The Norwegian Adventure | The Streets of Stavanger

If you haven’t already caught on by now, you are either new here or not reading any of the words I have written and simply scrolling to look over my photographic feats- either way I will repeat it- for repeating sake- I am in Stavanger Norway; hence the recent titles “ The Norwegian Adventure”.



I have been taking in the café culture, hanging out with children, enjoying the view from my temporary home; and being awe struck by the beauty that is Stavanger. This city is an eclectic mix of artsy, historic and modern- all the styles harmoniously coexisting to create a wonderful experience for any new comer. Although all the signs are in Norwegian- which I am beginning to pick up (takk- thank you; hei- hi)- everyone here knows how to speak English; which is comforting for this Canadian girl.



As anyone in my position would, I have been taking pictures like a Los Angeles paparazzi- of absolutely everything. There is so much to take in, it’s almost overwhelming thinking of all the things I want to see and do- I have been doing my best to manage my expectations; meaning, if I don’t see it all, I won’t let myself get too upset; I mean, I’m in Norway for heaven sakes, that is huge in and of itself.



These are my favorite shots of the week, the streets of Stavanger as I have affectionately titled them. The church in this photo is said to be one of the oldest churches in Europe; it’s funny to see locals, just going about their business as usual in such an breathtakingly historical and culturally rich setting; my jaw has been on the floor for the better part of the last week, I still cannot get over how beautiful it is here. It is nothing short of inspiring!




Have a wonderful weekend, Happy Halloween; and Takk for reading!

Xoxo
Bianca


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The Norwegian Adventure | Cafe Culture

The café culture in Norway is out of control- in a good way! There are so many cute little cafes sprinkled all over the landscape; even in small little suburbs one can find a cute café or bakery without too much effort. I have been allowing myself to indulge in $10.00 lattes and baked goods every time the opportunity presents itself- what are vacations for!

My cousin and her friends hit up cafés at least twice a week- and you will not find me complaining. I don’t need any excuses to lounge for hours over warm drinks and delicious baked goods. Although my cousins friends are slightly unfamiliar with the whole blogging thing, I have gotten more than a few sideways looks from some of her cohorts when I bust out my camera, hoping to capture every moment- one of her more outspoken friends exclaimed in her heavy Scottish accent “ Cassandra, your cousin is a fruitcake, she’s taking a picture of a latte”- one day in the far off future she’ll understand!



I’ve been here a week and I have been to a café almost every day; and, after spending hours with a group of mothers, I know WAY more than I care to know about the whole new motherhood experience- that alone is the BEST.BIRTH.CONTROL.EVER.



‘Nuff said.


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The Norwegian Adventure | The View From Here

Oh Norway you are ever so beautiful; no seriously, you are! Back when this vacation was off in the distance, I didn’t really know what to expect; I mean, I knew that there would be blond beauties everywhere- and there are; I knew it would be expensive- and it is (in fairness I was warned); but I had no idea it would be as astonishingly beautiful as it is. And all this beauty right in my very own temporary backyard!

I’m talking rolling green hills, glistening water and architecture to rival some of the best cities in Europe- London beware, Norway is coming for you!



My cousin’s condo backs onto a fjord and it is absolutely breathtaking; her view is worth the astronomical amount they pay to live here- I kid you not dear readers, Norway is SUPER expensive; I have been here for a week and I am still getting sticker shock. But, I don’t think I could ever get used to paying $10.00 for a latte, no matter how delicious and creamy- and OH MAN, they’ve been delicious AND creamy!



These are the pictures I took of my cousins view- and one at the train stop by her place; and can you believe I didn’t edit these photos AT ALL?? Nope, this is just the raw beauty that Norway has to offer.

I would say this is the BEST place in the world, to gain some- much needed- perspective; wouldn’t you?!


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The Norwegian Adventure | Cuteness Overload

So I have settled nicely into life in Norway; I am lunching with my cousin and her mom friends at cute little Norwegian cafes, doing my best to communicate in Norwegian (failing), changing dirty diapers and taking tons of pictures of cute kids. WARNING: I will not be held responsible for the reactions to the cuteness overload that follows.

These are my cousins 2 boys; Haydn is the 2 year old- and yes, he is behaving as all 2 year old's do; like a split personality psycho, happy one minute and screaming the other. Good thing he is cute, is all I have to say to that.

Hendrix is 3 weeks old; and, truthfully, he doesn’t do much, not even cry, he just sleeps and eats- which explains why there is only one picture of him at the moment. I find myself reaching for my camera whenever Haydn does something cute, but Hendrix does the same thing all day so he’s getting less film, but I’m going to work on that.



