Words and pictures by the author for TravelingBoy.com
Let me ask you what might seem like a funny question. Do you ever think about smells when you’re on vacation? No, I don’t mean any of those truly dreadful smells we’re all familiar with, I’m talking about ones that, when you get even whiff of it someplace, it brings back – instantly – wonderful memories of a unique vacation. I mention this as the other day I saw a photo of Bergen, in Norway, and it reminded me of the marvelous, and thoroughly intoxicating aroma I inhaled, as I entered the home – and now Museum – of the world famous composer Edvard Grieg in that lovely city.
Located right above Bergen – and you can see by the photo with this story what a stunning place Bergen is – Grieg’s home sits atop a picture perfect hillside that looks down on Bergen. As I walked into his home I was transported back in time to not only where he lived and worked, but also to an era when everything was less rushed. As I walked, very slowly, into each room (savoring the maximum benefit of this, well, scent) my nostrils relished the bewitching aroma of pine floors that were, like a fine wine, aged to perfection. Just smelling all this muskiness, made me feel refreshed.
This one-of-a-kind museum is located about 5 miles from Bergen, with the captivating name of TROLDHAUGEN – which I felt was also truly magical, as it means “Hills of the Trolls,” and it was his home for 22 years. The city of Bergen has re-created it, as it was during his lifetime, and it’s the kind of vacation experience that’s so special, you’ll remember it for the rest of your life with fondness and good feelings. In addition to the heady and woodsy aroma that I found so calming, it surprised me to find out how short Grieg was. Somehow I’d pictured him as being tall and aristocratic for some reason. But as you enter his home, you’ll see a small, almost toy looking statue. Asking the guide who and what it was, I was told, “Yes, that’s Mr. Grieg, and he was rather on the short side shall we say.”
The marvelous mementos in his home are equally fascinating, as this is where he composed some his greatest works, including the immortal Peer Gynt Suite. To learn much more about all this, let me recommend two specific ideas. One, that you plan on going to Norway to see his home for yourself – and, of course (!) all the other multitude of intriguing things to see and do in “Natural Norway.” Second, Type in Google, and then type in Edvard Grieg home, Bergen, Norway, and you’ll discover a mass intriguing websites on this Norwegian genius. Before you actually go to any of the websites, please do this. At the top of your screen you’ll see numerous words, starting with YOU. Then SEARCH, then IMAGES. Click on Images and you’ll find a stunning collection of top notch pictures of Grieg’s home – interior and exterior.
As Norway has so many fabulous fjords and magnificent mountains, I’d often pondered what – or how – would be the best way to see this lovely country.
What about by cruise ship?
One of the Hurtigruten cruise ships
Yeah, no kidding, I took one of the superb, modern and in my view luxurious ships’ of Norwegian Coastal Voyages, but now known as Hurtigruten Voyages. Go online and type in Norwegian Coastal Voyages for their, and the Hurtigruten story. I sailed with them from Bergen all the way up to Kirkenes in the north, and we stopped at about 70 or so places – but, I hear you say, that’s too many for me. No, it isn’t, as most of them are only for a few minutes as they drop off – and pick up – cargo, mail and now and again, one or two new passengers.
Yes, it WAS very early in the morning, but I was able to get a photo of exactly what I’ve just shared with you – one (!) passenger disembarks our ship!
And it’s all truly fascinating. But they also stop for all day tourist excursions at places like Tromso, Alesund and Trondheim. If you’ve found out and learned something you never knew before you read THIS story, and if you want to read about more offbeat travel places (and other ideas in travel around the world) be sure YOU stop here to read my frequent Traveling Boy Travel With A Difference features.
