Lana and Dwaine's trip to Europe

May 12, 2011
After a quick flight from Oslo we arrived easily in Amsterdam and took a cab to our B&B arriving around 10pm.
We love Amsterdam. Why you may ask?
The size here is easy, it’s small and manageable. You can walk here from central to the main attractions and across the city in an hour. We don’t really know all the streets of course and the canals are confusing but fun. We love all the side streets filled with cool shops and cafes. The cobblestone streets all have bicycle paths as well as car lanes. You forget when you’re walking that sometimes they all co-mingle, add the tourists like us, and you may have problems. Common sense prevailed and we didn’t rent bikes to tour with. Dwaine wouldn’t let me! The houses and bridges are so beautiful and the city is filled with stories dating back to the 16 century.
Our Bed and Breakfast is so fantastic and because of the location it is perfect – anyone coming here search Mae’s B & B. This house dates to the early 17th century as well and when we first entered we looked at the long narrow staircase and shuttered. It goes nearly straight up 17 steps to the kitchen and then another 5 to our room. There is a common sitting room and you can access to the kitchen, where they serve an amazing breakfast.
The first day May 12 we walked down to central station and purchased a 48 hour pass that for 11.50 Euro which well for us. It’s fun to hop on the tram and off to explore a region. Our feet thanked us for it too! We visited the Rijksmuseum where the large collection of Rembrandt and 17th century doll houses are shown. Next we found the Bloemenmarkt, this is a floating market and has any plant you’d want to see. The cut flowers are breathtaking! It’s really easy to find a great place to eat here and most have tables outside to people watch. Even on a cool day that’s a popular choice.
Before dinner we visited the Anne Frank huis house. I had just finished the book and it was a moving experience to be there.
I had researched a few dining options and we had fabulous dinners every night. It’s really common to have a fixed menu, and that seemed to be great value. The service and food was amazing at Bussia.
May 13
A morning stroll found us at Vondelpark after stopping at another bakery. These spots are filled with the most amazing option for picnics. Our waistlines are going to show how much we loved them. Amsterdam rivals Paris for the pastries and chocolates.
We thought we wouldn’t visit any other museums but when walking past Van Gogh there wasn’t a line up so we were pleased to compare this work with all the others we had seen. It was hard to believe that he only painted for 10 years until his tragic death at 37.
Then, low and behold, the Heineken Experience. They have great pride in their beer. The tour taught us the process and we sampled the freshest beer. It sure tastes better than the Heineken we get.
After another superb meal, this at Brasserie Vlamding’s we had a canal tour to enjoy. This lasted 2 hours and took us to see some of the 2500 houseboats that so many live in. That’s the ones that are registered, who pay mooring fees and have electricity. There are many that are not. What a life that must be! They have patios, flower gardens and take great pride in keeping them painted and pretty. The tour also had a walking tour to the famed Red Light district. How strange to see a beautiful church right in the middle along with fine restaurants and a kindergarten! In our group were about 18 men from Germany. We had concerns, but as it turned out 4 of them belonged to a choir. It was special as they all sang as we floated along – our own private concert. We didn’t understand a single word but the harmonies and voices were amazing.
May 14
On a tip from a girl, we decided to visit the country. Originally we were to go to the famous Keukenhof Gardens, but because of an early warm spring the tulips were almost done.
The train took us to the Zaan district, after a transfer.
There, we found one of the prettiest towns we’ve been in, Zaanse Schans. There are about 10 windmills there and the cutiest tiny painted houses that looked like little gingerbread homes. We toured a working wood sawmill. It was fascinating to see this free energy, wind powered sawmill in operation that was so quiet. It was nice to see the volunteers rebuilding and retaining an important piece of history. The whole area had a slow, quiet way to it. We purchased some cheese from a family run cheese farm. Then we witnessed the lock system as a passing boat needed to pass the street along the canal to the fjord.
I was delighted that we could take a short bike ride, and if anyone goes there we would recommend renting bikes there for a day. Much quieter and safer here than Amsterdam!
After walking a while we had just commented on the lack of cars. There were so many biking and then we saw a huge crowd outdoors. Turns out it was a spring beer gardens. Each spring and fall they celebrate their new season with fresh beer. Everyone here in Netherlands are so friendly and it’s so nice that they can speak English. We visited a while before heading back to the train. Our trip was topped off with a vendor selling meat pies in puff pastry from a local bakery that were amazing!
Back at the B & B, after packing up, we went to the Belgium Resturant at the end of our block. This was a happening place. Our reservation was at 8:30 but we never started to eat till almost 10. It was a unique experience that took almost 2 hours to complete.
It is interesting to travel to Europe especially because Canada is such a young country. Each of the three countries we visited had something special to offer and all different. The people, scenery, food and experiences were fun to compare. We met wonderful helpful people everywhere and that always makes for special memories that make you smile. Our adventure to Europe has been fantastic and we hope to travel to other European countries someday again.
For our next venture here are some notes to remember:
• Start walking before leaving ---lots!
• Buy a great pair of jeans – super comfortable and maybe a little big ( darn pastries)
• Break in the best shoes you can find
• Pack light – the stairs in Europe are steep and there are no elevators
• Pack one sweatshirt each – I made Dwaine leave his at home and never heard the end of it
• Forget a GPS – get a compass and a good map in each city – gettimng lost, it’s fun too
• Learn a few couple phrases of their language – people appreciate it.
• Don’t spend time worrying about how things will work out, they just will
• Don’t let fear stand in your way – Just do it!
Until next time -- thanks for taking a peak!