This past weekend, my cousin and I went to Clas Ohlson and she decided she wanted to pick up a razor and trim Haydn’s little curls; the lesson here folks is that a $15.00 haircut is worth more than a completely avoidable hair mishap.

I was on the computer when she was started cutting his hair; and all I heard was “BIANCA, COME QUICK!” I thought she cut his ear off or something completely horrific that would warrant such a glass shattering scream. NOPE, she just cut his hair down to the scalp.

Lesson two: Use the guard.



I could NOT stop laughing the moment I saw him; he looked so cute with one huge strip cut out of his hair. And he- bless him- was none the wiser, as long as he had his Chupa Chups sucker in his mouth, nothing could bring him down! My cousin and I stood there for 10 minutes in shock- she didn’t know what to do- but, I mean, the only thing left to do was cut the rest and hope the kid likes wearing toques- it’s chilly here in Norway; I would know, I have short hair and my noggin gets a little chilly on our adventures out and about.

So now little Haydn is a cue ball; but as I had to repeat- over and over- to my bewildered cousin, it’s just hair, it will grow back.



And through the whole ordeal- earth shattering screams (her) and guttural laughs (me)- baby Hendrix did as babies of 3 weeks do- he slept.


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In Transit

I am here, and settling into life in Norway- thank god.



Traveling is grueling no matter what; taking planes across the ocean is draining on the best of days- but my journey saw me on three planes, in three airports- waiting for a total of eight hours, two in Vancouver and six in Amsterdam. Which would have been fine, but I was lugging around a computer, duty free liquor weighing no less than 20 lbs AND my purse.



I was cursing my computer the whole time because it was completely and utterly useless to me on the journey, as EVERY. SINGLE. AIRPORT was without free wireless- ah, the perils of no credit card. And I cannot be certain whether it was the short hair- contrasted against the long braids in my passport picture- my red sleepy eyes or the fact that my scent preceded me- another peril of long journeys- but I was “randomly” selected, not once, not twice but three times for a routine pat down- the last round being the most intimate; but you won’t catch me complaining as it is probably the only action I will see while I’m here. Thanks for the love customs;)



And as if that wasn’t enough, the airline lost my luggage, which I was told- after the fact- is a part of the deal when flying KLM out of Amsterdam. But they did give me a “care package” with a flimsy brush, a toothbrush and an XXL men’s t-shirt; thanks KLM (said with complete and utter sarcasm).



But despite it all- the long delays, the 40lb carry-on, the frisky security and the lost luggage- I’m here!




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The Merits of Soup

I love soup; it is no secret that soup is one of my favorite dishes to make. Soup to me, is so many things, comforting and filling, complex yet so simple. When I indulge in the pleasure that is soup I find it conjures up a feeling of coziness- soup is familiar. The idea of so many ingredients, playing so nicely together is the true spirit of soup; soup shared between friends on a cold day is the definition of hospitality. The art of making soup is like building a house, when built- made- on a strong foundation of quality ingredients, the result is something magical.

The merits of soup are not only rooted in an emotional response, soup is also one of the cheapest ways to eat; in soup, the “bad” cuts of meat are given the forum to shine, and “back of the fridge” finds read: leftovers, are given the opportunity to shine once again. Soup is equal opportunity.



Fall has fully descended on Edmonton, the Indian summer has long passed, the trees are bare and it’s cold. Old man winter is circling the block and soup has become more fitting than ever. I- getting into the full fall spirit- made a soup last week that still has people talking; I was calling it southwest soup- because of the black beans, corn and cumin- but my friend Sarah called it Sante Fe soup and I like that much better. It is the simplest soup to prepare; all it requires of you is assembly and BOOM hearty home cooking in minutes!

We enjoyed this after our- very frigid- pumpkin carving adventure- and it was perfect.

The recipe is posted on my food blog and isn’t titled Southwest Soup or Sante Fe soup, it’s actually titled Hearty Chicken, Vegetable and Bean soup- what can I say, I like variety! Check it, prepare it and be warm and fuzzy on the inside- in that exact order!

Hearty Chicken, Vegetable and Bean Soup



My Friday gift to you is soup! Happy Friday everyone!


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Pumpkin Carving

Carving pumpkins- unlike the now defunct cereal Trix- is not just for kids; all that is required is a childlike spirit, sharp knives and someone who doesn’t mind a little elbow grease. Make no mistake, I’m not referring to myself- I discovered that day that I am more of an observer an “idea woman” if you will- but we had Suzy and Katie, 2 very crafty ladies. Katie drew and Suzy cut- Caitlin and I enjoyed our wine and took pictures! I’d say it’s better that way, I am in no way crafty or desire to be.

I did, however, make a few slices on the old squash, just to say that I did!









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