Recreation

Tue 26 May, 2009

How do Norwegians take time off from their routine? Much like many of us, they go outside. Hiking, fishing, skiing, swimming, exploring, it's quite the same. Traveling, shopping, restaurants, visiting... there's really no mystery. And this trip is obviously revealing that we have much more in common than not. As we've been observing, the traditions do vary, this land is amazing, and the food can shift a bit. Isn't that diversity something that you can find all over America depending upon where you are?

Reindeer CrossingSo what can we find with 48 hours to explore this piece of Northern Norway? With our first day we took a drive West. With all of these mountains climbing from the sea, I wanted to find a typical vacation spot. There were supposed to be beaches. So we drove around one of these numerous islands that connect to the main-land, either by bridge or ferry. We did find beaches!!! And quite a number of animals were there to say Hello. The prize was a Sea Eagle which we have captured on video. Oh, I don't want to give too much of it away because there will be another movie soon!

Today we will drive East. I have no idea what we will find... the Sami experience is still percolating and what is slowly revealing itself is quite different than what I anticipated before this journey. That's another cliff hanger for you.

More Sneak Peaks:

Tonight we are going on a Midnight Sun kayaking expedition. With the sun never setting you can embark on all sorts of activities at any hour. We'll be leaving at 9:30 PM and returning at 2:30 AM. That may bring even more animal exposure and a special meal cooked on the shore.
On Wednesday we head for the islands of Svalbard, a 90 min flight straight North....

Comments

Re: Recreation

Posted by Avizahn on Tue 26 May, 2009.

This is so cool.....Are you experiencing any change in the way you perceive or the way things are sensed by you or the way they actually are? We went to the north of Sweden and the sound of thunder was totally different than in the lower latitudes. They say in space colors are so much more intense because they are not seen through the atmosphere....and of course, the whole magnetic thing is different....What's your experience?
The Glory of God is in my heart
The Grace of God is in my soul
Blessed be.....Avizahn

Re: Recreation

Posted by Alison on Tue 26 May, 2009.

agh I am hanging by my pinkie waiting for the video! hehe the suspense is killing me. did we see the reindeer or are they on vacation until December?
and I am excited about the late night kayaking..pretty cool!

Re: Recreation

Posted by Jean on Tue 26 May, 2009.

What a wonderful thing to visual as I go to sleep tonight (a midnight sun kayak trip). It will be the first thing I read about in the morning. Enjoy!

Weather

Posted by Dave on Tue 26 May, 2009.

I just noticed that our daily weather forecast includes "No sunset today". Too funny.

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth." - Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.

Re: Recreation

Posted by Curly Red Sue on Tue 26 May, 2009.

Deb
I finally caught up with you. It has been difficult to sit uninterrupted. My luck. I catch up and you cliff hang us. What are we driving? Yes, please tell us something yummy that we are enjoying to eat. And I guess we don't star gaze much since that would be time better used for sleep.
Fantastic stuff!

Re: Recreation

Posted by Siri on Tue 26 May, 2009.

Hi, I saw you mention Tromsø on twitter (it's my favourite search, I think, it brings so many different results), and ended up here. Haven't really read a lot yet, but my compulsive nature forces me to make note of the fact that the sign you have pictured isn't for reindeer crossing, but moose crossing (whatever the plural of moose may be). There's a difference in size, but - more notably on signs such as those - in the antlers.
And I hope the Sami experience so far has been good - that's about all I can say without rambling on about it (I fear I'm a rambler, especially when it comes to my culture)!

Re: Recreation

Posted by debra on Tue 26 May, 2009.

Hi Everyone!!! It's 4:30AM and I am totally awake. I arrived home from the kayaking about an hour ago... it is still complete daylight (although I suppose we should refer to it as night light???). Will write about that sometime tomorrow.
It is great to have you all on board. I've finished the movie and hope to have it uploaded soon. The HD stuff takes hours with no interruptions.
Hey Avizahn, glad to see you've commented successfully. The atmosphere seems weird at night, but I think that's mostly a light situation. With everyone asleep it feels extra odd... sort of like a ghost-town effect. I've been getting reports that the "vibe" at Svalbard is VERY different. Will keep you posted.
Hello also to our new-comers Sue from home, and Siri from Twitter. I've been missing you Sue...... and it sounds like Siri is a local expert for us. Fantastic. It appears that our road sign is a Moose! OH well. We are all excited to find a Reindeer though... and I'm starting to question my desire to eat one. I've heard it's very good, but I don't know about eating Rudolph. I've got an incredible amount of very interesting and introspective things to share, but for right now I'm placing all of my focus on your movie. I think you'll enjoy it

Re: Recreation

Posted by Alison on Wed 27 May, 2009.

i am not going to share with my daughter your interest in trying reindeer..that would upset her so. lol

Re: Recreation

Posted by Ida on Tue 9 June, 2009.

I think reindeer steak or stew might be one of my favourite meals ever. The meat is rather lean and the taste is neither overwhelming nor too sharp, but with a round spiciness to it. ('spiciness'. I think I just invented a word, doesn't look right AT all. Ah well, you understand what I mean... ) I'd recommand it to anyone, really. And I'm not just saying that because I'm Norwegian - I love tasting new food from other countries, too