Farewell from Norway

Sunday 4th to Tuesday 6th October 2020:

Now the day has come, the day on which I have to say goodbye. Goodbye to my beloved farm, goodbye to my island, and unfortunately, I also said goodbye to my dear friend Lothar a few days ago. I have realized that I can only fulfill my vision of traveling the world alone. Then I will have the most beautiful encounters and most unexpected experiences. I feel like my life is flowing, gliding on a wave with a happy heart that could explode with joy and happiness. And I have a deep knowledge inside me that everything is one, and I am always protected everywhere.

Today I pack my things a little differently because I can no longer use the bike and trailer. I have booked a flight to Antalya. I will continue with my big backpack on my back and a small backpack in front. I can fit my tent quite well in the bags, except for a few things that I will leave here, I am bringing everything. I am quite good at packing. Tom, my Dutch friend and colleague, will take me to Lillesand at the gas station, which is right at the entrance to the highway to Oslo. I want to hitchhike to Oslo. It's the first time I'm traveling by hitchhiking... it will be exciting 😅

Tom and I have a final coffee with our hosts. They say we are welcome to come back anytime, whether for a short time or longer, it doesn't matter. It's really nice to hear. I am sad when we say goodbye for the last time, but I know it's time for new encounters.

Tom takes me to the highway in pouring rain. There is no prospect of the weather changing. The weather matches my mood a little 😭😂

So, how does hitchhiking work now...? Is it best to approach the drivers at the gas station or just hold up my thumb on the ramp to the highway? I'll try both. I feel a bit lost right now 😁 And then this rain, which has already soaked me completely. I put down my backpacks and take a deep breath. I watch a young man running quickly to his car to avoid getting too much rain. Well, I'll ask him now... it's worth a try. When I ask him if he is going to Oslo and could give me a ride, he responds with a short 'Why?' A moment I have to search for an answer, I was so surprised by this question. 😂 He doesn't hesitate long with his decision and invites me to ride with him. Truly an angel... I think. We squeeze my luggage next to his luggage in the small Peugeot, and off we go on the highway. Javier, a young Chilean, is on his way to Oslo. We have very nice and interesting conversations. The journey passes quickly. I tell him about my couchsurfing requests that I have started. So far, I haven't received any confirmation for a couch tonight. Javier spontaneously asks me if he should ask a good friend of his in Oslo, who is just as crazy as me🤭 She is from Belgium and is currently working on an apple farm. She would have to check with the landlords first, then she will get back to me. She responds with a short message: 'You can bring her.' Oh, how sweet! Now I also have a place to sleep🙏🤭. I am so happy.

Arriving in Oslo, we drive uphill a bit and are immediately surrounded by nature, amidst fields and forests, in a graceful hilly landscape in colorful autumn colors. It is still pouring rain. We search for the cottage on the apple farm where Valerie, Javier's girlfriend, lives. We are warmly welcomed by a very lovely young lady, Valerie. After a 'cheers' with a super tasty apple juice to our new acquaintance, the two decide to enjoy Oslo's nightlife a bit. We go to a Latino bar where there is live music tonight. The hygiene regulations due to Covid-19 have been tightened in Oslo in recent days. The table is assigned to us, right in the front row directly in front of the band. We receive some instructions from the staff and then enjoy the evening and the beautiful Cuban music.

Valerie is off work on Monday, the timing is perfect! The weather is fantastically beautiful with sunshine and about 16 degrees Celsius, so we go on a little hike to a small mountain on the outskirts of Oslo. A magnificent view presents itself to us over the Oslo Fjord and the city. From up here, the fjord with its islands and ships looks like a toy land.

In the afternoon, we go to a second viewpoint, the Ekeberg Public Park. Here we take a walk. It is beautiful😇 The leaves of the trees shine in different colors, and there are many fascinating artworks to discover in the park. We end the day with a cup of coffee overlooking the sunset over the fjord. It is a beautiful day.

It is Tuesday, the 6th of October 2020. My last day in Norway begins😳. Tomorrow I will board the plane and head south. Two souls are speaking in my chest. I have grown infinitely fond of Norway. All the people who have welcomed me here and with whom I have spent time... I am very grateful for all that🙏. And it makes me especially happy that I have met Valerie and Javier. I feel like we have known each other for a long time.

The second voice in me says the journey continues... I want to discover the whole world🤗. And the prospect of warmth, sunshine, and the sea cheers me up😇.

Today I'm staying 'at home' for once. Valerie has to work and I can make myself comfortable in her apartment. I enjoy the tranquility on this uncomfortable rainy day.

In the late afternoon, the house is full again. We are now four, and another friend is coming over. We cook and eat together and have a fun evening.

Now it's time to say goodbye. My dear friend Javier takes me to the train station.

I am grateful for the wonderful time here in Oslo with my friends🙏🙏🙏

I am grateful for the beautiful time in Oslo🙏🙏🙏