On Wednesday, our host Charly drove us to Bergen, the 2nd largest city in Norway. It is about 50 km away and across the fjord. He wanted us to have a "tourist day". It rained on us all day, but we made the best of it and saw many sights.
Bergen's Harbour
This was a shopping and artist gallery district. The historic harbour known for its colorful wooden-clad boat houses
We found a Norwegian Troll! Did you know if you can make a troll laugh, he will explode?
A farmer's and fish market in the city center
We got to try some whale meat. It was very much like beef jerky only tender. We loved it but it costs about $75 a kg.
The city square
Bergen's Opera House
St Mary's Church
This was the residence of Norway's first Prime Minister
This is called "Fantoft Stave Church" built in 1150. It was burned to the ground in 1992 by a heavy metal band, but rebuilt to its orginal condition and completed in 1997.
We visited the museum of Edvard Grieg, a Norwegian classical composer from the 1800's
Edvard Grieg's house
A 12th century monastery ruins
Not sure who was buried here at one time???
Just one of the tiny narrow roads we drove
Back across the fjord and in Strandvik
We didn't get to post about this house on our first day because our phone (camera) died. This was the first project we worked on after arriving. This house was built in the 1800's and is owned by a friend of our hosts. We just worked on replacing some rotten wood at the front of the house.
On Thursday, we took the bikes out and came across these hairy sheep
We rode to this nearby beach area. We're told it's a good place to swim but at 62 degrees it's just a little too chilly for us!
On our way back we stopped at our favorite cafe in town to get an afternoon cappuccino. We placed our order with Patricia and she brings us out this plate of food. She said she wanted us to try a typical Norwegian dish. This is called "Komler" and is typically eaten on Thursdays all over Norway. It's potato dumplings served on rutabaga puree with salted lamb and Norwegian sausages. Wonderful!
On the days that Kirsten works, Linda cooks dinner for us all. She gathered these vegetables in the greenhouse and garden and fixed a wonderful meal.
Stuffed bell peppers, baked beetroot and tomato and feta salad
Charly has grapes growing in his greenhouse so on Friday morning he picked some and made us fresh squeezed grape juice
Friday was a rainy day so David set up his workshop in the greenhouse. He was able to repair a hammerdrill and 2 chainsaws.
These koi are big pets and come to the surface wanting food everytime someone walks by
Saturday morning David got out a welder Charly has and was able to weld some holes in the exhaust system of their car
Our last day in Strandvik and Charly wanted to take us on one of his favorite hikes. It's near his house and around a bird sanctuary. Very nice views of the fjord!
Proof that you can workout anywhere
A slippery spot on the trail but there was a rope to help us down
Emil goes everywhere with us and he loves to get in the photos!
We have a new "favorite"! This is Norwegian "brown cheese". Our host introduced us to this and we will be looking for it or ordering it when we are in the U.S. They gave us this block to take home with us, but we're sure it will be gone before we get back home!
Saying goodbye to Charly and Kirten and to Strandvik. We're sitting on what they call their "King's Chair." They found this piece of stone in the forest and had it brought to their house.
We spent the day and night in Bergen before flying to Iceland
Bergen City Center
Music Pavillion in downtown Bergen
Our next stop is Reykjavik, Iceland. We will be staying at a Cafe/Guesthouse near the Grabok volcano and the Gianni Waterfall. Should be fun!
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