Luzern

I was a little nervous about going to Switzerland. It wasn't because I felt unsafe or anxious about the flight there or anything of that sort. No, it was simply because I would be in the presence of (and staying with) someone that J seemed to revere as something of a deity. D was a PhD student studying film, incredibly intelligent and intimidated me to death. I'm not really sure why since J claimed that he and D were practically the same person. Still, I was afraid of getting cornered into giving my opinions about film noir or Kubrick or something that I knew very little about. I guess, I was feeling a tad bit insecure about being around him and his wife (also, another intellectual).

I'm embarrassed to even admit this now as D and L (his wife) are among the kindest and sweetest individuals I've ever met.

D and L were the perfect hosts... They made us feel comfortable in their homes so much that we wished we didn't have to leave. They made us delicious meals (D is somewhat of a gourmet!), took us to the most beautiful places in Switzerland and were so much fun to be around! They made our experience in Switzerland absolutely memorable, as did Kiki and Bubble. I can't thank them enough...


Awww...
Hellgrotten
"Dapper man walking with child" crossing sign.
Moo.





Look! A real live gnome!




Gosh, this one makes me feel dirty...
... Thank goodness, I've found this McClean where I can enter for only 2 Swiss francs!

Bergen

One night during our visit to Bergen, J leaned over and said to me, “This place is magic. No, it really is”.

Ever since we met, my husband told me about this very special place called, Bergen, where his "happy place" was. His voice would often change when he spoke about it... It would soften a bit and he would smile and then, he would speak fervently and passionately about it. His eyes would be lit up the whole time. It wasn't until I visited that I finally understood what all of the theatrics were about.

Bergen was (and is) amazing... From the incredible landscape (gorgeous mountains and fjords, Mt. Floyen, Ulriken) to the stunning architecture (Bryggen, the Stave Church, the city centre) to the absolutely lovely people. I loved it all and for so many reasons. Our voyage to Bergen (and the surrounding areas) were magical and full of so many wonderful, wonderful memories that won't soon be forgotten. In fact, it was here that I was proposed to and later married the wonderful man that I now share my life with.

I don't think I can adequately summarize how much this place means to me. Perhaps, you'll get a sense of the beauty and the magic through the few photographs I've selected to share... To be certain, you'll just have to visit some day.


J was reunited with his dear friend, H. Their friendship began many years ago while they were both traveling with friends and saw eachother while hanging out their train windows. The rest is history. They've been friends ever since and their lovely story (written by J) was even published in a book of short stories. It was nice to finally meet the legendary H and spend time with her and her family. In fact, the three of us stayed with them and felt spoiled rotten! My favorite part of our days were the evenings when we would gather around the living room table over tea and chocolate... after a vicious game of Pigs. (Have you heard of this game? It's where you roll the two little pigs instead of dice and are scored according to the way they land. Great fun!) Oh yes, and my favorite person on the whole trip was her little person who spoke only Norwegian. His favorite word was, "æsj" (pronounced "aash") which meant "yuck" and he could be heard saying it several times throughout the day.



I miss you, Little æsj!
I loved looking at all of the different signs around Norway. I believe this one was the "Dapper man crossing" sign. Check out the hat!
Fantoft Stave Church was originally built in Fortun in Sogn in 1150 and moved to Fantoft in 1883 and then, burnt down on the 6th of June 1992 (by a Satanist). Fantoft Stave Church has now been rebuilt just as it was before the fire.









This sign must be the "Dapper city worker slash grave digger" sign. Love the hat!
At the top of Mt. Floyen is a troll which is supposed to give you good luck if you kiss it. A bittersweet dilemma for a superstitious germaphobe.
Separated at birth.

Train ride to Bergen...

I have come to love trains and the train ride from Oslo to Bergen was no exception... The route was absolutely stunning (and the ride incredibly comfortable). The terrain varied greatly as the elevation increased. I don't think I've ever been so fascinated by snow but found myself clicking away! The little towns were gorgeous and the landscape was breathtaking. I should have known that this was foreshadow for the beautiful city of Bergen...