May 9 2011
Anne took us on a pretty drive this morning to Grimstad, where Nils works. This is a pretty town by the sea. We explored the cobblestone streets and popped into a few stores to take a peak. A bathroom break was needed so we went into McDonald’s – I was curious so compared the prices. A big Mac is $20.00! We enjoyed a lazy day and an early dinner because we were off to watch Frederick play soccer. The wonderful thing about children is that they are the same everywhere. They love their friends, sports and people cheering them on. Frederick scored the first two goals then another before half time. He is extremely fast and accurate – we really enjoyed the game. It was fun to watch the coach of the other team – he didn’t like losing so he screamed very load. Of course we couldn’t understand him but we knew what the message was. Once again people are the same everywhere!
May 10
The apple blossoms showed their absolute beauty all around the farm. After the children went to school we went to Arendal and then we parked in a tunnel/parking lot that is also used for a safe area in case of attack. We took the cutest little ferry to an island and the driver made a special stop on one end for us. We saw the home where Nils’s Mother grew up and walked the quiet streets thinking about the life of sailors and fishermen living there. We once again met the ferry and in a few minutes were across the inlet to more stores and browsing. We then drove back to the farm for lunch, then Anne picked up the children from school and off to work. Nils and Dwaine set their energy on changing the fuel filters on the two Ford tractors that belong to the farm. After a bit of a struggle they were both running fine again. Nils made a fantastic pizza for supper and then we took his electric motor down to his boat across the E 18 Hiway to his lake. It was so quiet on the water and we drove past a farm that had just turned out their ewes and lambs, so nice to see spring arrive! We went farther along the water to see the water fowl and farms bordering the lake. Back home we packed up some of our belongings for our final night with our Norwegian family. Anne left her work a little bit early so was home before we turned in for the night. It’s great to keep in touch with such a loving family.
May 11
We awoke early for our last breakfast with Nils and Anne. After a quick coffee and toast the time came to say farewell and thank you to their family. We enjoyed our drive to Kristiansand air port. We traveled along the E 18 Hiway which Nils told us it would have cost 3 times as much if a Norwegian firm had won the bid to build. As it was a German company built the Hiway. All too soon it was time to say good bye to our dear friend. We promised it would not be another 20 years before we got together again.
After a short flight to Oslo we boarded the fast train in to the city. This train gets speeds up to 210Km and so quiet We found an information booth that was closed, what’s up with that?? We talked to a couple of nice ladies who were also surprised that the booth was closed but had been in Oslo for a few days so they were able to help us out. We first took a street car to the Vigeland park (naked statues). We had a picnic lunch on the grass before having a short nap, then taking in the display. Most amazing. We then took the trolley back to the marina and hopped on the water taxi to the Norwegian Ship museum. The afternoon sun was very nice and warm. The walk to the museum takes about 10 minutes and was well the effort. We were pleased with the artefacts that they had. The detailed wood carvings on the sleighs, poles and wagons is amazing. Silver and brass was also used extensively to add to the detail and beauty of these pieces. The Three ships on display had been built around the 850 ad and 900 ad period. They had been sailed for a number of years and then used as burial ships for the rich. They were found in nearby fields and claimed by the government for the museum. Unfortunately the gold and silver had been dug up by grave robbers and stolen as well as other artefacts of value. All three ships where buried by turf as a grave for the very famous indivuals. This is what preserved the boats so well.
A quick walk back to the pier and we boarded the water taxi back to the marina. It was interesting to see the University area where Dana went. There seemed to be a real mix of cultures in Oslo. Before we knew it we were back to the train station area. We stopped by a side walk cafe to people watch for a short while before going back to the Oslo airport. We found the duty free shopping still expensive so didn’t buy too much. A nice short 2 hour flight will soon have us to Amsterdam until May 15. Next adventure – Holland!

