tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80138239867589423902024-03-05T18:03:18.836+01:00FlyDrive Norway's BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-68283827969988467172015-12-09T14:29:00.000+01:002015-12-09T14:29:06.333+01:00Winter 2016<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk91fHyGXYIe_hDS_bXlk0NjthqUarzpT5kNrg8vevuvSvEayVruNLHTdmHR-wBdsh65FlWind0TdrmZtK59q5n4UqikHEUI_m6XuYsAXrZELUgxh58p8cN6F8tPhvBFMDfPgGBTQ5HuQ/s1600/flydrive.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk91fHyGXYIe_hDS_bXlk0NjthqUarzpT5kNrg8vevuvSvEayVruNLHTdmHR-wBdsh65FlWind0TdrmZtK59q5n4UqikHEUI_m6XuYsAXrZELUgxh58p8cN6F8tPhvBFMDfPgGBTQ5HuQ/s1600/flydrive.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Good Afternoon Flydrivers!</i></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUZr_D_KA6JxCSj9Iv1AZb7KaegYNLFjHQ5pj_1LO55vf9C_opmxwqHZ51FcLYWGIdwJ_cyrgAu4G7bDhkKEYx3zMgGYTcH37SZ4xqMSZQg8yxvi5LBObiv745gaYhrq1ucAX9HCh-r4/s1600/ski_i_hafjell_medium-SNOW.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUZr_D_KA6JxCSj9Iv1AZb7KaegYNLFjHQ5pj_1LO55vf9C_opmxwqHZ51FcLYWGIdwJ_cyrgAu4G7bDhkKEYx3zMgGYTcH37SZ4xqMSZQg8yxvi5LBObiv745gaYhrq1ucAX9HCh-r4/s1600/ski_i_hafjell_medium-SNOW.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today we are getting excited about the winter season! The snow is on it's way and we have been checking out where we want to go this winter, as well as what we want to be wearing, and more importantly, what we want to be riding!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d3OoulaLexnIuEa59Jl_mGD8GVgyWmzuv6Z3HOj_XojVn2xmo-GFWKQYajjPduit4gkgKn3ar5FKoPdNr7Ei7n7zysZ3XNXXYLD6yBuUVt2MrfvV_LzKU6UnPLYVBWT1C9PMTzqAIIg/s1600/12231481_10153812289448203_1865589723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d3OoulaLexnIuEa59Jl_mGD8GVgyWmzuv6Z3HOj_XojVn2xmo-GFWKQYajjPduit4gkgKn3ar5FKoPdNr7Ei7n7zysZ3XNXXYLD6yBuUVt2MrfvV_LzKU6UnPLYVBWT1C9PMTzqAIIg/s320/12231481_10153812289448203_1865589723_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are many resorts already open in Norway, including <span style="color: blue;">Beitostølen, Gålå, Geilo, Hafjell, Kvitfjell, Hemsedal, Trysil and Voss and Myrkdalen</span>. Not all of these resorts have all of their slopes open, but there is plenty of skiing to be done, with most of these resorts having at least 2 lifts open.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are plenty more resorts opening this weekend too, you can check out more details here:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><a href="http://www.onthesnow.com/norway/projected-openings.html">http://www.onthesnow.com/norway/projected-openings.html</a></u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1lYNai-UvNwUlJmPo5CBO4GgNMgpSweAZrRt0Kd7p88oGIc8ciuU67eLVQUaTuzWcV0-qg6aBP2NFmIC0FP8azmYfVBd_cQtbrqLaMimNFfi1G_ABrAaNhDMj7if0T4EFVJ1bE3vt1Y/s1600/Beitostolen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1lYNai-UvNwUlJmPo5CBO4GgNMgpSweAZrRt0Kd7p88oGIc8ciuU67eLVQUaTuzWcV0-qg6aBP2NFmIC0FP8azmYfVBd_cQtbrqLaMimNFfi1G_ABrAaNhDMj7if0T4EFVJ1bE3vt1Y/s320/Beitostolen.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We've also been checking out gear for this winter, and there's just so much to get excited about! The guys over at In The Snow Magazine have kept things nice and easy for us with their recommendations for gear to be seen in and with this winter...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><a href="http://www.inthesnow.com/gear/">http://www.inthesnow.com/gear/</a></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you're interested in booking your own trip to Norway, and you want info about where to go, what's open, or any general enquiries on travel in and around Norway, please contact us:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/book/">http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/book/</a></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><a href="mailto:enquiries@flydrivenorway.co.uk">enquiries@flydrivenorway.co.uk</a></u></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-84311204091336700782015-11-17T11:38:00.000+01:002015-11-17T11:38:48.803+01:00<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Good Morning from FlyDrive HQ!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Today we are planning our Fjord tour covering Voss, Myrkdalen, Sogndal, Harpefossen, Volda, Ørsta, Stranda and Bjorli.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">According to the National Geographic Traveller, Fjord Norway is “The world’s most iconic destination”. Combine the deepest snow, with breathtaking fjord views, this area provides a giant playground with varied and exciting terrain. A unique experience with superb alpine skiing, ski touring, cross country and free skiing, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure in a winter paradise, with dramatic scenery sure to amaze any visitor. The ultimate skiing experience, though, is probably to ski from a mountain top all the way down to the shores of a fjord.