SECOND EDITION (updated)

Heading for Bergen on Sandra's first train ride

 My last blog had us just leaving Drammen on the train for Bergen.  This was Sandra's first train ride so this was an exciting trip.  We spent about six hours on this very scenic ride through a land of trees, rocks, rivers, waterfalls and even snowbanks at the highest point.  Now for some pictures!

View from the train

Land of lakes and trees

Snow on the rocky mountain

The ride went by quickly with an ever changing landscape out the windows, a Kafe on board where we could buy food and coffee or tea always available in the next car.  Soon we arrived in Bergen and took a short taxi ride to the ferry terminal.  Then we were on our way to the island of Bømlo where our grandmother was born in 1881 and her brother's family are living today.

Ready to board the ferry

Going under a bridge close to Bergen

We were met by our second cousin, Amund and his son Thomas

We were warmly welcomed by Gunvor and her daughter Berit.  Fortunately for us, Gunvor's children speak English as their mother doesn't!  Breakfasts with the three of us were very quiet, one could even hear the clock ticking.  It was hard for Gunvor as she loves to talk and is one of the fastest talkers that we have ever heard!  We made out fine using simple words, hand gestures and a bit of charades.

A table of goodies at Gunvor's
who was married to Mom's cousin Steffen Bottolfsen
her daughter Berit, Gunvor, her son Amund

Gunvor and two of her daughters
Berit, Gunvor, Elbjorg
a third daughter, Solfrid Elise, lives farther away

After a typical meal of breads, cheeses, cold meat and salmon, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers we were glad to crawl into bed in our basement bedroom.

The breakfast table with new dishes
breads, boiled eggs, yogurt, cheese, jam, cold meats
and coffee of course!

Elbjorg and Kurt Dahl's beautiful yard

Oggdal Church where our Grandpa Haaland was confirmed in 1895

 A Haaland farm at Tysnes
the one where Grandpa grew up?

We talked to a lady in the Haaland area and she said that there were Haalands living in this house but they were away just now.  So we don't know for sure if this is where Grandpa lived, but it was definitely in this area.  The huge tree beside the house is an oak.

The Klubben area where our Grandma Haaland lived as a child

A house for sale in Klubben
Was it where Grandma lived long ago?

Bremnes Church where Grandma was confirmed

Our bed at Gunvor's, a duvet (folded in half here) and pillow for each of us

Too much luggage!

Back on the ferry
It was fun to watch and listen to the children speaking Norsk

Next edition will tell about our two days in Bergen, and our only night in a hotel in Norway!