We are the guests of friends, Svein and Ragnhild, who live in Alesund (if visiting make sure you get the pronunciation correct, it is not A as in Allison, but O as in Owen). Svein’s knowledge as a teacher, history buff and former tour guide made for fascinating tours. Iffy weather was in the forecast so this day we travelled close to home.
We visited the Alnes Fyr lighthouse visitor centre, and took in an exhibit of well known Norwegian artists.
Sitting in the area that translates to “the rolling stones.”
Charming 18th century home owned by our hosts’ friend.
Norway is known for its tunnels built to connect communities previously only accessible by ferry or boat or to provide easy passage through difficult terrain. There are more than 1000 in the country. Compare that to Canada, the second largest country in the world, with only 475. On the way to our next stop the 2+kilometre tunnel was unique, as it was only one lane, but turn outs were provided in case of oncoming traffic.
12th century church in Giske, on the Norwegian pilgrim route.
We found Norway to have a great combination of interesting history, beautiful scenery and delicious food. After big breakfasts, we sometimes opted for “lighter” lunches in the form of (waffles). These are sweet, thin and much lighter than what we know at home, and are served with a variety of jams and whipped or sour cream.
Another Norwegian delicacy is brown cheese made from goat or cow whey, boiled until the natural sugars carmelize. It tastes cheese with a hint of dulce de leche.
And tonight’s dinner was our favourite. Svein made Norwegian cod with delicious bacon butter sauce, yes you read that correctly, butter with bacon fat and chunks of bacon. Heavenly.
Come back, the best is yet to come, although it is hard to beat bacon butter sauce.
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