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px;">You can get more information on our website here <b>- </b></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 25.6px;"><b><a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/ski-bum/the-fjord-tour/">http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/ski-bum/the-fjord-tour/</a></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 25.6px;">We also have some exciting news - we have journalists visiting various locations across the Fjord Tour, who will be writing articles for industry publications, and filming short videos to be published alongside!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 25.6px;"><br /></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0Norway60.47202399999999 8.4689459999999646.059231499999989 -32.839648000000039 74.884816499999985 49.777539999999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-16356570714156640582015-11-16T12:23:00.000+01:002015-11-16T12:23:21.736+01:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xhyRqd3OWOKW49P7hzyLlV3cKGDYrrtOtlYdinlO7CiU-UO9i1mQdsCRaqGUAmNMxaI_9RMM8LsXMSFZ3ymalOST3cNPwKXDMzPqk4_1eitWjfOYM2l9Lcc-L9rLVCPKb6-2VFOPf6E/s1600/12243347_1036974086334230_510142912843133051_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xhyRqd3OWOKW49P7hzyLlV3cKGDYrrtOtlYdinlO7CiU-UO9i1mQdsCRaqGUAmNMxaI_9RMM8LsXMSFZ3ymalOST3cNPwKXDMzPqk4_1eitWjfOYM2l9Lcc-L9rLVCPKb6-2VFOPf6E/s400/12243347_1036974086334230_510142912843133051_n.jpg" /></a>
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First snow in Hafjell, Norway this morning.<br />
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Looking forward to a fantastic Winter Season with Hafjell investing in snow production and new cannons, and the Youth Olympic Games to look forward to in the new year!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-88773889597314319822014-11-20T19:48:00.000+01:002014-11-20T19:48:31.768+01:00Road Trip around Norway by Jules Benjamin<div class="yiv4032970671MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415807142711_11493" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0px;">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415807142711_11492" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Road trip around Norway by Jules Benjamin</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415807142711_11499" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If the words ‘road trip’ send you into an instant despair at the thought of congestion, bustling motorway services, prolonged sections of speed enforcement and road works, you are probably used to driving in England. And it would be easy to dismiss the prospect if you base your assumptions on navigating your way around the UK. But thankfully, there are still some road networks in this world that are nothing but a pleasure to travel…</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415807142711_11501" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In September my girlfriend and I set off on a two week driving holiday around Norway, hiring a car so that we would have the freedom to do what we wanted, when we wanted. Our time only permitted us to circle the bottom third of the country, but there is more than enough there to fill the most generous of itineraries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">OSLO</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415807142711_11503" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We began our journey in the capital, Oslo. With an urban population of less than a million, Oslo has a modest and intimate feel for a capital city. Molded around the shores of the great Oslofjord, most of Oslo’s points of interest lie within a stone’s throw of the old town and the bay. Accommodation is plentiful and varied. There are many hotels, bed & breakfasts, rent-able apartments, camping… Or you can even indulge in the popular Scandinavian practice of paying somebody a small amount of money to sleep in their spare bed! We opted for a room with a shared bathroom in a hostel that was about 2 miles from the centre, but positioned just a couple of hundred yards from a railway station. The accommodation was basic but relatively cheap, and it offered free off road parking – a service that it’s easy to become obsessed with when planning a road trip.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">THE CITY THAT SLEEPS…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">Beware…public transport </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">seems to stop at about </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">midnight, so don’t get stuck </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">somewhere too far away, or </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">you might have to take a </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">pricey </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">taxi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As well as being an administrative and political centre, Oslo is hugely cultural. There are plenty of fine museums and auditoria, worthy of the many great writers, composers and artists from this great city, not to mention a beautiful new opera house that sits resplendent at the Bjørvika</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2666664123535px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">water’s edge. In spite of its size, Oslo also boasts a huge array of restaurants, bars, music venues and clubs, and there are plenty of quirky, independent shops, as well as the big names. And with its Germanic architecture and snow-lined streets, it’s a particularly beautiful place to visit around Christmas.</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">MONEY…</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;"><b>Yes, Oslo can be expensive, but</b></span><br />
