Adelle, Norwegian Fjords, Copenhagen, and the Eight Rules for Waiting…
Hi players,
I was ambivalent about traveling at this time, with everything happening in Israel, but I needed some quiet and quality family time (three generations…) away from the chaos.
Waiting for the trip was unusual as everything could go wrong until the very last minute: airport closure, flight cancellation, or any catastrophic deterioration in the area.
Since the horrific attacks on Oct 7th,2023, our life's 'normal' state has been waiting.
Waiting for the hostages to come back
Waiting for an attack (either Iran, Hizbullah, Chutim, Hamas..the list of ‘friendly’ neighbors keeps growing)
Waiting for the next siren, the next rockets
Waiting for the end of the war
Waiting to go back to normality…
Waiting is not a new concept for people as we are always waiting for something: the final exam, the right partner, the promised promotion, the next vacation…
Fill in the blank _____
Waiting is part of life.
I am terrible at waiting 😎
My patience level is very low, so I expect things to happen on my terms at my own pace.
Looking at the ‘waiting’ list above, you can clearly understand that “my way” has no impact on the ‘waiting’ list.
Traveling always provides me with a different perspective on things.
Therefore, I was curious to discover how I can effectively handle ‘waiting’ when I have little or no control over it…
Adelle in Munich. Incredible performance
My first ‘waiting’ challenge was Adelle’s concert in Munich.
Adelle's concert has been on my bucket list for many years. She usually performs in Vegas, so traveling all the way there was not a viable option, so I have waited…
She finally declared that she would reside in Munich. Woohoo..That’s doable
We booked the tickets and hoped she wouldn’t cancel, as she did before, or the flight would be canceled.
The latter did happen, and we found an alternative flight. The whole thing was pricey but worth it.
She is phenomenal.
The first rule to handle ‘waiting’ effectively
Set a goal even when you have yet to learn when and how to achieve it.
The goal setting will remind you to revisit the possibility occasionally until the opportunity knocks on your door.
It is about knowing you want it and declaring you want it.
Blue-ish Night at Bergen, Norway
We flew from Munich to Bergen, Norway, to start our family vacation.
We booked separate flights based on different needs and waited, hoping everyone's flights would be on time.
Waiting can be stressful, as it creates uncertainty about our plans.
We booked two nights in Bergen, so we will have some flexibility if anyone’s flight is delayed.
Worst case, we’ll have less time to explore Bergen.
The second rule to handle ‘waiting’ effectively
Minimize stress due to uncertainty as much as possible by incorporating flexibility pockets into your plans.
It is about how you control the stress level while you wait ….
The stairs (1333) from Ulriken. Take the cable down. You'll thank me
Bergen was lovely; we had time to explore it slowly. We took the funicular (Flobanen) to watch the beautiful sunset and used the extra time to hike up and down (a little challenging),
We took the cable car up Ulrekin Mountain and went down 1333 steps.
It was hard. As we went down the uneven stairs, struggling with them, every muscle in my legs shook. I saw locals running up.
Probably, they hate waiting for the cable car.:)
We should have waited, but as we say, you don’t cry over spilled milk; you drink hot chocolate at Fjåk Chocolate as a consolation prize.
The third rule to handle ‘waiting’ effectively
Waiting is not wasted; some things are worth waiting for…(like a cable car going down)
It is about knowing your limitations and waiting for the right thing.
Use your ‘waiting’ time wisely, do thorough research, and learn the best options. (we didn’t, aka, my muscles…)
Bergen sunset from the top of Mount Floyen
It was time to leave the city and drive north to the famous Norwegian Fjords. It was time for nature. I couldn’t wait…for the fresh air to fill my lungs.
As soon as we left the city, the landscape changed.
The famous Mirror Lakes were our partner for the ride.
As I watched the still water waiting for the wind or the stream to move them, the perfect reflections, I discovered the fourth rule …
Norway's typical landscape. Mirror lakes, green lushes, and sheep
The fourth rule to handle ‘waiting’ effectively
Only waiting and being still can create clarity, a clear reflection.
If you are forced to wait, it’s an opertunity to take time just to be. Uncovering more of the details of your whole being
Under a waterfall. There are too many waterfalls to remember, which is which. Just drive and look around
More so,
Looking at the beautiful fjords and the enormous glaciers that are sadly melting, creating incredible waterfalls,
I understand why waiting for things to mature is crucial.
It took millions of years for ice and water to carve deep into the land masses, creating the wild beauty of the Fjords. The landscapes are breathtaking.
