Molde

I have proof of the exact hour I fell in love.

I saw the west coast of Norway for the first time.

I was the first person up at 5:30 am for early morning coffee and pastries in Palm Court to watch us sail into Molde. I know most of my family will say "docking is docking" but it never gets old to me- picking up the harbor pilot, watching land get closer and closer, looking at the seaside houses, guessing just WHERE we are going to dock, turning around (usually), watching lines being thrown- I love it all. So let the others sleep----I'm happy!!!


We passed the Rica Seilet Hotel


that's shaped like a sail, and Captain Giske turned us around.





After docking and a bite of breakfast, we were off on our excursion--one that had CONSIDERABLE more walking than anticipated...We were driven up to the top of the mountain


and walked down beautiful forest path. Along the way, we found wild blueberries to sample


and wallowed in the glorious colors of nature. One hour later, and almost at the bottom of the mountain, we found the Romsdal Museum, a beautiful collection of buildings throughout the centuries. We were treated to some folkdancing from children dressed in bunad, traditional Norwegian dress, went inside a beautiful old chapel and saw how life would have been in the area in the 18th century. I also got to have my very first "svele og brun ost"


--Norwegian pancakes served with a bit of butter and sugar and "brown cheese"--caramelized cheese that is slightly sweet and delicious. I'm addicted.



Afterwards, we walked through the town, past an old music school that has been restored and houses city administration, and looked around the street fair that was part of the annual Jazz Fest.

We left Molde at 2pm to sail over to Åndalsnes, 30 miles away. It was a quick stop to pick up passengers who had taken a day-long excursion that began in Molde and ended up in Åndalsnes. It was a chance to sail through a glorious fjord and begin a series of amazing photos.

I'll simply post photos and let you decide.....

Ferries are the way most folks get around on the west coast of Norway...








The restaurant at the top of the mountain


World's Cutest 5-year old doing his Troll Impersonation


























(yes, the sky really IS this color...)


Woo helps Panda try on stilts...


before giving it a go himself.






Where we started off...








Arriving at Åndalsnes




And to top the whole day off, there was Cherries Jubilee for desssert!!!!!!

Sea Day Surprise

It’s really nice to have a sea day on your first day of the cruise. A nice late sleep, a little breakfast…maybe a lecture.

The younger bunch had a full day with the Junior Activities Directors or JADs. Niece Rabbit had LOADS of fun with them..

The whole day spent relaxing, getting your “sea legs” and getting ready for the first formal night and the Captain’s welcome party. Cousin Adam decided to keep his frightening facepaint on for the Captain


As did the world's cutest 5-year old, who kept his snake around his eyes..as if his lip wasn't scary enough!!


( note the stitches...he took a tumble at the hotel 5 minutes before they left for the ship...so the first person he met on board was the Doctor!!!)

and our littlest cruiser, cousin London (who already has 3 or 4 cruises under her belt...and she's TWO!!!)..Niece Panda, off to the left, decided that less-was-more in the facepaint department!!

Grumpy Guy got a dance in with his daughter

While yours truly attempted self portraits with sister-in-law Jula.



Girl got a hold on the camera briefly


before we set out for dinner. The entire family had dinner reservations at Prego, the wonderful Italian restaurant aboard that evening.

And it was great to be with everyone again- EVERYONE—because Boy was with us- he missed last year’s cruise because of football--- as was cousin/niece/granddaughter Rabbit, who had missed the past two cruises.

We were all dressed up as if ready for something like a wedding reception….and it turned out we WERE….for cousin Merrill was able to announce that his son Charlie and girlfriend Billi–surprise!!!!- made their long-term relationship legal the month previous.

We didn't suspect a THING--even when champagne came out and musicians appeared

Much squealing amongst the girl-cousins

and handshakes and back slaps amongst the boy-cousins…


and there was even wedding cake!

Some of us stayed up late for karaoke—especially the younger set…while some of us decided to head off to bed, as were were ready to be off early in the morning to see our first glimpse of NORWAY!!!

Teach Your Children Well

The single most important lesson parents can convey to their children is that every action has consequences. Each moment presents us with an opportunity, and it is up to us to choose how we want to think, speak, or act. It is these choices that eventually determine our happiness. This is the essence of karma, the basic law of cause and effect that underlies the Dharma.

--John Bullitt