#visit tromso

[naomitours]

Tromsø, Norway: The North Above the North

I am not a "cold-weather" person, both in personality and in personal inclination. So you might wonder why someone like me would go to Norway in December. And if you asked me this after I actually got there, it would've been a damn good question! But I had a single reason, and a good one:

That's right, I went to see the northern lights. The green lady. "A-AURORA BOREALIS??", in the words of Superintendent Chalmers. People much smarter than me say this is caused by the sun's upper atmosphere emanating a solar wind that reaches *our* upper atmosphere. While not the most consistent place in the world to see it, Tromsø is one of the easiest and largest to try your luck.

Disclaimers from the Top of the World

The first thing you should know about Tromsø is that the sun doesn't come up for most of winter. You'll have light for a few hours, sure, but it's not the same. The meaning of darkness is different when it's ever-present, and those brief few hours of light mean everything. I found myself wanting to shed my coat and soak the light in through every pore of my body.¹ Depression is a real problem here, so is alcoholism. (I was even told by a local that they track alcohol purchases via card, to make sure nobody is drinking too much in the dark months!)²

The "sunset" over the Tromsø harbor, 1:35 PM.

The second thing you should know is that you need traction on your footwear. Pack your snow boots, or buy some shoe spikes because otherwise you'll be spending a good chunk of your time here on the ground, cursing the ice. My dumb-ass had decided to come to Norway on a whim, without thinking or preparing, so I showed up in my Doc Martens slipping and sliding. I almost couldn't make it to my Airbnb, my host having to come down and help me up the hills!! Thankfully I was able to borrow boots from my, again, incredibly lovely host³, but my god you've never appreciated gravel so much!

The Tromsø Troll Museum

That's right, the main attraction in the city, the reason you flew hundreds, perhaps even thousands of miles! This tiny museum with a bunch of trolls scattered all around!

It's a cozy space, and if you're as fascinated as mythology as I am, it's really a must-see if you're in town. Also, there's a replica of a hulder. According to local lore, these were beautiful women who would often try to lure men away from their human homes, to live in otherworldly pleasure with them⁴, or they would marry human men and join our world, retaining their otherworldly strength⁵!

Aurora Borealis

The biggest disclaimer I'd offer for the northern lights is this, you are never guaranteed to see them, even if you do everything "right". This was such a huge source of anxiety for me until I finally had a good sighting, then I was able to relax. I recommend doing some guided tours, these are not necessary (I saw them once right outside my Airbnb!) but it's going to maximize your chances by getting you away from the city's light pollution. There's many different modes of transportation for this, I myself took a bus and a boat, but I saw advertisements for planes, helicopters and even dog sleds*. The first time I ever witnessed the northern lights was on a sleepy little boat tour, New Year's Eve 2023.⁶

The interior was very cozy, more importantly it was warm, essential on a night with subzero wind chill. I enjoyed cookies and coffee and hot chocolate with marshmallows!

The lights don't look like the pictures, that should be stressed. The vast majority of aurora borealis photos are taken via long-exposure, and our eyes just don't work the same way. But on a good night you can see a faint green distortion in the sky, as if a riff into another dimension. It's like you expect an alien spaceship, or the giant hand of a monster to come ripping out of it, changing our world forever.⁷ But for the natives of Tromsø, it's just a day like any other.

View of the Aurora Borealis, from my Airbnb the next day.

I also recommend booking a few different tours, if you're like me and only really need to see it once, many will let you cancel on 24hrs notice if you pay extra. I recommend this as a good way to save money, but I'm kinda a cheapskate, so what do I know?

Also, please don't be discouraged if you don't see the lights on any given tour, you still do get some really beautiful photographs. It's important to keep a sense of relativity about you, you are standing at the top of the world, in the freezing cold. And in this moment you are having a novel human experience, regardless of whether or not you see some pretty lights on top of it.

What I Ate

Now, you might think the food is very bare-necessities in this sleepy arctic city, but you'd be surprised! One of the first things I had was something I had actually failed to find in Oslo, a delicious Norwegian donut called a skolebolle:

With a custard center and coconut flakes trimming the top, it's a deliciously sweet treat that I found in a Eurospar for the equivalent of a dollar. I recommend enjoying it with black coffee! Not pictured are the other things I got from the store, including paprika-flavored potato chips (highly recommended) and a large bar of Freia milk chocolate, which you'll not be disappointed by.

There's also an abundance of little convenience stores that will get you hot meals for relatively cheap (Northern Europe is expensive!) On the right you'll see a pepperoni calzone that was pretty good, along with a Norwegian soda that was less so. But if you're looking for a finer taste of Tromsø, stay with me:

This is a sampling I did of Aquavit, the signature liquor of Scandinavia. All of it was made right here in Tromsø, and I had a lovely guide for this tasting. To name a few, lingonberries and reindeer meat, not to mention a small slice of grapefruit.⁸ It's a little skimpy, however the point isn't to eat, but to taste!⁹

Conclusion/Takeaways

It can be a very scary thing, to be so far away from home. In all my years of travel, though that uncertainty has diminished, it never truly goes away. Maybe travel is just like any other experience, your tolerance to it builds until you only feel the original high when you get even further out of the world as you've known it. In this way, travel is much like a drug. But what moves me most about travel is its capacity to help us understand not just the planet we live on, but our own place within it. And if you ever feel lost for purpose, I might recommend standing on top of the world, hunting for otherworldly apparitions in the sky //

Footnotes:

¹ Of course, if you actually try to walk around in Tromsø without a coat, you will a)freeze to death and b)look stupid

² LITERALLY 1984

³ Of course, I had to return the boots when I left for the airport, meaning I fell not once, not twice, but THREE times trying to get down the hills to the bus stop. Seriously, you can't wear your Docs, no matter how fashionable and punk rock they are!

⁴ But why would you want to do that, when society is sooooooo good?? Like, who wants to live in a fantasy world where there is no suffering or want when we have Pizza Hut here, right now?

⁵ A hulder also features prominently on the cover of that one metal album by the murderous Nazi that your friend still listens to, despite knowing he's, you know, a MURDEROUS NAZI.

⁶ I would later go on to watch a man in lederhosen play The Weeknd, Cher, and at midnight ABBA's "Happy New Year", all on a keyboard. Dude was a one-man entertainment MACHINE, the vibe was immaculate.

⁷ As seen in Avengers 17: We Saved the World Again, in theaters this summer! Go watch it. Right now. The corporations demand it. DO IT. CONSUME.

⁸ Make sure your meds don't interact with grapefruit. Grapefruit may cause side effects including sour taste. Ask your doctor if grapefruit is right for you.

⁹ You know, like, a tasting menu or something!!

[pollonegro666]

2022/08/12 Vimos a varios simpáticos seres que nos dijeron que teníamos que visitar la casa donde viven todos y les prometimos que iríamos al día siguiente.

We saw several nice beings who told us that we had to visit the house where everyone lives and we promised them that we would go the next day.

Google translation into Italian: Abbiamo visto diversi esseri simpatici che ci hanno detto che dovevamo visitare la casa dove vivono tutti e abbiamo promesso loro che saremmo andati il ​​giorno successivo.

