Our new friends

Our new friends in Norway. 

Our time in Norway

We spent 10 lovely days in Norway. Karen and Tian spoilt us by inviting us staying with them in their lovely mountain cottage outside Dremann. Kirsten Anne, their little miracle baby, was so adorable. After 12 years of marriage, they didn't give up on their dream to have children. Little Kristen was fascinated with Rod (which i'm noticing is happening regurlary with Rod and kids).

We spent hours of talking into the night. I was given time of just connecting with my dear old school friend, Karen. Karen is a great mom and yes, I learnt loads from her.
Tian got us working on helping him sort out his wood supply and storage.
We met Tian's family. Rod and I had days alone, where we went out walking, or just reading and relaxing.

There was this amazing lake a few meters from the cottage. Something one sees on screensaver shots of a mountain and lake. One of my most memorable experiences, was my hair was in desperate need of a wash. So as Rod and Karen were chatting away, I hopped into my cossie and braved the icy-cold water to wash my hair. It was amazing on my own, giving my hair a good scrub and then wading out to rinse it. My toes were blue when I got back to Rod, who helped to bring my limbs back to life.

Due to family decisions, we decided not to stay out at the cabin for the remainder of our time in Norway, when Karen and Tian were to head back to England. Gunnar, Tian's brother offered that we could stay at his place, in Horten. A quiet little town on the coast.

This was a welcome relief, as at this time, I developed a virus, which had me with a sore, swollen throat and lots of coughing. I visited a doctor there, who basically said that I needed to wait it out, gave me medicine to relief the symptoms.

We had such a lovely time with Gunnar and his girlfriend, Laila. Such a welcome surprise to our holiday. We got to know Laila's sons, Thomas and Andre.

Gunnar owns a little wooden fishing boat. He was waiting for his studies to start in August, so had time to spend with us. So him and Rod were off, fishing and playing soccer, while I welcomed the time to sleep and rest. I did go on two fishing trips through and caught the first mackeral.

Gunnar also took us off on day trips too ... To visit an old ancient Viking burial ground for their kings. We also played Viking games there.

We then went off to Sweden for the day, so we could say we've been to Sweden. It was fun on the ferries over, spending a few hours in a village.

It is true, Norwegians are just the nicest people. It was interesting to observe how they live life with so much cold. They are constantly outdoors, not letting the cold deter them, they know how to dress suitably for their conditions. Like in winter, the from the towns, they have lights to illuminate snow tracks. So after work, late into the night, people are skiing or ice skating.

Thomas gutting fish

Oh my nerves when this little 8 year old was gutting and cleaning our fish we caught. But he was a little champion.

Catch of the day

Rod's dad will be so proud. Check out the catch of the day.  A massive Cod. I know I was so proud.

Out fishing

Gunnar and Thomas on the fishing boat. Thomas hating his photo being taken, so is always trying to dodge me.

The Foshaugens

Staying in a cottage for two weeks in the mountains

On our travels, we have been so blessed in that Karen and Tian have invited us to share their cottage they own in Drummond, in Norway. They live in England, when they are not at their cottage.

We arrive the 28 June in Norway, where we will spend until the 2 August with them. Then we have another week of relaxing, alone, after our long walk in Spain.

Who are the Foshaugens?

Karen and Tian are among my, Tracey's oldest friends. I have known Tian since I was 13, when he became a family friend. I used to walk his dog, visit him, he would be in and out our family's lives. Today, besides my beloved family, Tian is the one person who knows me longest, that I keep in contact with.

Karen was one of my closest friends in high school. One of the kindest and most sincere people I have ever met. Someone that I am honoured to know. Such an egnmatic laugh.

In my twenties, Karen and Tian met and married. What an amazing match.

Over the years we have alway kept contact. Both of them being such a support and trusted friends, mainly through turbulances in my life - they have always been there.

Little Kirsten-Anne

Last year, through trials of having a family of their own, Karen and Tian were blessed in falling pregnant. They now have a beautiful little girl, Kirsten-Anne and now I am an "Aunty". I look so forward to meeting this little gift.



The happy couple ...