Tuesday, March 17, 2015

TRONDHEIM NORWAY

Colorful waterfront in Trondheim Norway


Door of the Church


Trondheim Norway is a very beautiful city with old historic buildings as well as one of the most beautiful Churches, the Nidaros Cathedral.

For additional information check out the following link for the historical information: Nidaros Cathedral



Outside sculptures on the Church
 
We enjoyed our stay with family who showered us with Norwegian hospitality and gave directions on how we could navigate the city on our own to explore the unique and awesome culture of the city.
Canon on display

We found new and old within the city center.  I think our highlights were visiting the Church and viewing the many sculptures that were spread out within the city especially around the Nidaros Cathedral.  The The Archbishop's Residence was amazing and colorful.  So much history to cram into a short stay but we did the best we could. 
Window in the courtyard area

The pictures here were captured inside the courtyard area and really caught my eye because of the beauty that surrounded the  building.  To me the city truly reflected an artistic flair in the many historical sites, culture and food!  For additional information regarding the Archbishop's Residence check out this link:  Archbishop's Residence 


The Archbishop's Residence

Monday, March 2, 2015

Bergen's Tall Ship Races 2014

2014 Tall Ship Race Festival - Bergen

What a surprise for us when we arrived in Norway to find out the Tall Ships Races 2014 were in Bergen and the festival was in full swing at the wharf!

There were so many unique sailing ships from all over the world.  It was not only breathtaking but spectacular.  We loved it!

The historic wharf was such a beautiful back drop to the festival.  The colors and smells of the open market with mouthwatering seafood only added to the senses.

Viking Ship
We weren't expecting the festival since we were mainly in Norway to visit relatives of my husband that he had not seen since he was a young child.  Our cousins were our tour guides and we pretty much left it up to them on the sights that we would see.  I have to say they were the best ever and for that we are truly grateful.

Day one off the plane was probably the longest day of my life.  No, literally!  We stayed awake except for a quick nap that I took when my eyes would no longer stay open from the jet lag.  I had no experience in jet lag since I had never been abroad before.  It was my first time.  Daylight seemed to last forever especially being in Norway at the end of July and first week of August!

We also stopped at an Irish Pub that was in full swing in the heart of the historic area later in the afternoon.  I have to admit though I was especially elated earlier in the day to find my Starbucks among the historic buildings at the festival.  The triple caramel macchiato really helped keep me awake.  When I calculated the cost from kroners to dollars I realized my $5 cup of joe at home was not too unreasonable in comparison! We also bought many collector cups to take home with us for gifts. When people found out we were going to Norway the first thing asked was, "Can you pick up a few collector coffee cups from Starbucks and a few troll magnets!"  Well, I never.......

Anyway, back to the Festival.  I recommend it to everyone.  You don't want to miss it!  They go to different ports every year so when you visit Europe look it up and see if they will be near you!  I have attached some of the sailing ship pictures to this post.  We took so many pictures and will cherish them for years to come.

Here is the link for the  Tall Ship Races 2015

Happy Travels to you all!


Sunday, March 1, 2015

Traveling with my Camera

The Beauty of Everything Norwegian


NORWAY
Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. You need time and money so it doesn't happen as often as I would like it to.  

When I do travel I always bring along my camera to capture the moments!  It seems every time I go some place I see the terrain and elements of light in a whole new perspective. The shots are not all lined up and in order. They have gained character and substance as I have grown older and wiser. Nothing has to be perfect it only has to be.