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Bergen and Western Norway
What a beautiful and vibrant city. Bergen is undoubtedly one of my favorite cities. In my eyes Bergen is the jewel of western Norway. This city has everything from ancient Viking history, amazing food and gastronomy, sailing ships, hiking, sport, tourist shops, ancient churches and a surprise around every corner. No visit is complete without seeing the old town (Bryggen) and city center. You will be in love with the open market place in the centrum and the many things to do in and out of the city. Take a ferry boat to Rosendal, or catch the Hurtigruten cruise to explore the north country. Bergen is a must visit if…
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Norwegian Fabric Factories
Ever wonder how your favorite sweater is made? I visited a couple fabric factories called “fabriken” while visiting Norway. The first one located in Salhus, just outside of Bergen known for making long underwear and other wool knits and the other Darle of Norway famous for their intricately designed vibrant and colorful knits and sweaters. It was amazing to see how fabric is made as well as visiting the factory store, exercising with the employees on break and having lunch in the cafe. I encourage everyone to dig deeper into a country’s culture .... go factory direct and support the locals not just tourist traps.
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Quadrille dancing: St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands
What is it about dancing that stirs the soul? It’s fun, that’s what!!!! One cannot help but tap the feet, sway the hips and clap the hands rhythmically to the beat. A couple years back I visited St Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands for the first time and fortune smiled after meeting and seeing the traditional quadrille (folk)dancers. Dancing…..music In general has always been a means of joy and uplift to many people in history and quadrille is no different. Basically it’s very similar to square dancing with its’ origins coming from 1700 France using St Croix ‘s traditional Quelbe music which originated from African slaves. The dance made popular in English society was brought…
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Easter and the Traditional Bolantes of Luzaide-Valcarlos, Spain
I first hiked the Camino de Santiago Camino Frances route in Spain in spring of 2018. Due to a large amount of snow on the upper Pyrenees route I was forced to take a lower alternate route which runs thru Luzaide-Valcarlos, in the Navarre region of Spain. As I came around a corner down into the small town I was initially looking for cafe for a quick breakfast before continuing on my journey as I was having coffee I heard music and the jingling of little bells. I quickly finished up and rushed outside only to see colorful ribbons and bells on local dancers passing in a parade. I had…
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Making Camarinas Lace in Muxia, Spain
On my last couple of days on Camino pilgrimage in Spain I was thinking to myself what I could possible take home as a souvenir. I had learned on a previous trip that this area of Spain and the Galicia region is famous for lace making. So I asked around a bit and was directed to a rate inconsequential building along the main street of Muxia, Spain. It did not look like a shop but more like an unused house that had seen better days. I hesitantly open the door and to my surprise 3 ladies were present. I inquired if this was the place to purchase some lace. They…