<b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">then most European capitals </b><br />
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<b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">that the </b><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">city enjoys the highest </b><br />
<b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">standard of </b><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;">living in the world.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">CROSS COUNTRY</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415807142711_11526" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The one undeniable truth about driving in Norway is that you won’t get anywhere quickly. There’s a good reason the Romans did not invade this part of Europe – it would have meant completely rethinking their philosophy on roads. The reasons that it’s difficult to get anywhere quickly are the same as the reasons that you <i>don’t want to</i>. It’s because no matter where you are, or in what direction you are facing – what you see through your windows is unadulterated beauty. Miles and miles of picture postcard vistas, impressive mountain ranges, emerald green fjords, lakes and waterfalls, sea and sky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;"><b>TUNNELS…</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415807142711_11528">If you choose to take the E16 </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the coast, you will getto</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">drive </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">through </span><span lang="EN" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lærdal </span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tunnel. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">24.5km it is the world’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">longest tunnel.</span></span></h1>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415807142711_11542" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We chose to take road 7 to get us to our next destination of Bergen. This is a preferable route than the more southern E134 as road 7 takes you straight through <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415807142711_11544">Hardangervidda National Park, Norway’s largest national park. </span>It is a breathtaking drive as you rise higher and higher on to the Hardanger mountain plateau, above the tree level and into a terrain that has remained as it is since the last ice age. If you’re lucky you may also see some of the world’s largest reindeer herds migrating across the plateau.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">THE WEST COAST</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As Oslo surrounds the northern tip of the Oslofjord, so Bergen occupies most of the peninsula of Bergenshalvøyen.</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"> </span></i><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415807142711_11510" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nestled among seven mountains, Norway’s second largest city very much has the feel of many other European ports. It is bustling, alive with trading and markets, and everything is just a few beats per minute faster than Oslo. As the song says…this could be Liverpool or Rotterdam. Except it’s not. Bergen has a wonderfully distinctive character. The quaint and beautifully preserved architecture makes it very attractive in virtually every direction you face, no more so than Bryggen (Norwegian for ‘quay’), a collection of 61 very old wooden buildings that stand sentinel and peer out across the water. Unsurprisingly it is one of Norway’s 7 World Heritage sites. If you like a vibrant and bustling setting, with stunning buildings of antiquity, Bergen is the place for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 11.4133338928223px;"><b>PANORAMA…</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">For the best view of Bergen, take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of mount Fløyen<span class="yiv4032970671">. You will see the whole of the city, and the North Sea in the distance.