names in the log book on the top of the mountain. Yay us!!!
SOGN OG FJORDANE
We have been one week now in this part of Norway that is the homeland for my mother, Norma. Therefore, a place of my beginnings. It has been a marvelous week with good weather and sightseeing and visiting with our generous and hospitable extended family here. Their home sits by the side of Lake Holsen and across the shimmering water is a big mountain with a long, thin waterfall. The place is idyllic in many respects.
From Holsen we took a day trip to the big glacier named Jostedalsbreen. There we cooled our feet in the melted stream that was coming out of the glacier into an ice blue/green lake. We found ice flows and were able to gather a few which absolutely amazed us. We visited the Glacier Museum and learned much about this huge glacier and the ice age. Also, there is good information about global warming and it is frightening to learn first hand what is happening to the earth. It is very apparent in this glacier alone that what we have heard is very true.
Then we ate our lunch by the waters of the Faerfjorden and walked into a little burg that the locals have named Book Village. There were numerous bookstores selling mostly pre-owned books. All kinds. It was fun to browse through these shops and we even found some books in English. We continued on our scenic journey through mountains and lakes to come back to where we started in Holsen. Our "guide" was Rita, one of the family and she did a good job of telling us about area and what we saw. Hopefully, photos will help tell this story. I find my words lacking in how to describe what our eyes have seen.
Wednesday we set out for Floro where Rita and her sons live. It is an hour's drive from Holsen, and is a lovely city by the waters of the North Sea where there are many islands. Thursday we went onto the island named Kinn where the ferry left us for several hours. We saw a church that was built in the 12th century still standing there in it's stone and cement structure. There is a stage in front of the mountain where a middle ages production is preformed by actors and village folk annually having to do with a Norsk myth. People sit on the mountainside to watch this production. Our timing was such that we did not get to witness that, but it was interesting none-the-less. A little sheep had become lost outside a fenced area, and it was bleating loudly to find the way back in. We found a gate, opened it and finally the fluffy little animal was able to get back to the flock.
It was sad to hear it's cries. Poor little thing was frightened to death!
Suddenly, big black clouds filled the sky and a very strong wind began to blow. We had no way off the island until the ferry came to get us. We hunkered down inside a small cabin on the dock and waited what seemed like an eternity. Finally at 9:20 the fast boat came and we bounced all the way back on very rough waters. Such is life on the North Sea.
Friday we island hopped, first taking an express boat, then a ferry, then a bus, a mail boat, a bus and the express boat back to Floro. A great experience to see how the island folks live. The mail boat delivers not only mail, but cases of wine, and other things that one on a island may want delivered. People seem to live simply on these islands and love doing so. With the beauty of it all, I wonder if maybe they have the right idea.
From Holsen we took a day trip to the big glacier named Jostedalsbreen. There we cooled our feet in the melted stream that was coming out of the glacier into an ice blue/green lake. We found ice flows and were able to gather a few which absolutely amazed us. We visited the Glacier Museum and learned much about this huge glacier and the ice age. Also, there is good information about global warming and it is frightening to learn first hand what is happening to the earth. It is very apparent in this glacier alone that what we have heard is very true.
Then we ate our lunch by the waters of the Faerfjorden and walked into a little burg that the locals have named Book Village. There were numerous bookstores selling mostly pre-owned books. All kinds. It was fun to browse through these shops and we even found some books in English. We continued on our scenic journey through mountains and lakes to come back to where we started in Holsen. Our "guide" was Rita, one of the family and she did a good job of telling us about area and what we saw. Hopefully, photos will help tell this story. I find my words lacking in how to describe what our eyes have seen.
Wednesday we set out for Floro where Rita and her sons live. It is an hour's drive from Holsen, and is a lovely city by the waters of the North Sea where there are many islands. Thursday we went onto the island named Kinn where the ferry left us for several hours. We saw a church that was built in the 12th century still standing there in it's stone and cement structure. There is a stage in front of the mountain where a middle ages production is preformed by actors and village folk annually having to do with a Norsk myth. People sit on the mountainside to watch this production. Our timing was such that we did not get to witness that, but it was interesting none-the-less. A little sheep had become lost outside a fenced area, and it was bleating loudly to find the way back in. We found a gate, opened it and finally the fluffy little animal was able to get back to the flock.
