Day 21, Trondhiem, Norway

We haven't fallen off the earth!. We have been very busy with family, and experiencing the beautiful landscapes of Norway.

When we landed in Oslo, we were suprised and rather disappointed to learn that the airport was not actually in the city. It was about two hours southeast of Oslo, so after a 45 minute wait for the bus we drove 5 minutes and caught a train to Oslo.

Two hours later we were in Oslo and in search of our hotel in moderately heavy rain. When we made it to the Best Western we were suprised to find out that they were not expecting us. We had been contacting one of Andy's cousins (Sigrid, who works at the Best Western), through Kelsey, in order to book a room for the night. Talking with Petter, the very helpful receptionist, we learned that the hotel was full, so after he called and talked to Sigrid (it was already 22:00) he offered us a conference room for the night... It was great! They pulled a couple of roll away beds into the room, gave us a key to a private bathroom across the hall, a key to a private shower, and didn't charge us for the night. What had promised to be one of our most expensive nights was all of a sudden free!

Norway, especially Oslo, is very expensive (another traveler we met claimed that it is the most expensive in the world). After moving in to our room we went out to find some food, not having eaten for the previous 14 hours, to our utter dissapointment and amazement the cheapest meal we could find at a resturant was a bowl of chicken alfredo pasta for 180 Norwegian Krona, about $30. Deciding against that we both ate at a convienence store for a great deal, $20.

The next morning we met Sigrid in person (Sigrid if you are reading this thank you again for helping us with the room) and she helped us get a good deal on a real room for the next night. Going out in the pouring rain we walked down to the waterfront, the nicest big city water front in Europe so far, visited the fortress, the royal palace, and the big sculpture park. On the way out of the sculpture park Simon found 500 Kroners on the ground (about 80 dollars). It was very helpful in the most expensive country.

We then went back to the hotel to relax for a little bit. Then since we were given the gift of 80 extra dollars we went to enjoy a beer down by the water. Two beers were about 22 dollars. The sun even came out so it turned out to be a great evening.

The next morning we had our best breakfast yet and it was included in the hotel. They had everything from eggs to salmon, to homemade bread. At that point we didn't know how much great food was ahead of us. We then caught the 8:07 train to Otta, which arrived around 11:30. Evy and her daughter Rebecka, (My cousins) came and picked us up and took us to there home, which was about 4 more hours. The drive was beautiful through the mountains and in and out of Fjords. The thing that stood out most was the very long tunnels, which were about 3 miles long. When we arrived in Åheim, Evy's mother had dinner prepared for us. At dinner it was Berit, Asbjørn, Susann, Sunniva, Evy, Rebecka, and us two.

The next day we had breakfast, which is a little different then at home; bread, homemade blueberry jam, butter, liver spread, caviar spread, shrimp cheese, brown cheese, salami, white cheese, and homemade juice. We then headed over to Truda's house (one of Berit's daughters).
We then headed back to Berit's house, where she had another wonderful dinner prepared, it was a fish sufflet. Very good! Tonight Truda's family and Berit's sons family was also there for dinner. It was great that soo many relatives were able to come over. We talked about going fishing and crabing today in the ocean but it ended up raining all afternoon. After dinner we went back to Evy's she had a few friends over that were from Lithuania. Had a few drinks and enjoyed the evening comparing cultures.

The next morning Truda and Evy took us to the coast, about and hour drive but yet the whole drive is along the water because they live on one of the many fjords. When we got there it was amazing view. We looked out over many fjords. They area through there they call a ship grave yard because there have been many hips that have gone down there because of the rough waters. It was very windy. Next stop was to an area where many people go surfing, I guess it is very common for people from Australlia to come visit here. We then got back for once again another great dinner. Tonight Berit served a vegatable soap. Berit's sister Solveig was even able to take to bus to come join us. Another great day!

Sunday, another day of rain. Still were not able to go fishing (fisky) too much rain. Today we went to Berit's because people were leaving and going home. It was time for us to say our goodbyes. Evy cooked us dinner tonight at her house. I think it was the first time that I had lamb. It was very good. It was then time for us to really say goodbye, Susann and Truda took us to catch the bus, which took us back to Otta. Then we caught the train to Trondheim. To all the Norwegian relatives reading this, we would love to say thank you again. It was an amazing experince for us. One we will never forget.

