I must be dreaming
How many new countries am I going to step foot in to this summer? As my forehead presses up against the cold airplane window, I gulp in the Norwegian skyline. Another weekend, another destination. It never gets old; before I even step foot off the plane I can sense the newness, the unfamiliarity. Touching down in Stavanger, Norway… right as the sun is kissing the oceanic side of the earth goodbye. Is my life a dream? Someone needs to pinch me.
This weekend I had the opportunity to visit yet another amazing country – Norway. Although we were only there for a short weekend stay, I can confidently say that it was one of my favorite places I’ve visited thus far. The atmosphere in the town of Stavanger is quiet, clean, and the textbook definition of quaint.
The city was nestled in the bays of the Atlantic ocean, surrounded on all other sides by a gorgeous mountain range that didn’t look real. Everywhere I looked I felt like I was in a storybook. With our limited amount of time we were able to complete a hike of one of the infamous fjords, the Preikestolen Fjellstue. It was a 4 hour, 6 mile journey with an absolutely breathtaking view at the summit, worth every step.
Again I couldn’t help but be reminded of all the vastly different terrains that the world has to offer. It was mind boggling to think that the locals of the nearby towns got to see this view every single day – did they even see it as something special anymore? On the final day of our all too short of trip, we took the opportunity to explore the town of Stavanger. The cobblestone streets and the polished storefronts appeared to be right out of a movie scene.
It was intriguing to see the architectural styles that were prominent in the past, aside from the modern things being sold inside the shops, the whole town appeared to be frozen in time. Seeing the way things used to be help me picture what life must of been like back then – horse drawn carriages, market stalls in the street, women in petticoats; I could imagine it all so clearly.
When I was younger I feel I was not capable of adequately appreciating the history of the places I would visit, but now I think I am starting to get it. The history and vibrance of the town was so inviting and I was despondent when it came time to leave the place that I had only gotten a glimpse of.
With another bucket list place visited, I am more inspired than ever to continue to travel. I am eternally grateful that I have the opportunity to see places like these, ones that I could have only dreamed to ever step foot in. The world is so big, and I am so small. It really helps to put things in perspective.
I am so lucky, thankful, and blessed. This one’s for you Mom and Dad, I love you and I’m so appreciative of all that you do.
Eager about what I’ll see next,
Erin