Day 7: Heading South

Today wasn't the most exciting day of my trip so far. I finished exploring Oslo this morning, and decided to start my journey south to Copenhagen. I started by walking through a near by neighborhood of my hostel. There were some old wooden houses in the traditional Norwegian style with beautiful views of the town below. There was also a lot of graffiti which I've noticed is more common in Oslo; especially compared to Stockholm. From there, I headed to the train station. I wasnt ready to leave Norway though. It's definitely a place I want to return to in the future, especially to explore more of the country side. It's such a beautiful country, even just the train rides were remarkable.

Prior to leaving for this trip, my plan was to spend a day in Hamburg, Germany on the way from Copenhagen to Berlin. This would have been a nice way to split up the trip and have a more relaxed day part way through my trip. However, I had heard there wasn't much there, and someone suggested Gothenburg, Sweden which I thought would be a good way to break up the eight hour train ride from Oslo to Copenhagen instead. However, while on the train to Gothenburg from Oslo, I was realizing more and more that I didn't have enough time in Copenhagen if I split the trip up into two days. Erik and I had plans to meet in Prague on Friday, so stopping would have only given me a day and a half in Copenhagen which is far too short! Thus, I cancelled my hostel reservation, and continued on my way! So now, I have arrived, found a hostel on the fly, and am in Copenhagen to explore for two days!

Day 6: The Adventures Continue

Today was another jam packed day. I started out at 6am arriving back in the train station from the fjord trip. With no hostel or place to go, I freshened up in the train station for 10NOK - about $1.50 (and yes, here in Europe you must pay to potty.) Then I proceeded to find a place to stay for tonight. With it being a Saturday, there was only one available place, so I booked it straight away. Then, layered up to face the blustering  windy  rainy, and cold day that faced me. That wasn't going to stop me from having my one day to explore Oslo. I sat down in a Coffee House (what seems to be Scandanevia's Starbucks) had a tea and parfait, and mapped out my day.

I began walking the boardwalk - one of my favorite past times to do. I knew I'd come along a castle and City Hall. Upon entering this castle/fort, it happened to be the one weekend where a medieval festival was in town and instead of the grounds being free to explore, they were 200NOK (about $25) so my budget and I skipped that. Next, was trying to get even a glimpse of the castle, but apparently they built it well because the wall around it completely blocked it from sight! Anyways. I proceed to walk around, found city hall which was alright. Bought an overpriced troll doll as a souvenir, and walked around a bit more.

At this point, I could barely feel my hands. I think the high today was around 45° plus clouds, wind, and rain. So I decided it was time to find some Norwegian fish soup to warm me up. Let me tell you, it was delicious. It wasn't papa's clam chowder, but had a different unique creamy delicious taste to it. After, I began my journey across town to the sculpture park.

This place was unique. A ginormous park that was absolutely beautiful, filled with sculptures of naked men, women, and children. Alone, together, and in some of the strangest poses! I'm not sure what he was going for or the purpose, but I did like how he naturally captured humans. Not only physically,  but in the various poses depicting life together. I think it's something some artists try to do modestly, but he did it quite boldly.

After the sculpture park, I ventured my way back to the hostel. I was (and am) exhausted. I took a rest, met my hostel roommates, and did some wash. Thankfully, I have an all girls dorm, because my clothes are everywhere! I am beyond the point of needing to do laundry, so let's just hope everything dries by morning. 

Well, that was my day in a nutshell, so on that note, good night! Tomorrow is finishing exploring Oslo, then off to Gothenburg, Sweden as my midway point to Copenhagen, Denmark.

Day 5: Stunned by Beauty

God Morgen! It is now 7:30am here in Oslo, Norway, and man what a day I have had! (Well yesterday that is.) I just woke up from an "amazing" six hours if sleep on a train seat. However prior to that, I had the pleasure of waking up at 5:00am yesterday to start the amazing 24 hour journey that I just had. But that's all besides the point, because I just saw the most beautiful fjords in Norway.

I know I keep saying this, but I can totally tell that I'm from here. The people do like I do and live like I live. It reminds me of home and my family so much it's crazy. Canoes in back yards, sail boats, rain, evergreen trees, water, etc. It's a stunning place to visit.

Anyways, back to yesterday. I caught the 6:30am train from Oslo to Mydral, about a five hour trip. On the way, there were several stops. One of which was at 12,300+ meters - the highest train station in Norway. It was beautiful with small houses dotting the glacier field. From there, Mydral was simply a train stop to transfer to another train however there it was SNOWING. Not something I planned or packed for on this trip I'll tell you that. Then I took this scenic train down to the town of Flam on the water. We passed waterfall after waterfall. One of which was enormous. Then at Flam, a small town on the water, I bought some bread, cheese, and sausage there where I ate lunch with the most magnificent view. This stop then was departed by with a two and a half hour cruise through the fjords. It might have been windy and cold, but nothing was going to keep me from staying outside to enjoy the views. We passed huge cliffs jetting up from each side, waterfalls streaming down hundreds of feet, small villages a few houses big, and old churches - one dating back to 1157. This trip was definitely worth it, and was just what I was hoping to see in Norway.  After the cruise, buses picked us up in Gudvangen and brought us through the fjords, back to some civilization in Voss. Here, I enjoyed scenic views while waiting for the next train, to Bergen. Although I'd only have a few hours in Bergen, I wanted to make sure I could go. I wish I'd have more time, but the little I did spend there was great. There were buildings along the waterfront from the 1700s and probably earlier, and an old fort that used to protect the city. Everything about this trip was spectacular. From there, I took the night train back to Oslo, and here I am. Even if I didn't do anything else in Norway, I'd be happy with the time I spent here.

