norway, the beautiful

I basically can't describe what happened to my eyeballs yesterday. I left Oslo unawares; a slightly grey early morning departure that would take me on a bus, a train, another train, a boat, another bus, and another train, eventually dropping me in the port of Bergen. Less than thirty minutes into my journey, the scenery began to change.
And then my mind was completely blown...

(I am convinced that photographs will never do this country justice. But if you have the patience, please at least click to enlarge. )

welcome to norway

This is a hamburger in the shape of a hot dog.

It will run you about $5 USD and might be the cheapest food option within the city of Oslo; perhaps the entire country of Norway. Condiments are free of charge. Should you prefer your hamburgers round and on a bun, you're going to set yourself back around $15 smackers. More if you want the luxury of such fine dining establishments as McDonalds or Burger King.

In my backpack I have tallied three apples, a bag of trail mix, a quarter of a baguette, and a package of cookies.

Think I can make this last for the next week?

and i'm off!

One single night of luxury in Oslo awaits. An actual hotel room with a private shower en suite, maybe even a hair dryer, clean full size towels, and a double bed. And most importantly? The sole company of yours truly.

Ah solitude, where have you been for so long?

city spectating

I wish I had more to show for myself in regard to the fine city of Stockholm.

It was just the city dose I needed: museums, shops, cold beverages, conversations that didn't revolve around weather forecasts and animal husbandry. But did I wander by foot throughout the majority of Stockholm? Not even close. Did I cross all sorts things to do and see off my list? Barely. But I did on the other hand enjoy the incredible company of friends old and new, sit for hours in beautiful parks, see a strange soap box derby, drink shameful amounts of overpriced espresso, sample the Stockholm bar scene, have my share of "people's beer" after last call, and, by the way, witness a full blown drunken bloody brawl at a 7-11 circa three in the morning.

So I shall unfortunately be useless as your Stockholm tour guide. And when I tell people I have traveled there I hope I am not pressed for lengthy detail.

But I will say that I am feeling mentally restored and a little more like myself as a result of the touristy slacking I just indulged myself with. Not to mention slightly more up to date on current events in the world.

So Stockholm... I knew you when! Next stop Norway!

escape!

Announcement: I have run off with the Belgians to the great city of Stockholm.

After months of farm life I feel I am finally ready to appreciate the city again. Lucky for me, this lovely family feels similar and are keeping me company for the weekend. Yesterday we all bid adieu to the farm and embarked upon four plus hours of some of the most monotonous driving I have ever experienced in my life. (Sorry Sweden! You're not yet boggling these ocular senses! ). Currently, we are re-embracing our college dorm pasts in a hostel that I am happy to report is as clean as it is cheap.

I will call Stockholm home for just a few days before heading off again to the great unknown. Until then, I am feeling entitled to all manner of hot shower and espresso beverage.

another goodbye

It's hard to believe my time at yet another farm has come to a close. I continue to marvel at my fortune regarding the people I have met and learned from, the beautiful surroundings, and the roundabout lessons on life throughout these experiences. Goodbyes have been said, bags have been packed, final walks and bike rides and swims have been taken. This time around I feel a bit more experienced at saying goodbye and moving on. Or at the very least I know for sure that there is more to learn, for better and for worse, around the corner.

and in other news...

I don't know about you, but I never get tired of baby animals! Awww....