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Published: September 9th 2008
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Backpacking
Loved my new backpack but was happy to say goodbye to it. Sadly, I had to leave Fresvik and say goodbye to all the relatives; new found friends; green, green hills; and the fjords. Ingvar so kindly drove me to Vik to catch the bus to Voss. From there I was to take the train to Drammen and then another train to Holmestrand. It was raining in Fresvik but as we left and started to drive along the fjord, the sun came out and it was beautiful shining on the water and the fishing boats. Apparantly, September 1st brings the sardine fishing season.
As it turned out, I had to switch buses in Vinje! Well....THAT name sure sounded familiar. When I climbed on the bus, the driver said to me...in Norwegian, of course...that I would have to change at Winyee...at least, that's what it sounded like to me. So, I had to chuckle to myself when I saw the signs and realized it was Vinje. I instantly thought of Vivian and Glen Vinje.
It was a long train ride to Drammen (which is just south of Oslo) but once again, scenery that you just don't see everyday. I switched trains in Drammen and had a short 20 minute ride to Holmestrand.
Tromso & area
This was the view from the plane as we left Tromso There Darlene and her relative Torunn picked me up.
Holmestrand and area reminded me of the Fraser Valley. Full of little farms...kind of smells like Chilliwack a bit....oh those cows!....and cauliflower fields. Who knew!!!???
We stayed with Ruth and Erling Bekkeseth. Lovely folks. They have a little farm and a lumber mill on the farm. They were just finishing up the wheat as we were there. They were a bit shocked when I told them the size of the Mass farm. Erling didn't speak any English whatsoever but that didn't stop him from visiting with us. Ruth could speak some and had her Norwegian/English dictionary with her at all times. This couple are in their early 80's and one would never guess that. She reminded me alot of Grandma Hoium with her gentle disposition.
Ruth and Erling share the farm with their son, Runar and his wife, Liv. They have moved into the big house on the hill and built a new house for his parents. This brought back many memories for Darlene. She and her mother, her sister, her grandmother and a cousin spent 6 weeks one summer long ago with this family. Her Grandmother and
Bergen again
Our tour guide was so kind to find an apt for us to rent for one night before we left for Fresvik. We found the apt but no land lady....??? her Mother have since passed away and this was a bittersweet trip for Darlene.
The hospitality was, once again so wonderful and much appreciated. AND...as always....food, food, food. They sure love their bread but no such thing as a toaster in their homes.
They told us on Tuesday evening that we would be going to the 'End of the World' tomorrow. Oh god....!!! What could that mean!!!?? I thought we had already been there when we were in Tromso. As it turned out, we spent a lovely day on the coast south of Holmestrand. It was a bit windy but one could tell that this is a popular cottage area and would be very busy during the warm summer months. Cottages remain in the family too - just like their farms - and Liv's family have a cottage out this way. This is were we stopped for lunch.
Friday morning came waaaaaayyyyyy too early. Up at 5:00 to catch the train at 6:24 and off to the airport for our 10:30 am flight home. It was a long day but the two happy travelers were glad to get home. I think we were both sick of wearing
Vik
Lovely view the same clothes for 3 weeks and looking forward to eating some salad and toast!
Norway is a beautiful country!! Something that you just can't explain. People work to live there; not live to work. And they are VERY active and love the outdoors. I think some of us North Americans use the cold winter as an excuse NOT to be active, wereas the Norwegians relish their winters and nature in all her seasons. Their lives do not revolve around the TV and Computer.....and they really do make great sweaters!!!
SKOL!!!
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John & Dianne
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Welsome Home
Loved the pictures and commentary. Now we really have to (go home) as well. Thanks for all of these. Hugs