Our last hurrah!

This past year has totally flown by. We have traveled loads and have made memories that will last us a lifetime. We feel so incredibly grateful for each and every adventure and opportunity we've had during our time here in Europe.

After completing 7 Norwegian language courses, I made the leap and took the Norskprøven (The Norwegian Test). When I was done studying and completed the test, we still had about a month left here in Europe. I thought it would be appropriate to take the opportunity of being here to visit some family in the Netherlands before we move back home. 

The first leg of my trip was spent in Groningen with Omie's brother Siebrand. He showed me around Groningen and we visited the Martinitoren, bought stroopwaffles, and had stamppot for dinner.  We took a day trip to a star-shaped fortress on the west side of the Netherlands (almost into Germany) called Bourtange. It only took 2 long bus rides and a ride from a nice Dutch couple we made friends with to make it there :-) 

View from Siebrand's apartment

Inside the Martinitoren Church 

WWII Memorial for the victims of Groningen

One of the academic buildings of the University

Walking the streets of Bourtange

View at lunch

After 2 days in Groningen, I took the train to Amsterdam and was there for about 1 1/2 days. This was the first time I have ever taken a trip by myself, so I was little out of my element not having  Case there with me. It was a good experience, but I've decided that I don't like traveling alone. However, I am very grateful for the time I got to spend visiting my mom's cousin and his family.

My full day near Amsterdam was spent in Delft. It was a breezy 1 hour train ride from Amsterdam Central Station. The way back wasn't as smooth, as they were having technical difficulties, therefore resulting in multiple train transfers and an added 2 hours of travel time. My train travel skills really came into play and was also grateful for the English skills of the Dutch people! Aside from that drama, Delft was a lovely time. I went to the Royal Delft Museum and got to see a painter in training at work and visit the warehouse to see how they create each piece. 

The following morning, I had an early flight to Copenhagen where I met up with Case! Denmark is a country that is so accessible from Norway, we had to make the effort to go there before we leave. We REALLY enjoyed this city! It felt a little like Oslo in that a lot of the buildings looked the same, it's near the water, and expensive, but the language is a little funny to us. We can pretty much read it as well as Norwegian, but CANNOT understand it at all! We rented bikes from our hotel and took a canal boat tour of the harbor. 

Diving competition from the top of the opera house 

Experiencing Christiania

I guess this is an issue?

Rosenborg Castle

The Little Mermaid

Nyhavn

To return back to Oslo, we took an overnight boat from Copenhagen. This was something that we have talked about doing since we first moved to Norway. I think Case was a little more excited about than I was, as I was worried about sleeping on a rocking boat. It was an experience and I'll just say that I was happy to be back on land the next morning. 

Aboard the overnight boat 

Ha det bra København! 

<3

Road trips through Iceland & the UK

Hallgrímskirkja 

Case and I finally had some visitors a couple of weeks ago! His parents made the long journey to Oslo and we got the opportunity to share the city, that we’ve called home for the past 11 months, with them. After a weekend tour of Oslo, the four of us went to Iceland together.

During our recent travel research, we’ve been reading more and more about adventures to be had in Iceland. With ⅔ of the Icelandic population living in Reykjavik, it leaves the remainder of the island's landscape open for enjoyment without the hustle and bustle of big city traffic. We spent 2 days on road trips; one around The Golden Circle and the other along the southern coast all the way to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The last full day was spent out and about exploring the city. The city is so quintessential and the people are very friendly and welcoming. The scenery we saw was so incredible; the pictures don’t do it any justice. Case and I definitely want to go back!

Reykjavik, Iceland

Gullfoss along The Golden Circle

Skogafoss, Case and Brian

Walked on the glacier despite the warning signs on the trail :)

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon was totally worth the long drive!

Seals!

Small icebergs on their way to the open ocean

Beautiful black sand beach :) 

Driving through Vik on our way back to Reykjavik

View of Reykjavik from the Hallgrímskirkja tower <3

From Iceland, Case and I flew into London, rented a car, and drove north to York, England. The visit to York confirmed just how much we fancy the English hospitality, cuisine, and culture. Our B&B host was so incredibly wonderful and to top it off, she has a resident cat! For those of you who know us, we like cats...just a little bit.

Pickles <3

Meat pies, mushy peas, and mash!

Stopped by Hadrian's Wall on the way to Scotland

After a couple of days in York, we drove into Edinburgh, Scotland. This was quite a change of pace from Reykjavik and York. The city streets are full of history, cozy pubs, and grand museums.

Yes, this B&B also had a resident cat! Leo <3

At the border!

Edinburgh 

"The birthplace of Harry Potter"

At the top of Arthur's Seat 

Heart of Midlothian on the Royal Mile - this marks the 

spot where executions took place in the 15th century. People 

spit on it to this day as a sign of disdain for the former prison.

Entrance to the Edinburgh Castle

Calton Hill

National Museum of Scotland

Double-decker bus ride on the top floor!