The Land of the Midnight Sun

I went cruising to Norway with my wife across the North Sea We travelled the route the Vikings took but with added luxury Our first port of call was Stavanger, it was nice to be on dry land A town with old historic white buildings looking fine and grand. Next day we sailed to Olden, majestic fjords either side stood tall. And the melting snow on each one created a stunning waterfall We boarded a land train and took a journey around a glacial lake Our driver stopped at places of interest so photos we could take. Alesund was our next port of call sadly rain and clouds of grey It didn't dampen our spirits and we thoroughly enjoyed our day That night we sailed further south many were filled with dread Because strong winds and rolling waves nearly threw us out of bed. Mid-morning, we arrived in Haugesund to a bright and sunny day It was once the Viking capital from where they once sailed our way Marilyn Monroe has roots here and there's a statue in her memory And that's where I met Anne-Lise and she was a welcome sight to see. We'd known each other for many years so didn't really need an intro Welcome hugs along with big smiles and we got in her car to go In Karmoy she showed us her family home where she was raised and grew And also, the school that she attended and other places that she knew. Karmoy was the home of Harald Finehair the first king of all Norway After seeing its rugged scenic beauty, I can see why he chose to stay The area is steeped rich in history and there has been many excavations Viking ruins have been discovered here by archaeologists and historians. We talked like old friends and she took us round the local sights to see At Saint Olav's church stands a tall stone known as the needle of Mary If the stone ever leans onto the church, it will be the end of all humanity Next stop was king Harold's memorial and then we stopped for coffee. She then took us to a woodland walk where flowers were in bloom Beside a clear lake with bright sunshine unlike yesterday's gloom Norwegian landscape is breathtaking, lakes and islands everywhere Another thing that really struck me was the cleanliness of the air. She took us to our ship in port; all good things come to an end It was a great honour to meet her and I'm proud to call her my friend. A Norwegian flag Anne-Lise gave me as a memento of the day Sadly, our time was short because we had plenty more to say. Norway was a fantastic experience and one that will stay with me forever Seeing it's beauty and meeting Anne-Lise are memories that I'll treasure Just words and stunning photos alone don't really capture its beauty My advice to you is to visit beautiful Norway and for yourself to see. Written on 29th May 2023. Dedicated to Anne-Lise Andresen who I had the pleasure of meeting on 25th May 2023 in Haugesund, Norway.