As timing would have it, I arrived in Norway just in time for May 17th, their independence celebration. As the masses of blonde haired, blue eyed Norwegians gathered in celebration, one thing was clear, they were all proud to be Norwegian. Nearly all the women were dressed in their village costume. Each village with it's own color, detailed hand embroidery pattern, jewelry, style but each one lended a beautiful feel of tradition. With the sun shining, a parade of costume, Norwegian red, white and blue flags waiving, marching bands playing and hundreds of children in tow, every Oslo street was hustling with the old feel of several years past. It was innocent and mesmerizing to take part in such a lovely event.

On day three, I enjoyed a trip to Bygdoy and after visiting various tourist stops, I decided to enjoy the architectural scenerary of this waterside town. Several signs along the way, pointed out a hidden cafe..I sneaked in to get some warm tea and shelter from the cold, rainy day. I couldn't believe the charm of this place where fine china, antiques and beautiful local town Mother's were scattered throughout. As the waitress cleared a place for me at a tiny white table with wooden chair, decorative pillows and lit candled..the smell of fresh baking simmered through the cafe. It was heavenly and a nice warm welcome from outside.

As many can imagine, I couldn't resist but to order fro the 3 option lunch dish blackboard menu that I can only imagine changed daily. It was amazing, and the tastiest bacon, mushroom and cheese quiche and fresh baked apply pie I have ever tasted. Hard to imagine or put into words...but heavenly. It was a pleasant surprise to find out from the kind gentleman beside me that the table I sat at, the chair I sat in and the dish I ate from were all for sale. I sat in that little cafe filled with antiques for 2 hours and the feeling of a small, family filled home and homemade meals made me feel warm inside.

"Norway in a Nutshell" or as my gracious host put it.."Norway for the Nuts" was the tour we decided to explore and enjoy. Train, bus, ferry, take your pick. Our Norwegian tour consisted of all three and encompassed the most amazing countryside, fresh air, snow capped mountains, artic pastures, crystal water and quaint little villages. Each village with it's own wonder, view and surrounding nature and I couldn't help but want to stay awhile. Unfortunately, there was no time to do so since the link of travel was connected and completed within 24 hours. But as you passed each village with coral, green, blue and brick colored houses, near a lake, snow or fjord you couldn't help but envy the tranquility of their lives and the thought of of own lives zoomed by fast and forward as the transportation in train, bus, ferry continued on it's travel path.

Norway for the nuts....it was beautiful!