In May, we received the news about a new normal coming to Norway after many months of lockdown and strict rules about our living due to COVID. Some people decided to travel abroad, but most people still chose to have a vacation in Norway. 2021 was my second summer on vacation in Norway. Last year it was the Southern part of Norway. What a blessing it is to be in Norway, with fantastic nature and vivid wildlife.
Buying My First Apartment
In May, I pulled the plug. Since November, after looking for an apartment, I decided on a rainy Monday that I had finally found my new home and, most importantly, with my name on the contract. If you are Norwegian, you probably know that the market has been crazy lately due to 0 rent and nothing to do except renovate places to make a profit. I feel great about my new apartment it has a fantastic city view from my windows and the balcony, it is 6th floor, no people above me. I did get a neighbor cat as a frequent visitor already. We will agree on something. Maybe one of my favorite things is the morning sun and the moon at night. I can see Mother Nature even when being in the city. Furthermore, I did move out of the old apartment that I lived in for ten years in Frogner. I will miss Behrens gate. Many great memories and the neighborhood will always have my love. I’m very ready for this new chapter in my life.
Vivid Sea Eagle Safari on The West Coast at Åheim
I have to tell you about this fantastic event that happened in my home area Åheim. In March, there was vivid wildlife of eagles, and they were all over Åheim. I think maybe, I counted around 30-40 eagles that decided to dig into the feast of the sea. The horse mackerel was on the surface, easy to catch. The sea eagles were eating as much fish that their stomach could hold. Finally, we had something very fascinating happening again. We forgot about COVID for a day or two. They were only watching eagles and talking about their grace in the sky and how their wings surf with the wind.
Summer Vacation Started at Home: Åheim
I had a slow start on my summer vacation by having semi calm days in Åheim. That means hiking, hoarding cloudberry, blueberry, and maybe a freezing swim in Hodddevik at Stad. Norway’s hottest surf spot. I sometimes forget how scenic Åheim is because it is taken for granted after almost 30 years. Åheim is genuinely a lovely place for nature, wildlife, great hikes, and family times.
Weekend in Ålesund & Tafjord Mountains + Crowded Geiranger
After some lovely calming days in Åheim, we went to Ålesund to see my grandparents. After a mini adventure at Alnes with mini Trolltunga and Skjongshellarene, we went to Tafjord. First time with a heavy backpack on a semi-long hike, like three hours hiking up the mountain. We arrived at Reindalsseter, just in time for a three-course meal. I love hiking, but I also like enjoying life. We had a great dinner before walking further on to find a campsite for the night. Unfortunately, the weather forecast for the next day was thunder and lightning. Being high in the mountains, we decided to return to the car (recently, one sister died, and the other got hurt during a hit by lightning at the mountains. We did not take any risk and respect that mum was worried about us).
We decided that we should hike the famous Skageflå to Geiranger. It was so crowded that we only stayed in Geiranger for 15 minutes before returning to lovely, calm, and quiet Åheim.
Lofoten Exploring with Arne
Finally, one of the highlights of this summer vacation was Lofoten. Don’t get me wrong, Åheim and Ålesund are beautiful. They are my usual surroundings, so we explored Lofoten when we needed to change the scenery for our summer vacation. The last time we visited Lofoten was in 2017, on a brief road trip. Now we had Seven days of exploring in Lofoten with handsome Arne and an old Volkswagon car. I will share some pictures, but the rest is coming in more blogposts.
Highlights were hiking Fløya, the city mountain of Svolvær. Another favorite was Pop-Up Kitchen at Polarhagen, of course, walking Reinebringen.
Bea Visiting from Germany
Finally, an international visitor! How long we have been waiting to see each other! Finally, Bea and mee are reunited after our last project together was our final Master’s Thesis in Madrid in 2019! We still live in the COVID world, but Bea had a smooth journey from Denmark to Norway due to being fully vaccinated.
First, we had a couple of fun days in Oslo, eating at Oslo Street Food, Lorry, and showing Bea my neighborhood. And the life of Oslo.
Visiting Ålesund Because Bea Wants more Wild Norwegian Nature and Beautifuel Cities
Where other places to bring her then home to Ålesund? We manage to show up in time before our Wildlife Sea Safari out to the famous bird mountain Runde. I think the fun part was the ride with the waves. It was even remarkable for a local like me. To see the coastline of Ålesund in a boat that can do 60 knots. Well, I feel the need for speed wish was fulfilled. After our boat trip, we indulged in blue moussels from Apotektergaten 5 the Hotel restaurat of Brosundet. We also had a tasty burger with chives aioli. After that, it was naptime.
Dinner at Bro Ålesund
There are many reasons you should travel to Ålesund, like the fact it is an Art Nouveau town due to the city fire in 1904, which now is the blame of the mesmerizing architecture in Ålesund. Another big reason is Bro in Ålesund. If you want a fine dining experience with a 4-course meal but still with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, you should spend an evening at Bro. Best of all, they prepare the food according to the season that nature gives. Enjoy local food at its best.
Bea the Perfect Excuse for Being Tourist in Oslo
When having guests from abroad, you are in perfect condition to try out new things and do things you usually would not do. Due to many things that have been lockdown and the city is finally waking back to life, we explored something new and old favorites. We went to a new choice, Radegast Wine Bar, which had wine from Tsjekkia. We went to some old favorites like Territoriet and llegal Burger.
Summer 2021 I Loved You, but Next Summer I Need To Go Abroad
What a blessing the summer of 2021 was. Finally, we had semi-decent weather, and we could even swim and make suntan, which was much better than last year. I had great travel memories with family and friends. And it was all vibrant and adventurous. Next year, I need to go out to the world again. It is natural craving. I can’t deny that I am more intrigued about culture and countries I have not visited. My curiosity needs more indulging in new horizons.
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