Now, time to freshen up in Oslos main station bathroom, and find somewhere to sleep tonight.

Day 4: Back to My Roots in Norway

It's a strange thing to think or say, but I can honestly tell that my family is from here. Not that I've had an instant connection with anyone, just that mannerisms, actions, looks, etc. all seem familiar. People walk in the rain with only a rain coat on un-bothered by it, some not even wearing a hood. They're also happy and outgoing in familiar settings or around those they know, but shy around those they don't. The lifestyle is also similar. Seeing the country side by train made me realize this. There are simple wooden houses in the middle of beautiful country side. 

Although I haven't spent that much time in Norway yet, and I would love for it to be warmer than 45°, I love it here. The trees are like home with mapel and Madronas, it rains, people are outside despite the cold spring, everything is lush and green, and all beautifully surrounded by water. Today I walked around the main parts of town exploring the royal palace, shopping center, and eating a traditional Norwegian dinner of lamb, some sludge stuff - that was delicious, and potatoe dumplings.  Tomorrow, I'm headed to Bergen to see the fjords and I can't wait! It'll definitely be a highlight of my trip.

Day 3: From Tourist to Local

Although I walk around lost, unable to speak to anyone, and snapping pictures all the time, I've still managed to make myself blend in. I've been asked directions by a tourist, and to support causes I can't understand by natives. It is nice though to know that I can make myself blend in, despite my Burnette features.

Today I wasn't as advantageous with only about 12 miles under my belt. I've been sick, and hoping it will pass soon so I'm not sick all three and a half weeks. I explored the east side of town where a beautiful park is, the boardwalk, and some smaller islands. The main feature of the day was the Vasa museum. Here, a 1600's war ship lay completely restored with over 98% being original. It's amazing to see an original piece of art and history right in front of you. The ship sank on her maiden voyage due to engineering challenges. It was supposed to be the kings warship, which he wanted to have two cannon decks with 16 cannons each! No wonder it sank. It was forgotten about until the 1950's, and was found and retrieved in the 1960's where underground tunnels were dug under the hull to pull her up in one piece. She's absolutely beautiful. From there, I took the subway back to discover Stockholm's underground art.

Day 2: Go Where Curiosity Leads You

That was the theme of my day. And with it, I saw the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, old Swedish style cottages, beautiful churches towering into the sky, amazing views overlooking the city, and walked about 15 miles. My feet can vouch for that.

It's been amazing touring a new city by myself. Although I wish I had friends or family by my experiencing it with me, it's also incredible to go where you want, when you want. I feel completely free. Today I walked from my hostel down to Soldermalm and around the southern area of Stockholm then back.  I saw the central area and shopping street, Gamla Stan which is the old town, and Soldermalm with had beautiful parks and views overlooking Gamla Stan. 

Stockholm is also a beautiful city full of diverse people. There aren't as many blondes as I'd expected. Everyone is also kind and helpful, well at least every store clerk has greated me with a smile and listened to me say "jag talar inste Svenska. Tala du Engleska?" Then has responded kindly with English. 

But for now it's bedtime because I'm exhausted! I barley slept on the plane here (it was a red eye flight) then unbeknownst to me, the sun sets after 11pm and rises around 3:30am! Hence, I haven't gotten much sleep. My body woke up ready to go around 4 am today and my head was not on the same page. So for now, I have some sleep to catch up on!

Day 1: Touchdown in Stockholm, Sweden

Day one is complete! This will probably end up being on of the more difficult days, so I'm sort of relieved. I navigated my way through a foreign country to a new city all the way to my hostel! I've already met new people, ventured around for a few hours, and got local advice of where to go and what to see. Although everyone speaks English, it's amazing to meet new people from all over the world. The couple next to me on the plane gave me the greatest advice of where to go and what to see. I started a list, but decided to get a more local perspective of the city today for the few hours that I had. 

I set out and explored an island to the east if my hostel. I saw a more local side of town, beautiful parks, and some views of the city. Stockholm is an extremely clean and active city. Even on a Monday evening, there were people out and about everywhere. I've had an awesome impression so far, and can't wait to see more tomorrow!

I'm Packed!

After months of planning, I can't believe that this is finally it. I'm packed and ready to go! And this is ALL of it. Just me, my coat, purse, and backpack. Well I guess that means I'm ready?! Seeing as I've never done this before, I'm a little nervous I either over packed, didn't pack enough, or didn't pack the correct things; but I guess I'll find out!

Starting this trip is amazing, and I feel very blessed, fortunate, and lucky to be able to do this. I hope to learn about new cultures, meet new people, see old friends, eat different food, see amazing places, and learn more about myself.  So, here's to the start of a crazy month adventure! I leave tomorrow and my first stop is Stockholm, Sweden.