It was sad to hear it's cries. Poor little thing was frightened to death!
Suddenly, big black clouds filled the sky and a very strong wind began to blow. We had no way off the island until the ferry came to get us. We hunkered down inside a small cabin on the dock and waited what seemed like an eternity. Finally at 9:20 the fast boat came and we bounced all the way back on very rough waters. Such is life on the North Sea.
Friday we island hopped, first taking an express boat, then a ferry, then a bus, a mail boat, a bus and the express boat back to Floro. A great experience to see how the island folks live. The mail boat delivers not only mail, but cases of wine, and other things that one on a island may want delivered. People seem to live simply on these islands and love doing so. With the beauty of it all, I wonder if maybe they have the right idea.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
OSLO
A rainy dark traveling morning ( 3 July ) turned into a sunny warm afternoon. We arrived in Oslo just before dinner time and found our apartment without too much effort. After obtaining the key from the neighborhood grocer, we climbed four flights of stairs to find a bright apartment with a kitchen window that has a panoramic view of the city. A loft-like bed is housed into a bookshelf, but comfortable and cozy.
We shopped for our few days worth of groceries only a couple of blocks away and then we got settled into our new place and after a bite to eat, a glass of wine on the balcony and the computer set up, we were ready to call it a day. The drive here was beautiful with trees and a picnic spot by a lake to break for half an hour before traveling on.
Our first day for touring began with a bus ride to the downtown area of Oslo. We went to the Central Station and obtained a 3 day pass for the city which allowed us to get on any one of the four transport sources and free to some museums and discounts on others. We started at the City Hall and were taken with it's grandeur. A massive inside with marble floors and a huge staircase. It is where the Noble Prize Banquet is held. Many frescoes on the walls and ceiling to depict the labor and history of Norway. Large hand carved wooden plaques showed characters from Norsk mythology. Quite a sight.
Then we went on a mini cruise around the water from the Oslo Fjord where we saw the Opera House made like an iceberg and ice flow, the area of four museums and City Hall where we began. With our tickets, we could bet off and on as we chose at these shops....and as many times as we wanted in the 3 days. It paid us will to do so. We got off at the museums to see the Kon Tiki and enjoyed learning about all of that history.
Also there on that property was the Viking Ship Museum, and the Fram Museum. ( We had seen these two before when in Norway 8 years ago ). There is a Folk Museum there, also just a short jaunt away, but we did not have time for that. We ate a late lunch at the same restaurant where we did on Oct. 31, 2006 (Dan's birthday) We thought ourselves very clever to be able to find it again! New ownership, but still very nice.
The day that began warm and sunny turned into a black sky and and wind. We took the boat taxi back over the fjord and caught bus 54 to bring us back to the apartment. We spent a long time at the Kon Tiki. The original boat is in a huge room and many wonderful photos are there explaining the unbelievable feat that was had in 1947 and again in 1979 and 1980 in Ra 1 and Ra 2, the boats made out of reeds.
Day2 July 5.
Woke to warm, wonderful sun and clear sky. We bussed to Vigeland /Frogner's Park. Oh My! This sculpture park was amazing! A huge monolith made up of human forms in one pose or another to depict human relationships with male and female of all ages. Gustav Vigeland was the sculptor and was many years working on the park for a centennial celebration. Fountains and park areas abound for sight seeing and relaxing.
A children's section was added at a time . There is also a " Congo Village" made of straw huts, but is not as welcomed as it was in it's first years. We also took in the Vigeland Museum where nearly all of Vigeland's works are held which opened to the public in 1947. Busts of many people famous and not famous are there as well as showing how all of the park sculptures were made,,,,bit by bit. Very interesting study indeed.
After the hours of these viewings, we boarded a tram to wherever it went.............so we ended at the end of the line! We saw the city from a different perspective and into neighborhoods where there are houses......mostly white ones. Wonderful, white houses with black rooves, geraniums and white curtains.
