Velkommen til Norge!

Welcome to Norway!

I left Mom and Dad at Heathrow yesterday afternoon. They caught the Chunnel and I boarded a plane for Bergen, Norway.
Honestly, I was very sad to see them go. This trip has been absolutely amazing and being able to share it with my parents was a true gift.

I flew to Bergen and right before we landed, I looked out the window and I saw thousands of islands covered in rock and evergreens. It was so beautiful! As the plane kept flying, we went through a patch of clouds and then all of the sudden, I looked out the window again and saw nothing but snow covered mountains.
The airport in Bergen is surrounded by mountains. When we landed, we flew right next to a huge herd of sheep in a green field with tons of little yellow flowers.

After lots of confusion at the Bergen airport (I had to go through security three times), I boarded a very tiny plane for Sogndal. There were probably a total of fifteen people on the plane so I was apprehensive about getting onboard. I sat right next to the propeller and that didn't help any.

We flew over fjords and mountains (most of which were covered in snow.)
The ride was only about twenty minutes and then we landed at the world's smallest airport...
Seriously guys, this place was only like two rooms with one minuscule landing area. The view as I stepped off of the plane was gorgeous.

Anne and her mom were waiting for me inside of the airport. We hugged for a long time...it's so amazing to see her again after two years! We drove down the mountain and passed a few huge deer along the way.
I met Anne's family and had a meal of bread with scrambled eggs and then Anne took me to a party where all of her friends were hanging out. It was definitely a fun way to jump into the Norwegian culture.
Yesterday and today are holidays in Norway. Many students are celebrating their high school graduation and today, May 17, is Norway's Constitution Day.

We didn't get back home until close to 1am but it was still partially light outside!

Norway is one of the most stunning places I've ever been. The landscape is just breathtaking. In the valley, there are apple orchards and cherry orchards in full bloom and then all around in the mountains, it looks like Christmas in Blowing Rock, NC.

I woke up to the sound of ewes and lambs, just outside my room. The view from Anne's apartment upstairs is incredible.

We're getting ready to eat breakfast then we're going to Sogndal to celebrate the holiday with two parades and a get together with Anne's extended family.