Google Translation into Portuguese: Vimos vários seres simpáticos que nos disseram que tínhamos que visitar a casa onde todos moram e prometemos a eles que iríamos no dia seguinte.

Google Translation into French: Nous avons vu plusieurs êtres sympathiques qui nous ont dit que nous devions visiter la maison où tout le monde habite et nous leur avons promis que nous irions le lendemain.

Google Translation into Arabic: لقد رأينا العديد من الكائنات الصديقة التي أخبرتنا أنه يتعين علينا زيارة المنزل الذي يعيش فيه الجميع ووعدناهم بأننا سنذهب في اليوم التالي.

Google Translation into German: Wir sahen mehrere freundliche Wesen, die uns sagten, dass wir das Haus besuchen müssten, in dem alle leben, und wir versprachen ihnen, dass wir am nächsten Tag hingehen würden.

Google Translation into Albanisch: Pamë disa qenie miqësore që na thanë se duhej të vizitonim shtëpinë ku jetojnë të gjithë dhe u premtuam se do të shkonim të nesërmen.

Google Translation into Bulgarian: Видяхме няколко приятелски настроени същества, които ни казаха, че трябва да посетим къщата, в която живеят всички, и им обещахме, че ще отидем на следващия ден.

Google Translation into Czech: Viděli jsme několik přátelských bytostí, které nám řekly, že musíme navštívit dům, ve kterém všichni bydlí, a slíbili jsme jim, že půjdeme další den.

Google Translation into Slovak: Videli sme niekoľko priateľských bytostí, ktoré nám povedali, že musíme navštíviť dom, v ktorom všetci žijú, a sľúbili sme im, že pôjdeme na druhý deň.

Google Translation into Slovenian: Videli smo nekaj prijaznih bitij, ki so nam povedala, da moramo obiskati hišo, v kateri živijo vsi, in obljubili smo jim, da gremo naslednji dan.

Google Translation into Suomi: Näimme useita ystävällisiä olentoja, jotka kertoivat meille, että meidän piti käydä talossa, jossa kaikki asuvat, ja lupasimme heille, että menemme seuraavana päivänä.

Google Translation into Greek: Είδαμε αρκετά φιλικά όντα που μας είπαν ότι έπρεπε να επισκεφτούμε το σπίτι που μένουν όλοι και τους υποσχεθήκαμε ότι θα πάμε την επόμενη μέρα.

Google Translation into Dutch: We zagen verschillende vriendelijke wezens die ons vertelden dat we het huis moesten bezoeken waar iedereen woont en we beloofden hen dat we de volgende dag zouden gaan.

Google Translation into Norwegian: Vi så flere vennlige vesener som fortalte oss at vi måtte besøke huset alle bor i og vi lovet dem at vi skulle reise neste dag.

Google Translation into Polish: Widzieliśmy kilka przyjaznych istot, które powiedziały nam, że musimy odwiedzić dom, w którym wszyscy mieszkają, i obiecaliśmy im, że pojedziemy następnego dnia.

Google Translation into Romanian: Am văzut mai multe ființe prietenoase care ne-au spus că trebuie să vizităm casa în care locuiesc toată lumea și le-am promis că vom merge a doua zi.

Google Translation into Russian: Мы увидели несколько дружелюбных существ, которые сказали нам, что мы должны посетить дом, в котором все живут, и мы пообещали им, что пойдем на следующий день.

Google Translation into Swedish: Vi såg flera vänliga varelser som sa till oss att vi var tvungna att besöka huset alla bor i och vi lovade dem att vi skulle åka nästa dag.

Google Translation into Turkish: Bize herkesin yaşadığı evi ziyaret etmemiz gerektiğini söyleyen birkaç dost canlısı yaratık gördük ve onlara ertesi gün gideceğimize söz verdik.

Google Translation into Bengali: আমরা বেশ কয়েকজন বন্ধুত্বপূর্ণ প্রাণীকে দেখেছি যারা আমাদের বলেছিল যে সবাই যে বাড়িতে থাকে সেখানে আমাদের যেতে হবে এবং আমরা তাদের প্রতিশ্রুতি দিয়েছিলাম যে আমরা পরের দিন যাব।

Google Translation into Chinese: 我们看到几个友好的人告诉我们，我们必须参观每个人住的房子，我们向他们保证我们会在第二天去。

Google Translation into Korean: 우리는 모두가 살고 있는 집을 방문해야 한다고 말했고 우리는 다음날 가겠다고 약속한 몇몇 친절한 사람들을 보았습니다.

Google Translation into Hebrew: ראינו כמה יצורים ידידותיים שאמרו לנו שאנחנו חייבים לבקר בבית שכולם גרים בו והבטחנו להם שנלך למחרת.

Google Translation into Hindi: हमने कई मिलनसार प्राणी देखे जिन्होंने हमें बताया कि हमें उस घर में जाना है जिसमें हर कोई रहता है और हमने उनसे वादा किया था कि हम अगले दिन जाएंगे।

Google Translation into Indonesian: Kami melihat beberapa makhluk ramah yang memberi tahu kami bahwa kami harus mengunjungi rumah yang ditinggali semua orang dan kami berjanji kepada mereka bahwa kami akan pergi keesokan harinya.

Google Translation into Japanese: みんなが住んでいる家を訪問しなければならないと私たちに言った何人かの友好的な存在に会い、私たちは翌日行くと約束しました。

Google Translation into Malay: Kami melihat beberapa makhluk yang mesra yang memberitahu kami bahawa kami perlu melawat rumah yang semua orang tinggal dan kami berjanji kepada mereka bahawa kami akan pergi keesokan harinya.

Google Translation into Pashtun: موږ څو دوستان ولیدل چې موږ ته یې وویل چې موږ باید هغه کور ته لاړ شو چې هرڅوک پکې ژوند کوي او موږ ورسره ژمنه وکړه چې بله ورځ به ځو.

Google Translation into Persian: چند نفر از دوستان را دیدیم که به ما گفتند باید به خانه ای که همه در آن زندگی می کنند سر بزنیم و به آنها قول دادیم که روز بعد برویم.

Google Translation into Tagalog: Nakita namin ang ilang magiliw na nilalang na nagsabi sa amin na kailangan naming bisitahin ang bahay na tinitirhan ng lahat at nangako kami sa kanila na pupunta kami sa susunod na araw.

Google Translation into Thai: เราเห็นสิ่งมีชีวิตที่เป็นมิตรหลายคนที่บอกเราว่าเราต้องไปเยี่ยมบ้านที่ทุกคนอาศัยอยู่และเราสัญญากับพวกเขาว่าเราจะไปในวันรุ่งขึ้น

Google Translation into Urdu: ہم نے کئی دوست احباب کو دیکھا جنہوں نے ہمیں بتایا کہ ہمیں اس گھر میں جانا ہے جس میں ہر کوئی رہتا ہے اور ہم نے ان سے وعدہ کیا کہ ہم اگلے دن جائیں گے۔

Google Translation into Ukrainian: Ми побачили кількох дружніх істот, які сказали нам, що ми повинні відвідати будинок, у яком�� живуть усі, і ми пообіцяли їм, що підемо наступного дня.

