fairyland

we took a slow, scenic drive to our first stop and despite the mister's reservations (he had warned me it was going to be hit or miss!) we fell head over heels for the guesthouse on the fjords. in fact, we went for a walk before dinner and were relieved that he picked ours over the one down the road. now that looked completely haunted, and dated, and apparently he'd picked ours on a whim. whew! our room opened right onto the fjord and i was torn between spending dusk on the terrace (also on the fjord) or in our room. happy problems :) went a'exploring the area before dinner and realised i could get a good view of the hotel from the houses across the road. small problem there - wasn't about to trespass in the name of inquisitiveness (and art!) but as luck would have it, i bumped into one of the residents on his way out for a fishing trip and he invited me to traipse around his land and "take as many photos as you like!". later sheepishly explained to another couple on their porch (as i was stepping off local #1's property) that i'd his express permission to walk around and they too were completely welcoming, telling me they'd a good view of the mountain from their backyard and to mosey over for a look-see if i'd wanted. and that's when i realised that unlike the common law notion of private property, them norwegians thought of the land / mountains / fjords as a common good, something meant for everyone to enjoy. suppose living across a small street from the guesthouse meant they'd no shortage of curious tourists, but to be so warm about it and open up their homes to a complete stranger - now that was something very special. really gives an insight into their psyche!

 

the unreal view from our room.