Dag Mamma

To those of you who think it is humorous to call me manly, masculine, or commonly refer to me as your brother - this post is going to make your day.  Here in Norway, nannies or the women who work at day care centers are called "dag mamma" - literally translated it means "day mom".  For short, the kiddies refer to them as "da-da".  

Andreas will be referring to me as "da-da".  

Go figure.

Norwegian Chocolate

Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention. I've just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you, to stop what you're doing and listen. CHOCOLATE!

-Ron Burgundy

Seriously though - I have tasted the best milk chocolate that Norway, nay, the world has to offer. It's been hiding here in Norway this whole time!  While I'm overjoyed to have finally found my chocolate soul mate, I'm saddened by the fact that I only have the next 10 months to enjoy it.  Yes, it's THAT good.  Sigh.

Snowboarding in Hovden

Hello all!  Just got back from a great weekend snowboarding in Hovden.  We made it back in one piece - through sunshine, rain, hail and snow!  It was a 4.5 hour scenic drive northeast of Akre, and boasted gorgeous views of snow covered mountains as far as the eye could see. Enjoy! :)

Forgive me for all the landscape pictures, but I couldn't help it!  It was a gorgeous day and the views were stunning!

I like how this one picture includes sunshine, snow covered hill tops, greenery, and the ocean.

Langfoss is the 5th highest waterfall in Norway, and among the tallest waterfalls of the world.

I feel like this picture doesn't do it justice, but it really was amazing.  

Getting closer to Hovden...

Our cabin :)

The view from the back door...

Anne and the boys hanging out while Ole Martin and I practiced snowboarding.

He did so well!

Headed up to the top of the mountain with Kurt and his brother Frode.  (Both were excellent skiers!  Snowboarders were definitely the minority in Hovden).

After we got off the lift, there was a huge slope right in front of this lone skier.  The mountains here were so intimidating! 

I believe this during a break after my first fall of the day. :)

Hovden featured these T-bar lifts, which I had never seen before...they don't look very comfortable.

Ole Martin beat us at Monopoly...again. :)

Ain't nothing but a G thing, baby it's a G thing.

On our way back we took another scenic road that led us past these awesome waterfalls.

Oh yes, there were cows blocking our scenic route as well.  

Happy 50th Birthday!

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

;)

Around Karmøy

Today was one of those days where it really sank in - I'm in Norway, it's an absolutely beautiful country, and I'm so lucky to be here.  This morning it was a typical cloudy day, but it wasn't foggy or windy - perfect for my morning walk to the beach.  Afterwards we piled into the car and went for a drive around the island.  (It was a short drive...we were back to where we started after an hour). The scenery here is gorgeous and full of history - I feel like these pictures don't do Karmøy justice, but I'll do my best.  

This is Burmavegen, the road we took to go from the west side of Karmøy to the east.  It was built by Russian POW's during the German occupation of Norway in WWII.   

Can you see the snow covered mountains in the distance?

During our short hike, Ole Martin found two lonely flowers (blomster) amongst the rocks.

The cliffs at Skude, overlooking the North Sea.

An abandoned bunker where cannons were positioned during WWII.

I slipped during our short hike to the cliffs (of course).

Pike Place

First off, it was absolutely GORGEOUS today!  Sunny with a slight breeze, low 40s...it was awesome.  Anyways, I was out on a walk by the harbor and I saw Akre's own mini Pike Place!  Two fishing vessels had just pulled up and were selling their catch right off the dock...I'd never seen something like this before - it was pretty cool.

The view from the other side of the dock

Red Bull

I have been searching high and low for Red Bull at the local grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. There had been no sign of their existence in Akre, until I found this during a morning stroll.  THERE IS HOPE!

Girls Night Out

Had a great time last night with Iselin (Kurt's niece) and her friends - they were all awesome!  We ended up going to a Piano Bar (similar to the bar in Vegas) in Skudneshavn.  One of the highlights of my night was when the lady playing the piano played Hotel California!!!

Lovely ladies

Iselin, Tove and Hege

Walking to the Piano Bar

She rocked the piano all night!