</span></span></h1>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Alicia Wennberg</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNAfmljEfCljVwO-Q7u1Ou_46jqjji21OcmQTPBTe1nvN0-9efo3VUZWy5gU2Svw2uf5o0SVYfALxVo0G76BG2yNlUXaxdGr5Ecw53G_K-CiclB8CvMmvW78Ga82ch-2Ehb_XvvGnKL0/s1600/newsletter_logo+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNAfmljEfCljVwO-Q7u1Ou_46jqjji21OcmQTPBTe1nvN0-9efo3VUZWy5gU2Svw2uf5o0SVYfALxVo0G76BG2yNlUXaxdGr5Ecw53G_K-CiclB8CvMmvW78Ga82ch-2Ehb_XvvGnKL0/s1600/newsletter_logo+copy.jpg" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Skis at the ready!</i></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSJnJok3-KPxqmu4bbFtcqNdtRTiOor8KQ-Ga0D9K-bFnbP6jYR8oFVFqaDHidsa4vw6kU4HDf9d1xxWr1MgvRJDDk5Xb_VLfrxX6r8evcN2wqdm0g7gngNnUomWi0s1EyxXgfCHEblY/s1600/ski_i_hafjell_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSJnJok3-KPxqmu4bbFtcqNdtRTiOor8KQ-Ga0D9K-bFnbP6jYR8oFVFqaDHidsa4vw6kU4HDf9d1xxWr1MgvRJDDk5Xb_VLfrxX6r8evcN2wqdm0g7gngNnUomWi0s1EyxXgfCHEblY/s1600/ski_i_hafjell_medium.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the expensive Christmas period behind us, and the ski season well under way across Europe, now is the time to wash your ski gear and book that winter holiday. There are plenty of great deals for any size of group at our base here in Hafjell/Kvitfjell. With 68km of slopes to suit every standard, 26 lifts, and a multitude of extra activities, the region can accommodate the desires of all winter holiday makers. With flights from the UK at an all time low cost, now is the time to plan an affordable break in beautiful Norway. Chat to one of our representatives at <a href="http://www.norwegianwoodtravel.co.uk/" target="_blank">Norwegian Wood Travel</a> for available deals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>It's never too soon to plan your summer! </i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Rafting the Sjoa</i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV05SfNHM_az26DdgYD3u38aut0PrRSjW5kxPN7iDkLoWO-Un2t-QU2ldv84VVaaVezKRAk-ZnnWcBoZhWohqHqYSMllfPv_nxEtxmoBWOvDh-mXZtLGMf4cuZAqgGEOZh3h-_s9vs8M/s1600/heidal-rafting-day-trips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV05SfNHM_az26DdgYD3u38aut0PrRSjW5kxPN7iDkLoWO-Un2t-QU2ldv84VVaaVezKRAk-ZnnWcBoZhWohqHqYSMllfPv_nxEtxmoBWOvDh-mXZtLGMf4cuZAqgGEOZh3h-_s9vs8M/s1600/heidal-rafting-day-trips.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without doubt the best whitewater rafting destination in Scandinavia, and voted among the top ten in Europe, the Sjoa offers class II-V rapids, canyons and chutes, and the unparalleled vistas that only Norway can offer. Established over twenty years ago, <a href="http://www.heidalrafting.no/en/" target="_blank">Heidal Rafting</a> offers safe and professional activity breaks that encompass a wide variety of sports other than rafting - river boarding, canyoning, rope activities, glacier hiking, mountain riding and caving, to name but a few. With full instruction and an emphasis on safety, Heidal Rafting offers something for everybody. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> <span style="text-align: justify;">That's it for now - more next month!. In the meantime keep in touch - if you have any questions or need any help, call us in the UK on 01562 67707, or drop us an<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="mailto:enquiries@flydrivenorway.co.uk" target="_self">email</a></span><span style="text-align: justify;">!<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><small style="text-align: justify;"><small><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;"> </span></small></small><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-76498895554297880322013-08-08T19:43:00.003+02:002013-08-08T19:43:54.825+02:00Far From The Madding Crowd... Sometimes<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's hard to put into words just how frantic the last few weeks have been. Since the last blog instalment, I've been:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ålesund, across via Molde to Kristiansund, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">down past </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Åndalsnes to Lillehammer,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">back to Trondheim through Oppdal, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on into R</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">øros before heading west to Fagernes,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">continuing to Flåm and Voss</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before reaching Bergen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just in time to drive down to the Oslofjord,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you don't know Norway then that's just a list of Norwegian place names. To put it in perspective, I've put nearly 3000 miles on the car.