#festplassen

[jontycrane]

Bergen

The wettest city in Europe, Bergen lived up to its reputation on my couple of days visiting in the middle of summer, with regular downpours and very wet shoes. Other than the weather it is an attractive place, with plenty of heritage building around an impressive harbour setting surrounded by forested hills. The most popular views of the city are from Fløyen, the closest hill to the city. I was…

[indepwom101]

🇳🇴 King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

“The king and queen were present during the opening of the Festspillene in Bergen at the Festplassen today. This year's party was opened with and by Bergen's population on a 60 meter long yellow catwalk.

This year's party is the 71st in line and over the next 15 days there will be countless concerts and other cultural events at a number of venues around the city.

Tonight the Royal Couple is present at the grand opening concert in Grieghallen.”

[dragonfang-photography]

Lille Lungegårdsvatnet as seen rrom Festplassen. Fløyen over to the left and Ulriken off in the background to the right.

[ourtriptoswedenandnorway]

Ulriken Cable Car to Mount Ulriken

Tuesday - 6/25/24

More Norwegian artwork at our hotel. The halls in the hotel are like being in the Bergen museum of modern art.

Today we decided we would take a ride on the Ulriken cable car and in the late afternoon take an English speaking walking tour that includes riding a ferry in the harbor.

To get to the cable car we needed to take a bus. Here are a couple of interesting things we saw on our walk over to the bus stop.

Bergen’s equivalent of Lombard Street with many switchbacks, except there are no cars allowed on this street!

However, Bergen does has significantly more cars in the city compared to Stockholm and Oslo. Both Stockholm and Oslo excel at minimizing the number of cars in their city centers, and the difference is remarkable. Walking around these cities is much more relaxing when you’re not constantly competing with cars. Bergen could benefit from following the examples set by Oslo and Stockholm.

We also saw a military marching band playing a concert for the locals. I don’t know what the occasional was.

We bought a 24-hour bus pass and took Bus 5 to the Ulriken cable car. I continue to be amazed at how modern, clean, efficient and enjoyable public transportation is in Sweden and Norway.

Here is base of the mountain where you get on the cable car.

The Ulriken Cable Car, also known as Ulriksbanen, goes from near sea level at the bottom to the top of Mount Ulriken, which is 2,110 feet above sea level.

We experienced spectacular views of Bergen and its surrounding fjords and mountains.

Me at the top of Mount Ulriken.

After enjoying the views from the top of the mountain and watching some people on a zipline, we took the cable car down. We didn't seriously consider hiking down as we had read that the trail has a lot of steps—1,400 to be exact. And we had signed up for a two-hour walking tour in the late afternoon and didn't want to be tired from going down all those steps.

At the bottom of the cable car ride, we walked back to the bus stop and took Bus 5 back to Festplassen, where we sat and ate lunch.

The day continues in the next post.

[nordicshoresphoto]

Festplassen, from Fløyen

Bergen

Norway

[audhalbritter]

11.2.2017 Bergen by night

[m-notes]

Moving to Norway solely for the gut feeling reason? Is that what people do?

Well, I'm not sure, because ever since I've done that I am still the only person I know who had no 'real' reason to move countries. And I'm finally ready to share my experience.

[December 2013: my (then) boyfriend offers me to visit Norway upcoming year. He's super excited, I couldn't care less. In fact, I barely know anything about Norway. I just know the mountains must be amazing. And the language must be a bit sweeter to my ear than Danish. But yes, of course I'd like to come!]

[End of June, 2014: my very first visit to Norway is about to happen. How do I feel? A tad excited as I know I'll see a lot of beautiful landscapes, & that girl is really into nature. Did I do any decent research? Zero. I still know about Norway as much as I knew on the day I was offered to travel there.]

[July 3rd, 2014: We land in Bergen closer to midnight. We're met by a wonderful phenomenon called Noctilucent clouds. One truly magical thing to notice in the sky. One fantastic way to start this journey.]

