Fearlessness, adventurousness, resilience, and the constructive use of freedom, I think that describes me very much as a person. Furthermore, it is something I have to embrace and accept. I love to explore the world and be adventurous, even do living in Norway.
I love it when I can tap into a fearless sense of adventure and have the world as my oyster. I’m enjoying the freedom that allows me to travel, explore, and indulge in my adventurous spirit. I will keep pursuing this spirit further in 2020! I will be starting the new year by going to Cuba in January.
The Travel Year 2019 Highlights
The travel year 2019 has been sparkling with different adventures in and out of Norway. I have been getting back to Norway and trying to find my new way of being back from Madrid and living my life in Oslo, the capital of Norway. Returning home after living for more than 10 months in Madrid, is kinda strange. Because we all change either way. I miss my international friends and the causal life of Madrid, also it has been great to be back in Oslo and reconnecting with my friends at home.
Let’s talk about my travels, the fun part of Pauline Travels. When the chances arrive to go somewhere, I mostly go. In 2019 in February, It was time to go exploring the beautiful Dominican Republic.
January
The Dominican Republic
What a stunning paradise! I really enjoy going somewhere and then, sitting in the back of a random car (colectivo – shared care in Latin Amerika) and starting to feel the tangling feeling of anxiety and joy, where I’m I going, and what is this place? That’s was my thoughts when entering Las Galeras, the Sleepy Beach Town in the middle of nowhere.
The Dominican Republic was a blast, and the perfect way to kick start 2019 with some fun days and meeting up with like-minded people, that even do having jobs and being full-time workers, they still indulge with some adventures traveling when the chances arise.
I did get food poison my last days in the Dominican Republic, I managed to get to the hospital and get help by the time I needed it. In the end, it all went fine. It always take some time to recover after your whole systems get thrown of the wagon.
Big thanks to Jose and Christina for showing me around in their beautiful country.
Behind the Scenes of the Dominican Republic Winter Escape
12 Days in the Dominican Republic Coast Itinerary
February
Cabin Time
We went to our lovely weekend getaway in Tretten, which is our cabin at Musdalsæter Cabin Village. Watching sunrises with powder snow dazzling down on the trees and then enjoy 15-kilometer skiing, to make sure you deserved three hours in front of the fireplace and enjoying the crackling sound of wood burning.
Pst! A small Secret.
In February, I went to an interview in Northern Norway or actually the North Cape of Norway and the most northern city in Norway, which is Honningsvåg. The job was a great opportunity in tourism, but it happens not to be a right match, I do love the four seasons of Norway, but maybe complete darkness in the winter months is not for me. I had to be honest, and it was not right for me. I would probably visit again to catch a glimpse of the Northern Light. When I visit it was a snowstorm, and at one point, it was not sure if I would make it back with my flight.
March
Exploring Nesoddtangen
After living many years in Oslo, I had the opportunity to explore more of Nesoddtangen, which is only a short 20 minutes ferry ride from Oslo, and it has a beautiful coastal walk that I very much loved exploring.
New Food Market in Oslo
I explored the new food market in Oslo, right at the city center of Oslo, which is called Oslo Street Food and has several different cuisines from around the world.
The Wineclub
Yes, when you can’t travel physical, you can always travel by exploring new flavors from either wine, different soda styles, or food. I’m more about wine. I have been participating in the Wine Club by J, the last year or so. We have a lot of fun tasting wine from all over the world.
Beach Clean Up
One Sunday, I went on a beach clean up at one of my favorite areas to walk around in Oslo, which is Bygdøy, scenically located right by the sea, fresh air, and saltwater.
April
Easter Vacation
Easter time is all about the cabin, or at least the first part of the Easter. When being in the cabin it is all about skiing, fireplace, and good food. Basically, the best place to recharge the battery and forget about the outside world for a second or two.
The other half of the Easter, I went back to the west coast of Norway. We went hiking in the mountains but also doing the scenic coastal hike to Yttrefyre, which was before home for a couple of families. The rood to school includes deep clips, slippery stones, and the ocean right in your face. This place is all about harsh conditions, raw nature, and scenic nature that is even better than the Frozen Movie.
May
Exploring Bergen
A world heritage city is a must explore when being in Norway. I have been visiting Bergen many times, but when returning in 2019, it has been some time since the last time I was in Bergen. I went as a tourist and explored that Bergen has many great sites, also including the classic like Fløyen with the panorama view of the city but also the cool and quirky sausage stand 10 kroneren – (which means 1 US dollar sausage).
