Norwegian Home

Currently Joe and I are living with Marit & Jarl Gulla (relatives of Joe) in the Spetal community near Fredrikstad, Norway. I say that we are living here, not because it will be too much longer than any other stay we have had, but rather because we have been welcomed into a home. It has truly been a blessing to feel so welcome. We definitely needed this. So far they have spoiled us; feeding us, taking us around Fredrikstad, feeding us again. We could not ask for anything more.

In Fredrikstad, we were able to see the Fortress, which what is now referred to as Old Town. It is a uniquely star shaped fort surrounded by water and then grass hills, both for defense purposes, as the town lies on the mouth of an important (rather long) river. Here is a picture on a map:

We went through a museum within the fort and then walked around the top of the hill for some ways around. Although it was quite different than the forts back home, I felt a similar feeling to that of walking around Fort Nisqually back home when I was younger. That night after an amazing dinner of balls (actually called balls and literally balls made from fish and potatoes), we took a walk around the community and to the marina where they have a boat (hopefully we will get to go out on it). There was a wonderfully crisp night with a beautiful sunset.

And then back home to our cozy beds...