When it comes to Norway, two things immediately come to mind: my all-time favorite Norwegian salmon or laks and my high school buddy Anna Lyn who is comfortably settled in that faraway place with her two lovable daughters and husby.
As a travel destination, I have to admit that Norway, the Land of the Midnight Sun, is out of my radar. And so it came as a surprise when my close high school pal, Lei, decided to spend her vacation there after smelling the breeze in Paris. Judging from Lei’s account of her trip, I am suddenly intrigued by this country which has one of the best standards of living in the world.
Lei’s email to me:
Thanks Ju. How nice of you to remember my birthday.
J’adore Paris. It kicks NY’s ass, must say. You’ve been, I’m sure, during your croupier days? Norway exceeded my expectation. It’s unspoilt. Have never seen skies so dramatic nor breathed air so fresh. I honestly wouldn’t mind living there even if it’s very expensive (25% tax). The fjords are breathtaking. Anna Lyn and family were the perfect hosts. I had whale steak. Not planning a trip to Manila anytime soon, NZ notwithstanding. Also considering Japan – Kyoto most likely.
Take care. Do let me know when you might be Canada-bound.
Lei
My reply:
Hi Lei! How can you excite my interest about Norway in such a few lines?
I’ve never been to Paris even though I’ve been to France.
Never been to Madrid even though I’ve been to Spain. Same with Brussels even though I’ve been to Belgium (… but I think Brugges was equally beautiful!)
Never been to Hong Kong even though I’ve been to the airport.
How ironic is that?
I would like to know why you are not keen on setting foot in Manila. I understand , you might have your reasons. I am stuck in Manila. Maybe you’d have to tell me when Norway opens its immigration soon, hehe. Regards.
Ju
Hei ju!
Please see some more pictures of Lei’s visit on my blog site. I hope that the photos would give you much more clue about Norway.
Like I said before, you and your kids are welcome here anytime. Patitikimin din kita ng whale biff (we do not eat endagered species — for the record. Whale hunting in Norway is scientifically done.)
Take care…
Hi AL! I got the pictures from your blog. You should switch to Flickr so that not anybody can copy your pics.
Judging from the photos, I think Norway is such a magical place. Lei is so lucky to have visited you there. Sige, I’ll put that on my list of must-see’s before I die, lolz. Bago mo ako patikimin ng whale biff, padalhan mo muna ako ng laks *wink
hey, ju. did more than inhale the breeze in paris. i second-hand smoked paris, ate paris, walked paris, metroed paris, and inevitably fell in love with it. stayed a few nights at a hotel between montmartre and the opera (18th arrondisement) complete with fabulous 2-star hotel amenities such as the complete lack of airconditioning. the only consolation, for me, was that it is right across the building where george bizet was born. then moved to a boutique hotel right across ile de la cite where the notra dame cathedral is. i could see the spire from my room, which was “climatise” this time. we should rendezvous somewhere sometime, what do you say?
Hi Lei!
We all fall in love with these places, don’t we?
I felt funny reading about your “fabulous 2-star hotel amenities such as complete lack of airconditioning” especially after partaking of some five-star pleasure recently.
Why not? A rendezvous isn’t a remote possibility for as long as we live and there is always an atlas to see where we go next. Considering my emaciated wallet at the moment, the view of Quiapo Church from Sogo Hotel would be a surreal experience. You could see Mercury Drug’s giant electronic billboard from the room complete with all those people crawling like ants, waiting for some form of third world salvation. Buzz me when:)
Your friend is so lucky to be able to visit such wonderful places. Norway sounds breathtaking indeed.
I did not realize that Norway for be such a beauty. I have a brother-in-law who is from Norway and I’ll make sure to create closer ties, hehehe 🙂
Thanks for the tip on this. definitely, part of my travel list now.
anton
question: why do they call Norway, Land of the Midnight sun?
Thanks for dropping by Tin…
Yes Anton, Norway wasn’t on my radar as well until my friend told me. Now, I’d really like to see the fjords..
Let me ask my pal, Anna Lyn, why Hanagirl. The ball’s in your court, Anna Lyn:) I don’t know the answer. Maybe because the sun still shines at midnight during the summer? haha
You are right ju,,, Summer time in Norway is quite special. The sun doesn’t set at all during summer at the northern part. Where we live (East), the sun sets but not completely — so we still have some light at night.
Wonderful may this be… During the winter, we are lucky if we get 4 hours of sunlight. And, winter is coming (the leaves are starting to turn red and yellow – which is also a wonderful sight). Brrr! Giniginaw na ako, just thinking of winter!
I thought so, Annalyn. When I was still toiling in England, the sun was still at its brightest at nine p.m. which felt eerie for an Asian like me, lol
question: why do they call Norway, Land of the Midnight sun?
because sun doesnt set there
its a magical experience
I once woke up at 3am and the sky was so clear
damn I miss Oslo very much
Hey Anna Lyn… i lived at Bygdoy Alle
Hello Annalyn
Remember me? Haven’t spoken to you in a long while.. but I do keep myself updated by reading your blog. I don’t read the articles about the food, but your stories about your traveling are of course very interesting to me. And yes… Norway is truly magical. I have been there only once, but would love to go back one day. And yes again Bruges in Belgium is a jewel as well.
Kind regards
Pascal
hei sha… very expensive area (Bygdøy Alle) to live in!
Thanks for the info Sha.
Good of you to drop by Pascal. Just wondering: do you hate food? lol.How I wish I can experience Norway’s magic too. For now, I can only hear about the good stories about you guys who’ve been there. Regards..
I visited many cities and in the end I decided to settle in Manila…