Norway!

Our last day in Holland was spent at the Open Air Museum.

Here we are just outside the National costume display.

So many things to see, including this very yellow 

field of Canola with beautiful buildings behind.

A working windmill, that l climbed  right to the top

 Beautifully preserved old farm buildings.

Of course, no visit to Holland is complete without tasting Proffitjies.

Delightful clogs all in a row.

And a new use for them, now the  owner does not wear them.

In the hall with the National costumes, you could see bonnets of all kinds

Our last view of Holland as we flew to Norway.

See all the fields of Tulips, just like a colorful  patchwork.

 The morning after our arrival saw us on the train to Bergen 

and our Norway In A Nutshell Adventure.

This is the end point of the train trip at Myrdal,

where we changed to a smaller train down to Flam.

The snow on the mountains was enchanting.

Not a soul in sight.

The train stopped for us to take pictures of this waterfall at Kjosfossen.

Freefall  of 305 feet.

As you can imagine, taking pictures from a moving train proved a challenge. 

Even when you tried, this could be the result.

But l did manage to take many photos of the stunning scenery.

This was the boat waiting for us at Flam, to take us on the Sognefjorden to Bergen.

Just so you know we are in Norway.

The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. 

The camera worked overtime.

Our first glimpse of Bergen township.

These buildings are on 

 UNESCO's World Heritage List.

 Our view from the top of one of Bergen's 7  mountain's.

Then more snow capped mountains on the 

6 hour train trip home the next day.

l highly recommend doing Norway In A Nutshell if you ever visit.

A day trip to Tonsberg the next day, and we had the chance to visit Quiltefryd.

Here Asne made us very welcome, with coffee 

and the chance to see Gail Pans quilts on display.
Gail is a friend from back home in Australia.

Then a walk to the Harbour to see this Viking ship replica being made.

Our final destination for the day.

Verdens Ende ( Lands End)

Nothing between us and Denmark.
( Hello Helene, l can see you waving now!!)
 

And a photo opportunity on the way home, of this immaculately kept farm, 

that reminds me so much of the farms in America.

 

Our sightseeing the next day took us to the Ski Jump Park in Oslo.

 

Where my DH convinced us all to take a trip in the down hill Simulator!!

Boy, what a ride!!

l think l might leave that sport to the experts.

Then a visit to Lappe Makeriet, where Randi sometimes works.

The quilt shop is housed in one of these cottages from the 1760's in Baerums Verk.

Anne-Kjersti was happy to see us. We had the chance to meet in Nantes,

 and it was like visiting an old friend.

Down by the waterfront, we saw these Danish Soldiers, 

come to take over Norway again!!

                         No visit to Norway is complete without a visit to the Viking Ship Museum.

Here you can stand beside a Viking Ship build in the 800's.

No, l didn't forget a 1. These ships are OLD!!!

The workman ship on items found with the boats is truly unbelievable.

During a visit to Asker the next morning,  

we chanced upon this parade of locals in traditional outfits.

Then we headed to the Folke Museet in Oslo.

This building was once used to store food and grains.

The museum exhibits here were amazing.

Folk Art from many centuries have been collected and are housed in a permanent display.

This was the best exhibit of folk art items l have ever seen.

DH has taken  many chances for a walk in the countryside with Gunner.

Yesterday we had  the chance to visit with  Randi's sewing buddy.

Ellen welcomed us with coffee and cake before showing me some of her beautiful quilts.

And not only shared friendship, but gifted me with these Nisse, 

that she had knitted and made herself.

Thank you Ellen for welcoming me to your home. A day l will treasure.

And so to our final day here in Norway.

We have sent the DH's into the city so we can have some time sewing. 

You see, we are making a new tradition together.
Each time we visit in either country,  we will make a small quilt,
to remind us of our shared friendship and special times together.

Our next chance will be in October, as Randi is coming to Australia,
to be with us for Quilts In The Barn. Can you guess who is very excited???

This quilt is inspired by one we saw on Betsy's and Kathie's blog.

Both dear friends on mine, it brings us all closer together as we sew.

Our first blocks.

Randi placing blocks on the wall.

Our progress so far.

Well, that's all for our adventures here in Norway. Its been an amazing time.

We look forward to returning again one day.

Thanks Randi and Gier for being the best hosts.

Linda.