Ready or Norway, Here We Come!

March is a special month for Cyn and me, and we like to celebrate by taking a special trip. This year we decided to go to Norway. Yes Norway! Now I know what you're thinking, "Why Norway?" Well the redhead is half norwegian, and seeing the Aurora Borealis was on my "bucket list". So after many hours surfing the web, Cyn found the "Northern Lights Adventure" package. And indeed it was an adventure.

First we started off in Oslo, Norway. A wonderfully modern city, we were able to take advantage of many delights not found in Italy. In fact I told Cyn that we were, under no circumstances, to eat any Italian food on this trip. So our first meal after landing was at TGI Fridays. Man that was sweet! After that, we went off to explore the city. One thing that struck me immediately about Oslo is that the city is positively FULL of sculpture. Everywhere we went, on every street corner, in front of stores, absolutely everywhere, there were wonderful works of sculpture.



Among the sites we enjoyed were the Akker Brygge harbor and boardwalk, the Nobel Peace Prize Center, the city's central park, the royal palace, Holmenkollen ski jump, and the National Gallery of Norway (including the Scream by Edward Munch).

Nobel Peace Prize Center

However the most interesting site in Oslo by far is Vigeland Park. Gustav Vigeland was the most notable sculpture in Norway, and devoted the last 20 years of his life to create an open exhibition of his work right in the heart of Oslo. Called Vigeland park, it is overflowing with bronze and granite sculptures depicting the triumphs and tribulations of life, love, and family.






After a couple days enjoying Oslo, it was time to head even further north to the little town of Tromso. Called the gateway to the arctic, the city is on an island about 217 miles within the arctic circle. And boy was it cold!! In addition to our big adventures, we enjoyed the Polar Museum and the Mack Brewery.









Our first adventure in Tromso was to hunt for the Northern Lights. A van picked us up from our hotel and we were off. I was a little less than hopeful when we started off the tour after our guide told us that tours only see the lights about 70% of the time. And the weather that night was pretty awful as snow flurries were coming down. However the weather changes quickly in the arctic, and after only an hour's search, we found a clear patch of sky and enjoyed the show!




Our next adventure was the highlight of the trip! The next night, another van picked us up at our hotel and took us to the Tromso Wilderness Center. At the center they have over 270 dogs that they breed and train for Dog-Sledding!! First we suited up in heavy winter gear then got a quick lesson on how to drive a dog sled. Cyn jumped in sled and I got to drive! The most fun we have ever had on snow!! After the hour long excursion, we went to a Sami lavvo (like a teepee) and had a traditional Sami meal of reindeer stew.










CHECK OUT THE VIDEO!!!


After the amazing dog-sledding adventure, I was really looking forward to our last adventure, the Snowmobile Safari in the Lyngen Alps. Unfortunately all of the heavy snow that we had seen all week had created severe avalanche hazards in the area of the Lyngen that were going to, and the adventure had to be cancelled. Our consolation was to have a wonderful dinner in Tromso at Emma's Dream Kitchen. Deeelish!






On our last day in Tromso, we took an hour to go to the Fjellheisen. The view was spectacular!


We had a fabulous time in Norway. The only downside was the price. The cost of living there is very high, but the memories we have this adventure are priceless!

Wanna check out more pictures? Go Here!

Ciao for now!
M

Scavenger Hunt #2 - Asolo!

It’s March and that means it’s time for the annual scavenger hunt hosted by the school teachers on base.

For those of you who have been following our blog, you will recall that last year we were the winners. So the pressure was on for us to defend our title.

Our team assembled early on a crisp, sunny March morning. Roland our team leader and school teacher, Ann his wife and colleague of Mike’s at the clinic on the base, Cyn and Mike and Marlene, the manager of the clinic lab and former resident of Hawaii. Gotta’ love the kamaiana gals. Our destination – the medieval hill town of Asolo.




Asolo is one of the most charming historical villages of northern Italy. It’s located on the hillside with breathtaking panoramic views. Surrounded by old medieval walls, a castle and a fortress it can easily be explored on foot. But there are many narrow streets and hidden alleys that can easily hide a treasured monument or landmark – making it perfect for a scavenger hunt.

Asolo was once the home of exiled Queen Caterina Cornaro, famous Italian actress Elenora duse and many other notable talents. The famous poet, Robert Browning and his wife adored Asolo and made it their home for many years.

We were handed our list of 33 items to find, photograph them and meet at the restaurant Due Mori by 1 pm. Four hours to complete the “hunt.”

We were off and running. Ok – most of us were walking as three of us were still recovering from bronchitis.





We are pleased to announce that we came in first again. Well we tied with two others. The winner was decided by one photo and it was awarded to other team. Oh well, there is always next year.



Check out our (almost) winning photos Here!

Ciao for Now!
Cyn