Norway & Svalbard

        In a word, Norway’s capital is vibrant. In other words, it is beautiful, stunning, eclectic, clean, and now sits near the top of my list of favorite European capitals. Despite fighting the grip of jetlag after crossing the Atlantic, Molly and I took the train from the airport into the city, made several wrong turns but eventually found our hotel, freshened up, and finally stepped out to explore our new surroundings. After our first stop at the Royal Palace, we set out to prove J.R.R. Tolkien correct: not all who wander are lost. Winding our way through Oslo’s cobbled streets, around a crowded music festival, past its bustling harbor and towards the rooftop of its famed Opera House, we often stopped to marvel at the beauty of the city and its people.
        Ears buzzing with various languages, eyes brimming with delight and cameras happily snapping away, the most difficult part about our time in Oslo was deciding which streets to take and which to forgo. The city was magic – enveloping us each in its charm and begging us not to leave so soon. When the following morning arrived and we left Oslo with the excitement of the Arctic on our minds, I felt a hint of nostalgia as it slowly crept under my skin. Oslo, my dear, I’ll stay longer next time. Until then, ha det.