Monday, August 20, 2012

Memories From a Tourist in Norway

Summer is quickly fading away. Nights are chilly and darkness creeps up a little earlier each day. It is time to pack away the midnight sun memories and prepare for candlelight evenings and a warm fireplace. My time spent as a summer tourist in Norway has been over for awhile now. Before I pack away the summer I thought I would share one last post with you about my trip around Norway with my children. I have told you about our camping experiances, how expensive yet beautiful the country is, and how driving the roads here can be a challenge.  (check out the links)


There is a lot of history here in Norway as well, and some of the major things my son wanted to see here on his first trip to Norway were the Stave Churches, viking graves and ships.

Viking grave
In Oslo their is a huge Viking Ship museum which holds several viking ships that have been excavated from different parts in Norway. Viking graves can be found all over the country, they pop up everywhere like weeds and are free to the public to walk among. The churches however,  cost money to go inside. The cost of admission goes towards the preservation of these churches.We started our trip counting the number of Stave Churches we came across, but to be honest I lost count. I think we saw 7 of them. Each one just as fascinating as the last. We were not allowed to take pictures from inside, but here you have an idea of what a Stave Church looks like. My son explains his fascination with them in the  video at the end of my post.
Stave Church
No trip to Norway is complete without a hiking trip in the mountains. My family has a cabin in Norefjeld, and although it was raining the whole time we were there, we still put on rain clothes and enjoyed a wet, but nice walk in the mountains. After a long day hiking, it was great to go back to the cabin and relax in the hot tub. The fog and the rain was not going to stop us from having a good time! Being prepared for all kinds of weather is important when you vacation in Norway. The weather changes very fast and in one day you can experiance every season, even in July.
View from the hottub
Hiking in the rain
Hope you have enjoyed being a tourist in Norway with me. My son took a part of Norway home with him to Denver. I can not speak for him, but I believe his memory box has been enriched. I do not know when I will see him again. For now, all I have to do is close my eyes and remember, and if that does not work well enough, there is always film.



Have you ever been a tourist in your own home town or country? What do you have stored in your memory box?



23 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Those churches are beautiful and so unique.
Sure, I've played tourist. Since I live on the East Coast do the USA, there are lots of historical places here. Charleston and Savanah are great area to explore.

Elise Fallson said...

I would love to visit Norway someday. The church is amazing! And from what I've seen of the landscape here and online, it looks breath taking. And I hope you get to see your son again very soon. Looks like you all had a wonderful time. (:

Unknown said...

Those churches are gorgeous and I love the Vikings. Such a fascinating culture.

I play the tourist in Chicago all the time. One of my faves was the Gangland tour. Al Capone had a house near me with a tunnel built in the basement as an escape route.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Sometimes I feel a tourist in my own mind. Getting lost in thought because it is unfamiliar territory!

I loved those Stave Churches! So beautiful. You have so many lovely memories from this trip. That view from the hot tub was awesome in its grandeur.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Sis,

Lovely.... How unique those Stave churches are. We must visit them together some day soon.

What an incredible view from your cabin... Norway is such a fascinating country. Rustic beauty steeped in history. Viking culture is like no other.

I LOVE playing tourist no matter where I go. Especially where I live because so many natives NEVER SEE what's directly in front of them and don't appreciate the place where they live. They take sooo much for granted.

D.G. Hudson said...

Norway was on my list of places to visit, but not on hubs yet. He grew up in Canada's west coast and gets enough of cold and rain here in the Pacific Northwest rainforest.

I've always wanted to see the fjords of Norway, and the stark beauty (which you've shown us with your photos and videos). I liked the graves and tombs of the Vikings, as well, that you featured. Thanks for sharing that.

Very nice video by your son, he's well spoken and mirrors many of my own reasons for liking churches - the history, the architecture, and imagining those olden times.

E. Arroyo said...

I would love to go there. Sometimes I feel like a prisoner in my own little square mile city block. It amazes me that there's so much out there yet to experience. Thank you for sharing.

Kittie Howard said...

Thank you for sharing your trip and for these gorgeous photos. I've been fortunate to visit Norway several times and can't get enough of its amazing scenery. The first time I saw that Viking ship, I was awestruck. Soooo much history.

Your son is so relaxed in front of the camera and is so knowledgable. Understand why you'll miss him and hope you see him soonest.

Susan Kane said...

What a smart and well-spoken young man your son is! Glad you had some time to share his heritage with him.

Christine Rains said...

The churches are gorgeous! I'd love to see the viking boats too. I'm jealous of your cabin with such a view.

Liesel K. Hill said...

I did enjoy it! Great pics! It's so beautiful there! Thanks for sharing them with us! :D

Arlee Bird said...

Norway looks like a wonderful place to visit. Maybe someday I'll make it.

I've often enjoyed being a tourist at home. Less now than years ago, but I enjoys getting out to see the sights when I do go.


Lee
Tossing It Out

Arlee Bird said...

Oh, and your hyperlink at the A to Z Blog brought me here. You did it right the second time.


Lee
Tossing It Out

J.L. Campbell said...

Sounds like you've had some interesting experiences this summer!

Ciara said...

That is amazing. I've toured all over Europe backpacking and the beauty is mesmerizing. I grew up taking two week driving trips across the US every summer. I've seen some of the amazing sites like Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Red Woods, Petrified Forest. I also love to travel around the south east and do a lot of hiking.

Lynn Proctor said...

that was amazing--what a lovely church--your cabin sounds divine--so happy you had this wonderful time with your son and all of your family :)

Gina Gao said...

Norway looks so great! I wish I can visit some day, it looks lovely.

www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

Crazy Life of a Writing Mom said...

It sounds AMAZING there! So fascinating.

Unknown said...

Gina, wanted to leave you a comment on your blog but sorry after three attempts to get through your word verification I gave up. Also I can not find your email address

kjmckendry said...

Those are beautiful pictures. I would love to go to Norway sometime.

momto8blog said...

oh yes...I did enjoy it. we toured Norway 25 yrs ago...beautiful country filled with beautiful people...
great photos!!
I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Siv .. loved this post and went over to Wikipedia - very informative over there with some great photos of the various churches.

How wonderful to hear your son talk .. and you obviously all totally enjoyed the trip - but the memories of family are the most important ..

Cheers Hilary

Jarm Del Boccio said...

What a wonderful trip you have had...good memories, Siv! We plan to take a cruise through the Baltic Sea and on to St. Petersburg, where we will board a riverboat bound for Moscow. A last trip with the kids before they head to college. It will be our first time in Scandinavia...I can't wait! Thanks for stopping by my blog....