St. Lucia -- Summer 2010

Stay tuned for photos of our upcoming journey.

Norway--July 26 and July 27

Fjord from the car!

Solstrand Hotel

Norwegian Farming

Another Fjord

Wednesday, July 26 (Left Sogndahl and drove to the Solstrand Hotel in Osoyro) and Thursday, July 27

Driving Sogndahl to Os was amazing—we must have driven through twenty different tunnels. Like the Union Hotel in Geinranger, the Solstrand Hotel is first class. We had a wonderful dinner last night, and today we hiked and took a row boat out to some islands. Tomorrow we head to Bergen—we may see Vicki’s cousin for lunch before we check into our hotel in Bergen.

Norway--July 25

Tuesday, July 25 (Left Alesund and drove to Sogndahl)

We left Alesund and missed the first turn for the car ferry, but we were able to wind our way back. After ferrying acoss we saw more Norwegian “alps,” and we went through some very long tunnels (one was 3 ½ to 4 miles). We drove next to fjords and through mountains with glaciers. We wound our way to Sogndahl where Chuck’s Grandpa Rein’s family lived. We did visit a church near our hotel, and felt very fortunate to find the family headstone (Reinen was the name before immigrating to the USA).

One fjord after another

Typical countryside!

Norwegian farming

Reinen gravestone

Norway--July 20 - 24, 2006

Please excuse misspellings--I was just excited to get back online!!!!


Monday, July 24 (Left Geiranger and drove/ferried to Alesund)

After breakfast, we left on the ferry at 9:30 p.m.—car and all. We can’t believe the spectacular waterfalls that we witnessed—so beautiful. Seven Sisters was great, and at every bend there was another waterfall. After disembarking at Hellesylt, we drove along the Norangsdaren Highway, which is know to some as the Norwegian “Alps.” Boy, it was absolutely spectacular. Even Vicki loved it because the “Alps” were above us rather than visa/versa. At Laknes we waited 1 ½ hours for the ferry to take to Saebo. From Saebo we drove to Orsta and saw one farm after another—Norwegian farming at its best. From Orsta we drove to Festoya were we caught another big, big ferry to Solevagen from which we headed to Alesund. In Alesund, Chuck called Vicki many names—we were lost. Even Chuck stopped at a petro station to ask for directions!!!

Sunday, July 23 (Left Lillehammer and drove to Geiranger)

The drive from Lillehammer to Geiranger was gorgeous. Needless to say, I freaked out on the mountain roads, but Chuck couldn’t get enough of the beautiful views. The drive was approximately four hours, and then we switch-backed out of the tundra and descended into Geiranger fiord which is at sea level. The Union Hotel was one of the best we have ever stayed in—truly classy. We shopped and toured the village in the afternoon, and we had a four-course dinner at the hotel that evening. Chuck truly loved the lamb.

Saturday, July 22 (Went to see Mari)

Before we left Oslo, Chuck had to walk to the Raddisson Hotel to pick up our rental car. It was quite an experience for him—ended up going through a tunnel on the way out of tow. He finally worked his way back to the hotel, and he successfully drove us out of Norway. However, we got lost and couldn’t find Gopelrud—Mari had to come and find us. What a wonderful time we had with Mari and her family—truly a memorable experience. Mari’s sister, Olaug, who lives in Oslo was at the farm. So was Torun, Mari’s daughter. Ola and Niles Magna, Marie’s husband and son, were at the Rygg’s farm so we didn’t get to meet them. Annalise, Mari’s sister, and Harald, Annalise’s husband, were visiting from Bergen; so we got to meet them, too. After we hiked to the monument, put up the flags, and looked at the museum, we all had dinner together. We ate meat cakes, vegetable, potatoes, struell, fruit with ice cream on top. Everything was delicious. After we said our good byes, we drove to Lillehammer and stayed at SAS Raddison. It took us a little while to find it, but we persevered. Once again we had breakfast at the hotel before heading out. We did take a look at the Olympic Park (1994 Winter Olympics were held in Lillehammer).

Friday, July 21 (Oslo)

We had breakfast at the hotel—needed that coffee. After filling our stomachs, we headed to the ferry. At 9:30 a.m. we caught the ferry and went to some museums and beaches. The Viking Museum was ok, and the Folk Museum was outstanding. At the Folk Museum we watched a girl being sent to the corner for being late to school. We also watched girls bake lefse.

This lefse photo above is from one of the restaurants we went for appetizers.

After checking out the beaches (they were packed), we headed back on the ferry. At the pier we had a lefse appetizer—it was great to see lefse that looked like mine. For the evening we went back to the Hard Rock Café, so we could tell Beth thank you for the tourist advice.

Thursday, July 20 (Left London for Oslo)

We took a taxi to Heathrow at 4:30 in the morning—awful early when you have been out at a musical the night before. We saw Phantom of the Opera—it was great. Well, the Heathrow experience wasn’t pleasant. We stood in line over 1 1/2 hours. That was followed by another line for security. We didn’t realize that once you get to the gate you are stuck there, so we couldn’t get anything to eat or drink.

A limo driver picked us up at the Oslo airport and drove us to the Millenium First Hotel. We started our sightseeing as soon as we checked in. We walked up toward the Royal Palace. After sharing a pizza, we returned to the hotel and crashed for a couple of hours. Then we headed back out—ended up having dinner at The Hard Rock Café. A gal there from Washington, Beth, suggested that we see the Folk Museum.

July 19, 2006, London

Another wonderful day, but it is really hot--London is in a heat wave. It was at least 100 degrees today; but when you are having fun, who cares.

Here's what we have accomplished today. First, we arrived at 9:30 a.m. to stand in line for the London Eye. We did it right--bought the tickets yesterday and arrived 1/2 hour before opening today. We didn't have to wait in two-hour lines which was very nice.

The Westminster Abbey is absolutely gorgeous! Truly a "wow." Sure wish we had another day for the National Gallery--only had time for a quick view.

No photos today because the blog kept crashing. Hopefully, I can add photos to this page in Norway. Off to the theater. . .must be up at 3:30 a.m. to catch our flight to Oslo.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Chuck at the fun pub!

Buckingham Palace

The Eye

Big Ben!

We are here and have had a wonderful day.

It was a bit hairy leaving Chicago. . .after a two-hour delay, we had to go back to the gate because of some mechanical problem--ufda. Yes, we ate, we napped, and we arrived in London this morning. After taking the train to Paddington, we took a taxi to our hotel (The Flemings Mayfair). We couldn't check-in, but they held our bags for us; and we went touring. The only problem was Vick's shoes--her new Sketchers created an awesome blister! ;-(

This afternoon, we walked--Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Hall, London Eye, etc. Tomorrow, we have tickets for the London Eye at 10:00 a.m., and then we will do some more touring. Tomorrow evening is when we see the play at Her Majesty's Theatre. Speaking of Her Majesty. . .today we say many individuals going to the Buckingham Palace all dolled up--every female wore a hat and many of the gentlemen were in tucs--something was going on.

This evening was great. We found a little pub, Samuel Pepys, and had a beer. Then we walked over to Shepherd's Market. What an awesome spot. It was great people watching. Many younger business people stop here to socialize--it was fun watching them. We had a great dinner at Supra (?).

Our summer adventure is starting off in fine style! ;)