[pikablob]

I posted 9,129 times in 2022

118 posts created (1%)

9,011 posts reblogged (99%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@nach0-reblogs

@furashuban

@aroacesonics

@discoursed-dracula

@sailor-arashi

I tagged 658 of my posts in 2022

#ask pika - 90 posts

#friends - 73 posts

#fanfiction - 20 posts

#<;33 - 15 posts

#hilda the series - 12 posts

#oh - 11 posts

#bon bon <;33 - 10 posts

#yes - 10 posts

#toh - 9 posts

#hilda netflix - 9 posts

Longest Tag: 131 characters

#me when a song about a girl pushing a man down a ladder is the theme song of a character whos most famous appearance is as a corpse

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

tag mutuals you wanna get to know better!

I was tagged by @wallywestfest - honestly the fact you’d even consider me for this makes me really happy thank you so much!! <3

favourite time of year: hmmmm... prolly either early summer or around the winter holidays :))

comfort food: spaghetti bolognese, but specifically the M&S ready meal version I’m sorry I have 0 shame and it’s good XD

favourite dessert: toffee!! Is guud

things you collect: kids’ books! Picture books, graphic novels, and illustrated middle-grade stuff mostly. I also have a pretty sizeable collection of figures (Funko Pop & Nendoroids included) and I collect model trains (mostly OO9 for those who know what that is!!)

favourite drink: milk; just, a lot of milk XD

favourite musical artist: The Oh Hellos 90% of the time, but also Stan & Nathan Rogers, and Grace Petrie :))

last song listened to: Fogarty’s Cove, Stan Rogers

last movie watched: oh this is hard just because I don’t watch movies much XD I think the last one I actually went to see was Spirit: Untamed (what can I say, I liked Riding Free XD)

last series watched: either Hilda or Harriet the Spy depending on what counts (because I’m just using bits of Hilda for fic reference rn)

current obsession: Hilda, as always; also Infinity Train, Harriet, and The Owl House a bit.

dream place to visit: hhhhh there’s so many but probably Newfoundland :))

place you wanna go back to: Tromso, Norway; it’s genuinely magical in winter

something you want: well there’s a certain art commission I’m really excited to see finished motivation to write more and more money for commissions :))

currently working on: another Wildflowers Fic (Hilda S2 fix-it hurt/comfort) - Hilda writes a letter in this one!

I tag @pikawarrior @nach0 @starlit-lion @discoursed-dracula @dallasurr @strawcherrydeercake @furashuban @sarasplenda @stargazer-sappho (no pressure) and anyone else who wants to! :))

31 notes - Posted September 6, 2022

#4

I’m having so many feelings about Little My right now.

From the outside, she’s just another one of the Mymble’s many kids; the smallest member of a huge family, who’s never had her own space, shuffled from place to place and raised by an absent guardian who really doesn’t seem to care much about her at all. Of course she’s turned out loud and abrasive; she had to be, to make herself big and take up space and force people to pay attention, because otherwise she’d get lost in the shuffle.

And then she comes to Moominvalley, and meets Moomin and his parents, and she forms a real friendship and chooses to stay and ends up adopted. And sure, she’s still loud and abrasive and a troublemaker, but she’s a neglected child (her mum didn’t even realise she’d stayed behind) and for the first time she has a real family and friends in the bargain and it’s just really getting to me right now.

I haven’t seen the whole show yet (I don’t mind spoilers) or read the books (I know she’s not the same in those I don’t think she has this side of her), but do you think she ever worries about her place in the home? Do you think she’s afraid on some level, deep down, that they’ll want to get rid of her, just like how they wanted to get rid of the rest of her old family? Do you think she pushes the boundaries sometimes, just to make sure she’s really loved?

IDK, I just have a lot of feelings.

33 notes - Posted November 2, 2022

#3

I love the new starters!

See the full post

35 notes - Posted February 27, 2022

#2

Asking about fixing S2 of Hilda! :D

(I watched it, but my brain is very much like a sponge, so there may or may not be some holes in my memories of it. But I'd love to hear your opinions on that!)

Okie, so, I've talked about my problems with Season 2 before, but I'm going to go over them in the most detail I can here, before I explain how I'd fix them. Sorry in advance, but this is going to be long.

My Problems:

Fundamentally, Hilda is still my favourite show, and more of my favourite episodes are in S2 than in S1, but there's one big thing that ruined the season for me, and that's what it did to the relationship between Hilda and Johanna. Season 2 wanted to have an arc where Hilda makes mistakes and needs to learn not to lie to her mum, but instead, in the narrative presented, Johanna is the one in the wrong to me.

It's absolutely a cycle. Hilda lying about her adventures makes Johanna worry, which makes her more protective, so Hilda needs to lie even more. But The Troll Circle establishes pretty plainly that this cycle started with Johanna; when Hilda runs outside the wall by accident, her immediate reaction is "Mum would kill me if she knew."

And the way Johanna acts when Hilda comes home proves that she's right; Johanna has become more restrictive and isn't letting Hilda do the things she used to. She wants Hilda to be safe, I accept, but this is after a whole season where Johanna repeatedly says that she loves Hilda for who she is, and explicitly includes her adventures in that (see The Bird Parade and The Troll Rock especially).

Because it is a part of who Hilda is; "such is the life of an adventurer" is her mantra, and even Season 2 itself establishes that she's been allowed to roam freely on her own in the wilderness since she was about 6 years old, the same wilderness that Johanna wants to keep her from in The Troll Circle.

Hilda's choices aren't "lie to her mum" or "be good", they're "lie to her mum" or "give up being who she is". Johanna's the one who changed, and it's not even properly acknowledged; they try and retcon the troll from S1, and just claim that things have always been this way between Hilda and Johanna when that's just not true (I'd argue The Troll Rock implied Johanna knew about it anyway).

The show does try and show Johanna's side, especially in The Fifty-Year Night, but that's one of the reasons it's my least favourite episode. I know she finds it hard, being so harsh on Hilda, but she doesn't have to; she should have been more understanding at the end of The Beast of Cauldron Island, it's her fault things got to that point, and nobody's forcing her to be more protective. She needs to realise she's being unfair and that she hasn't handled this well, and as a result it feels like the narrative is guilt-tripping Hilda for her mum's mistakes.

The Stone Forest hits into the same issues; I'm not going to deny that what Hilda says to her mum in that argument is genuinely hurtful, and that she shouldn't have said it, but she's an upset child. The resolution of that episode is that Hilda needs to stop hiding things, but the conflict was caused by Johanna being restrictive and honestly, more than a little selfish; I'm not trying to bash her, I know why she wants Hilda to stay home and spend time with her, but she should have let her go.

I'm glad that things seem to be back on track in The Mountain King, but when Hilda has to promise not to hide things at the end of The Stone Forest, it doesn't quite work as a resolution for me, because while I do genuinely appreciate Johanna telling Hilda she loves her for who she is, she doesn't promise to let Hilda be herself or make any apologies of her own. It's "you have to talk to me" not "you can talk to me", and for me that's the distinction that really ruined the season.

