The Fast Way Round

We got up before dawn to hit the ferry which is part of Norway's highway system. The Best Western was again a great choice for the breakfast alone, and we feasted on the buffet knowing that we would be well filled up until late afternoon (at least I was).

To our surprise vehicles would just swiftly drive on the boat without being given instructions or directions by the crew. It was disciplined, fast and efficient.

A beautiful sunrise greeted us while we were warming up ourselves with a cup of tea while standing at the railing.

The water was calm, but with temperatures around freeze point and the chill of the fair wind it was cold enough to drive us back quickly into the warmth of the cabin.

A lone rider. Guess who was first to go?

Norway's ever changing landscapes kept eyes and mind busy while meandering through. It was a pity that we didn't have time to dwell.

The scenery became more rugged, and it looked somewhat like Nova Scotia's East Coast to us.

The early morning fog added to the unique arcane atmosphere that inspires to stories of the super natural kind.

We had another ferry to catch, and kept rolling through the stunning scenery.

Driving in a car robbed us of connecting with the surroundings but it certainly kept us warm, as temperatures were barely climbing higher than freezing point.

Once again the landscape reminded us of places in Canada. We felt like jumping back and forth between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Then the shape of the land changed and gave way to green pastures. Are we still in Norway?

It became flat with lots of farmland. Roland found it looked very much like Denmark here.

Also the coastline put up another face. The beach looked like some ancient giant played with rocks.

Archaeological findings tell that people landed here during the migration period in the early years of the first millennium.

The ferry transfers had eaten up a big chunk of our time, so we moved as fast as signs and speed cameras would allow. Most sections were 80 km/h or often reduced to 60 km/h so it took time to travel in Norway, time we didn't have.

In a blink of an eye the scenery changed yet again back from flat farmland to hills and rugged looking mountains.

We took in this marvelous vista while resting. This is Norway, period. We couldn't find any comparison from previous travels.

The South of Norway comes with a milder climate, and the trees are not as 'autumny' as the rest of the land we had driven through.

Another eye catcher: Reflections in a lake. Regretfully most places remained nameless for us.

Another view, another lake. We have to come back one fine day to revisit all those lovely places.

It was a shame only to be able to 'consume' the ever changing landscape, and not to be able to cherish the moment.

Our stop for the night became the YESS hotel in Kristiansand, probably the one and only budget accommodation in Norway, small but clean and with an excellent breakfast buffet.

 

Thanks to Happy Cow Roland found the one and only vegan-friendly restaurant in town. It was only five minutes from the hotel in the pedestrian zone.

A lovely ambience, and a creative and delicious food presentation.

 

We went for a walk after dinner to enjoy the sunset. Kristiansand is a modern city with a rich culture and history.

And with the characteristics of a fishery town. We liked it very much here.

Kilden Performing Arts Centre

The next day our wonderful Norwegian sojourn would be over, and we were off to cross the Swedish border.

Summarizing Norway: Land of bridges and tunnels, country of speed cameras and toll roads, nation of pølser (Hot Dog) and hamburgers, and territory of 25% VAT (GST) rate. Norway, where people are friendly and helpful, and speak English even in remote places. Respect!

Tusen takk og på gjensyn!