Then we boarded the tram in the opposite direction to downtown so we could catch bus 54 back to our neighborhood. A bite to eat and soon it is 10:30 pm and bedtime even though light lingered.
Day 3 July 6.
As predicted, it rained heavily through the night. That left a balmy, overcast morning. We started out about noon and took bus 54 back to the city center. No rain yet at that point. First stop was the Historical Museum: Museum of Cultural History. This took us through 9000 years of Norwegian history and showed us Bronze Age burial sites Viking weapons, jewelry, handcrafts and mythology. Beautiful wood carved entrance doors to medieval churches and a large selection of gold, bronze and clay artifacts were among much other things such as textiles and glass. Then, on to the Oslo
Cathedral only a short walk away.
Original acanthus carving is still on the alter and pulpit and the housing for the big pipe organ. There is a second smaller pipe organ there, also. This cathedral is not as big as others we saw in different countries, but beautiful in it's simplicity with a rotund ceiling frescoed by painters starting in 1936 and finished in 1950.
The cathedral was sanctified in 1697 and is the main church for the city of Oslo, the bishopric and the nation. We spotted a place we think especially for the king and queen should they worship there.
We took in the Akerhus Castle and it's area and had a short time to visit the Norwegian Resistance Museum.
That time in history always shakes my heart, but we did find it interesting and well done. The day remained rainless, but now as night draws near, a weeping sky has begun.
Oslo is an easy city to like and to like very much. It is modern, yet wholesome. It is clean, accomodating, friendly and hospitable. It is bustling with young people and young families. We enjoyed our three days here and take with us many memories that we will share for a long time.
We shopped for our few days worth of groceries only a couple of blocks away and then we got settled into our new place and after a bite to eat, a glass of wine on the balcony and the computer set up, we were ready to call it a day. The drive here was beautiful with trees and a picnic spot by a lake to break for half an hour before traveling on.
Our first day for touring began with a bus ride to the downtown area of Oslo. We went to the Central Station and obtained a 3 day pass for the city which allowed us to get on any one of the four transport sources and free to some museums and discounts on others. We started at the City Hall and were taken with it's grandeur. A massive inside with marble floors and a huge staircase. It is where the Noble Prize Banquet is held. Many frescoes on the walls and ceiling to depict the labor and history of Norway. Large hand carved wooden plaques showed characters from Norsk mythology. Quite a sight.
Then we went on a mini cruise around the water from the Oslo Fjord where we saw the Opera House made like an iceberg and ice flow, the area of four museums and City Hall where we began. With our tickets, we could bet off and on as we chose at these shops....and as many times as we wanted in the 3 days. It paid us will to do so. We got off at the museums to see the Kon Tiki and enjoyed learning about all of that history.
Also there on that property was the Viking Ship Museum, and the Fram Museum. ( We had seen these two before when in Norway 8 years ago ). There is a Folk Museum there, also just a short jaunt away, but we did not have time for that. We ate a late lunch at the same restaurant where we did on Oct. 31, 2006 (Dan's birthday) We thought ourselves very clever to be able to find it again! New ownership, but still very nice.
The day that began warm and sunny turned into a black sky and and wind. We took the boat taxi back over the fjord and caught bus 54 to bring us back to the apartment. We spent a long time at the Kon Tiki. The original boat is in a huge room and many wonderful photos are there explaining the unbelievable feat that was had in 1947 and again in 1979 and 1980 in Ra 1 and Ra 2, the boats made out of reeds.
Day2 July 5.
Woke to warm, wonderful sun and clear sky. We bussed to Vigeland /Frogner's Park. Oh My! This sculpture park was amazing! A huge monolith made up of human forms in one pose or another to depict human relationships with male and female of all ages. Gustav Vigeland was the sculptor and was many years working on the park for a centennial celebration. Fountains and park areas abound for sight seeing and relaxing.
A children's section was added at a time . There is also a " Congo Village" made of straw huts, but is not as welcomed as it was in it's first years. We also took in the Vigeland Museum where nearly all of Vigeland's works are held which opened to the public in 1947. Busts of many people famous and not famous are there as well as showing how all of the park sculptures were made,,,,bit by bit. Very interesting study indeed.