And all of this comes from one, single place:

Everything I've just mentioned, including all three of Johanna's worst scenes (the dinner in The Troll Rock, Hilda's first grounding, and the argument over Dungeon Crops in The Stone Forest) and the resolution that I didn't think went far enough, are lifted directly (including a lot of dialogue - although some of it, especially in that final resolution, is said less kindly in the graphic novel) from the graphic novel Hilda and the Stone Forest. And this is the fundamental problem; Season 2 of the show has to adapt this story, which is a problem, because Season 1 of the show made substantial changes from the graphic novels, that honestly made me think that maybe there wasn't a way to do the Stone Forest arc well in the show.

In the graphic novels, Johanna is not a good parent. She's not as bad as the tie-in novels, where she genuinely reads as abusive in all but one, but she starts out as a generic "overprotective parent" stock archetype, and only really breaks out of that a couple of times (she's actually very good in Hilda and the Bird Parade, but in a completely different way from the show version of that plotline). Hilda in turn is a little more selfish and rebellious, so their whole dynamic is different.

And The Stone Forest, in both versions, has Johanna at her absolute worst. It's actually my least favourite graphic novel, specifically because of how awful Johanna gets in the beginning, which is basically just an extended falling-out combining all of her worst moments from Season 2 and making them even worse. And that's where the problem crept in, because in order for the Stone Forest arc to happen, Hilda has to try and sneak out via Nowhere Space, and Johanna has to try and stop her, and the whole thing needs to be precipitated by a mother-daughter falling out.

So the solution the show's crew took was to try making Johanna more like her comic counterpart, and to space the arguments that start The Stone Forest out across the whole season so it doesn't feel abrupt. But the two versions of Johanna are fundamentally different characters, and Comic Johanna is already a bad parent who's flaws aren't acknowledged in this arc, while in the show she's a realistically flawed but genuinely amazing parent and those flaws are addressed in Season 1.

And the result was just making Johanna almost as unsympathetic as her comic counterpart in Season 2. I don't even think that it really cured the abruptness, because it's still an awkward retcon in the first episode, and there are still episodes in S2 where Johanna is firing on all cylinders (The Deerfox and The Yule Lads - which actually handles a mother/daughter dispute caused by Hilda really well), so to me it feels less like a relationship that's having ups and downs, and more like a relationship that's fundamentally changed but only sometimes.

(There are other problems with adapting Hilda and the Stone Forest, namely David and Frida, but I think the show actually handled them well).

So, How Would I Have Done It?

I'm going to rule for this that we have to keep the fundamental plot of The Stone Forest; Hilda gets in trouble with her mum, gets caught when she tries to escape, and has to learn a lesson about being open after she and her mum get out of the Stone Forest. For a while, I genuinely wasn't sure how to make that work within the show in a way I'd be happy with, but in the end, thanks partially to the tie-in novels of all things, I do have a solution: we're actually going to build up the relationship shift, and it's going to have an acknowledged shared responsibility.

The Troll Rock happens almost as it does in canon, but there is no moment where Hilda thinks her mum will 'kill' her for going outside the wall. She still gets home late, and there's still a little awkwardness in the conversation, but Hilda gingerly admits the truth:

"Well, I was going to go to David's... but then I saw this elf getting kidnapped by a dirt clod with legs, and me and Twig kind-of had to go outside the wall to save him."

And Johanna just gives a patient sigh; there is a bit of tension in her voice, she's clearly not 100% happy with this, but she also accepts that this is her daughter:

"That was a good thing to do, sweetheart, but please be careful outside the wall. You know I worry about you."

From there the episode goes on as normal; barring one thing. I'm torn between cutting the "you never told me about that" exchange entirely, and changing the tone of it. In the latter version, instead of suspicion, Johanna is genuinely just surprised, and Hilda's response is something like "Wait, I didn't?", but either way, things go on normally from there; we've established that there's going to be friction between Hilda and her mum, without making things bad immediately.

The next big change is that The Eternal Warriors doesn't happen. It will, eventually, but I'm taking a leaf from the tie-in book Hilda and the White Woff, and saving it for later use. Every other episode gets shunted up by one space, but is otherwise unchanged until we hit The Beast of Cauldron Island, where I'm going to make a major change.

Instead of Hilda just lying, we're going to build on The Old Bells of Trolberg; when Hilda reaches the flat, she's reluctant to cancel their picnic, but she is prepared to explain things and possibly even ask for Johanna's help. But when she gets inside, Johanna is apologetic, and before Hilda can explain, she does:

"I'm really sorry, Hilda, but we can't have our picnic today after all."

"Why not?"

See the full post

39 notes - Posted February 17, 2022

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[sitting-on-me-bum]

Sunset Reflections on Senja by Alex Berger Via Flickr: During previous visits to the area around Tromso I fell in love with the Island of Senja and surrounding archipelago. So, with summer having arrived I jumped north for an extended weekend and a wander for some fishing, photography, and walks. These photos are the result. For licensing or usage requests, please reach out directly.

[alpopkov-blog]

Tromso, a few more points

(РУС ниже)

Ten years ago, When I first visited Tromso, I remembered it more as a wooden town. This time though, the new modern apartment blocks dominate the shoreline. From a tourist's perspective, I see that the city loses a bit of its charm. However, I perfectly understand that a place like this needs more housing.

Despite all the new housing, the Arctic Cathedral still dominates the view. It is visible from almost any point on the eastern shore.

--RU

10 лет назад, когда я в первый раз оказался в Тромсо, он мне запомнился как ‘город с деревянными домиками’. Сейчас почти весь берег застроен новыми многоэтажками. С точки зрения туриста город немного теряет свой шарм. Но я прекрасно понимаю, что всегда нужно новое жилье.

Несмотря на все новые дома, Арктический Собор все еще выделяется. Его видно почти с каждой точки на восточном берегу.

[swostiindia]

10 Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations in Winter

Winters are the time when romance buds. Imagine those whispered understandings by the fireplace, the exploration of white landscapes, and the tender touch amidst picturesque settings. Along with this comes the perfect ten most romantic honeymoon destinations that you would be eyeing for your winter escape.

1. Aspen, Colorado

If you’re a couple who loves snow and adventure, then this is the place to be. World-class skiing greets a beautiful downtown, opening up your days on the slopes and dinner evenings spent in gourmet restaurants. The snow-capped mountains present such a lovely romantic backdrop.

2. St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz maintains the epitome of glamor and is absolutely a winter wonderland. Known for elegance and refinement, it hosts breathtaking views, cozy chalets, and fine dining. Whether one is skiing, ice skating, or just taking in the snowy scenery, St. Moritz provides a dream setting for honeymooners.

