Hello kind human sunflowers,
Tuning in from the middle of nowhere, Hoddevika by Stad, and finally I’ve got some time to reflect upon the road trip this far. We’ve been driving from Oslo to Rognstranda, Flekkefjord, Preikestolen, Bergen, and Hoddevika.
I think I’ve forgot to mention the reason for us going on this road trip: I’m shooting Ran’s music video (he’s releasing his first song), and secondly, I of course capture moments along the way for my own pleasure as well.
The videos from the trip will be up when I’m back home. But now I wanted to show you some tiny glimpses of our journey this far. Okay? Let’s do this.
Oslo — Grünerløkka
In Oslo I got to meet my cousin, Emilie, again. We spent one day buying equipment for my road trip; a Mavic Pro drone and Crane 2! In addition we got to catch up over a cup of tea and some proper vegan food at Grünerløkka, just literally by the most magical river. Good weather, good mood, and good people. The light was a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Couldn’t be any better.
Rognstranda
After having met up with Ran in Oslo city, we drove to Flekkefjord and made some stops along the way there. We even found this hidden gem called “Rognstranda Camping,” which had a white little beach and lots of white houses with red roofs on them, which is very typical for the southern parts of Norway.
Flekkefjord
We drove straight from Rognstranda Camping to arrive in Flekkefjord. There, we was supposed to tent, but that didn’t happen because I had forgotten some crucial parts for the tent. And so, the only option in the middle of the night was to stay at Grand Hotel. Super nice hotel that wasn’t too expensive either. Would have loved to check out Flekkefjord even more than we did. What we saw though, was remarkable! Flekkefjord truly is such a cozy village with narrow old-style-look streets and happy people. Definitely stay here rather than Kristiansand!
Preikestolen
I had really been looking forward to reach the top of Preikestolen, but unfortunately, the weather gods didn’t play with us the day we went there. It was raining, cloudy, and the mosquitos ruined the whole experience. Unfortunately we had to cancel the hike up there approx. half-way because it became too late and too dangerous to continue because of the weather conditions. When in Norway, you really have to be cautious and listen to your gut feeling when hiking around. Safety first, guys! I’ll for sure do the hike some other time, I’ve promised myself to do so!
Bergen
We drove straight from Preikestolen at like 10pm to reach Bergen at 3am the night after to get as much time in one of my favourite cities in Norway. I reached out to my Instagram followers to hear if anyone would let us stay on their sofa for a night or two, and Malin responded straight away. Malin has been following me since 2012 through my ups and downs. I very much connected with her over our café date; so much in fact that she showed Ran and me around in Bergen all day! We went to eat lunch together before we went to the old Bryggen and took the Fløyen to see the city from above. We ended the day by eating tacos at her place and stayed up late for deep conversations and good music. I’m so, so, so grateful that we met Malin. Thank you, dear – you’re a true human sunflower!
In sum, the first part of the road trip has been pretty awesome! In addition to seeing the southern parts of Norway, taking many (MANY!) ferries, getting to know my new film equipment, and listening to great music & singing in the car, I’ve gotten to know Ran and other people better, learned and grown by failing with our tent, the drone, and the hike at Preikestolen.
As I’m sitting here watching the waves at 1am in Hoddevika, I wish more people would explore their own country and push their comfort zone boundaries; whatever that means to you. Have you only stayed on a hotel before when travelling? Rent an Airbnb and get to know locals! Have you only travelled to see the known attractions? Take a side track and stop on the most random places – because you’ll never know if there’s a hidden gem and magic around the corner unless you CHOOSE to make a stop.
No matter where you are, your next adventure starts with a yes and it starts on your door-step, deciding to pursue the unknown without any particular reason. The reason will be revealed as you go. And suddenly you’ll catch yourself saying “wow, I never saw this (experience/person) coming”.
That’s moments I live for.
The next post will be fully dedicated to Hoddevika! Can’t wait to show you nature on its best..
Until next time, take care and be kind.