After the hours of these viewings, we boarded a tram to wherever it went.............so we ended at the end of the line! We saw the city from a different perspective and into neighborhoods where there are houses......mostly white ones. Wonderful, white houses with black rooves, geraniums and white curtains.
Then we boarded the tram in the opposite direction to downtown so we could catch bus 54 back to our neighborhood. A bite to eat and soon it is 10:30 pm and bedtime even though light lingered.
Day 3 July 6.
As predicted, it rained heavily through the night. That left a balmy, overcast morning. We started out about noon and took bus 54 back to the city center. No rain yet at that point. First stop was the Historical Museum: Museum of Cultural History. This took us through 9000 years of Norwegian history and showed us Bronze Age burial sites Viking weapons, jewelry, handcrafts and mythology. Beautiful wood carved entrance doors to medieval churches and a large selection of gold, bronze and clay artifacts were among much other things such as textiles and glass. Then, on to the Oslo
Cathedral only a short walk away.
Original acanthus carving is still on the alter and pulpit and the housing for the big pipe organ. There is a second smaller pipe organ there, also. This cathedral is not as big as others we saw in different countries, but beautiful in it's simplicity with a rotund ceiling frescoed by painters starting in 1936 and finished in 1950.
The cathedral was sanctified in 1697 and is the main church for the city of Oslo, the bishopric and the nation. We spotted a place we think especially for the king and queen should they worship there.
We took in the Akerhus Castle and it's area and had a short time to visit the Norwegian Resistance Museum.
That time in history always shakes my heart, but we did find it interesting and well done. The day remained rainless, but now as night draws near, a weeping sky has begun.
Oslo is an easy city to like and to like very much. It is modern, yet wholesome. It is clean, accomodating, friendly and hospitable. It is bustling with young people and young families. We enjoyed our three days here and take with us many memories that we will share for a long time.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
SWEDEN
July 5.
With the cancellation from our host in Stockholm, we made a decision to take a different route into Norway.
Things work our as they should. Despite it being cold, we had an enjoyable time in Sweden. Relaxed and quiet.
We traveled from Helsinki to Vaasa, a place where there are two universities. One primarily in the Finnish language and one primarily in Swedish. It is a lovely city with friendly people who also speak English. Also, we could not get over the huge breakfast feast set up for guests the next morning. Everything from fish to eggs, all sorts of breads and cheeses. Juice, smoothies, yogurt and muesli. We did not leave there hungry.
The ferry we took was a huge ship with three decks for vehicles large and small. We could not believe the number of trucks that come and go on that form of travel. All a way of life for them. We disembarked in Umea, Sweden ( also a university city) and followed the coastline to Harnosand where we spent the night in a small hotel that is also a hostel. There was a waterway and fountain just across the street from our little room and we could see the comings and goings of the townspeople. We met a young couple from Sweden that we had share a table with us for breakfast and it is so much fun to visit and learn about folks here.
They were cheerful and sweet and were on holiday to go visit with with parents.
It was rainy and cold there. No matter. We walked around and got to see the town a bit and had a lovely dinner by the water. The waitress asked "What are Americans doing here?" Sometimes we become a novelty where we are. Evidentally, Americans do not go to their town!!!
On, then, we traveled to Enviken near Falun, Sweden to a cabin we rented by a big lake. We were on the property of the cabin owners and had a wonderful time there. Ulla and Mats have now become our friends.
We have invited them to Bellingham and we think they will come because they have a son and his wife that live in BC, Canada. We sat on the dock on the lake in the mornings and in the evenings with a cup of coffee/tea each day. We rode bikes one afternoon when the sun came out and traveled a back road about 8 kilometers. They loaned us the bikes, helmets and locks. Great fun! We hired a guide to take us on the Carl Larsson Trail to Sunborn where we viewed the artists' house. Both Carl and Karin ( his wife ) are famous for their art work.....she mostly for textiles and hand work. The guide was a slow walker, so it took us 2.5 hours to walk the 8 ks over a "mountain". It was fun learning about all the vegetation and the stories of Carl Larsson and his family in that area. We started the trail in Falun and what a lovely city is that!
