Monday, May 19, 2014

Our first Port of Call: Alesund















If it looks as if the world has just stopped turning- that's how it was.  There was utter peace and drifting round alone was therapeutic - breathing air so fresh it reminded me of the Canadian Rockies.
The little villages are a bit New Englandish and it wouldn't have surprised me if Angela Lansbury had come cycling past.  I couldn't get lost because - as our lovely Finnish captain always said 'our beautiful chip - the Balmoral' was always in sight.
Alesund is pronounced Olesund.  We are in Norway of course.
More photos to follow and then I'll write about the cruise experience - which I'm still processing.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks stunning! xx

angryparsnip said...

Beautiful.
I had a laugh at how the ship is dwarfing the village and river.
What a lovely first stop.

cheers, parsnip

Anonymous said...

Absolutely fabulous, can't wait to hear all about the trip.

oh nice to have you back :)

helen

OldLady Of The Hills said...

It is utterly charming and like something from a different time entirely....So very Beautiful....And peaceful and quaint and lovely....A Great Beginning! That ship looks quite Beautiful, too....And I see exactly what you mean about Angela L., coming round the bend.....
I've missed you Pat.....Looking forward to reading and seeing more, my dear.....

Ms Scarlet said...

Wonderful, Pat! I am looking forward to your cruising tales!
Sx

Ms Scarlet said...

Those photos are wonderful when clicked large size.
Sx

Granny Annie said...

I will never travel to these places but is is lovely knowing someone who is.

Pat said...

John: it was:)

Mike and Ann: I totally agree.

Parsnip: the ship is large but not like those that look like city blocks. It has grace and I would happily sail in her again.

Giveitanother: patience m'dear.

Naomi: it's good to be back amongst my chums.

Scarlet: so glad you like the photies .It is difficult to concentrate on shooting when you are absorbed.

Granny Annie: I didn't imagine I would ever travel there on my own but now - sort of - consider the world my oyster:)

Mage said...

Oh, how beautiful. Yes, the Balmoral is a classic and almost as lovely as Norway. So glad you went.

LL Cool Joe said...

I've never been to Norway but it looks beautiful. I love the reflections in the water on some of your photos. So still and calm.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

Oooooooh ma gosh! I've heard that Norway is beautiful but this is more than beautiful. Breathtaking.

Nea said...

There's a mountain or two in the way, but I was standing behind them waving :)
Glad you're home safe and sound.
You brought the summer with you to the North, the temperature has risen steadily during the last few days, it was 25C today :)
xxx

Pat said...

Mage: I knew one could get fond of a boat - from my sailing days but a ship can be just as loveable.

Joey: glad you noticed the stillness. I think you would love it.

GG: the air one breathes is magical too.

Nea: I often raised up my eyes to the hills from whence cometh ... waves from Nea:)
Yes it was kind of me to leave a bit of heat wasn't it?

rashbre said...

How lovely. I think Norway has a special scenery switch or something. Everywhere manages to look fantastic.