3. Banff, Canada

It is a winter paradise of majestic mountains and turquoise lakes. Couples can indulge in a range of outdoor activities like skiing and snowshoeing, or relax in hot springs. Charming accommodation and warmth await couples in the town of Banff.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik will assist the couples in making just the perfect and unique experience, as it offers everything starting from the breathtakingly amazing display of Northern Lights to dipping in the rejuvenating hot Blue Lagoon. Such characteristics of Iceland combine adventure with relaxation. Beauty in culture and the marine landscapes that one may come across here make this city even more memorable for honeymooning couples.

5. Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown: It is a paradise for all adventure mongers and nature enthusiasts. The town on the bank of Lake Wakatipu not only provides the tourists with skiing and bungee jumping but also scenic cruises. The perfect balance between adventure and scenic charm makes it a hot favorite for winter honeymoons.

6. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is a creator of beautiful temples, classic tea houses, and peace in the gardens. Wintertime turns the city into a quiet, snow-covered paradise. Couples can take a hand-in-hand walk through historic sites or relax with natural hot springs and enjoy the taste of a variety of great Japanese food.

7. Prague, Czech Republic

Winter enhances the medieval charm of Prague. With cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and Christmas markets, the city oozes the fairytale atmosphere. A walk hand-in-hand across the snow-ing Charles Bridge is a romance you will remember for years to come.

8. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is like a fairytale village, although it is very small. It is located in between a mountain and a serene lake, and is thus an ideal place for a quiet, romantic elopement. You can have a splendid ride across the lake, visit the salt mines, or else just sit and brew in the atmosphere in a cozi café.

9. Tromso, Norway

Tromsø, cap to the Arctic, offers a very special honeymoon experience, with activities ranging from dog sledding to Northern Lights — it’s perfect for the couple who loves adventure. The town itself is so sweet, full of all kinds of cuddly spots to warm up in after a day out in the elements.

10. Santorini, Greece

Even in winter, Santorini is very charming. No crowds associated with the summer event mean a personal experience in Santorini. Do leisurely walks through those picturesque villages, enjoy wine tastings with no contest, and watch the locals’ stunning sunsets in peace.

The right destination for your winter honeymoon can make the setting of a lifetime’s worth of good memories. From snowy adventures to romantic retreats by the fireside, these 10 winter honeymoon spots across the world hold something in store for every couple in love. Embrace the winter and start your married life amidst the magic.

[gokitetour]

The Top 10 Unique Attractions to visit in Norway

A land of top-notch cultural heritage, Norway has some of the most particular and extraordinary sights in the world. From majestic fjords and towering mountains to picturesque villages and colorful cities, Norway offers an experience range that captures the hearts of vacationers in this Scandinavian gem for its natural splendor. It's also a testament to the brand new spirit, making it a must-visit for those searching for adventure and calmness.

Norway’s 10 most precise points of interest promise an unforgettable adventure via the USA’s most mind-blowing landscapes. Whether exploring the lovely Geirangerfjord, seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, or marveling at the architectural marvel of the Oslo Opera House, every attraction showcases Norway’s specific splendor and appeal. Not handiest do those places spotlight Norway’s scenic splendor and cultural richness, which makes this a precise country in reality.

Known for its breathtaking landscapes and wealthy cultural heritage, Norway offers infinitely precise sights that attract tourists from around the world. From breathtaking natural wonders to architectural marvels, Norway's top 10 ought to visit attractions that promise unforgettable studies.

The Top 10 Unique Attractions to visit in Norway

1. Geirangerfjord

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most spectacular and beautiful fjords. Surrounded by towering cliffs and green mountains, the fjord is known for its deep blue waters and waterfalls like Seven Sisters and Suitor. Visitors can canoe, kayak, or scenic trails this wonder of nature well explored the fjord.

2. The northern lights of Tromso

Located above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). From September to April, clear, dark skies provide the perfect backdrop for this natural light show. Visitors can join guided tours, participate in husky sledding adventures, or stay in a glass igloo for an exciting after-light experience.

3. Oslo Opera House

An architectural gem and a modern landmark on Oslo’s waterfront is the Oslo City Opera House. The unique design, which resembles an iceberg hanging over the Oslofjord, invites visitors to walk up to its steep terrace for panoramic views of the city and harbor. In the opera house, there are performances, from opera and ballet to concerts and plays.

4. Prekestolen (Platform Rock).

Prekestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is a large, flat-crowned cliff that rises 604 meters above the Lysefjord. These natural cliffs offer one of the most popular hikes in Norway, rewarding adventurers with breathtaking perspectives from above. The stroll is a bit strenuous at around 4 hours every way, but well worth the effort for the stunning views.

5. Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands are recognized for their beautiful surroundings, traditional fishing villages, and vibrant local culture. With jagged mountains, sheltered reefs, and pristine beaches, those islands are a paradise for outside lovers. There’s trekking, fishing, kayaking, and surfing. Picturesque villages like Wren and Henningswehr tell the tale of the island’s rich maritime historical past.

6. Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo has a number of the best-ppreserved collections of Viking ships and artifacts in the world. Highlights of the museum consist of the ninth-century ships Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tun. Visitors can discover historic pottery and study the Viking Age through a variety of famous offering tools, clothing, and other archaeological reveals.

7. Briggen in Bergen

Bryggen, the historic harbor district of Bergen, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful timber homes that have been restored to Hanseatic League technology. This fascinating region is packed with narrow streets, craft stores, and museums. Offering a glimpse into Bergen’s rich industrial history, it's a colorful cultural and enterprise hub.

8. Jotunhemen National Park

Known as the “Home of Giants," Jotunhemen National Park is a sizeable desolate tract with Norway’s highest peaks, which include Galdöpiggen and Glittertind. The park has trails through glaciers, canyons, and alpine lakes. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking to explore the rugged interior of Norway.

9.  The Atlantic Way

The Atlantic Way is a scenic 8-kilometer-wide street connecting a chain of small islands with bridges and causeways. Known for its magnificent seashores and technological wonders, it's a famous mode of transportation, particularly enjoyable in stormy weather when the waves are at the streets. It offers lots of views and picnic spots along the way.

10. Svalbard

The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard offers a unique journey for those inclined to explore one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas. With staggering glaciers, polar bears, and arctic wildlife, Svalbard is a paradise for natural world fanatics and photographers. Activities include snowshoeing, canine sledding, and guided hikes to the edge of the sea ice.

Conclusion

Discover the top 10 particular points of interest in Norway, from the breath taking Geirangerfjord and the lovely northern lights of Tromsø to Oslo's Opera House and Bergen's ancient Bryggen architectural marvel, with breath taking views of the U.S. There are lots to provide. Offering an unforgettable journey via lifestyle and history Whether you're drawn to the herbal splendour of the Lofoten Islands or Norway visa to the adventurous spirit of Svalbard, these destinations provide unique experiences for every traveller. Of the gem, they make certain an easy and memorable visit.