And...............the world championships for ski jumping will be held there in February 2015. The place was humming with activity to get ready for that. The HUGE ski jumps were unbelievable! How does anyone go down that kind of slope? The area seems to be a recreation area for both winter and summer sports.
If anyone would like information on the cabin experience and the cabin itself, we would be more than happy to share about it. We were the first guests for this Airbnb rental. It was like an oasis in the desert as far as the peaceful, restful and very hospitable place. We even made friends with the cat!
Traveling to this spot was beautiful in itself. A road less traveled, variegated colors of white, pink and violet lupine grace the roadside for miles and miles and miles. It is high in the mountains, so the tree tops were in our sight as well. Tall, skinny pines made up most of that, but other tree species did too. We would come to a summit and then see waves of more mountains on the horizon. Couldn't have been better, and the roads were good, too. It was hard to leave after just a few days there.
On a very rainy, cold morning we traveled to Mora so we could take in the Anders Zorn Museum. Mats was born there and suggested we go and showed us the route to Oslo. It was a beautiful drive with lots of trees and few vehicles. We allowed ourselves one hour to view Zorn's work. The house where he lived is still there and is part of the museum, too, but we only had time to see the art work. He was a genius at making waterscapes, among much more. He and Carl Larsson were friends, and Carl was quoted to say that in his next life he would like to be Anders Zorn. He was also a master at etching and work carving.
We enjoyed our hour there. We were very glad that we took the time from our travel day to see what we did.
Next stop from there..............Oslo.
With the cancellation from our host in Stockholm, we made a decision to take a different route into Norway.
Things work our as they should. Despite it being cold, we had an enjoyable time in Sweden. Relaxed and quiet.
We traveled from Helsinki to Vaasa, a place where there are two universities. One primarily in the Finnish language and one primarily in Swedish. It is a lovely city with friendly people who also speak English. Also, we could not get over the huge breakfast feast set up for guests the next morning. Everything from fish to eggs, all sorts of breads and cheeses. Juice, smoothies, yogurt and muesli. We did not leave there hungry.
The ferry we took was a huge ship with three decks for vehicles large and small. We could not believe the number of trucks that come and go on that form of travel. All a way of life for them. We disembarked in Umea, Sweden ( also a university city) and followed the coastline to Harnosand where we spent the night in a small hotel that is also a hostel. There was a waterway and fountain just across the street from our little room and we could see the comings and goings of the townspeople. We met a young couple from Sweden that we had share a table with us for breakfast and it is so much fun to visit and learn about folks here.
They were cheerful and sweet and were on holiday to go visit with with parents.
It was rainy and cold there. No matter. We walked around and got to see the town a bit and had a lovely dinner by the water. The waitress asked "What are Americans doing here?" Sometimes we become a novelty where we are. Evidentally, Americans do not go to their town!!!
On, then, we traveled to Enviken near Falun, Sweden to a cabin we rented by a big lake. We were on the property of the cabin owners and had a wonderful time there. Ulla and Mats have now become our friends.
We have invited them to Bellingham and we think they will come because they have a son and his wife that live in BC, Canada. We sat on the dock on the lake in the mornings and in the evenings with a cup of coffee/tea each day. We rode bikes one afternoon when the sun came out and traveled a back road about 8 kilometers. They loaned us the bikes, helmets and locks. Great fun! We hired a guide to take us on the Carl Larsson Trail to Sunborn where we viewed the artists' house. Both Carl and Karin ( his wife ) are famous for their art work.....she mostly for textiles and hand work. The guide was a slow walker, so it took us 2.5 hours to walk the 8 ks over a "mountain". It was fun learning about all the vegetation and the stories of Carl Larsson and his family in that area. We started the trail in Falun and what a lovely city is that!
And...............the world championships for ski jumping will be held there in February 2015. The place was humming with activity to get ready for that. The HUGE ski jumps were unbelievable! How does anyone go down that kind of slope? The area seems to be a recreation area for both winter and summer sports.
