A Chilly, Blustery Welcome on Our First Day in Harstad, Norway
Hello from Norway!
We arrived in Harstad, Norway at midnight last night only to discover a few things we should have already been prepared for…cold rain, blowing rain, and 24 hours of daylight! I brought everything I could layer and have used every bit of it so far! This is the time of the midnight sun which perhaps we’ll get to see before we leave… But today has been gloomy and cold with a stiff breeze and misty rain, very typical weather according to our hosts. But our times together have been warm and enjoyable!
If you recall, Bernie’s cousin-in-law Laurie used to work at the hospital here as an anethesiologist and his cousin Pierre, who was a geologist for Elf Oil, was stationed here to examine the geological make-up of the area for oil production. They met, fell in love, dated, went back to France to marry, and then returned here to live and work for many years. It’s a very special place to them and now to us!
We will give you a tour first of the town of Harstad which is in the northern part of Norway on an island. The architecture and ambiance are wonderful. Our hotel is right on the North Sea port.
The homes are distinctive, many in bright colors.
Here are two unusual churches, the first is a historical Catholic Church built in the Middle Ages. We just happened to catch a chorale group practicing for a concert tomorrow evening here in Harstad for a big music festival they are hosting. I hope the video recording comes through. The final picture is a Lutheran church.
This afternoon we drove through the countryside where we stopped to visit a nurse who Laurie used to work with. Her home was classically Norwegian and adorable, several hundred years old.
A Norway day wouldn’t be authentic without a look at some of the beautiful fiords.
Dinner this evening with other friends Peter and Nada was as good as any in Paris. Have a look.
Not sure how many steps today but A LOT. Exhausted and off to bed.
Bonne Nuit,
L & B
June 26, 2018 @ 9:15 pm
Linda & Bernie, Your black & white bird is a European Magpie. The Black-billed Magpie in the Western USA is very similar and easily recognized any time you see them. Awesome birds to see! Your pictures are great, and very different than what we are used to seeing. I was surprised how gorgeous the dahlias are growing there. Enjoy and stay warm! Terry
June 27, 2018 @ 3:49 am
I knew you would know the answer!
June 26, 2018 @ 9:26 pm
Norway is a dream of mine. Maybe someday…will relish your visit.
June 26, 2018 @ 9:49 pm
I find this side trip very exciting Linda, also for somewhat personal reasons…I really enjoy the photos very much. The traditional home is so appealing. Norway is one of the places I would go to if I could.
Pres. reason… I had my etching/collagraph press made for me in Norway by Halvard Haugen in Flatdal Norway by Halvard Mek. Verksted, more than 50 years ago. I believe they are still making presses. It took a year and came by ship just before freeze up to Michigan. I still have it here on Vancouver Island.
Please give a shout out towards Flatdal!
This press was developed for Rolf Nesch, a very important artist printmaker who invented and developed the collage-etching. He welded pieces of steel and found pieces of metal to a background plate and etched parts too…his method of printing made unique images because the way he applied ink was more painterly so no two prints were alike. His requirements for a press was one that would not break with the great pressure and had the springs that could handle the extreme highs and lows of his metal plates. He also invented other ways to make etchings, using some rather dangerous techniques, and worked in extreme conditions (cold!).
Information on Nesch and even film clips are available if you google his name. I got started talking about this as your lead photo reminded me a bit of the farm he lived and worked on.
So have a look out too for his work if you go to an art museum. See if your friends know of Norway’s famous printmaker!
June 27, 2018 @ 3:47 am
Lin, this is so very interesting. Thx for sharing!
June 26, 2018 @ 10:15 pm
Interesting photos, as always. Thanks for sharing, Linda.
June 26, 2018 @ 10:36 pm
Wonderful post!
Lovely to see Pierre and Laurie on your blog again and how special to have their personal connections and history in Harstad.
No wonder you were ready for a sleep after midnight arrival and eventful first day. Well done on the wardrobe too!
Waving from down south in Paris.
June 26, 2018 @ 10:45 pm
Peaceful, restful. Is it similar to any of places you visited in Canada last fall? Is it easy for Europeans to cross borders?
June 27, 2018 @ 3:52 am
Norway is distinctively different and is not part of the EU. It is very easy to cross borders within the EU, part of why they organized themselves.
June 26, 2018 @ 10:50 pm
Love these photos! I recognize the architecture from our trip up the Norwegian coast, going in and out of the fiords and visiting the little towns. I hope you do get to see the midnight sun! It is amazing to be daylight straight through!
June 27, 2018 @ 3:53 am
Except for me, it’s very hard to sleep. Hopefully, I’ll adjust!
June 26, 2018 @ 11:39 pm
Wonderful! What a fabulous place to visit! My sister and brother in law are in Norway as we speak. It’s on my bucket list.
June 27, 2018 @ 1:11 am
Im loving the beautiful pictures of the unique homes and countryside of Norway.
June 27, 2018 @ 1:11 am
There is so much color there which makes it look like so much fun. I wonder how thick the walls were on the church which is very beautiful. Bernie, thank you for the wonderful photos and for sharing your trip.
June 27, 2018 @ 2:54 am
Oh my gosh, my absolute favorite day so far. The buildings, homes, churches, ships are like something out of a book. It’s a shame about the weather, though. I can’t wait to see tomorrow’s post!
June 27, 2018 @ 5:35 am
Linda,
These are just charming photos. We have only seen a fraction of Oslo, so we are especially enjoying these lovely pictures. The food looked superb! Thank you for continuing to share your adventures.