R for Rosendal

We grew up together, my friend and I. She lived right next door, and we ran in and out of each others homes like they were our own. We walked to school together, played, hang out and shared our deepest secrets. She was - and still is like a sister to me, this life long friend who you know will always be there, because she is family. Today you will hear her voice on my blog. My dear friend Torill will take us to her beloved dream destination. Thank you for saying yes, Torill  - and get ready dear reader. I think you will enjoy this: 

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It's that feeling from the childhood summers: Norwegian nature, peace and quiet, birds chirping and blooming apple trees. Sun over tall snowy peaks, the river from the mountains, green meadows, and the feeling that time does not move. A fairy-tale landscape.

It is in my soul - in my identity.

Rosendal  (= the valley of the roses) is for me the very pulse of Norway. A treasure at the Hardanger Fjord that reminds me of folk music and folk songs. Those powerful impressions from the nature fills me up with new energy. I can understand how the artists Grieg, Bull and Sæverud found inspiration for their music in the Norwegian nature.

The Hardanger Fjord in both rain and fog and sparkling like silver in the spring sunshine. It always brightens in the horizon as we approach Rosendal. The hope. There is always hope when there is light in the horizon.

Rosendal also balances the exotic abroad with Norwegian cultural heritage through the little castle: The Barony. This jewel of a property from the 1600s. A touch of middle-European decadence in between all the Norwegian - it makes Rosendal an integrated part of a larger world .

The garden of the Barony castle. 

The Art Gallery of Gudal. An intriguing element where the eye and mind can rest in art pictures and beautiful pottery and glass art.

The Hospitality.

Coffee and milk cake.

A slice of bread with cheese and jam from home - picked raspberries.

Sun in the front yard.

Here I come again and again to find balance, harmony and energy.

My Rosendal.

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Aaahhh - only one word comes to my mind now: harmony. Thanks again dear friend for sharing your paradise with us. After sliding down those icy slopes in Quebec on Saturday, this was yet another type of a dreamy destination. And we are moving on... Another dream destination is waiting for us tomorrow and - guess what? It starts with an S....

1-30 April I participate in the A to Z blogger challenge, and this post is written as a part of that challenge. Check out some amazing participating blogs here. My theme for the challenge is Dream Destinations. I hope you had fun coming along? Please stay tuned for a new destination tomorrow. 

Go to a-to-zchallenge.com