If anyone would like information on the cabin experience and the cabin itself, we would be more than happy to share about it. We were the first guests for this Airbnb rental. It was like an oasis in the desert as far as the peaceful, restful and very hospitable place. We even made friends with the cat!
Traveling to this spot was beautiful in itself. A road less traveled, variegated colors of white, pink and violet lupine grace the roadside for miles and miles and miles. It is high in the mountains, so the tree tops were in our sight as well. Tall, skinny pines made up most of that, but other tree species did too. We would come to a summit and then see waves of more mountains on the horizon. Couldn't have been better, and the roads were good, too. It was hard to leave after just a few days there.
On a very rainy, cold morning we traveled to Mora so we could take in the Anders Zorn Museum. Mats was born there and suggested we go and showed us the route to Oslo. It was a beautiful drive with lots of trees and few vehicles. We allowed ourselves one hour to view Zorn's work. The house where he lived is still there and is part of the museum, too, but we only had time to see the art work. He was a genius at making waterscapes, among much more. He and Carl Larsson were friends, and Carl was quoted to say that in his next life he would like to be Anders Zorn. He was also a master at etching and work carving.
We enjoyed our hour there. We were very glad that we took the time from our travel day to see what we did.
Next stop from there..............Oslo.
Friday, June 27, 2014
HELSINKI 2
Thursday June 26.
We woke to threatening black clouds, but went on with our plans for the day. We started out by walking in the direction of the downtown area. We came upon a plaza full of folks shopping at a flea market. They do this on a regular basis on what is called "cleaning day." Not a bad idea. We were given some information in a nearby building that housed booths of vegetables, meats, cheeses and the like. Good place to shop for food. We set out on our quest to find the Big White Lutheran Cathedral,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,The Helsinki Cathedral.
It is pictured on all brochures, calendars and postcards. Beautiful place with a beautiful set of organ pipes.
Wish we could have heard it! Just prior to finding that, we rambled around the train station to find some brochures. We spotted a Holiday Inn, so went into that lobby and viola! many suggestions were found.
Off we trekked to find the Rock Church. On our way we had a bit of rain. Not a storm, just rain gently falling. We stopped for a coffee and a hot chocolate at a little local eatery and added a custard apple crumble pie for a treat. Yumeeeeeeeeee! The Rock Church was/is incredible! The whole thing built into the side of a hill of rock. It is a Lutheran Church with a small pipe organ and the feeling there was serene and beautiful. The rotunda ceiling is made of wide strips of copper winding round and round. It is the most unusual place. The Cascade Youth Orchestra from Seattle is performing there today, and wouldn't you know that we have to hit the road this morning.
Next, we walked over to the Sibelius Monument set in a lovely park. One can be under the "pipe" work and make your own sounds. Big, metal pipes make the structure look organ like and it is set on a rock platform and it is silver in color. There is also a bust of Sibelius mounted on a stone wall. Very impressive place.
We enjoyed walking in the simple rain and returned back to the apartment and lauded ourselves in being able to find our way without a hitch.
Friday June 27.
We took the tram to the Arabia and Old Town district. There was a delight in finding a museum of products made by the Arabia company back to the 1870s. Beautiful hand painted vases, and dishes. It was fun to find the Mummins on plates and cups and bowls and to see how they are made. They displayed Mummin cups form the first to the last and even gave a spot for the 2015 cup. We sold some of these in our Scandinavian shop, so it was extra fun to see them there, too. We shopped at the outlet store there where iittala products, Rorstrand ,Finlayson, Fiskars, and a bit of Royal Copenhagen and , of course, Arabia Finland was sold too. I wanted to fill a cart and bring it all home, but that was not going to happen.
One Mummin cup was $28.00 American. And then to get it all back to Bellingham. It was fun to dream, however.
We walked in what is termed Old Town. Named as such because it is where Helsinki began. The King of Sweden at that time wanted Helsinki to be a port in competition with Tallinn, Estonia. It wasn't successful, so the whole town moved to the harbor where it now remains as a trade center and shipping place.
We found ruins still there from its first church and grounds are kept up with monuments of the first people to settle this city. Old Town is now a center for sciences and the arts as well as residential district.
