Getting to Geiranger

What luck!
My days of vacation were beautiful hot sun... then, rain.



The combo of the two turned into a flood country.
With no train tracks, no train.
Busy bus with a delay created an interesting day.
But folks were not too worried



And my neighbor gave me a delicious drink.



Their slogan, "Soon to be world famous." By soon they may mean a decade, it's five years into production.

Then I realized what brought me to this country





There were farms scattered about this beautiful land and my jaw was dropped to the floor the entire ride, until I reached Andalsnes. Here, was a bus to Sjholt. Arriving an hour and a half late. Now what? It's raining, hard, but I'm determined to make it the remaining 65km.



So I found some paper and a pen and wrote, "Geiranger, Takk". Of course I asked around to make sure it was both legal and friendly, and stuck out my thumb. Almost immediately a very nice Norwegian blood dating back to the 1700s picked me up



Many thanks.
After 24km my hopes were up and my thumb back out. Almost half way...
And another ride after a gentleman from the grocery


in Stordal overheard my questioning about a potential bus to Geiranger, drove me to the ferry. It was getting cold and I had one more pass to make at 33km before arriving to my new home. The ferry was full of cars so I asked around but began to hear a familiar answer, "no, sorry." But hey my day started out with luck and she was still on my side. "Yes, I'm going to Geiranger." I couldn't help but jump and click my heels, twice. I grabbed my bag and warmed up with a nice chat as the ferry docked and we set off. Up and up and what a surprise...



We drove about 5km. And on the other side...



It is hard to capture the sharp pitch and curves of this road but we were descending fast.

I made it! Exhausted and relieved, I found a guide, Axel who greeted me and said, "Great, Grab your rain pants, Ian is sponging out the boats at the dock. Lets show you where and you can help him."
"I made it, and it's everything I expected and more." Especially waking up the next morning...








Of course I went straight to work but I'll post more of this gem of a fjord when I can.

To all my family and friends, "Wish you were here."

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Sunshine

Nicolai re-enacting a historical event in Parliament park.

Taking the ferry out island hopping. There seems to be a great sailing community, beautiful boats all about catching that natural power.

We made it to Gressholmen island where the summer day activity was to find a spot and sunbathe. The islands consisted of this upturned formation of thinly layered rock. Just like a book, Norway is filled with stories.

One of the many beautiful churches.

The newly constructed Opera house, designed to resemble an iceberg. You could walk about the entire structure getting to the roof and enjoying the sore line view. By 2015, this entire shore front will be constructed for the masses with a new Library and park and reflection pool. I will have to come back :)

"Hi"


As my vacation comes to a close, I cannot help but get excited for my next hop to Geiranger, a 5-6 hour trip as the eagle flies NW. Of course it is early in the summer season so the main entrance to Geiranger will be closed for a few more weeks because of snow on the high mountain passes. I am sad to say goodbye to Oslo though, a beautiful and historic city with lots of spirit and appreciation of arts and sciences.

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17 May

What a celebration!
Bubbly breakfast with awesome company- Kaja in her traditional bunad dress, H.A., Joachan, Carolina and the man taking our picture Lars Frederic


The parade up to the palace where the royal family enjoyed the spirited fun


Gunnar, our dinner and pre-game host who never let our glasses sit empty (wearing glasses and a bright smile) and his wife Janne, sitting on the couch with Nicolai. A fantastic group of art historians.


With many laughs and endless drink our celebration of Norway will always bring a smile of lasting memories.

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Let the good times roll

Norwegian playgrounds have the real shovel game


And a painted gym with great climbers


Cave





And a beautiful cemetery




Nicolai, Craig and I kicking it old school with some Norwegian brew


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Statues

This one makes me smile


This one makes me wonder


Have a seat



James Bond style


And the historical








Public transportation is available


Today was a drizzle of rain. My gracious host, Nicolai, gave me a bike card allowing for a three hour at a time rental of a community bike. These stations are all over central Oslo. I was all smiles riding the coast to the kings palace and back. Also, explored the side of a historical building getting a little traverse action (climbing lingo). Well, I am now off to check out the new Star Trek film, with only 5 million people in Norway they do not bother with dubbing over the English. Lucky me it's Norwegian subtitles! I have gotten the chance to practice, mainly Takk ( thanks). English language classes begin in first grade for these little ones. Go Norway!
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Walk around central Oslo

Yep, it's neat


Historical building, right next to the grand hotel where the winner of the Nobel peace prize stays


And parliament


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A few from Oslo

Lots of artistic, Banksy style, graffiti. This isn't Banksy of course but it does tell it right.


And Central Park, a short walk away





And there is quite a fashion sense here, maybe I am underdressed, ha.

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Arrival

After a long day in Reykjavik, Iceland, I have made it to Olso, Norway. Language is highlighted instantly. The flight attendants and pilots knew at least three languages on Icelandic air, and luckily for good old fashioned American me, English is indeed prevalent.


In Reykjavik, cold and windy.



As sleep called to me, this is my only picture of Oslo thus far. Now rested I am off to explore.


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Technology, Man

Check, check. One two, one two


From the most deliciously utilized kitchen.

Look, its the coolest mom ever!

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Countdown

The count ensues with the final few days left with my family and friends, and of course our dog Riley. Hard to say goodbye to springtime Colorado. My brother and I have been battling the late snowy weather to get as many climbs in as possible before my departure to Norway in ten days. Coastal Odyssey, an established Sea Kayaking company settled deep in the Geirangerfjord, has accepted me for an internship this summer season. The days are just packed as I scramble to ready myself for takeoff. I will travel to Oslo for ten days before trekking NW to Geiranger where I will meet the other two interns, as well as my mentor/partner and the rest of the team. I want to thank y'all for your supporting excitement and help in preparing for this venture.

(Note: The displayed image is from my doorstep in Ketchikan, Alaska. Picture taken summer 2012)