However fragile, first impressions are emotionally powerful. Before making the trek to Western Norway, we had read in travel guides and heard from friends about the infamously rainy climate in Bergen. I am a sunshine person. For this Wyoming native, there is nothing that evokes a better feeling in the gut than a crisp, blue, bright, eye-squinting sky. It's even better when dotted with a few puffy clouds and a view for miles across the horizon. This narrative just shows you that yes, the land is around and within. The dirt of my upbringing must somehow be in my genetic disposition for sky and sun. A diatribe about weather may seem extreme for those of you who did not have the wind-swept skies of the American West forming your perspective and putting oxygen in your lungs, but I assure you that it is important. Although my weather sensitivity might be extreme, my perspective is not quite the outlier assumed and you will find many a folk in my hometown complaining and grumping around after a day or two (yes, just one or two days!) of overcast weather. The sky is important and connected to my mood, outlook, and energy.
A long way to say, that I wasn't sure I would be enamored with Bergen, however beautiful the fjords and landscape, if the skyscape was a constant gray drizzle. Good thing the universe had something else planned.
Out comes the sun! Can you believe that our first day in Bergen was spectacularly clear and sunny, sparkling and fresh? I am completely charmed by the mountains surrounding the city and accessible hiking from the city center. The wooden Hansa-inspired architecture is playfully mixed with modern Scandinavian design. Coffee and cinnamon buns (the local skillingsbolle are apparently Bergen originals). Light-filled afternoon. What a great first day!
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