January 22, 2017. Just a (fairly) short post today. Matthew and I have been inundated with work for months, so I haven’t had much time to write. Now that Easter’s almost here, I’m desperately trying to catch up before we take our first big travel excursion since Christmas. We’re heading to the island of Malta in less than a week! But I’m getting way ahead of myself, and my story of Louis Armstrong in Norway. Continue reading Louis Armstrong in Norway
Tag Archives: Sognsvann
Ullevålseter Summer Hike

August 14, 2016. Since I’ve written about Ullevålseter in winter and spring, I thought I’d take some time to praise its summer splendors — because every season brings surprises. The trek to this old-farmstead-now-hiker’s-haven is one of our favorite jaunts. Not only because of the gorgeous forests, wetlands, and pastures we pass through along the way, but also because we always start our jaunt from the front porch of the picturesque Frognerseteren Restaurant, which offers a heart-stopping view of the Oslo fjord (and some yummy trail food if you haven’t stocked up beforehand). Continue reading Ullevålseter Summer Hike
Skiing to Ullevålseter
February 21, 2016. The recent delay in snowy days gave Matthew and me a chance to “upgrade” our ski equipment … yet again. Despite numerous tries last year, we’d never gotten the hang of correctly waxing our brand new skis. (I think the ability must be genetically preprogrammed in most Norwegians.) That’s why we decided to go back to waxless skis, which the locals say are “best for beginners and old people, who shouldn’t be speeding.” Ouch. There went my pride. Continue reading Skiing to Ullevålseter
The Winter that Almost Wasn’t
January 24, 2016. Winter has been a bit of a bust by Norwegian standards — surprisingly warm with little snow, at least around Oslo. All the prognosticators have been shamed. Every weather report, and every Norwegian on-the-street, had predicted that 2016 would be the worst winter in decades. “Snowfall measured in meters, and temperatures cold enough to freeze the fish in midstream,” most said with a shudder and a grin. Continue reading The Winter that Almost Wasn’t