Sometimes you win…

…and sometimes you fall in the river.

But more on that later.

We began our day today at the home of Arnor and Kari. Erik (of past post fame) is Arnor’s brother, and Geir, also previously mentioned, is Arnor and Kari’s son. We were eventually joined by Geir and his sister, Mona (and furry friends Marco and Nico).

I wish that I had remembered to take a photograph of the food and drink spread that accompanied our conversation. While I am sure that Sogndal locals find me a bit nutty for waxing on about this, I really can’t overstate the generosity we’ve been shown at these gatherings. And while many of our hosts have shuddered to learn that I am a specialty coffee professional–perhaps fearing that their offerings will not withstand my discerning judgment–I am happy to report that every cup of coffee I have had in Norway has been drinkable at a minimum and excellent in many cases. Today’s cups, expertly brewed by Kari, were the perfect companion to our jovial discussion.

For each household we’ve visited, my dad–whom I have always called Papa, in the Norwegian tradition–has printed a number of hand-selected photographs, some from his visit last year with my mom, and others from many years ago. Arnor and Kari were clearly touched to see photos of Arnor’s parents, now gone from him, and of past visits shared between them and my father. But Arnor could not contain his glee upon also receiving a Minnesota Vikings cap–one to replace the now-tattered one he received from my dad on his first Sogndal visit in 1971 that he still wears to this day.

Later in the day, Geir invited me to join him and Marco on a hike up into the mountains, offering my first opportunity to test out my highfalutin outdoor gear that I purchased in anticipation of this trip. I am thrilled to report that waterproof boots, waterproof pants, and waterproof jackets are effective clothing choices when hiking.

Until you fall in the river.

Okay, I’m being a little overdramatic on a couple of fronts. First, the river wasn’t so much a river as a small (but nonetheless deep) stream, and second, my waterproof clothing actually did do an admirable job of keeping me dry, even after having submerged nearly my entire body in water after misjudging the location of a stepping stone. All the electronics I had with me are still functioning, and while my pride may be ever so slightly bruised, I left the mountainside with a wealth of new memories (and Geir, if you are reading, I promise you they are all positive). I am so grateful for this experience and hope I can do it again if my flat-city-sidewalk legs ever forgive me.

My most important goal on this trip has been to take advantage of and soak in every possible opportunity presented to me, because it is not lost on me how lucky I am to have this break from business as usual. I remain excited for many more new meetings (and now some reunions!) to come as we continue our stay in Sogndal. I have enjoyed hearing from many of you reading this and hope you know it means the world to me to know I have your attention and interest, however briefly, amidst your busy lives. Tusen takk.