Cozy Fishing Harbors
Today was day 8 of our 14 day Viking cruise and the weather has changed from sunny in the 60's to overcast and light rain in the 50's. This was our last Norway port surrounded with breathtaking jagged peaks. When we departed the ship in Lofoton, a crew member said welcome to Norway. But we've been here over week already? He replied, "this is what it's normally like, overcast and light rain".
Our tour took us to "Flakstad Church, Sund and Nusfjord". Flakstad Church was rebuilt in 1780. What's most unique is they built it over the previous church that was damaged during a strom, thus allowing parishioners to continue worshipping during construction. Once completed, they dismantled the original church and removed it piece by piece through the front door - much like the ship in a bottle in reverse.
We also saw a number of Scottish Highland cows adjacent to the church relaxing in the grass.
In Sund we got a close-up demonstration from the local blacksmith producing unique cormorant iron birds, an important fisherman's symbol and bird common to the area. Some of his equipment was over 100 years old. This artisan has become famous in Norway and his creations can be found throughout Norway and Europe. After making one for us to see the process, he turned to his pride and joy - an antique hand crank music box. Beautiful, soothing music. He was quite the character reminding us of the professor in Back to the Future.
We also stopped in the Kafe next door for a home made waffle - and wow, was it tasty! The cooks were very happy to have their picture taken.
Our last stop was Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nusfjord was one of the most idyllic and best preserved fishing villages in Norway, winning the European Architectural Heritage Award in 1975.
We were once again blessed because we did not get wet at any stop, although we had a slight drizzle at our first stop. Back onboard this afternoon, the sun began to appear.
Tonight we departed Norway enroute to the Shetland Islands, Scotland. A very successful cruise through the fjords of Norway especially for Bill as it was on his bucket list.
Our tour took us to "Flakstad Church, Sund and Nusfjord". Flakstad Church was rebuilt in 1780. What's most unique is they built it over the previous church that was damaged during a strom, thus allowing parishioners to continue worshipping during construction. Once completed, they dismantled the original church and removed it piece by piece through the front door - much like the ship in a bottle in reverse.
We also saw a number of Scottish Highland cows adjacent to the church relaxing in the grass.
In Sund we got a close-up demonstration from the local blacksmith producing unique cormorant iron birds, an important fisherman's symbol and bird common to the area. Some of his equipment was over 100 years old. This artisan has become famous in Norway and his creations can be found throughout Norway and Europe. After making one for us to see the process, he turned to his pride and joy - an antique hand crank music box. Beautiful, soothing music. He was quite the character reminding us of the professor in Back to the Future.
We also stopped in the Kafe next door for a home made waffle - and wow, was it tasty! The cooks were very happy to have their picture taken.
Our last stop was Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nusfjord was one of the most idyllic and best preserved fishing villages in Norway, winning the European Architectural Heritage Award in 1975.
We were once again blessed because we did not get wet at any stop, although we had a slight drizzle at our first stop. Back onboard this afternoon, the sun began to appear.
Tonight we departed Norway enroute to the Shetland Islands, Scotland. A very successful cruise through the fjords of Norway especially for Bill as it was on his bucket list.
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