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've driven on mountain roads, gravel roads, fast A roads, toll roads, through the world's longest road tunnel (twice), along the Atlantic Road, I've even driven the road to Hell:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-ehVNejJPGrCOFHMUXdP-T4_Cb9kVUffkQnIkPXtpFjdxGLUBsIZombySwwvQMD4EFzGWposXzmwMNWIqcj76-NtEdY_e6Z8U7mVQ0LsTM0Rpu92quasaZ9FLzwwc44YC2uSQKV52g8/s1600/P1010008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-ehVNejJPGrCOFHMUXdP-T4_Cb9kVUffkQnIkPXtpFjdxGLUBsIZombySwwvQMD4EFzGWposXzmwMNWIqcj76-NtEdY_e6Z8U7mVQ0LsTM0Rpu92quasaZ9FLzwwc44YC2uSQKV52g8/s320/P1010008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can confirm that while there is a shopping centre in Hell, there was no sign of Chris Rea. Although the man in the photo seems to have parked in Limbo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway the point I'm getting to is that I'm seeing a lot of Norway - albeit at a very fast pace as I charge from meeting to meeting. I've got some cool pictures of the usual picture-postcard spots, so I'll make some use of Flickr and the Facebook page, and share them with the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pictures that will carry more meaning for me, are the ones of places that I didn't see coming. The places that aren't on "In A Nutshell" coach trips, that aren't plastered all over the destination company product manuals. I'm sure there's something for everyone here - for me, it's the <i>hidden </i>Norway that I'll be searching out again:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding these places is what makes Norway interesting for me. The four pictures above are all within a 30 minute drive of an Airport with direct flights from the UK. Well, one involves a rock climb but you get the idea. I've been here for months, driving all over the place, and I've barely scratched Norway's surface - and I think that's a good thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the last month I've been reminded that I don't like sitting in traffic behind caravans, that I don't want to share view with bus-loads of other visitors, and that I despise zoned parking restrictions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It just took longer for me to realise that this place has so many hidden treasures, none of those things matter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Safe travels, wherever you're off to this weekend.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-7646305416536448432013-07-17T15:18:00.000+02:002013-11-26T17:20:12.145+01:00FlyDrive Norway's November Newsletter is here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">November
2013 – Let it snow!<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">While
we wait for the skies to discharge tons of the white stuff and set us up for a
great winter season, there’s no reason you can’t be planning an affordable
Spring/Summer tour of Norway with FlyDrive Norway. We cater for travellers all
year round; whether you are looking for adventure packages (skiing, mountain
biking, white water rafting, golf etc.), or perhaps the rich and varied culture
of a Scandinavian city break, or simply to take in the breathtaking scenery
unique to Norway, we offer the perfect tool to organise your trip. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Our site helps you plan your own tour of Norway, cutting out
the tour operator fees that can make Norway pricey. Our network of Norwegian
partners on the site just keeps growing and growing, with many of them open all
year round. It's also worth keeping in mind that the summer and winter peaks
have large gaps between them (otherwise known as spring and autumn!), so it's
possible to get the best of the weather but still have a more affordable visit.
Use<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/" target="_self"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">FlyDrive
Norway</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">to get in touch with
suppliers directly for specially negotiated prices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
<span style="background: white;">For our customers who are short of planning
time, unsure of what they're looking for or (for whatever reason) just don't
want to design their own holiday, fear not!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.norwegianwoodtravel.co.uk/" target="_self"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Norwegian Wood
Travel</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">offer great-value packages across Norway's resorts all year
round. More information on special deals can be found on </span><a href="http://www.norwegianwoodtravel.co.uk/" target="_self"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">norwegianwoodtravel.co.uk</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">, or feel free to call us and speak to one of our
representatives.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQk2WCosldW-sDZ41MuX1k7JsHfuC19SQdxnVrA0y8TA1wYdv7Dc5VsFFmCAYlGIYBhmLIfosWIb8deWqGHErtyU3JdckDkVK0yjX-p_Cdni1RlECazhrqyNHgxzc7pMZCS9hwXMP7Hg/s1600/Alesund.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ålesund" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQk2WCosldW-sDZ41MuX1k7JsHfuC19SQdxnVrA0y8TA1wYdv7Dc5VsFFmCAYlGIYBhmLIfosWIb8deWqGHErtyU3JdckDkVK0yjX-p_Cdni1RlECazhrqyNHgxzc7pMZCS9hwXMP7Hg/s1600/Alesund.jpg" height="150" title="Ålesund" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ålesund</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>A
