folgefonna and the norwegian summer

so much (and so little) has happened in the past 4 weeks i havent even had any time to keep up with writing here in my blog. that weird transition phase, the days when youre homesick or feeling bummed out, the days when nothing makes sense--they have all passed and im beginning to really understand how precious life is here...

folgefonna brought me back to the roots of why i came here to norway. granted, there was many more stresses and rediculous things that happened this time, however, it was all part of an experience that i would relive time and time again if it were possible.

fonna truly is heaven on earth. there is nowhere like it in the world, or even anywhere else in norway. not only is it entirely beautiful and picturesque (even on a rainy day), but it is more the "we are one big family" vibe that makes it the special place it is. going to fonna is so much more than just skiing and snowboarding-- for the amount of time you're there, it just seems everyone comes together and looses themselves in this place. everyone becomes friends, and meeting new people that you end up loving in the end happens by the dozen. when its raining or when there perhaps is a slight glitch in the program, everyone has your back and those moments pass with ease. time is spent chilling around a campfire, with those you just met but feel as if you have known your whole life. no one cares to straighten their hair, apply makeup, and even at times, shower...there is no facebook or television...just people, nature, and of course, some beer. life is just at peace and every moment counts.

by the time you have to leave fonna, everyone already wants to go back--but we all know that, while we want to relive the time we spent at fonna, we can't until next year--because all those people who make it what it is, are gone too.

fonna lives in all our hearts as a special place and experience that can not be recreated in any other way. throughout the year, we feed off the warm memories we have, and count down the days until its time for fonna again next year....

upon returning from fonna, life in no way returned back to normal! the norwegian summer is unlike anything ive experienced. if i thought life slowed down and was peaceful before, i didn't know what was headed my way on a sunny warm day in the brunt of summer in norway! first of all, almost the entire country is on vacation..most away at summer cabins, some traveling to other countries, and some relaxing at home enjoying the true colors and life of norway in the summer. everything is about chilling...the entire country just seems to know the value of how to make every second be enjoyed and last forever while doing absolutely nothing at all. friends and family become of even more utmost importance, and life just seems to be how it was meant to be. while there are still stresses and bad things that happen...norwegians remember that summer is no time to stress...to say it bluntly, its more like everyone took a giant chill pill and the world is okay. i don't really know how to describe it, but--maybe words do not need to be spoken. but, as it is summer here in norway, and even though its raining and a mere 17 degrees out (about 62 for those of you needing fahrenheit), theres still people waiting to chill and things to be doing NOT on the computer.

i love and miss you all....enjoy your summer while its here ;)