Rita, Berit's oldest daughter, lives in Trondheim with her family. Her and her daughter, Ingrid, picked us up at the train. We were very tired after traveling all night it was great to have a couple beds already waiting for us, to take a couple hour nap. We were then refreshed. Once the children were done with school and her husband was off work they took us into Trondheim, they live in a town about 10 miles away. Her husband, Ole, knew everywhere to go, it was great. We saw the cathedral, muliple lookouts over the city, kings house, fortress, old fishing ships, skiing long jump ramp (In 1997 Nationals were held here.) We then went to dinner in a tower that looks like a mini space needle. They had a rotating restaraunt at the top of the tower. We shared a few pizzas for dinner.

It is now September, can't believe we are already three weeks in. Tonight we had a very elaing morning. We went to the grocery store with Rita, it is very interesting to compare the prices, it is soooo expensive here. I then helped Rita do some cooking, it is fun trying to figure out what the ingrediants are some we have and others are new to me. Tonight we get to go fishing, rain or shine!

Simon and Kaylee

Day 15, Dublin, Ireland

Last night, after settling in our new hostel, we walked to the nearby Spar (rather expensive convenience store) and bought some food for the night and today. We have been eating really well recently. For lunch today microwaved "Grilled" cheese sandwiches and a couple of cans of soup for dinner!

After our gourmet dinner we went to the famous Temple Bar area a couple of blocks from our hostel. The Temple Bar has a handful of famous bars and claims to be the cultural and musical capital of Dublin. The band U2 got there start there for one; apparently the locals aren't to fond of Bono being an ambassador for the Irish. While sitting outside one of the bars listening to the live music within we got to talk to our first European cop. We learned to our surprise that you can't drink in public places in Dublin. Not a big deal. He was more interested in the trashed local that couldn't stop spilling his drink next to us, so as he walked him to the garbage can to empty his can we walked the other way and finished ours.

This morning we got up, ate our complimentary toast (and shot glass full of OJ) and went out to meet up with a free walking tour of the area that we had seen fliers for. The tour lasted about 3 hours and was quite informative about the local sights and gave a concise history of Ireland. Leaving the tour we went back to the hostel to enjoy our fabulous lunch and then headed for the Guinness brewery.

Very much a tourist attraction now they have a tour that spans 7 floors detailing the history of the company and the process that has been used for the last 250 years. A little expensive (E13 each) but probably worth it. The tour ends on the top floor with 360 degree views above Dublin and a free pint of Guinness.

Now we are back at the hostel, had a stellar dinner, and are preparing to head back to the airport tomorrow for Oslo, Norway.

Day 14, Dublin, Ireland It Rains a lot in Ireland

Day 14, Dublin, Ireland Pics of Doolin Cave

Day 14, Dublin, Ireland Pics of the Cliffs of Moher

Day 14, Dublin, Ireland Pics of Edinburgh

Well hello everyone! Sorry it has taken us soooo long to post another blog for you. The last three nights we spent in a small town called Lisdoonvarna, which is located on the West coast of Ireland. There was only one computer for the entire hostel to us, needless to say it was busy and slow. Lisdoonvarna is a small town that is made up of hotels, B&B, and a couple hostels plus a few locals. This town caters to the tourist coming through to look at the Cliffs of Moher, which was exactly what we were doing. The Cliffs of Moher are a stretch of cliffs that are about 700ft high and cover a 8km coastline.

We have covered some ground since we last posted. After liverpool we headed up to Edinburgh, which is in Scotland. When we were there was an arts fair takin place. There was tons of street performers, so that is where we spent most of our time. We were not a fan of our hostel not too clean. It was an old church that was converted into a hostel, threw up some walls and put a bathroom in and called it good.

In the moring we headed North to see Dundee. In Dundee we went to book our train ride for the next morning, so we could catch our flight to Dublin from Glasgow we realized we would not be able to get to Glasgow early enough to catch our flight. Atleast we were able to get 75% of our hostel for the night cuz they could fill our beds. We left our bags at the hostel for a few hours so we could see Dundee. We had not yet eaten for the day so we went to a local pancake house. This is where we ate black pudding (better known as blood pudding). I asked the waitress after finishing what it was, pretty much pig insides and pig blood. Really not to bad but I will probably not order it again.