serving suggestion…</i></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.visitnorway.com/us/Where-to-go-us/Fjord-Norway/Alesund-Sunnmore/Getting-to-Alesund-and-Sunnmore-and-around/" title="Getting to Ålesund and Sunnmøre and Around"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">Ålesund </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">is the
perfect gateway to explore Norway’s famous fjords. Nestled amid seven
mountains, Ålesund is a charming and beautiful port famed for its Art Nouveau
architecture and stunning panoramic views. With very affordable flights from
the UK,</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ålesund
is the ideal starting point to discover what is arguably the most beautiful
region of Norway. Less than three hours away, of what is a spectacular drive,
lies Geiranger – one of the jewels of Norwegian tourism. You will, I’m sure,
have seen pictures. But nothing compares with standing there and taking in one
of the most breathtaking vistas in the world. Not only was it </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">named
the best<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourist_destination" title="Tourist destination"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">travel
destination</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavia" title="Scandinavia"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">Scandinavia</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">by<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonely_Planet" title="Lonely Planet"><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">Lonely Planet</span></i></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">, but since 2005, the
Geirangerfjord area has been listed as a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO" title="UNESCO"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">UNESCO</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site" title="World Heritage Site"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">World
Heritage Site</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">. High praise indeed! But that is not all. Within another
hour or two drive you will find such marvels as the dramatic Trollstigen, a
steep, serpentine mountain road with its eleven hairpin bends, the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Sisters_Waterfall,_Norway" title="Seven Sisters Waterfall, Norway"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">Seven Sisters waterfall</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (amongst many other
waterfalls),</span> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the picturesque town
of Åndalsnes, miles of outstanding
hiking, and more staggering views than you can shake a big stick at. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrbom_IF7GoR9hA5dfRDxQRL3UK6p2DIZTBBpQBIVYaO9d1BZjyEmWsRL5s7U0uB5pMW0IcnrBJSurGg1qC7VZN7PBBpqTk_lVE4lO64Q3psKOpJ26n3n_4HcGh29zwuSJ8r7Yg7pWP4/s1600/troll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trollstigen" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrbom_IF7GoR9hA5dfRDxQRL3UK6p2DIZTBBpQBIVYaO9d1BZjyEmWsRL5s7U0uB5pMW0IcnrBJSurGg1qC7VZN7PBBpqTk_lVE4lO64Q3psKOpJ26n3n_4HcGh29zwuSJ8r7Yg7pWP4/s1600/troll.jpg" height="136" title="Trollstigen" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trollstigen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBG2T7vUrcrJAidcxXgaa08Q-BOLBKiWzCmmpNehIvLwz0flHjOYiPDh4YnTmcX39vPuyA_hSBAhbxGFQ33G6nG9sB_xtuM4G2QyUSfWWpDZdeeOVJoVZQcigOFJvzK9F1TC9lt2ZNag/s1600/geiranger-river-panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Geirangerfjord" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBG2T7vUrcrJAidcxXgaa08Q-BOLBKiWzCmmpNehIvLwz0flHjOYiPDh4YnTmcX39vPuyA_hSBAhbxGFQ33G6nG9sB_xtuM4G2QyUSfWWpDZdeeOVJoVZQcigOFJvzK9F1TC9lt2ZNag/s1600/geiranger-river-panorama.jpg" height="125" title="Geirangerfjord" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geirangerfjord</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here
comes the snow!</span></span></i></b><br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;">So with another ski season almost upon us,
this is your chance to take to the slopes that were immortalised in the 1994
winter Olympics by the likes of <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markus_Wasmeier" title="Markus Wasmeier"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: windowtext;">Markus Wasmeier</span></a> and
Alberto Tomba. At our sister website </span><a href="http://www.norwegianwoodtravel.co.uk/" style="line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">norwegianwoodtravel</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;">, we are never in
short supply of last minute deals for classic winter holidays in the
Lillehammer valley. With a range of slopes to suit all levels, there are also
plenty of other attractions such as Hunderfossen Winter Park, husky rides, a
trip to the Olympic ski jump, or even a ride on the actual Olympic bobsleigh!