We really have enjoyed and like Helsinki. We have found it friendly and beautiful, and who can contest the design ability? We'll remember it fondly.
We woke to threatening black clouds, but went on with our plans for the day. We started out by walking in the direction of the downtown area. We came upon a plaza full of folks shopping at a flea market. They do this on a regular basis on what is called "cleaning day." Not a bad idea. We were given some information in a nearby building that housed booths of vegetables, meats, cheeses and the like. Good place to shop for food. We set out on our quest to find the Big White Lutheran Cathedral,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,The Helsinki Cathedral.
It is pictured on all brochures, calendars and postcards. Beautiful place with a beautiful set of organ pipes.
Wish we could have heard it! Just prior to finding that, we rambled around the train station to find some brochures. We spotted a Holiday Inn, so went into that lobby and viola! many suggestions were found.
Off we trekked to find the Rock Church. On our way we had a bit of rain. Not a storm, just rain gently falling. We stopped for a coffee and a hot chocolate at a little local eatery and added a custard apple crumble pie for a treat. Yumeeeeeeeeee! The Rock Church was/is incredible! The whole thing built into the side of a hill of rock. It is a Lutheran Church with a small pipe organ and the feeling there was serene and beautiful. The rotunda ceiling is made of wide strips of copper winding round and round. It is the most unusual place. The Cascade Youth Orchestra from Seattle is performing there today, and wouldn't you know that we have to hit the road this morning.
Next, we walked over to the Sibelius Monument set in a lovely park. One can be under the "pipe" work and make your own sounds. Big, metal pipes make the structure look organ like and it is set on a rock platform and it is silver in color. There is also a bust of Sibelius mounted on a stone wall. Very impressive place.
We enjoyed walking in the simple rain and returned back to the apartment and lauded ourselves in being able to find our way without a hitch.
Friday June 27.
We took the tram to the Arabia and Old Town district. There was a delight in finding a museum of products made by the Arabia company back to the 1870s. Beautiful hand painted vases, and dishes. It was fun to find the Mummins on plates and cups and bowls and to see how they are made. They displayed Mummin cups form the first to the last and even gave a spot for the 2015 cup. We sold some of these in our Scandinavian shop, so it was extra fun to see them there, too. We shopped at the outlet store there where iittala products, Rorstrand ,Finlayson, Fiskars, and a bit of Royal Copenhagen and , of course, Arabia Finland was sold too. I wanted to fill a cart and bring it all home, but that was not going to happen.
One Mummin cup was $28.00 American. And then to get it all back to Bellingham. It was fun to dream, however.
We walked in what is termed Old Town. Named as such because it is where Helsinki began. The King of Sweden at that time wanted Helsinki to be a port in competition with Tallinn, Estonia. It wasn't successful, so the whole town moved to the harbor where it now remains as a trade center and shipping place.
We found ruins still there from its first church and grounds are kept up with monuments of the first people to settle this city. Old Town is now a center for sciences and the arts as well as residential district.
We really have enjoyed and like Helsinki. We have found it friendly and beautiful, and who can contest the design ability? We'll remember it fondly.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
HELSINKI, FINLAND
We got on a huge ship that ferried us from Tallinn to Helsinki. There were three full decks full of cars and trucks. The size was unbelievable to us! We have photos of the mechanics of the ship to let all of these vehicles on and off. These folks have it down pat!
We found our apartment with ease and settled in quickly to our new "neighborhood" of three days. We are located near the harbor and have easy access to groceries and restaurants and other types of businesses.
We decided to have a meal that would be totally Finnish. A rugged, not-to-fancy restaurant was only a few blocks away and was suggested for price and quality. It was great! Lamb stew, garlic potatoes, fish balls and great bread. This place likes to use garlic and was everything delicious? YES! They had pickled garlic that we could help ourselves from a jar on the table. The lamb stew had seasoning undefinable other than just plain delicious. For dessert, garlic ice cream with orange-rosemary sauce. ( Just had to try it!) My garlic potatoes were sliced and sauteed and Dan's were garlic mashed. Good start to a good few days here.