The trip actually sucked. Big time. Yes, I got to see one of the most beautiful cities of Norway -- Bergen & some charming rural places too. I hiked in the mountains, saw a glacier, drank glacial water, played with snow while walking in +30°C heat for the first time in my life. There were plenty of other experiences that were for the first time in my life which were fantastic, but I refuse to leave out the fact that the trip obviously sucked. My (then) boyfriend wasn't really into small things when it comes to traveling, it was barely possible to get him to walk around in Bergen (he's not into any sort of cityscape), nor I remember ever tasting anything special or visiting a single museum. 'Tight budget?' one may ask, but no. Actually, there was another first-time experience -- I returned home with lots and lots of money which was saved up to be used during travelling in Norway. Imagine returning from Norway with lots of money!? If you've ever been to Norway as a tourist, you know it's a challenge. Well, whatever happened, happened. I was a 17-year-old with no bossy qualities, in addition to that, I didn't initiate that trip, neither I was given any responsibility.

It was never meant to go my way. Which is fine. Why?

Because Norway still managed to take my breath away so hard, I barely spoke throughout the trip. I remember being constantly asked if I didn't like it here. Well, maybe my face expression was saying something like 'Your organisation skills suck out all the joy off the trip', but my heart was telling me 'Girl, it's your home'.

Don't get me wrong, I know what being impressed means. I have been impressed by places before. Actually, a couple of weeks before that trip I was travelling to Saint Petersburg for the first time too. And boy was I impressed at every corner! But did I feel anything like what I'm trying to describe right now? Not remotely.

I remember really well the moment when I ended up on Festplassen in Bergen for the first time not knowing a thing about this town, country, society, I told myself 'Ok, I have to finish high school & I'm moving here no matter what'. Yes, that's how the decision came to me. In the beginning of my first visit. Something just clicked inside me & I knew I belonged here before I even got to experience being here.

Two years later, in May 2016, I finished high school. I didn't enroll the university in Norway because I was confused about my wishes. So I had enough flexibility in order to choose the date. But I couldn't wait.

After finishing high school, I started working in order to make some money for a good start in Norway (spoiler: it was barely enough, but I didn't earn much either). In addition, I finally started learning Norwegian language.

There weren't many language learning resources in Norwegian available at the time. I'm grateful to those two YouTubers I'd found who were a great addition to Norwegian course on Duolingo. I really wanted to attend some live classes, but nothing was available in Riga back then.

I was working at harder pace than Duolingo was built for. I wrote down absolutely every sentence from each lesson, no matter how many times it was repeated. I turned new words into flash cards. I wrote down everything from "tips" section. I did a colossal amount of work, but it all paid off. Once I moved, I wasn't struggling with the language around me at all. Yes, I wasn't really able to hold a conversation really well, but I was able to speak.

I didn't have any problems reading signs, stuff at stores and many other things. My grammar sucked, but I managed to speak Norwegian during serious occasions (like job interviews, police station or tax office) & got a lot of encouraging compliments, especially when people found out it was my first month of living in Norway. So here's an advice:

Milk your Duolingo course dry. Especially if it's your main language learning resource. It's not perfect for it, but writing things down is the key.

It was around September when I started looking for a place to live. I managed to find a room in a student collective & finally set the date.

[November 9th, 2016. A very snowy day in Riga. A blizzard, actually. I'm spending a pretending-to-be-regular morning with my family & we drive to the airport. A sentimental goodbye, as it's supposed to be. Hopping on the plane and...]

Peace. Yes, peace. All the worries were gone. All the sadness was washed away. It felt like I reached zen once I had reached the sky.

Funny enough, I don't remember thinking about anything particular during those almost 2 hours on the plane. I didn't stress about the fact that I'm literally flying into nowhere. I didn't think about anything regarding the fact that my life is drastically changing right now. Didn't think about the past either. Which was weird, because I usually come up with great thoughts about things that bother me when I'm on a plane. But that time it was just blank. Weird.

Weird, but right at the same time. It made sense. I was about to start my life again at age 19. All alone, on my own. In a completely new place where nobody knew me. I was going to be reborn. Of course my mind was blank. I don't remember thinking any deep thoughts when I was coming to this world for the first time either. It really made all the sense in this world.