Now Norway’s biggest ski resort, Hafjell/Kvitfjell offers everything you could
possibly want in a winter holiday.</span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EiAm7y0yna22cmkgRHBgstjHamlaAlQb1H1RWSQLgU5a2t19b45SEzZl1fHo0buP3_BZmD6ODD4sUctPsUPwtGO7g4vC3PcgaHSX584jmhjQDoPC8kwJ9mvnCxr9p9VpIOAHYNnz5Ok/s1600/stranda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alpepass Region" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EiAm7y0yna22cmkgRHBgstjHamlaAlQb1H1RWSQLgU5a2t19b45SEzZl1fHo0buP3_BZmD6ODD4sUctPsUPwtGO7g4vC3PcgaHSX584jmhjQDoPC8kwJ9mvnCxr9p9VpIOAHYNnz5Ok/s1600/stranda.jpg" height="118" title="Alpepass Region" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpepass Region</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Something a little
different…</span></span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whilst fjords are undoubtedly beautiful to
look at, they can also be great fun to ski on. The buzzword this season is
‘Fjord skiing’! The Alpepass region boasts a
joint lift pass for eight designated ski resorts, situated in the centre of the
fjord region in a coastal-alpine landscape that, in recent years, has been a
magnet for international film-makers. With this unique lift pass you have the
opportunity to explore the whole region. Stranda is typical of resorts in the
area, catering as it does for all abilities, offering a multitude of extra
activities, but most importantly, providing a simply breathtaking backdrop to
your winter break!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 180.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 180.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></i></b></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bring Your Own Car!</b></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;">We
were delighted earlier this year to forge a partnership with<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.fjordline.com/en/" style="line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;" target="_self"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">Fjord
Line</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;">.
Their international ferry sailings take you from Denmark to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.fjordline.com/en/Routes-and-destinations/" style="line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;" target="_self"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">4 different locations in Norway</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;">- including right
into the very heart of the Fjords. If you've got a bit more time to play with
and fancy road-tripping across Europe, this could be the way for you! As for
those of you who have a camper van or similar... well, the possibilities are
endless but<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.fjordline.com/en/" style="line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;" target="_self"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">Fjord Line</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;">might just be the way
to get even further afield than you thought possible! Even though main roads
are generally kept clear in Norway (whatever the weather) we wouldn’t recommend
an extensive driving holiday until April at the earliest!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPqmVwyK_dPT22yy2ZM48jTRGk74PJi5lMiUiDP7OgVQwD8sAvsTB6LrqSDAqP787BFANAbAphtZ7-eSrtHqNr9hOQmPMG7SbkNPtslICMiHVm4ImqSdvip7LT5B0Yfic_WCsIBj40jQ/s1600/FL-baat_by_night_01_web_II.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPqmVwyK_dPT22yy2ZM48jTRGk74PJi5lMiUiDP7OgVQwD8sAvsTB6LrqSDAqP787BFANAbAphtZ7-eSrtHqNr9hOQmPMG7SbkNPtslICMiHVm4ImqSdvip7LT5B0Yfic_WCsIBj40jQ/s1600/FL-baat_by_night_01_web_II.jpeg" height="100" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;">That's
it for now - more next month!. In the meantime keep in touch - if you have any
questions or need any help, call us in the UK on 01562 67707, or drop us an<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="mailto:enquiries@flydrivenorway.co.uk" style="line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;" target="_self"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">email</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: justify;">!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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line-height:100%;
outline:none;
text-decoration:none;
}
table td{
border-collapse:collapse;
}
#backgroundTable{
height:100% !important;
margin:0;
padding:0;
width:100% !important;
}
/*
@tab Page
@section background color
@tip Set the background color for your email. You may want to choose one that matches your company's branding.
@theme page
*/
body,#backgroundTable{
/*@editable*/background-color:#eeeeee;
}
/*
@tab Page
@section email border
@tip Set the border for your email.
*/
#templateContainer{
/*@editable*/border:1px solid #DDDDDD;
}
/*
@tab Page
@section heading 1
@tip Set the styling for all first-level headings in your emails. These should be the largest of your headings.
@style heading 1
*/
h1,.h1{
/*@editable*/color:#202020;
display:block;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:34px;
/*@editable*/font-weight:bold;
/*@editable*/line-height:100%;
margin-top:0;
margin-right:0;
margin-bottom:10px;
margin-left:0;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Page
@section heading 2
@tip Set the styling for all second-level headings in your emails.