Thursday we caught our flight to Ireland. Once we got to Dublin we wanted to head West to Lisdoonvarna. Our last leg of the day got us into a small town called Ennis where we would have to catch a bus to Lisdoonvarna, when we got there the last bus had left 10 minutes previously (it was only 6:30, we didn't realize that we would be in as small of a town as Carnation where the bus only leaves twice a day.) Another bus driver heading else where asked if he could help, I told him our situation, he called the bus driver that was on his way to Lisdoonvarna and had him pull over, he would take us to him. It was amazing nothing like that would happen in the states, he made our night. We finally arrived to our hostel!

Friday we went to the Cliffs, yesterdays long day traveling was all worth it. Mom don't read this part... We went for a 6 mile walk along the cliffs edge. There were danger signs up to not go past but that did not distract all the tourist, the paths were well used. The view at the end was magnificant, even though the path was a little intiminating, in places no more than 3 feet from 700' shear drops to the crashing waves below! (Linda those details are for you cuz we know you read it anyway). Later we went to a pub for a drink, which had live Irish music, they were quite good. (Not sure how good the video we have will sound but give it a shot. ) They recommended a lemonade and whiskey, it was actually really good.

The next day we went to the Doolin Cave, which has the largest still growing Stalactite viewable to the public. It was about 24ft and about 6 tons. We then went back to the hostel to relax, first day that we could get real laundry done, read our books, and watch Cool Runnings on the hostel tv. It is just as good in Ireland, it was great to watch people come in and of the room from all over the world and they all knew the movie Cool Runnings.

Now we are back to Dublin, might go check out the Guinness distillary.

Love you guys and would love to hear from everyone... don't be shy about posting its not too scary! Hope everything is going well at home!

P.S. Andy sorry for so much writting.

Day 9- Wigan (Northeast of Liverpool)

We will try to keep this one a little shorter but we haven't written for a couple days, got to many exciting things to tell you! Sunday we left Deb's and headed to liverpool for a couple of nights. The hostel that we ended up staying in seemed to be pretty nice. Huge, clean bathroom! We ended up sharing the room with one guy from Paris, seemed to be nice but really didn't spend much time in the room, had to many sights to see. Sunday night we explored the city. Our favorite part was the night life. We went to a place called the Cavern Club. It was a large bar where the Beattles used to play when they were just starting off! There was live music, mostly Beattles because there was a Beattles music festival going on.

The next morning got up to head the Northern Wales. No exact destination picked out. We ended up going up to Holyhead, which is located on the Northwest most tip of Wales. Even the train ride was beautiful getting there. Part of it went through the country but a lot of it was through the hills and along the Northern Wales coast. When we got there we were not sure if we got off at the right place but after about an hour of exploring we came to the place that we were hoping to come across. There was a trail that went along the coast, it looked like it went on for miles, we only walkd the first 4 miles. Too many blisters! And a long train ride back.

This morning we are leaving England and heading to Edinburgh, Scotland. We have heard it is also beautiful up there. Have a place in a hostel reserved, we heard it is really busy up there right now because of a music festival that is going on!

Kaylee and Simon

Day 5, Virginia Water

Can you guess which camera took this picture (That is Kaylee's camera pictured)? We will give you a hint. We realized yesterday that Simon's camera requires a different cable than Kaylee's to upload pictures. If you haven't guessed it look below...

Enter ... Kaylee's new camera! Among other, more enjoyable, things in the last two days we dropped a camera and about $200 as a result. :(

Yesterday (8/15), we got up early and were rewarded with a surprisingly good continental breakfast at the Park Lodge Hotel. Back in the room after breakfast we found some of our cotton clothing items still damp from their first hand washing the night before. A few minutes with the hairdryer got them dry enough to pack. Checking out of the hotel at 9:30 we caught the tube in hopes of reaching Buckingham Palace by 10:00 in order to see the changing of the guards. Arriving just after 10:00 at the opposite side of St. James park we might have caught the end of it had we not stopped to take pictures of the pelicans that were swimming in the park. (Simon later had the opportunity to pet one on the head!) Although we missed the changing of the guards the palace was still quite impressive. We decided not to tour it due to the 100+ people in line and £17/each price tag.