[skyovereuropeldkde]

From May 10th to May 11th, 2024 I discovered strange movements in the sky that could only be seen with the GoPro or a Camera. I knew Northern Lights from Norway Tromso when I visited friends. But I hadn't seen any Northern Lights in Germany yet. It was a phenomenon and an amazing occurence

[amazinglifeblogs]

NORWAY in winters, Oslo and Tromso visit, northern lights captured

[more-savi]

10 plus Best Places to Visit in Norway

10 plus Best Places to Visit in Norway

If you are looking for 10 plus best places to visit in Norway then you are at the right place , Norway is a fascinating country with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a unique culture. Here are some tourist places where you like to visit............... Nordkapp – There is a very famous place in Norway. It is located near the Arctic Circle and is the northernmost point of Europe. This is a famous tourist attraction and people come here to see the huge Arctic Ocean. The original name of this place is "Nordkapp", but some people are also called "Nordkapp" . This is a hilly area that people travel here to see. The weather of this place is cold, and the view of this place is very beautiful.   Stavanger in Norway Stavanger is a city in Norway . It is a huge old city and the third largest city in Norway. Stavanger is a beautiful city surrounded by fjords, mountains and an atmosphere full of beauty. The people here are also welcoming and this is an important old area for Norway's tourism. anyone can enjoy the beauty of the place by exploring different places around the city. Stavanger is a beautiful city in Norway, located on the country's southwestern coast. It is known for its beautiful forts, beautiful beaches, and amazing old town. it’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with colorful wooden houses, narrow streets, and historic churches.   Jostedalsbreen National Park Norway Jostedalsbreen National Park is a true gem! It's home to the largest glacier in mainland Europe, the Jostedalsbreen glacier. The park has stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and mountain peaks. Visitors can hike, bike, or take guided glacier tours to explore the park's stunning scenery. One of the park's most popular attractions is the Nigardsbreen glacier, which offers visitors the chance to see the power and beauty of a glacier up close. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, and eagles.   Oslo Norway Located in the southern part of Norway, Oslo is a great tourist destination famous for its natural beauty, cultural richness and attractive locations. Oslo is known for its philosophical sites, art galleries, and theaters, including the National Gallery, the Munich Museum, and the Norwegian Opera. Oslo offers a variety of outdoor activities, including parks, hiking trails, and opportunities for winter sports. The Holmenkollen ski jump is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.   Tromso Tromsø is a stunning city in northern Norway located above the Arctic Circle. It is known for its unique and vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty and amazing Northern Lights displays. The city is often called the "Gateway to the Arctic", as it offers visitors the chance to see the picturesque landscapes and wildlife there. Tromsø is also home to the Arctic Cathedral, which when illuminated at night gives beautiful views of the city and surrounding areas. It is a modern architectural masterpiece. If you're lucky enough in winter, you can even see the Northern Lights!   Trondheim, Norway Trondheim is a city in Norway. It's located in the central part of the country, and it's known for its beautiful architecture, historical sites, and culture. Some notable Attractions in Trondheim include the Nidaros Cathedral, the Trondheim Science Museum, and the Kristiansten Fortress. Trondheim is also home to several annual festivals and events, Such as the Olsokdagene festival, which celebrates the city's history and culture. Have you ever been to Norway, or is Trondheim on your travel bucket list?   Lofoten islands These islands, which are part of Northern Norway, are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, including charming coastal expanses, quaint fishing communities and towering mountains. Hiking, fishing and even skiing are among the main outdoor activities that attract people to the Lofoten Islands. The islands are renowned for their distinct history and culture, including old-world wooden buildings and quaint fishing villages.   Oslo National Park This national park is an incredible urban sanctuary as it is located right in the center of Oslo. It is famous for its breathtaking scenery, which includes forests, lakes and rolling hills. Many animals such as wolves, elk and deer can be found in the park. In winter, cross-country skiing is an option, and there are plenty of hiking trails to discover. Plus, the park is a great place to stay and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is undoubtedly a must see when in Oslo!   Borgund Stave Church The wooden Borgund Stave Church is located in the Norwegian city of Borgund. It is one of the best preserved stave churches in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church, which consists of a rectangular nave, a chancel and a tower, was constructed in the twelfth century and its architecture is unique. Murals and wooden sculptures adorn the interior, while elaborate carvings and wooden planks cover the exterior. Anyone interested in medieval architecture should definitely check it out – it's a great illustration of the Norwegian stave church style!   Pulpit Rock Preikestolen, as it is sometimes known in Norwegian, is a naturally occurring rock formation that rises 604 meters above the Lysefjord in Rogaland county, Norway. Hiking enthusiasts visit this favorite spot as there is an easy walk up to the cliff edge, which offers breathtaking views. The fjord, the mountains and the surrounding landscape are all visible from the summit, providing absolutely stunning views.   Bergen Norway's second largest city, Bergen, is gorgeous! The city is famous for its picturesque port, quaint cobbled streets and vibrant wooden houses built on the hills. The city is home to several important cultural organizations such as the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bergen International Festival, and has a rich past as well as a well-preserved historic centre. A trip up the famous Fløyen Funicular, which provides breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding fjord, is something you must do during your visit to Bergen. Fresh seafood and classic Norwegian dishes like lefse (a type of flatbread) and fisksuppe (fish soup) can be found in Bergen's excellent culinary scene.   Read the full article

[einereiseblog]

