Today’s journey: Voss > Oslo > Son

I’ve been volunteer pet & housesitting my way around Norway, while I wait for an answer to my residency application (14 months and counting…). I’ll spend the next few weeks with “Otto the Lagotto” while his human goes to Kenya.

#Norway #TravelNorway #Bergansbanen

S Y M M E T R Y | O D D A

✍️ This fall I’ve decided to host a virtual #JournalingClub, inspired by writer #SuleikaJaouad.

We’ll gather once/month via Zoom. Bring a notebook, pen & a bit of curiosity.

Learn more + sign up to stay in the loop:

✨ www.marlagoesnorth.com/journaling-club

#Journaling #Community #WritingTogether

“What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”

- Mary Oliver, #DogSongs

Grateful to spend 10 days with sweet Otto, in Son, #Norway, a corner of the country I haven't yet explored. 🐾

#MaryOliver #SonNorway #Lagotto

Spring in #Voss means mountain views, gondola rides, music festivals, food carts, and that joyful energy as the whole country gears up for #SyttendeMai. 🇳🇴 It’s a beautiful time to be here—nature’s showing off, and so is the spirit of #Norway.

www.visitvoss.no/en

#VisitVoss #VisitNorway #VossNorway

Mixtape #2: Greetings from Bergen | Hilsen fra Bergen

Iconic Bryggen, Bergen Street Art, exploring the city's nooks and crannies + book, music and spring cleaning recs.

➡️ www.marlagoesnorth.com/post/mixtape-2-hilsen-fra-bergen

#bergen #bryggen #bergenstreetart #streetart #springcleaning

One of my favorite activites: Exploring Bergen's street art.

#Bergen #StreetArt #BergenStreetArt #DavidBowie #Bowie

St Mary`s Church (Mariakirken) is the oldest existing building in Bergen, likely built between 1130 and 1170. It was ravaged by two great fires that swept the city in 1198 and 1248 and has been in continuous use since early medieval period.

--> en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do...

Krigsmoderen ("The War Mother"), sculpted by Per Ung & unveiled in 1997, honors Norwegian families affected by WWII & the resilience of mothers who endured loss & hardship while sustaining their families & communities.

Its message endures as a tribute to all who carry on in the face of conflict.

Back in beautiful #Bergen for a few weeks. <3

When Norwegian immigration updates waiting times & you submitted your app in Aug 2024. 😜

I’ll be lucky if I hear anything before late summer/early fall, but it’s all part of the process. I embrace this test of patience, resilience and flexibility.

Fingers crossed for an answer before Christmas! 🤞🏻🎅🏼

#January6 was the tipping point, but March 3, 2021 was the day I committed to #AmerExit. I recall (& have photo of) the moment - in my hammock in #Madison, #Wisconsin, sun shining.

Now in #Norway, I await a decision re: residency. This is the biggest challenge of my life but I’m grateful every day.

Sundays are for Hamsun.

#KnutHamsun #Hunger #Hamsun #NorwegianLiterature #NordicWriters
#ClassicLiterature #LiterarySundays

#JimmyCarter was pres when I was born, & in 2008 I was honored to take part in a Jimmy & #RosalynnCarter @habitatforhumanity.bsky.social Work Project in Mississippi.

He was humble & kind & served w/ integrity, grace & dignity.

Farewell to one of the greats. 🇺🇸

📷: Team & new homeowner w/ Carters.

Picked this up at the local secondhand shop and am pleasantly surprised to find that all 1,000 pieces are accounted for! 🧩 ✅

#BuyUsed #SecondhandTreasure #ThriftStoreScore #Puzzle #JigsawPuzzle #DoorsOfNewYork

Fresh #streetart spotted in an area of Bergen called “Florida”.

🎨 IG: www.instagram.com/shygirlstreetart

I've created a new 'Reads + Recs' page on my website w/ links to some of my favorite Norwegian/Scandinavian books, websites, blogs + more! --> www.marlagoesnorth.com/recs
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#MarlaGoesNorth #AmerExit #VisitNorway #Friluftsliv #Hygge #NorwegianWood #NorthWildKitchen #NorwayWithPal #HeartMyBackpack

This morning’s view from #hallingdal #norway.