Some things, especially the creation of beauty, cannot be rushed; it requires time. It's the waiting that reveals the results of your efforts.
The fifth rule to handle ‘waiting’ effectively
Waiting can be a gift, as it allows space. You get to choose how you fill the space;
you either fill it with worry or create something beautiful.
This trip was a great space filled with beautiful memories shared with our family.
We were fortunate to find an Airbnb in Aurland overlooking the Fjord.
It is highly recommended accommodation for a big family.
From the comfort of the balcony, I was treated to a unique spectacle of nature. The sunrise, the sunset, and the ever-changing clouds over the Fjord were a sight to behold.
Only by patiently waiting for these natural transitions could I fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
A view from the balcony at Aurlandsfjord Panorama
The Sixth rule to handle ‘waiting’ effectively
Perspective and expertise are gained through waiting.
You can’t expect to become an expert if you don't experience it from all possible angles, at different times, or under other circumstances.
(according to research, you need 10,000 hours to be considered an expert; that’s a lot of time to wait to become one…)
Naturally, things don’t necessarily happen simultaneously. There is a season for everything.
Waiting for the season, waiting for the right moment to experience something, is how you learn to handle different situations.
Waiting for maturity is part of the learning process. Adapting a learner’s attitude will make you appreciate waiting more.
Perfect spot somewhere...
We enjoyed our time in the AurlandFjord area.
We took a pleasant two-hour boat ride and did some easy hiking, enjoying the mountains and waterfalls
you can find many suggestions online to match the level of difficulty to your liking
A two-hour drive took us as near as possible to see the glaciers;
if you want to walk on one, it’s a longer hike that we decided not to take.
Easy was what I needed on this trip. I had enough challenges back home.
Night stay at Voss. Rainy day, coffee time
We left the Fjords fully charged with fresh air and mesmerizing scenery
The next stop was Oslo.
We decided to take a train from Bergen to Oslo (7 hours) to enjoy the views and rest without the need to drive or take another flight. Unfortunately, the weather on the ride was not in our favor, and the visibility in many parts was poor.
Occasionally, we enjoyed looking out through the wet window, and we witnessed the highest train station between Bergen and Oslo in Finse, which is known as the training place for the South Pole expedition
There was a lot of waiting until the journey ended.
I used most of the time to binge a series on Netflix that my son had downloaded, just in case…
On the train...
The Seventh rule to handle ‘waiting’ effectively
It is ok not to be as effective while waiting
It’s okay to indulge ourselves and pass the time without achieving a big purpose.
Escapism is not overrated. Don’t feel guilty about doing mundane staff while waiting for the next great goal
Street in Oslo, enjoying an hour of sun
We spent less than a day in Oslo, which rained most of the time.
Nevertheless, we had a tasty dinner (fish and chips…😋)
and rested a little before our flight to Copenhagen.
It was a light transition back to the fast pace of the big city.
We enjoyed Copenhagen.
With almost three days in Copenhagen, we embraced a leisurely pace, allowing us to truly soak in the city's charm and beauty.
As the city provided many options and we had different preferences and needs, everyone chose their things,
whether just wandering the streets, drinking specialty coffee, enjoying the Tivoli Gardens museums, or eating in the local restaurants and markets
It was my second time in Copenhagen, and I still can’t understand the attraction around the little mermaid sculpture. Maybe she has a secret worth knowing.
I am waiting for a revelation…
Copenhagen, cleaning the booth in a local market. Refen street food
At this point, I was ready to go back home and was waiting to return to the comfort of my bed...
The Eighth rule to handle ‘waiting’ effectively
Waiting is better when you are ‘waiting’ in your happy place, where you can relax, feel comfortable, and feel at home.
It was a great family time and also a learning experience on waiting.
I am not sure I will be a better ‘wait-er’, but I promise to try…
Playfully yours,
Rina😊
By the way..the photos fail to express how beautiful it is, so you must see it with your own eyes.
Here are some spots on our trip (sorry for the complicated names):
Flam
Vossvangen
Fossen Bratte
Steinsdalsfossen
Spildegarden (cider tasting)
Bjørnefjorden
Tyrvefjøra (unique restroom…)
Skjervsfossen Waterfall
Bordalsgjelet Gorge
Stalheimskleiva
Stegastein- LOOKOUT
Aurlandsfjellet scenic route (north entry Lærdalsøyri)
Gamle Aurlandsvegen
Aurlandsfjellet
Bøyabreen Glacier viewpoint
Sogndalsfjøra