Eine Reihe interessanter Fakten über die Arktis, angeregt durch unsere kürzliche Reise zum grönländischen Eisschild Unsere erste Reise zum Polarkreis lieferte mehr, als wir uns erhofft hatten: atemberaubende Nordlichter, eine enge Begegnung mit arktischen Rentieren und eine nächtliche Husky-Wanderung voller Husky-Welpen. Von der Stadt Tromso aus sahen wir jedoch wenig von der Wildnis, die die Polarregionen ausmacht. Das wurde auf meiner kürzlichen Reise nach Grönland korrigiert, wo ich den Arctic Circle Trail bewandert, zum grönländischen Eisschild gewandert bin und die Mitternachtssonne in Ilulissat gesehen habe. Dies brachte die wahre Schönheit der arktischen Region zum Vorschein. Die Gegend ist nicht nur ästhetisch ansprechend, sondern auch historisch reich und geografisch faszinierend, was zu unzähligen interessanten Fakten über die Arktis führt. Hier teilen wir die besten von ihnen. Interessante Fakten über die Arktis Die Arktis wird von Wissenschaftlern als das Gebiet oberhalb des Polarkreises definiert, einer mathematischen Linie, die den Globus auf dem Breitengrad 66°30′ N umkreist. Darüber gibt es mindestens einen jährlichen Zeitraum von 24 Stunden, in dem die Sonne nicht scheint eingestellt und eine, während der es nicht steigt. (Quelle: Britannica) JoannaPerchaluk/Shutterstock Ein Polarfuchs in Spitzbergen, Norwegen Die Arktis besteht aus dem Arktischen Ozean und Teilen von Grönland, Island, Norwegen, Schweden, Finnland, Russland, den USA (Alaska) und Kanada. (Quelle: Britannica) 1958 fuhr das U-Boot USS Nautilus unter dem gefrorenen Eis des Arktischen Ozeans hindurch und bewies, dass die enorme Eisdecke Wasser und nicht Land bedeckt. Die Arktis ist hauptsächlich ein Ozean, der von Land umgeben ist, während die Antarktis hauptsächlich ein Land ist, das von Ozean umgeben ist. (Quelle: BBC) Grönland unter der Mitternachtssonne erkunden Auf Svalbard in Norwegen geht die Sonne 125 Tage lang von Mitte April bis Mitte August nie vollständig unter. Die „Mitternachtssonne“ ist ein Naturphänomen, das im Sommer an Orten nördlich des Polarkreises und südlich des Polarkreises auftritt. (Quelle: Visit Norway) Polarnacht ist das Gegenteil von Mitternachtssonne, wenn die Sonne überhaupt nicht über dem Horizont sichtbar ist. Auf Spitzbergen dauert die Polarnacht von Mitte November bis Ende Januar. (Quelle: Visit Svalbard) Faire Nutzung Der geografische versus der magnetische Nordpol Es gibt mehr als einen Nordpol. Der nördlichste Punkt auf der Erdoberfläche ist der geografische Nordpol, auch bekannt als True North. Im Süden liegt der magnetische Nordpol, auf den alle magnetischen Kompasse zeigen. Dieser Punkt ist nicht festgelegt und ändert sich ständig. (Quelle: National Geographic) Der amerikanische Entdecker Robert Peary galt lange als der erste Mensch, der den geografischen Nordpol erreichte (am 6. April 1909). In den 1980er Jahren ließen jedoch Untersuchungen seines Expeditionstagebuchs und anderer Dokumente Zweifel aufkommen, ob er tatsächlich den Pol erreicht hatte. Eine Kombination aus Navigationsfehlern und Aufzeichnungsfehlern kann dazu führen, dass Peary nur bis zu einem Punkt vorgerückt ist, der 50 bis 100 km vor dem Pol liegt. (Quelle: Britannica) Robert Peary/Fair Use Robert Pearys Team Wenn Sie am Nordpol stehen, wären Sie in jeder Zeitzone gleichzeitig, weil alle Linien, die Zeitzonen abgrenzen, am Nordpol beginnen. (Quelle: Die Washington Post) Die Suche nach der Nordwestpassage, die im Handel zwischen Europa und Asien unzählige Zeit und Geld sparen würde, war eine der schwierigsten maritimen Herausforderungen der Welt und erforderte eine gefährliche Reise durch Zehntausende riesiger Eisberge. Es wurde erst 1906 erfolgreich navigiert, als der legendäre norwegische Entdecker Roald Amundsen und seine Crew die Reise von Grönland nach Alaska unternahmen. Es dauerte drei Jahre. (Quelle: Britannica) Britannica/Fair Use Die Nordwestpassage dauerte zunächst drei Jahre Das Wort „Arktis“ kommt vom griechischen Wort für Bär, Arktos.

Angeblich bezieht sich dies nicht auf Eisbären, sondern auf zwei Sternbilder, die am Nordhimmel zu sehen sind: Ursa Minor (Kleiner Bär) und Ursa Major (Großer Bär). (Quelle: Telegraph) In der Arktis können die durchschnittlichen Wintertemperaturen bis zu -40 °C (-40 °F) betragen. Nordgrönland hat Temperaturen von bis zu -70 °C (-94 °F) registriert. (Quelle: Britannica) Mitglieder des Proto-Eskimo-Stammes gelten als die ersten Ureinwohner der Arktis. Heute leben mehr als vier Millionen Menschen in der Arktis, wobei die indigene Bevölkerung eine Minderheit darstellt. (Quelle: National Geographic) Nordlichter gesehen auf unserer Reise nach Tromsø Der Polarkreis bietet die Möglichkeit, die berühmten Nordlichter oder die „Aurora Borealis“ zu sehen. Dieses atemberaubende Naturphänomen tritt auf, wenn geladene Teilchen der Sonne im Magnetfeld der Erde eingefangen werden, was zu einer großartigen Lichtshow führt. (Quelle: National Geographic) Eine der bezauberndsten Tatsachen über die Arktis ist, dass es der einzige Ort auf der Erde ist, an dem Sie den Narwal finden. Diese Kreaturen sind als „Einhorn der Meere“ bekannt. Männliche Narwale haben einen geraden Stoßzahn, der aus der Vorderseite ihres Kopfes herausragt. Diese können über 3m lang werden. (Quelle: WWF) WWF/Fair Use Der Narwal ist als „Einhorn der Meere“ bekannt. Die Arktis beherbergt das weltweit größte sichere Saatgutlager. Der Svalbard Global Seed Vault lagert derzeit 980.000 Proben zum Schutz vor zukünftigen natürlichen oder von Menschen verursachten Katastrophen. (Quelle: Crop Trust) Die grönländische Eisdecke bedeckt ungefähr 80 % der Landoberfläche Grönlands. Es ist im Allgemeinen dicker als 2 km (3 km an seiner dicksten Stelle) und ist der zweitgrößte Eiskörper der Welt. Nur die antarktische Eisdecke ist größer. (Quelle: Britannica) Atlas & Boots Der grönländische Eisschild bedeckt 80 % des Landes Der Arktische Ozean ist der kleinste Ozean der Welt. Mit 14 Millionen Quadratkilometern ist er etwa ein Zehntel der Größe des Pazifischen Ozeans. (Quelle: National Geographic) Die Arktis erwärmt sich doppelt so schnell wie anderswo auf der Erde. (Quelle: NOAA) Vladsilver/Shutterstock Schrumpfendes Meereis stellt eine große Gefahr für Eisbären dar Im Jahr 2018 erlebte der Arktische Ozean den zweitschlechtesten Rückgang des Meereises seit Beginn der Aufzeichnungen. Teile Grönlands waren zum ersten Mal seit Jahrtausenden dem offenen Meer ausgesetzt. Meereis bestimmt das Klima der Erde. Es ist extrem hell und reflektiert 80 % des auftreffenden Sonnenlichts zurück in den Weltraum. Die dunkle Oberfläche des flüssigen Ozeans absorbiert dagegen etwa 90 % der Sonnenstrahlung. (Quelle: NSIDC, National Geographic) Der Verlust von Meereis stellt eine ernsthafte Bedrohung für Eisbären dar. Diese Meeressäuger verlassen sich auf das Eis, um Robben zu jagen, und werden an Land gezwungen, um Nahrung zu finden, die sich oft als knapp erweist. Das bedeutet, dass Eisbären buchstäblich verhungern. (Quelle: WWF, National Geographic) Hauptbild: Gecko1968/Shutterstock .

[plangentia]

i have this illness where i constantly day dream about road trips i could go on

[rosy0124]

Enjoy a dog sledding trip into white landscapes, through beautiful wilderness. After your trip you can relax with a hot meal served in the traditional Sami herdsmen's tent- lavvu! The area where you lead the sled is totally uninhabited, with mountains and forest landscape.