But I did feel something when I was flying above Bergen. First of all, it's crazy breathtaking to fly above all these mountains. Secondly, it was an interesting contrast between snowy Riga and sunny Bergen. And Bergen is not known for being sunny, trust me.

Once I was off the plane, I had a pinch of nostalgia mixed with stress. I was thinking about how wonderful it is to be at Bergen Airport again, looking forward to spending time in this town the way I want it, getting to know it at my own slow pace. At the same time I realised I was carrying a heavy backpack with two huge suitcases which contained all my life I was willing to bring with me at the time. Sounds simple: two suitcases & one backpack. Doesn't feel exactly simple when you need to carry it around all by yourself. But I managed, I had no choice but to manage.

It was stupid-challenging to grab a cab. First of all, I went to the wrong side of the cab zone, then dragged my belongings back to the correct side. After that, the cab driver who was willing to drive me, realised he couldn't possibly fit all my stuff into his trunk when one of the suitcases was already inside. Then I finally found the guy -- on the correct side of the road with a trunk able to fit everything I had brought with me. We drove out.

He was a middle-aged Norwegian man, very kind and as chatty as you'd decide it to be. Really knew what he was doing. Told me about the quickest route to Bergen city center (where I was headed to) which I should request every time I take a cab, because I can end up getting driven some long, expensive distances. Ah yes, he also missed a turn while we were laughing at something. He apologised, returned back on the route, drove a bit longer, then reset the taxi meter. It still remains my cheapest official cab ride in Norway.

We got to the spot. The cab driver unloaded my stuff and helped me to carry it to the door. He left. I rung the doorbell. No one answered. I kept ringing. I became stressed, I felt like I got scammed or something. The door was finally opened by one of the girls living there. She was home alone and wasn't expecting anyone. My landlord was late. As I would find out later, that's something to be expected, she was not the most reliable one.

I got in. I already knew where the room with a huge common freezer was, so I went to unload all the frozen food my mom had stashed me up with. Then I went to the common living room/kitchen (in Norway it's normally built without any wall separating them), spent an eternity unloading the rest of my food. The landlord showed up at last. I signed the contract, was shown around a bit more, got my key. Finally saw my room. Carried my partially unloaded suitcases there. It was on the top floor and the staircase was crazy. I still have PTSD from those stairs.

By that time, the other girl who was kindly asked by our landlord to sell me her old bed (as she was getting a new one), also showed up. Some of the other girls showed up too. They helped us to get the bed into my room then we carried up the newly-arrived bed. It was a fun experience to introduce myself to the very first new people in my new life during some intensive physical activity I'm not really good at. I went to my room, unpacked all my stuff. Set it all up.

The room was tiny. It was one of the cheapest rooms there (which was greatly appreciated by my tight budget), had a basic IKEA wardrobe and now also had a basic IKEA single bed. My two suitcases fit in perfectly. There was nothing else in the room. The windowsill of the only window in the room was wide enough to be my table.

After I got done setting up my room & texted back everyone I needed to text back to, I opened a pack of instant noodles which I for some reason still brought to the room instead of leaving them in the kitchen. I didn't prepare them properly. I didn't feel like leaving the room to boil some water. I had known all my life I was a bit of a shy person. But at that moment I felt like I was the most shy person on this planet. I didn't feel like going out and socialise with the girls. I crushed the noodles in the pack, mixed them with the soup base spice & ate them like any other snack. It was my dinner, dry and salty as hell. It was my first food ever since that breakfast at home in Riga. Then I went to shower which was conveniently right next door, washed off the whole day and, as it seemed at the moment, the whole past life. I went to bed. My new life was about to start in eight hours.