7 Great Things to Do in Bergen – A World Heritage City!
June
Friends visiting Oslo
The best day of June was when my dear friends went visiting me! Alex and Erin, you guys, are the ultimate travel team. Splurging with all Oslo had to give. We went, and explored the classics, but also strolling past VIPPA, the causal hang out spot for the cool locals of Oslo. Beers by the fjords and lather a great seven course of Norway. Walked to the Opera, and we walked to Vigeland Park and Holmenkollen. And then Alex had to go home, then the girls went hiking in the woods surrounded by lush green forest in our nature walk.
Dashing out 72 Hours in Oslo, Norway
Solo Travel to Palma de Mallorca
A small weekend escape to Palma de Mallorca was what the doctor ordered in June. I love Spain, and by this, Palma de Mallorca was the perfect combo for a weekend with some beach, city life, and the best hairdresser appointment. Also a lovely night in the old city in a very underground bar, that seemed to be one of the cooler places to spend your time when being in Palma, live music and an amazing mixologist that could blow your mind to childhood and other fun memories.
7 Great Things to do in Palma de Mallorca
Sóller: A Day Trip from Palma de Mallorca
July
Family Visiting Oslo
Family from Miami, went visiting, and we went exploring Bygdøy for a scenic nature walk, and they loved it. A forest walk is never wrong, and it is something I have been exploring more the last year. I even created an Airbnb experience with nature walk around Bygdøy, and I had a guest from Spain and the US visiting me on these walks.
Home to Åheim
Weekend getaway, traveling back home to Åheim and catching my first salmon in our famous river for Norwegian salmon. And also going further on to Hoddevika a renowned surf beach or for us, just the beach. Spending quality time with family and loved ones is the best.
Exploring Sicily
Sister vacation because we can! Sister and I went exploring Sicily, and we were hanging out in Siracusa, but in the old town, which is Ortigia. Did you know that Saint Lucia is from Siracusa? Well, now, you know. Ortigia was all about eating and walking around, seeing all the antique architecture.
Scenic Hike at Mount Etna in Sicily
August
Fredrikstad
I went traveling to Fredrikstad, a small town right outside of Oslo, only two hours by train, and you get to explore the charming city of Fredrikstad. I went because of the Tall Ship Race and meeting up with my lovely friends.
Then the last weekend of August, I went hiking with grandpa and orientating by map and compass to locate different codes in the mountains. We did great, we got the last ones for the season.
September
Change of Seasons
Fall in Norway is a spectacular time with a color bomb on the trees going from orange, yellow, and red. Once again, a weekend getaway to the cabin and hiking in the mountains. When the fall arrives, you can feel the air changing from being round and warm to crisp and sharp, the air clearer than before.
Girls trip to Skotøy Island
My first girl trip in a very long time. A bit nervous about how it would go with so many strong women collected in one place, would we agree on what to do, eat, and drink? Yes, without any problems. What a lovely weekend. I’m willing to try more girl’s trip. I usually have been afraid of them, because it means drama when only girls going together. Anyone having an opinion on that?
October
Gran Canaria
Mama wants to escape the arising of winter Norway. I say okay, let’s go. Then we went for one week to Gran Canaria. The perfect winter escape from Norway. A week with beach long walks and reading books. It was great having a trip just with mum. It was relaxed and nothing to rush for.
November
Getting Older
Dad and I celebrated our birthdays at the cabin, I did well this year. I did spend more time at the cabin, which was my plan. We celebrated with a great dinner, skiing and of course the fireplace.
December
Christmas Holiday
Spending Christmas at the cabin, with sister, dad, Milo (dog), was excellent.
Now, I’m back home at West Coast of Norway waiting for the New Year’s Eve storm.
I have had another blissful year, with many great memories, many wonderful people. I’m grateful for sharing my life with my family and friends. I know that some of my friends had a tough year, and I’m glad that they felt they could share with me. Also, I love seeing how my friends and family keep on fighting and pursuing their dreams in life. I know it’s not always easy, but together it gets easier to fight the hills or even the bad days when everything goes wrong. I hope that 2020 will give you everything you need, either it’s a travel or a new job. Everything is possible if you decide on it. For travels, I’m always up fro some fun!
4 Comments
The way you take photos is really great and natural. Thanks a lot and really admired your work.
Ser ut som du har hatt mange fine turer i 2019. Forstår godt at du ble avskrekket fra å ta den jobben – jeg har selv hatt lyst til å flytte nordover på grunn av naturen, men jeg vet at jeg alt i Oslo kjenner kulda og mørket som en belastning i vinterhalvåret. Da er det bedre å reise dit på besøk, tror jeg. =) Koselig å se at du reiste med både søsteren og moren din, og at du hadde mye kvalitetstid på hytta. Trivsel! Gleder meg til å følge deg i 2020!
Tusen takk for det 😊 riktig godt nyttår til deg!🥳Håper på mange fine nye tura😊
Godt nytt år! Håper det blir et år med masse nye, gode reiseminner!