[worldstreetjournal]

Sledding with Huskies in Tromsø

Husky Sledding with Active Tromsø One Day Active Dog Sledding NOK1350 (~SGD220)

Tromsø, the arctic capital in northern Norway, is home to all kinds of winter activities, but the one that I had to try was husky sledding! One of our teachers in JC had a husky that had a beautiful fur coat, and it would lie down on the couch and allow us to pet it. But I always thought it was quite out of place in tropical Singapore, and this was a chance for us to get up and personal with the huskies in their natural habitat. We booked our sledding trip through the official Tromsø tourism site, Visit Tromsø and we picked the Active Tromsø company for their reasonable price and full day experience of the huskies! Tour groups were well organised and conveniently picked up at the central Radisson Blu hotel in the morning and we drove to the expedition start point. Most importantly for us, warm winter clothes and boots were provided, as we didn’t own any really solid winter clothing for the negative temperatures. I was freezing but once I put on proper protective winter coats and boots, I could withstand the temperatures outside properly! Do not underestimate the importance of proper gear :)

Suited up!

Once we were suited up, we went to meet out friendly huskies. First thing that I noticed was their fur coats were surprisingly thin looking, and not as hairy as the husky that I had seen before. They were very lean but strong. Each sled with two people was pulled by four friendly husky dogs, and the leader of our sled is called Audi. I’m pretty sure they were going as fast as a real Audi, these dogs are really strong! But before we were able to set off, some safety training was in order. Our guide was a no nonsense guy, who was very very strict about some ground rules, because it was the first time for most of us. One lady in the group spoke only German, so we had to translate for her as well.

The golden rule of husky sledding was that we were to never, ever, ever, on any condition, let go of the sled, or the dogs might run away and it would be very dangerous for the dogs and the person sitting in the sled. If we got tired, we would switch around, but only stepping down from the sled’s control once the other person takes the reins. Second, emergency brake was to throw out an anchor into the snow, which would stop the sled if something went wrong. Thirdly, the dogs are part of our team, so during the tough uphill sections we need to get off and help them push up the sled and the rider. So once we were all ready, we went off!

The area that we went sledding in was Kvaløya (The Whale Island). I had to look up this information because I had no idea where we were or where we were going, I had my hands full the entire time. Husky sledding is not a multi-tasking activity. Once the dogs were off, they ran like the wind and suddenly, the need for hat, earmuffs and a scarf was evident. The cold wind bit at any uncovered skin. When going down slopes, I had to stamp down on the brake with all my might to stop the sled from going too fast, but even then I weighed barely enough to stop the sled, so it was extremely terrifying at some moments when the dogs seemed to be going too fast around some very narrow bends, with a river on each side of us.

Even though I tried hard to follow the rules set by the guide at the start of the expedition, I still ended up making some critical mistakes and was given a stern telling off by the guide as we were the first team after his leading sled. While trying to adjust, we broke the golden rule and accidentally let go of the sled. It was stressful and I was glad to switch roles and sit down in the sled for a while after that.

My heart was pounding the entire time I was driving the sled, internally screaming that something was going to go wrong sooner or later and the whold sled would tip into the snowy banks or dark frozen river. Inevitably, the worst of my fears came true when I got down to push the sled up a steep slope, the dogs flew off and I couldn’t get onto the back of the sled in the driver’s position fast enough. I ended up being dragged along in the snow with a death grip on the reins in fear of being thrown off, and I screamed out at Fangyu to throw out the emergency stop anchor, but over the wind and snow she couldn’t hear me. It was a miracle but somehow the sled stopped.

The lead guide came over to us and I thought he was going to scream at me, but surprisingly he did the opposite. “Good! You didn’t let go of the sled.” Finally, I started to get the hang of sled driving. Learning by trial and error, by being thrown off, by some really terrifying moments. It was really difficult to take any pictures, so I quickly snapped some photos with my DSLR with a thin pancake lens that I had snuck under my thick coats and secured with a BlackRapid strap. It was simply enough to enjoy the silent, rugged and majestic landscape of the Norwegian wilderness.

Dashing through the snow, in a four dog open sled

By the end of the expedition, we were both tired. Most of the time, we had to maintain a tight grip on the reins and at steep slopes, push with all our might to go up or putting our whole weight on one side of of the sled runners to try and balance the sled to prevent it from tipping. With all the exercise, I kept very warm and toasty throughout the expedition. When we got back to the kennels, the short day had passed into a purple twilight and we spent some time to unhook the dogs and play with them in the kennels. They were all excited and friendly, jumping up and trying to play with us, even though they had spent the day pulling two humans around the snowy wilderness. We returned our winter gear and had some hot tea before boarding the bus back to central Tromsø.

Although the sledding experience was indeed a little pricey as compared to the rest of my Europe trip experiences, at SGD220 it is actually reasonable for the experience you get. The amount needs to cover the upkeep of the dogs for the whole year, even during their summer months when there is no snow to sled on, and it was great that we were able to go and actually drive the sleds ourselves for such a long expedition. I’m glad that the guide entrusted us with our own sleds and although it was a steep learning curve, it was thoroughly enjoyable and I hope I can do it again in the future. Just don’t let me fall off the sled again next time please!

Good job everyone! Goodbye~

[alpopkov-blog]

My introduction to Tromso (РУС. ниже)

Choose your favorite (1-10)

It's my third time in that city, and I keep questioning myself: What is it about Tromso that I find so attractive? If friends ask me why I have visited it three times already - I would struggle with the answer. The scenery is gorgeous, but so is the rest of Norway. Let's try to figure it out.

I think Tromso stands out because of a combination of things. First, unlike key places to visit in Norway, it doesn't feel like a tourist hub. It lives its own life. To 'disneyland,' I would always prefer seeing an actual city with its goods and bads.

Tromso is distinct and uncommon. It is the fourth largest in the Arctic circle (after three cities in russia). It experiences all the extreme seasons, from the midnight sun to polar nights. It looks like an anomaly with its concentration of wooden architecture and mountains around. Tromso is significant in Saami culture and Arctic exploration. On top of that, there are many students and excellent nightlife.

I arrived there when the trees just started to go yellow. Here are some of my first shots, made at sherpa steps.

--RU Тромсо, введение

Какое фото понравилось (1-10)

Это был мой третий визит в Тромсо и я продолжаю себя спрашивать: ‘Что же меня привлекает в этом городе? ’ Когда мне задают этот вопрос друзья – мне трудно ответить. Да, там отпадные виды, но они такие по всей Норвегии. Попробуем разобраться.

Мне кажется, Тромсо выделяется, потому что сочетает в себе много вещей. Для начала, в отличие от ключевых мест в Норвегии, Тромсо не ощущается как хаб для туристов. Он живет своей жизнью. Диснейленду, я всегда предпочту настоящий город, с его хорошими сторонами и проблемами.

Тромсо во многом уникален. Это четвертый по размеру город в северном полярном круге (после трех городов в рф). Посему там наблюдаются ярко выраженные сезоны, от полночного солнца до полярной ночи. Со всей деревянной архитектурой, окруженной горами, Тромсо ощущается как аномалия. Тромсо занимает важное место в культуре саамов и исследовании севера. И поверх всего прочего, там полно студентов и отличная ночная жизнь.

Я приехал в Тромсо когда деревья только начали окрашиваться желтым. Это одни из первых фото.