Fancy a Stroll in the Park?

Ahh, London in the spring...err late February! I was greeted with unusually warm, mild, sunny weather when I was in London. It was like my inner being rejoiced at the sunny skies and the vitamin D. After a long, cold winter, these few days were so welcome to my body and soul!!

I think I could write endless blogs about London. This is a city with an energy all its own, it never ceases to amaze me. I find new and interesting corners every time I visit and I fall in love all over again with this remarkable city.

One of the many new places I ventured was Hyde Park, an enormous green space in London. There is a gorgeous lake, flower gardens, fountains, and plenty of birds/ducks/swan. I could've spent the entire day strolling the park and ambling through the paths and along the waters. It is so peaceful, an oasis in the middle of a busy, bustling city.

I love this bridge crossing the lake in Hyde Park

Pretty swan in the lake at Hyde Park

Daffodils galore at Hyde Park

Feels and looks like Spring in London

Beautiful blooms on a dogwood in Kensington Gardens

King Albert Statue in Kensington Gardens en route to Hyde Park

On the way to Hyde Park, in South Kensington

Not really Hyde Park, but a beautiful flower box in South Kensington

As you can see, London in early spring is full of life and color. There is so much life in the city, but also in its sprawling parks and green spaces. If you are planning a trip to London, I encourage you to be sure and spend some time in the parks and gardens, you won't regret it!

As always, be brave, be explorers and be adventurous! Stay tuned to my next entry on London's eccentric and fun markets! Keep traveling and keep paving new ways!

Much Love, 

H

Winter is Coming

When I chose Norway, I was thinking of beautiful places in my mind that I hadn't yet visited.  I had a picture in my head and I was sorely wrong. It was far more beautiful and raw than I ever could have imagined. This is the TRUE North. 

This was from the plane and I knew if it looked this good from the air, I couldn't wait to touch down and explore it firsthand!

When I arrived, I was treated to a bright blue sky and cold temps! The first day, the temperature was -9 C and felt like winter for sure! I was a little surprised there wasn't more of a language barrier, but the more I travel the more I discover just how many people learn and know English. I was able to get directions to the bus stop just outside the airport so I could catch the bus to the city centre. It was a simple process to purchase a ticket, which was nice. I downloaded an app, bought my ticket online and showed it to the driver. Easy.

I walked from the city centre to my airbnb, which had a view of the sea.  The walk was a crisp cold one that gave me an incredible view!!

The Northern Lights Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Northern Lights was on my route and I had seen it in pictures beforehand but wow!!  It truly is an artwork in the form of architecture! At night, the lower windows are lit up in various colors representing the northern lights. Beautiful!!

View from my Airbnb room

Once I arrived at my room, the view did NOT disappoint!!  This was my view right out my bedroom window. I could definitely get used to waking up to this daily!!

Other than watching/chasing the lights, I went on a few hikes on a local ski trail. There were several spots along the hike where the view made me speechless! The hiking was probably my favorite thing about Alta.

I also ventured to the Alta Museum, a 4 km walk from my room. It was warmer that day with some wind and sun. A great day for a walk and an adventure. The history of the area is mind blowing! I was a little disappointed I didn't get to see the rock carvings because of the snow, the history and story of the people was fascinating!

View from Alta Museum terrace. The rocks with the carvings are down towards the sea, covered in snow.

These carvings are 6000 years old, nearly perfectly preserved in the rocks surrounding the museum. The stories these carvings told were so interesting, it felt like I was transported back in time. I was very glad I made the trek to the museum, it was well worth the walk and admission!! 

Because Alta is so north and its winter, the sun doesn't get much higher than a 45 degree angle in the sky. This angle made for some very pretty sun shimmers and rays in between the trees and on the snow. I was able to capture a few photos of the 'noon day' sun. 

Alta Norway has a piece of my heart and I have fallen in love with this frozen mystical place. I encourage everyone to add Norway to their travel 'bucket list' as a place to experience Mother Nature as she was intended to be experienced. Norway is raw, simple and yet so beautifully intriguing.  

Until next time, be brave and keep exploring the hidden treasures of the globe, like Alta Norway! You won't be disappointed!

Much Love,

H

May I Have This Dance?

The Northern Lights...aurora borealis...dancing fire fox...  Whatever you call them, they are a sight to behold!

My main purpose for traveling to Norway was in hopes of seeing these celestial dancers. I was fortunate enough to see them on two nights!

The first night, I was lucky enough to see them even with the light pollution from the town. They were brighter this night than they've been in over 3 weeks, according to the locals. I was able to see the green and violet shades with my naked eye!!  In many cases, the lights look like a grey silver cloud streaking across the sky. You can't see the green color with the naked eye, only with a camera. The first night, I was so fortunate to see the colors and watch the dance!

Friday night I was fortunate enough to go on a "Chasing the Lights" tour with an amazing company, Glod. It was a great time, we had traditional Norwegian soup, interesting conversation, and learned quite a bit at the same time!  We did have to work around the clouds but thankfully, we were able to spot the lights and I got a few good shots!

This experience was one of a kind and I'm so glad I was lucky enough to witness the dancing lights!

My entire visit to Norway left me feeling full of love and light. My next blog I'll share more about the ruggedness and beauty of Norway and some scenes that will have you wanting to pack your bags to head North! Until next time, stay wild and keep wandering! 

Much Love,
H