The Adventure Begins

Hello again from Norway! Quick update if anyone is planning to read this regularly…I’ve registered the blog to live at http://www.strofo.net, though the WordPress address will still take you there.

I feel like the first thing I have to say is that this has all felt very surreal so far because of a few things that have made us feel like royalty on this trip. First, we managed to con our way into first class on the flight from the U.S. to Iceland, which meant seemingly endless glasses of wine and Prosecco, a three-course meal, free internet access, and more legroom than I’ve ever had on a plane. It was a phenomenal experience, and one I am well aware I may never have ever again, so we tried to enjoy it as much as possible.

And then there’s the hotel breakfast.

Y’all.

If anyone has ever been to any of the Las Vegas buffets–and I’m talking the fancy ones, not the cheap knockoffs–picture that, but with exclusively breakfast items, and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what it’s like. Dozens of types of fresh bread. Salmon in multiple forms. Several types of caviar. A beautiful array of fruits, cheeses, meats, and spreads. We spent about an hour and a half just sitting and eating, only eventually leaving because the buffet was closing. It was a great way to start a morning, and not the worst accompaniment to watching the rain outside if you must do it.

Today will be a packed day, somewhat by necessity because it is the only full day we will have in Oslo before we head out to see the Foss homestead and our apartment in Sogndal. We are planning to see some shops, some building landmarks, and, specifically for me, Tim Wendelboe’s coffee shop. (TW is one of the preeminent names in the international coffee industry pantheon, and I’m very excited to stop by and see it.)

More soon…and I will actually try to get some pictures in for the next one!