ELIASSEN TRAVEL

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 sta

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.

Hawaii was such an awesome vacation destination in 2009.  We had great weather which is usually to be expected in the South Pacific.  The breeze from the beach while sitting under an umbrella table at the outside bar of the Hilton at Waikiki beach was warm and the view was picturesque.  I never wanted to leave yet all great vacations come to an end when you know on your plane ticket there is a return date!!   We had a blast driving around the Island.  We visited the old Dole Pineapple Plantation and the quaint and popular area of the North shore.  Our visit was in March and there were no extreme waves when we were there.  I loved the area towns for their small town feel with a laid-back atmosphere.    We wanted to go snorkeling while we were at Hanauma Bay, but it was closed due to an influx of jellyfish.  I was pretty happy that they had the forethought to close the beach even though we had stopped at Costco and bought all the gear!  I had a childhood encounter with a very larg

The San Juan Islands are usually cold, windy, and rainy during the winter months, but the views are spectacular.  The hotels are inexpensive compared to the hustle and bustle of the summer months. You can enjoy a warm cozy room on a rainy day while watching the boats in the harbor.  I find that my favorite place is Rosario Resort on Orcas Island.  Over the years we have found that we enjoy the quiet time and intimacy of the location during the months of January and February.  Rosario Resort has a lot of history and the last time we visited we bought music from the local Manager who played the piano/organ. Seattle Mayor and Shipbuilder Robert Moran built the mansion at Rosario Resort after the turn of the century.  You can actually visualize the croquet parties that must have taken place out on the lawn that is lined with the old-style lighting.  It is a beautiful place in winter and summer. It's also rumored that the wife of a previous Owner (Rheem) still resides there