Last year in Tromsø I dismally failed at growing basil.  In fact, only the sprouting leaves came up.  This year I’ve had a little more luck.  Even though Alta is at nearly the same height on the globe as Tromsø (a little higher actually), Alta has a much better growing climate.  This is because Alta [...]

Tromsø has treated us very well over the last few years.  We have many fond memories and will miss our favourite places.  Feeling a little indebted and sentimental, we thought to give something to Tromsø to remember us by.

With having young children, one thing that I have missed is having the books to read them [...]

It is hard to go to sleep when there is such a wonderful sun outside.

Officially the first night of the Midnight Sun in Tromsø is 20th of May.  However, the residents since, at least, the Iron Age have counted it from when the sun can still be seen over the mountains to the north, which is about the 23rd of May.  However, if the sky is cloudy and the [...]

I’m always amazed at how many people show up to 17 May celebrations.  With all of us squished into our little Storgata it is a wonder how any parade gets through.

The Russ never fail to please with their bright red cars and wacky sense of humour.  It rather resembles a pride parade than a school [...]

The ducks haven’t arrived at Prestvannet yet but our crusty bread didn’t go to waste.  Black, white and blue.  There is beauty in chaos.

It is 2am.  I’m thinking I should be in bed but the sun is shining and the birds are chirping.  The house down the road has smoke coming from its chimney and a guy walks around his car and looks at me wondering why I am standing in the middle of the road taking pictures. [...]

Ferry crossings are everywhere in Norway.  It is sometimes just easier to boat around the mountain than build a  through it.  Some crossings are time-savers so you don’t have to drive in and out of fjords, and others are a link to the outside world.
The Fosen ferry route between Flakk and Rørvik is very busy [...]

Cloud berries are called ‘molter’ in Norwegian.  They are little puffs of fruity-flesh, similar to raspberries, with a sweet and sour tang.  Usually eaten with just whipped cream, they can also be used with cakes, on bread, and as a jam.
Cloud berries are found in swamp areas in Northern Scandinavia.  They are not farmed, so [...]

Berg is just outside of Tromsø on the mainland.  It is a farming area and every year the community gets together and puts on an event for us city-goers.  The Nissehelg (Elf Weekend) is now a tradition and every year we go out and brave the cold (and darkness) to visit the fjøsnisser (barn elves). [...]