Bergen, Norway April 18, 2026

To learn about this fairy tale-like place that I feel I walked into, I went on a guided walking tour. We were seven in total plus our guide, a perfect group size. Three were from Sweden, two from London, two of us from Calgary, what are the odds another lady from Calgary was there.  The first thing I learned was this is “One Ocean” Week in Bergen, I had no idea of this when I booked my trip so makes my visit here extra special.

Here are a few photos from along our walking route. I won’t go into everything we were shown and told. We walked a portion of the main street in the centre of Berger, along many alley ways, up and down cobblestone streets.  Everything was so unique, so pretty, so cute, so interesting, so fairy tale-like.    

This beautiful tall ship is the Statsraaden Lehmkuhl.  It arrived while we were walking the streets. It left Bergen on April 11, 2025 and arrived back today.  It leaves tomorrow after the Crown Prince of Norway arrives to visit it. 

the route

After our walking tour, I went back to the waterfront to take in the festivities.  

Many boats of all sizes are here for the celebrations.  Some were open for visitors.  I did not partake.  I opted to head off for a walk to Nordnesparken.  Another view looking across to the tall ship.

the Fortress and a military ship

tug supply vessels 

the stairs I walked down to get to the lower section of the park 

the North Sea

After returning from the Park, I entered into a few shops to make investments.  On the third floor on this store, I found the perfect Christmas decorations to add to my collection from my travels.  

This store was located at the far end of an alley around a corner.  We happened to pass by it on the walking tour.  It was on my list of stores to check out.  She is a local lady and I liked her story when doing my homework for this trip.  

I bought a pair of her fingerless gloves.  

This is my splurge!

I put many kilometres on my hiking shoes and walking sneakers today.  At day’s end, I was fulfilled beyond belief and ready to be back at my home away from home with my feet up. 

Bergen, Norway April 17, 2026

The main reason for going to Haarlem was to see the flower garden then for Bergen it’s the fjords! After dropping off my gear at my new home away from home, I put my walking shoes on and was back out the door.  I needed a short stroll to stretch my legs and to get a little taste of this place. I feel like I walked into a fairy tale!  Bergen is known as the rainiest place in Europe and it lives up to that name.  I was happy to have a bit of blue in the sky for my welcome. 

These are a few of the sights I saw!

It was windy and cool, after all it is still April.  There is snow on the tops of the highest mountains, and they are not very high here. On a day like today here, you live outside.  So, wrapped in one of their wool blankets, I sat on the restaurant’s outside patio to enjoy my first Norwegian beer. I went for a big hot pasta dish to feed the hunger.  

How am I expected to sleep tonight with a view like this from my room?

It’s early yet, but I’m saying goodnight already!

Haarlem, North Holland, The Netherlands April 16, 2926

It was a twenty minute stroll along streets like this and over….

…..canals like this, to arrive at a ….

…..nature park!  This is where I chose to spend a couple of hours this morning. There is so much to see and do here in Haarlem in North Holland. The city is steeped in history and architecture. There are museums, churches, galleries and monumental structures. With such beautiful weather, I opted to admire all that from the outside and go inside the park.  

There were many dirt trails to follow.  

There was a symphony of bird song echoing throughout. 

 I was able to spot a few of the musicians to capture photos off.  

Eurasian Blackbird

Eurasian Blackcap

Song Thrush

a young deer

European Robin

a pond with Mallards, Gadwalls and Coots

also a barn with animals and a playground 

There is a teahouse with seating inside and out. I originally thought I would have lunch here but by the time I finished enjoying the park, I was not yet ready to dine.  I worked my way along the trails to the outskirts of the park then followed the narrow streets back to city centre.  

By now it was time to sip and savour.  I found a table on the canal’s edge. 

The locally brewed beer paired well with this sandwich and the scenery. 

Yes, that’s a sandwich not a salad!

After the late lunch, it was time to stroll again.  

The bridge opened….

…..to let this yacht pass through.

I made a quick stop at my home away from home to drop off my pack before continuing on with my walk.  While walking I got distracted.  I came upon a lovely looking spot that beckoned me.  I settled in! This time I paired an Aperol Spritzer with a serving of…..

….crispy frites with frite sauce.  

As the weekend approaches, the activity on the waterway is increasing.

The weather was beautiful, the number and variety of boats was interesting to gawk at. My spot by the water was perfect.  I could not let go yet.  So…..I ordered another beverage, this time nonalcoholic and paired it with a serving of bitterballen. Each restaurant serves it with a different kind of mustard, this was the best yet!

The boating activity continued!

Eventually, I left that perfect spot overlooking the canal.  

There was more ground to cover so I carried on.

There was a line up of boats to get through once the bridge was up. 

See that little orange heart at middle right, that’s where my perfect spot was!

 By now I was ready to call it a day and 

settle in for a laid back evening at my home away from home!