Isn't it good, Norwegian Wood
Trip to Norway, July 2004
Two years ago, I took one of the best trips I have ever taken in my life, to one of the most beautiful places on Earth: we went by motorcycle up through Germany and Denmark, then by ferry over to Norway. We drove about a third of the way up, crossed over into Sweden, and drove back down to Denmark, and then home. Every turn of the road brought a breath-taking view. I was so overwhelmed by the scenery at times that I had tears in my eyes.
I fully intended to write about this trip... but various circumstances conspired for that not to happen right after we returned, nor in the month, and then years, after. And now, I think I've accepted that I'm just never going to do it. Which is sad because, as, as I said, it's one of the best trips I've ever taken, maybe the best. The natural beauty of that country is absolutely staggering, and the cabin system they use for accommodations is one I wish all countries would adopt.
So I'll just offer a few tips:
- if you are looking for a place to stay in Kristiansand, I strongly recommend:
You will get a great breakfast, and wonderful stories about Tanta Gerd's travels all over the world. Tanta Gerd is an inspiration to me. Someone should write a book based on her travels.
- You cannot spend too much time on the West Coast of Norway. Take plenty of time to just sit in one spot and take in whatever is before you, fjord or glacier or lake or waterfall or jelly fish swimming by the ferry or whatever.
- Even people with the strongest stomachs have problems on the ferry from Denmark to Norway. Wear your seabands, take some seasickness medicine, and take some ginger to eat or ginger ale to drink. And go to the bathroom early in the trip, because later, you won't want to be anywhere near the well-used bathrooms.
- Nothing to see in Lillihammer except the old Olympic ski jump and the bobsled simulater at the bottom of it.
- Norway is not known for its food, nor its beer. And when you visit, you will learn why.
- Bring something to put over your eyes at night, or you won't get any sleep in the summer.
- If you go over into Sweden, don't miss the rock carvings at Tanumshede. I wish we'd had more time and different clothes, so we could make an extensive exploration of the area. The gift shop is nice, and the camping next door is excellent.
- The hiking is awesome -- just be sure you bring the clothes for it.
- Mind the bicyclists -- they are everywhere.
- For highlights of our trip, visit Stefan's web site.
What I was reading on this trip: Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier and Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne.
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