The next days were filled with being busy visiting police station, getting a new SIM-card & running around looking for a job and other errands. I also applied for a Norwegian course which was amazing and started somewhere in the end of November. I really do believe applying for a language course in the new country as soon as you move is one of the best things you can do to get yourself going. I also had to do a great deal of work on my head because I really had to push myself out of the room to prepare some food or tea. Yes, it was actually tea which I'm used to drinking in crazy amounts, that pushed me out of my room a few times per day & got me to socialize more with people I lived together with. They were nice and kind, but I had some sort of barrier that I couldn't explain back then & I cannot explain even now. It took some time.

So this is how my new life started. An unenthusiastic trip made me end up in a tiny room with a single bed, a wardrobe, two suitcases and a windowsill which acted as a table. A completely fresh start in a place that I barely knew, but which felt more like home than my actual home.

I decided to write this story now, 5 years later because I still keep getting asked about my reasons for moving to Norway. It fascinates people when they find out I didn't have a basic motivation to do that, such as earning more money or getting certain education. I understand why people keep asking, I understand why people sometimes need to build up their courage to ask. Lots of them secretly or openly dream to do something similar. Now it's here. And now it's going to get linked to everyone who asks.

Now you know that it's possible to come up with this crazy idea to move somewhere without any practical knowledge or large experience with that place. That this odd feeling which leads you to such a drastic decision, exists. The little 'click' inside your heart that lets you know instantly that you belong in that place. The feeling like you've been on a long journey your whole life ever since you were born & you finally arrived home.

P.S. I have to say I've been through a lot of drama during my time in Norway. It had started turning into a Netflix show material at some point. For those who know me it may sound weird, because I'm the most neutral and calm person one can find. Yet I have attracted a lot of chaos somehow. Sometimes I cannot believe that already within first 6 months I couldn't walk in town without meeting someone I knew at least 3x per week. And I'm not the most social person either. It's just that life happens really fast. I was convinced I'd be a loner for at least a year. But here we are. Lots of great stuff, lots of drama. Lots of life.

Grateful to myself for not being afraid, following my gut & making this happen.

[tarzanol]

Festplassen

[annenyberg]

Mount Ulriken that is situated right behind our house, seen from Festplassen in the middle of the city #festplassen #Ulriken #Bergen #bergen_by #lillelundgårdsvann (ved Lille Lungegårdsvannet)

[hazikan-blog]

Bergen by❤️ #visitbergen #sun #city #bergen #blue #sky #water #waterfountain #festplassen #snow #mountains #ulriken

[scriptmin]

bite sized — vlogger au

Summary: In which you’re a travel vlogger and your boyfriend Yoongi is the most camera-shy person you know.

672 words

« previous

As you fiddle with your camera, the elevator dings open. Yoongi nudges you in by the small of your back, hitting the button for the ground floor as the doors close behind. By then, you’ve got your camera up and recording.

“Reporter Yoongi, give us an update on the current state of things,” you tease. Yoongi backs up and leans into a corner, worn and weary from the flight.

“We just dumped our stuff in the apartment and… we’re going to eat. Y/N’s been complaining the entire bus ride from the airport to the city. We’re gonna go check out this famous fish cake restaurant for lunch and just walk around town. Maybe hop on a tourist bus while we’re at it. Back to you, Anchor.”

Your laughters combined, you turn the camera back to yourself as you settle beside him, arm in arm. “So we got an Airbnb apartment near the famous fish market, which is also in walking distance to the ferry terminal and tourist center. A lot of places are walkable from here. The airport bus we took brought us to Festplassen, which I would say is the city center, from there it only took us about ten minutes to get to the apartment. Lots of stuff to do. The link for our apartment will be in the description box if you want to check it out, and as always, the finer details like ticket prices and directions will be in my blogpost, also linked in the description.“

You leave the camera recording throughout as you both navigate around the city center. Yoongi has Google Maps open, while you hold on to the tourist map that you picked up at the airport’s information counter. His directions lead you towards the ferry terminal, where you walk past the fish market and towards a set of short buildings. The time-speed stops as Yoongi approaches the restaurant.

This should be it…” He says ahead, just loud enough to be picked up in the vlog. But he stops short at the door, staring blankly past the glass panels.