May 8 2011
Nils Christian woke early to raise the flag for Liberation Day. As a note, here in Norway they must bring the flag in every evening before dark.
Benedicte and Frederick presented me with fresh picked flowers and chocolates for Canadian Mothers Day. They are the sweetest children!
After breakfast we drove to Tromoey Island where Anne's parents live. Frode and Suzzanne were very gracious hosts. Frode took us on a nice boat trip around the Island Hisoe. The trip lasted about 1.5 hr and after coming out to the ocean was quite windy with big waves. When we returned to their home, Suzzanne, Anne and Benedicte had a very nice quiche prepared for us. We enjoyed the sunshine while having a lovely lunch in their backyard. On our way home we stopped at a greenhouse to purchase a plum tree for Nils and Anne. When we returned home we planted the tree where there had been one all of Nils's life until 2 years ago when it died and was taken down. After a good game of volleyball among the blooming apple trees we had another delicious outdoor meal. Life here in Arendal is peaceful, quiet and loving. Shall we stay? Yes!

May 6
This was the best sleep ever! We only heard the birds and awoke late feeling fantastic. Today Nils and Anne took us to the island of Tromoey . check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trom%C3%B8y
This is one of the most beautiful spots in Norway. We walked along the rocky shore and were the only people there. It was amazing to see the ocean and you could imagine Denmark just a short ways away across the Skagerak waters. We then stopped for lunch at a new lunch spot in Arendal. We then walked past the oldest church (Luthern) in Norway. This church dates back to the 13th century. Nils has family buried there. We also walked past some of the oldest homes in Arendal and also the Trefoldighetskirken “Big Red Church” (Luthern) in Arendal. Unfortunately the doors were locked and we could not look in. Dwaine wanted to play farmer and he mowed grass with arm strong lawn mower. This strong Norwegian (Nils) doesn’t have power steering! After an amazing dinner we visited and relaxed.
May 7 2011
Another fantastic sleep! We packed a picnic lunch and drove to an area by the sea close to Arendal, that was once held by the Germans. We explored many tunnels, trenches, and bunkers that were there. The Norwegians, Russian and other prisoners were forced to build this. It seemed like they would be like moles. After our picnic lunch we climbed down to the sea and tried our hand at fishing. The wind was not in our favour and it was cool by the water. No luck.
We then came back to the farm and helped Anne and Benedicte plant their strawberry plants. It is spring here in full bloom, the wild flowers and the cherry trees are in full dress. Another delicious traditional Norwegian meal and we were complete. Another great day!

Stavanger May 4
Happily we awoke to good skies and were rested after a good night’s sleep. After breakfast at our B&B, we hustled down to a bakery to pick out lunch and then off to the ferry to Tau. A scenic ride across the Fjord soon had us there to then hop on the bus to Jorpeland. At the end of the “line “ a cab soon came to take us and 4 people from Japan to Pulpits Rock. (The transportation system, I must say, is second to none. The bus and ferry meet at dockside each and every time. If either one is late they call ahead and tell them to wait a few minutes. )
After we filled our water bottles we started the 2 hr. assent to one of the biggest attractions in Norway. It wasn’t long and we were puffing up the well marked trail. Being Wednesday there were not many people on the trail which was nice as we could stop to marvel at the beautiful scenery (also catch our breath and bring our heart rate back down so it wasn’t trying to jump out of our chests). Board walks had been built across wet areas and rocks had been laid in some places to give more or less a pathway. Other places rocks and boulders were placed to make steps for easier climbing. Make no mistake about it, this climb is not easy by no means. As we climbed higher we pasted a few remaining snow banks but huffing and puffing we didn’t think it was cold. After 2 hr. and 15 min. our efforts were rewarded with one of the most beautiful views. After taking in the scenery, we toasted ourselves as we ate our well deserved lunch on top beautiful Preikestolen. The descent should have been easier but different muscles were involved and our feet were begging to stop. A beer at the end of the trail was deserved and we felt satisfied with our efforts. After a hot shower bed never felt better. Tomorrow we meet Nils, Anne and family! The amazing race gets a pause!
May 5 leaving Stavanger
Our train to Ardendal left at 10:33 so we had a leisurely morning. Our host, Tonne is such a wonderful host, after breakfast, in her lovely sunroom overlooking a garden, drove us to the train station.
While waiting for our train we met a guy who is almost our neighbour (30miles away)
This train ride is very beautiful, comfortable, and quiet.
What a nice way to see Norway! The scenery reminds us so much of Canada and the Rockies.
Nils greeted us at the train and a short ride later we arrived at their beautiful farm. This is a big farm that has been in their family many generations. The house is spectacular and been renovated two years ago. It was so fantastic to see Anne, Benedicte and Frederick! They had a beautiful table set outdoors and a delicious meal. Afterwards we expored their property and caught up before retiring.