Leaving the palace we stumbled upon the headquarters of the British Military and WWI memorial. While there a small military horse demonstration took place, although interesting about 400 people had already gathered so it was a bit crowded and hard to see.

Our next stop was Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. The square was in the midst of setting up for a show so it was not as picturesque as imagined, but the gallery was free so we hurried in. We made it the second step past the enterancebefore getting turned around due to the size of our bags. Not wanting to look for a place to stash them we moved on.

The Tower of London and the Tower Bridge were our next destinations. Both were fun and impressive, with a "knight" demonstrating a trebushe (spelled wrong) and other midevalweapons. Unfortunately, the Tower of London was the last sight Kaylee's blue camera will ever see. While attempting to hand it to Simon (without his full knowledge) he turned and proceeded to spike the camera out of Kaylee's hand and into the concrete ground...Game Over! Landing lens side down with it open and extended the whole zoom lens was bent and jammed. The camera's electronics still functioned, but the unending "Lens Error" told the whole story.

After regrouping mentally and agreeing that we need to work on our handoffs we moved on to St. Paul's Cathedral. Another massive architectural masterpiece. We ate lunch across the street at Rouge Cafe, a french restaurant. Getting directions from our waitress we left lunch in search of a camera shop. A few blocks, half and hour, and £119 later Kaylee had a new camera. Having spent our money for the day (and next, and next after that) and energy we headed to Waterloo station to catch our first train.

We caught the to Virginia Water without much trouble (discounting the 45 minutes spent in the travel center trying to figure out our passes). Getting off the train with 5 others was a nice change from the 500 in London. Deb Towner (Kaylee's, aunt's friend) met us at the station and gave us a ride out to her big beautiful home. We spent the rest of the night talking and eating the wonderful meal she made for us.

Today, after an excellent rest in a real bed, Deb drove us through her lovely town and on to Windsor Castle. The architecture was amazing and the wood carving and stone work is beyond belief. We spent the majority of the day there along with the town of Windsor nextdoor. We had a traditional pastery for lunch, a ham and cheese calzone like food. It was very good and not to expesive. Catching the train back from Windsor we made it in time to head to the local pub (no more that three blocks away) for dinner. It was good food and nice to be surrounded by locals after a day of weaving in and out of tour groups. After dinner we strolled through a local green space that was at least 20 acres and we had the whole place to ourselves to watch the sun set.

Talking with Deb we have changed our plans for the next stop. Originally we were headed go Cardiff from here, but it sounds a bit industrial for us so our new plan is to catch a longer train up to Liverpool and then spend the next day exploring in the mountainous coastal area of northern Wales.

Both of the pics below are from Windsor Castle.

P.S. I am having trouble with the spell check, so anything that appears to be spelled wrong is more likely just an English spelling of the word.

Simon and Kaylee

Day 3, London, 19:50

We finally made it to London... After a 20 hour rolling delay (the Holiday Inn in Seatac is a nice spot to start your trip to Europe.) Then we got to visit the nice city of Portland for a few hours before our flight to Minneapolis then finally London. We arrive here yesterday at about noon. We were promised that our bags were on our flight but of course NW let us down again. They did finally arrive tonight about 18:00. Yesterday we checked into our beautiful hotel, the Holly House. It was about 40sqft with two communal bathrooms, one with a plugged toliet and the other without any lights. We decided one night there would be enough. We left our room quickly to go explore the city. And proceeded to hike ten miles... we covered some ground but also found ourselves going in circles some. Our stops included Hyde park, Kensington Palace, Whole Foods, and a lot of time on the phone trying to find our bags...(lesson #1learned: pay phones are expensive and not always that productive). This morning we bought a cellphone our number is 011447504744478. Feel free to call us, incoming calls are free for us, but may be expesive for you. Way easier and cheaper in the long run. We also found a new place to stay it is called the Park Lodge just a 1/2 block from Hyde park. Very nice with a toliet that functions and a shower that will actually be usable. We covered a lot of ground on the tube today. We saw Big Ben, Westminster abbey, London eye, Waterloo station, and the London Bridge. We are finally off for our first real meal since we got here! Then a few more sights to see before the day comes to an end. Our tummies are rumbling so we will post pictures tomorrow.

Here is a little overview our intended route!