The weather is cold. Like Fall or very early Spring. I even have been wearing mittens and a scarf wrapped around my neck. Truly, I need a winter coat here! Dan has one. Silly me thinking it is summer. Folks say it is unusually cold for this time of year. Still light at 10:30 pm!
We found our apartment with ease and settled in quickly to our new "neighborhood" of three days. We are located near the harbor and have easy access to groceries and restaurants and other types of businesses.
We decided to have a meal that would be totally Finnish. A rugged, not-to-fancy restaurant was only a few blocks away and was suggested for price and quality. It was great! Lamb stew, garlic potatoes, fish balls and great bread. This place likes to use garlic and was everything delicious? YES! They had pickled garlic that we could help ourselves from a jar on the table. The lamb stew had seasoning undefinable other than just plain delicious. For dessert, garlic ice cream with orange-rosemary sauce. ( Just had to try it!) My garlic potatoes were sliced and sauteed and Dan's were garlic mashed. Good start to a good few days here.
The weather is cold. Like Fall or very early Spring. I even have been wearing mittens and a scarf wrapped around my neck. Truly, I need a winter coat here! Dan has one. Silly me thinking it is summer. Folks say it is unusually cold for this time of year. Still light at 10:30 pm!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
RIGA, LATVIA
We came out of the hotel in Kaunas and heard church music in chant style. It gave a nice "ring" to the start of Sunday morning and our 4 hour drive to Riga, Latvia. The sky was black with intermittent blue sky surrounded by white cumulus clouds. It was cold. Riga is a city built by a big river and near a bay in the Baltic Sea. It was a holiday there ( an annual celebration of some kind). We got to park for free Sunday and Monday because of it. YAY! It was bitter cold, but we had a nice stay in an old hotel and enjoyed seeing a few sights. After a big dump of rain, the sky cleared and it warmed up a bit and we sat by the river and enjoyed watching the people and the activity on the river. We think that Riga is a destination for sport activities, especially in the summer. Tourists from all over Europe like to go there.
Leaving there by noon, we headed for Tallinn, Estonia.
Tallinn, Estonia: A port on the Baltic Sea. We stayed here two nights in a very nice apartment, however a bit ill equipped in the kitchen. Funny how one can get creative on how to use what one has. We liked it here very much. The business part of town is modern and driving in we immediately liked it. There are some beautiful houses with yards and trees. Something we hadn't seen in many of the places we have been.
The oldest part of town is situated up on a hill just beyond the port and is quite fairy tale in sight and feel.
On Tuesday we came into the town square from our dwelling and a band was marching up one of the streets. I saw Norwegian flags!!! I ran to grab a photo. It was a youth band of 45-50 strong with ages ranging from 10 to 17 ( we were told by their leader). They stopped in the square and played about 5 marching-type pieces and were delightful. A great start to a warmer day. We walked down to the harbor where we purchased tickets for the ferry to Helsinki, Finland. We window shopped a bit, took some photos, had lunch and the day came to an end quicker than we realized. I must say, however, it is odd to have it light outside at 10:30 pm.
Leaving there by noon, we headed for Tallinn, Estonia.
Tallinn, Estonia: A port on the Baltic Sea. We stayed here two nights in a very nice apartment, however a bit ill equipped in the kitchen. Funny how one can get creative on how to use what one has. We liked it here very much. The business part of town is modern and driving in we immediately liked it. There are some beautiful houses with yards and trees. Something we hadn't seen in many of the places we have been.
The oldest part of town is situated up on a hill just beyond the port and is quite fairy tale in sight and feel.
On Tuesday we came into the town square from our dwelling and a band was marching up one of the streets. I saw Norwegian flags!!! I ran to grab a photo. It was a youth band of 45-50 strong with ages ranging from 10 to 17 ( we were told by their leader). They stopped in the square and played about 5 marching-type pieces and were delightful. A great start to a warmer day. We walked down to the harbor where we purchased tickets for the ferry to Helsinki, Finland. We window shopped a bit, took some photos, had lunch and the day came to an end quicker than we realized. I must say, however, it is odd to have it light outside at 10:30 pm.
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