Tusen takk for å ha meg Norge - se deg neste år

Can you believe it... its raining in Ulvik... Now there's a surprise! Well this is my last blog from Norway. The car is packed to the gunnels and i'm just hanging out waiting for tomorrow to arrive, Then its a 7 hour jaunt across the country to Brevik, even though its only 300 miles its like driving back and forth to Meribel from Moutiers, Twisty mountain roads that go on forever. This time however I will be doing it in the day instead of the murky sunset / sunrise of may. Weird how 5 months ago we had only 1 hour of darkness per night here and now its almost like Britain. I have to be at the port at least 5 hours before departure as the cargo ship i'm traveling on needs to load me before packing its decks with containers. 3am we are due to set sail and then I guess its 41 hours of chilling out in my cabin. Not much else to do surrounded by water for so long. Still, now I know what to expect, I have supplies, music and films with me to while away the hours.

I really am going to miss this place, Hopefully I will get posted back here again next year, who knows, i have the winter to get through yet. Still, new challenges every season, new faces, new beginnings, Its all life experience.

I can honestly say the Norwegians are among the nicest people I have ever met. Such a great way of life out here. For example, I took some unused tickets back to the station the other day, they just took them off me, said they would return them to head office and we would be credited for them... and so it was done. So easy. Can you imagine that in England... I never received them, what tickets? who are you? I want a receipt for them bla bla bla...They are of such a trusting nature, and it makes you the same way.

Well to all my new found friends over here, a thousand thanks for making this the most memorable season of my life, I will be back, I will miss you all, and look after the place in my absence.

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Shut your eyes and think of somewhere.....

Al though I have been a little quiet on here lately I must just say that its going to get quieter. My time in Norway is almost up and in less than a fortnight I will be back on that cargo ship to the UK. I was scheduled to be on the boat on the 16th September but with some jiggling and juggling it has now been put back to the 23rd dropping me in the lovely town of Immingham on the 25th.

For saying that we are slowly closing the operation down, the last couple of weeks have been manic. After the Judges trotted of up north in search of trolls, my folks descended on Voss of a long weekend. I think they enjoyed themselves, taking in Ulvik, Norway in a Nutshell and a day out in Bergen (yes it rained) to mention but a few. Izzy returned from Sweden stocked up with her mouth teabag nicotine thingy's... (I have no idea, so don't ask:) so normal service has been resumed once more. The 'Boys' from the Green Cafe have been fired for.... well what haven't they been fired for... late serving, underage serving, partying until way after Ulviks bedtime and generally being 20 year old's in charge of Ulviks most happening bar.

Needless to say the Friday night gatherings continued at the Red Cafe, with more of a 'relaxed' atmosphere. Even George is back on the scene! Adina has left Norway (Our woman in Loen) without even meeting me! Neil has packed and is ready for the off on Wednesday and I've just said goodbye to Rich who is off on Friday. Looks like i'll be the last one holding the flag of st George till the very end.

This is a first too.... last week my clients leaving Voss for Balestrand got out of the taxi during the ferry crossing, when it docked at Hella, the first port, they got off, not realizing the boat then carried on to Dragsvik. With the driver in Dragsvik and the passengers in Hella I get a phone call telling me what has happened.... Easily resolved but trying not to laugh was harder. They were so embarrassed when they passed back through Voss on Sunday. Good job we have a good communications network over here!

Well, I'm about to start packing up the flat and eventually loading the car, My plan is to move down to Ulvik for the last week as the Brakanes Hotel seem to be the only ones who want to feed me. Then a few days tidying up any loose ends before the off.

I'm sure I'll write some more before then but if not... see you on the other side.... i'm not looking forward to a couple of months in the UK but it will be cool to catch up with a few people too.....

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