Deeanne Gist - www.deeannegist.com - Inspirational Romance Author

Join Dee’s Circle for giveaways, videos and VIP privileges

Monday, February 06, 2006

Norway

In 1981 my college roommate, DJ [the blonde on the far left] and I [the kid in the baseball cap] bought us some Eurorail passes, put on some backpacks and spent one month touring Europe. We started in Norway. We went from train to bus to ferry and back to train again to reach our first destination, Flam.

The ferry ride down Naerofjorden:

We overnighted in Flam in some cabins on the far, far right of this photo:

Next stop, Oslo:

The above photo overlooks Oslo's Royal Palace and the fjord. The thing I remember most about Oslo, though, is Studenterlunden Park. While lounging on one of its grassy slopes, DJ and I watched the 12 year old boys throw the 12 year old girls in the public swimming pool. Great entertainment, until they decide you are 12 and a prime candidate for a dunking.

Yep. I was twenty at the time, just over five-feet, weighted in at a whopping 89 pounds and looked about 12 or 13 years old. They grabbed me and started hauling me to the poolside. I struggled, and though it slowed them down, it wasn't until I hollered, "No! No! Wait!" that I got results.

The English coming from my mouth brought them to a standstill. They released me. I scowled and said, "No Norsk!" (Which means "no Norwegian." The best I could do at the time for "I don't speak Norwegian." Since then, I have become fluent at that particular phrase.)

For the shadow box, I collected these trinkets and stowed them in my backpack:

Now, I will tell you a secret. DJ is out there lurking. So, if you are wanting her perspective or see in holes in the story, you can try and coax her into posting. DJ and I send Christmas cards each year, but haven't seen each other in over 20 years.

Tomorrow, on to Copenhagen.

posted by Deeanne at 8:50 AM

6 Comments:

Barb said...: 89 pounds?!?!?! Holy cow, I haven't been 89 pounds since preschool! How'd that huge husband of yours ever find tiny you in this crowded, crowded world? Beautiful pictures, btw....
Deeanne said...: Greg & I were next door neighbors in Norway ... but that's a whole 'nother story.
Deeanne said...: This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Barb said...: Any chance we can stay in Norway an extra day to hear that one???
Deeanne said...: How 'bout we return after our jaunt through Europe?
Barb said...: OK! Sounds like this is gonna be a serious trip?!