A Sunny Day in Osøyro (Video)

So I feel a little bad.  All of my time living in the Bergen area and I never really focused too much on the suburb outside of Bergen that I lived in.  I thought I'd redeem myself with this amateur footage I shot a few months ago.  The suburb/town I live(d) in is called Osøyro in Os Kommune.  It is small.  Wayyyy too small for an American city girl...but on sunny days, it is really a beautiful and quite charming place.  Enjoy :)

Also, this past Monday I was featured by Liz on one of my favorite travel blogs called L'appel Du Vide talking about a not-so-proud misadventure of mine.  To check out the post...click here. 

Hope yall are having a wonderful week!

Canadian Vacations

Alexa is back talking about one of my favorite countries on this planet...CANADA!  Since I know many of my readers are from this vast land, I'd love to hear your input about where your favorite places in Canada are!

*********************

When people think of Canada, a few things typically come to mind first. Hockey, for one, as Canadians are passionate about their sport on ice. Next in line is usually beer — because who doesn't love a Molson Canadian? And from there, people often associate Canada with cold, snowy weather and people who speak French fluently. But here's the thing -- Canada is actually a great vacation spot, especially if you're looking to get away from it all. There's teeming city life for young 20-somethings who want to hit the town, and there's relaxing romantic spots for honeymooners hoping to snuggle up and take life slow for a few days.

Toronto

 
For people looking into a vacation in the big city, Toronto truly has it all. The CN Tower hovers above the city, with an excellent restaurant on the top floor — a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Take to the seas and enjoy a boat tour around Toronto Bay. Nightlife is a plenty, and of course, there's tons of shopping — check out the Eaton Center to find the best shops for everyone in your travel group. You may even find that you love it up north so much, you'll consider looking into the moving companies Toronto has to offer and making this city your home base. It's a wonderful place to call home for a while, with easy access to other great destinations in Canada, including Niagara Falls.

via

Vancouver

 
All the way on the opposite coast of Canada lies Vancouver, well known for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics in nearby Whistler. If you're searching for the perfect Canadian vacation, complete with the convenience of city life and the beauty of the coast and mountains, Vancouver is the perfect spot for you. This trip is ideal for a young couple on a honeymoon. A romantic carriage ride through Stanley Park offers beautiful views of the entire city. Consider taking a break to wine and dine along Robson Street, a wonderful place to enjoy each other and to people watch.

Prince Edward Island

 
To truly escape in Canada, one must certainly visit Prince Edward Island. This tiny island in the northeastern portion of the country allows people to go back a few decades in time, to enjoy a simpler way of life. There are many opportunities to relax and enjoy yourself on Prince Edward Island. Popular activities include golfing, visiting the local beaches and taking scenic drives to see the many lighthouses on the island. At night, sip wine and dine on some of the best fresh seafood that Canada has to offer.

 

via

Canadian Rockies

 
If you're feeling adventurous and want to take a walk on the wild side, plan a trip to the Canadian Rockies. In addition to adventure, you'll find that the Rockies are one of the most affordable vacations in Canada — complete with some of the best views. Tourists who travel to the Rockies often take time to hike, bike, fish, kayak or even go hang gliding. This is a great way to fulfill your sense of adventure in Canada.

via

 Victoria

 
Victoria has long been known as one of the most romantic destinations in the country. With a European atmosphere, visitors to Victoria often come home raving about the beautiful weather and the charming town. Romantic carriage rides around James Bay are available, and many tourists love to relax with a delightful afternoon tea at some of the well-known tearooms in Victoria.

via

 Whether you are searching for romance or adventure — or both — on your next vacation, there are many destinations in Canada that will fit your needs. Forget taking the standard Canadian vacation and opt for one of these under-the-radar destinations. It's impossible to be disappointed!

So...where is your favorite place in Canada?!?

Not Long Enough in Trieste, Italy

On our recent road trip, we made a stop in Trieste, Italy.  Partly because it was a good break point in between Venice and Ljubljana and partly because I have a friend and blog reader that lives there who I was excited to meet.  Anyways, Trieste has a population of a little over 200,000 and after visiting, I'm tempted to add myself to its ever-growing population.  The city is absolutely striking.  And strangely, it nothing reminded me nothing of Italy. 

Trieste's architecture was somewhat reminiscent to that of Hungary or Austria...not Italy.  And that makes complete sense as it for so long fell under those empires.  The people of Trieste even had a more Balkan look to them...and not an Italian look.  It was a really interesting place for sure.  And that is certainly what added to its appeal.  That and the fact that it overlooks the beautiful Adriatic Sea.  

The Piazza Unità d'Italia is Trieste's main square.  What you don't see from this main square when you're standing there is behind you is the sea.  It really was one of the prettiest squares I had ever stepped foot in.  

Ruins of an old Roman Theater in Trieste...dating all the way back to the second half of the 1st century.  

A view of Trieste from the cathedral.   

And some randoms from the rest of the time spent there.

Very rarely do I leave a city with an urgency to get back...but I feel that emotion with this place.  I believe there is so much left to be discovered and I hadn't touched even a part of it. 

(thanks Rita for the photo of us!!)

Have you ever left a city prematurely and felt there was still so much you wanted to see?  If so, which city?! 

Hvordan vi feiret 17.mai

Yesterday I got to celebrate my first 17.mai here in Norway.  The 17th of May is Norway's 4th of July (except it is the Constitution Day, not Independence Day).  While it didn't feel that much different to me than any other day in Norway, it was still a really cool experience to see the pride that Norwegians have for their country.  There are parades, food for days, drinks, and everyone dressed in their bunads.  Bunads are costumes that vary depending on where in Norway you originate from (and I hate using the word 'costume', but I find it really the only word that Americans will understand what I am talking about).  

We were going to head into Bergen for the day to see the mass crowds gathered and the parade there, but due to the crappy weather, I really wasn't too keen on spending my day that way...even if it was my first 17.mai experience.  We stayed in the small town outside of Bergen where we live which seemed to be a perfect way to experience the day (not to mention I get semi-anxious when around large crowds of people).  And even better...we could watch it all from our window.  :)  

Russebuss (to read more about this tradition which I have kind of not-so-good opinions on, check out one of my favorite expat/travel blogs, Inspiring Travellers)

 Rømmegrøt- a sour cream porridge food that is traditional on 17.mai

I don't mind seeing the good ol' American flag any day of the year...but on Norges nasjonaldag?  Not so much...

The day was pretty fun.  It was rather mellow and chill...just food and drinks and relaxation.  Very different from my 4th of July experiences...but that is what is cool about being able to call two places home.

A Lil Daily Inspiration for Ya

Admittingly, I've jumped on the Instagram bandwagon which has been going on for what seems like decades but hasn't (and I just made up the word admittingly).  I am struggling getting into it so far, but trying to have a little fun with it.  Just looks like another social media network for hoarding followers, but at least it comes with pictures.  I loveeee pictures.  Especially when you can alter the image and it be acceptable and not look like you're trying to cover up your poor photography skills.  :)

Anyways, I've had a crazy week and it is only Monday...and the rest of the week will be equally as crazy...so I leave you with this inspiring building art I saw today as I was walking aimlessly through the city.

  

And, if you so feel inclined to follow me on Instagram, my username is "mstarr1188".  Not sure how long I'll be there...but I can assure you it will be longer than my one day stint at Pinterest!