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

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!

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.

Honolulu Oʻahu Hawaii - Vacation Past

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 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 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 large man-of-war in the Gulf of Mexico that still haunts me to this day.  If only the beach had been closed that day but that is a story for another day.  

Our favorite place to dine was Jimmy Buffet's at the Beachcomber.  The food was not only fantastic but the service was awesome.  We also visited the Honolulu Surfing Museum that is located there too.  It had such a rich history of surfing and you know that Hawaii is known for it!  There is an extensive collection of surfboards and photo history.  We loved it and we aren't even surfers!  

Another highlight before we left the Island was to climb up to the top of the Diamond Head crater. I captured awesome photographs of the city on one side and the Diamond Head lighthouse on the other as shown above. To check out additional photographs of our trip visit my gallery at http://carol-eliassen.artistwebsites.com/

We can't wait to check out the other Islands one day but we know we will be back to Oʻahu again!

Happy Travels!

San Juan Islands Washington State

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 as a ghost. Some say she wears red pjs and rides a loud Harley. 

It's really not spooky just beautiful and comfortable.  Can't wait to go back!

Visit their website for more information:

http://www.rosarioresort.com/