We could not have had a more perfect day! I think even Rebecca, who worked so hard at driving yesterday, thinks the same thing. It was all worth it to be back in Ulvik and see our cousins again!
We walked around town in the early morning before seeing Gudrun and the family. As always, Ulvik is gorgeous…but now the cherry trees are blossoming with plum and apple soon to begin.
All that hard work at learning Norwegian was worth it for I could converse somewhat with Gudrun in Norwegian - even though she speaks Nynorsk and I speak in Bokmål! (Rebecca has always been able to converse with her!) It made the day so special. Gudrun’s niece and husband came, and the five of us went to Syse Gard (gard is the word for farm.) The five-generation farm raises fruit, makes ciders and jams, and smokes a variety of locally raised meats. Our lunch consisted of a huge tray of meats, cheeses, toppings, jams, jellys, bread, flatbread, and apple juice. Sitting high above, looking at the Hardanger Fjord on the brightest, sunniest day we’ve had in Norway thus far, my heart was filled with such joy!
Later in the day came more food…something I remembered from the past… not just one type of lefse, but two….a three-layered cake…then an ice cream cake…later came fresh cut fruit.
It was fun to look at old photos. One was of the two of us and our mom when visiting Gudrun 24 years ago and celebrating Gudrun’s 70th birthday. How we have all changed!
Goodbyes are always difficult and this one for sure, was most difficult to do. Gudrun is the truest form of a strong, Norwegian woman. At almost 94, her house is immaculate and this will be her first summer not to mow her own yard. Impressive, right?
Ulvik is called “The Pearl of Hardanger” and one can certainly see why! We are sad to leave here tomorrow!
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