You join him at the side. “What’s wrong?” The answer is found before he replies. Laughing at the absurdity, you raise your camera and zoom in on the sign at the door. “It’s closed.” Yoongi joins in, jokingly complaining beside you. “We walked for ten minutes and it’s closed.”

“Oh my God,“ he mumbles off camera. “I guess we’ll just hit the fish market. It’s behind.”

Already turning in the other direction, you respond, “Will it be expensive though? I thought I saw some pretty hefty prices when we passed by earlier.

“We traveled sixteen hours to get here. I think we can spend thirty dollars on some good lobster.” He tugs you by the elbow. “Come on.”

Eventually, the two of you manage to get crayfish from the market and eat on the ledge overlooking the bay. As Yoongi cracks open the shells for you, you make sure to get a slow, scenic sweep of the view with your camera. When you’re satisfied, you set the device at angle just nice to catch the two of you, leaving your hands free to eat.

“Here, here,” Yoongi says urgently before you can reach for a leg to crack on your own, pushing the meat into your mouth. He waits expectantly for your judgement. “How is it?”

You give him a thumbs-up. “It’s good. Eat, babe, you’re hungry too.”

As Yoongi finishes up the rest, you wipe your hands on the wet towel that came with the food, preparing to put an end to this part of the vlog.

“He’s too busy eating now, so let’s not get in his way,” you say as you pick up the camera, “After this we'e going to the tourist center to plan out our day for tomorrow. And… we’ll see how it goes.”

[dragonfang-photography]

Festplassens paviliong, and behind it is Permanenten, one of the Kode art museums (formerly Vestlandsk Kunstindustrimuseum).

[riotbcngirlbrg-blog]

Lots of fun happening in Bergen this weekend! Maybe I`ll go have a look at free concerts at Festplassen from 19 pm tomorrow, there will be fireworks! 

[sareenasattapon]

Collaborative improvisation performance in PAB open session

at Festplassen, Bergen, Norway

Photos by Petter Lønningen

[exo-bts-locations-blog]

Bon Voyage Episode 1 Filming Locations

Link to Ep  (cr.)

apologies for shitty screen caps

1. Boys arrive in Bergen

Arrived in Bergen Lufthavn Airport:

  Website

2. Bus

Took a bus from the airport:

Bus route: Bergen Lufthav-Bergen Sentrum stopping off at Festplassen

 Website for bus company /  Useful website for buses from Bergen airport

3. Festplassen

Walk around Festplassen:

Festplassen is an open space in Bergen center & where Jimin left his suitcase on the bus. Boys walked around the area and up to the water fountain. 

4. Festplassen to apartment 

Walk to apartment:

They then walked from Festplassen to their apartment via this route (this is as accurate as I could make out)

This route also passes by Peppes Pizza which can be seen behind J-Hope when he does the flower scene.

The apartment they stayed in was located at approximately 8 Stratengaten on the 5th floor and is opposite a Dressman and Vivkies store, which can be seen on street view of google maps. I spent ages trying to find how to rent it and even checked on korean sites but I can’t find the apartment anywhere so I presume it was privately rented or something. lol at least i saved you guys from trying to swab the sofas for park jimins dna 

they stayed opposite these shops  

somewhere in these buildings 

(look at the shops behind)

5. Apartment to restaurant 

Walk to Hot Wok City restaurant:

Restaurant Website  /  Address:  Vestre Torggaten 1, 5015

6. Apartment to supermarket

Rap Mon and Jin went to a REMA 1000 supermarket:

Address: Jon Smørs gate 11, 5011 or Kløverhuset Kjøpesenter, Kløverhuset, Strandgaten 13, 5013  / Website

(Rap Mon and Jin definitely went to a REMA 1000 supermarket but it was extremely difficult to tell which one because there are so many in Bergen. So I put two addresses because I presumed it was either one of these because they were the closest ones to their apartment.)

Episode 1 done!

[harryshouse]

om noen som følger meg bor i bergensområdet så skal det være en protest på festplassen på fredag om du vil delta!

https://facebook.com/events/s/black-lives-matter-justice-for/1348018172052070/?ti=icl