@style heading 2
*/
h2,.h2{
/*@editable*/color:#202020;
display:block;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:30px;
/*@editable*/font-weight:bold;
/*@editable*/line-height:100%;
margin-top:0;
margin-right:0;
margin-bottom:10px;
margin-left:0;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Page
@section heading 3
@tip Set the styling for all third-level headings in your emails.
@style heading 3
*/
h3,.h3{
/*@editable*/color:#202020;
display:block;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:26px;
/*@editable*/font-weight:bold;
/*@editable*/line-height:100%;
margin-top:0;
margin-right:0;
margin-bottom:10px;
margin-left:0;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Page
@section heading 4
@tip Set the styling for all fourth-level headings in your emails. These should be the smallest of your headings.
@style heading 4
*/
h4,.h4{
/*@editable*/color:#202020;
display:block;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:22px;
/*@editable*/font-weight:bold;
/*@editable*/line-height:100%;
margin-top:0;
margin-right:0;
margin-bottom:10px;
margin-left:0;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Header
@section preheader style
@tip Set the background color for your email's preheader area.
@theme page
*/
#templatePreheader{
/*@editable*/background-color:#eeeeee;
}
/*
@tab Header
@section preheader text
@tip Set the styling for your email's preheader text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.preheaderContent div{
/*@editable*/color:#505050;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:10px;
/*@editable*/line-height:100%;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Header
@section preheader link
@tip Set the styling for your email's preheader links. Choose a color that helps them stand out from your text.
*/
.preheaderContent div a:link,.preheaderContent div a:visited,.preheaderContent div a .yshortcuts {
/*@editable*/color:#336699;
/*@editable*/font-weight:normal;
/*@editable*/text-decoration:underline;
}
/*
@tab Header
@section header style
@tip Set the background color and border for your email's header area.
@theme header
*/
#templateHeader{
/*@editable*/background-color:#FFFFFF;
/*@editable*/border-bottom:0;
}
/*
@tab Header
@section header text
@tip Set the styling for your email's header text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.headerContent{
/*@editable*/color:#202020;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:34px;
/*@editable*/font-weight:bold;
/*@editable*/line-height:100%;
/*@editable*/padding:0;
/*@editable*/text-align:center;
/*@editable*/vertical-align:middle;
}
/*
@tab Header
@section header link
@tip Set the styling for your email's header links. Choose a color that helps them stand out from your text.
*/
.headerContent a:link,.headerContent a:visited,.headerContent a .yshortcuts {
/*@editable*/color:#336699;
/*@editable*/font-weight:normal;
/*@editable*/text-decoration:underline;
}
#headerImage{
height:auto;
max-width:600px !important;
}
/*
@tab Body
@section body style
@tip Set the background color for your email's body area.
*/
#templateContainer,.bodyContent{
/*@editable*/background-color:#FFFFFF;
}
/*
@tab Body
@section body text
@tip Set the styling for your email's main content text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
@theme main
*/
.bodyContent div{
/*@editable*/color:#505050;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:14px;
/*@editable*/line-height:150%;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Body
@section body link
@tip Set the styling for your email's main content links. Choose a color that helps them stand out from your text.
*/
.bodyContent div a:link,.bodyContent div a:visited,.bodyContent div a .yshortcuts {
/*@editable*/color:#336699;
/*@editable*/font-weight:normal;
/*@editable*/text-decoration:underline;
}
.bodyContent img{
display:inline;
height:auto;
}
/*
@tab Middle Columns
@section left column text
@tip Set the styling for your email's left column text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.leftMidColumnContent{
/*@editable*/background-color:#FFFFFF;
}
/*
@tab Middle Columns
@section left column text
@tip Set the styling for your email's left column text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.leftMidColumnContent div{
/*@editable*/color:#505050;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:14px;
/*@editable*/line-height:150%;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Middle Columns
@section left column link
@tip Set the styling for your email's left column links. Choose a color that helps them stand out from your text.
*/
.leftMidColumnContent div a:link,.leftMidColumnContent div a:visited,.leftMidColumnContent div a .yshortcuts {
/*@editable*/color:#336699;
/*@editable*/font-weight:normal;
/*@editable*/text-decoration:underline;
}
.leftMidColumnContent img{
display:inline;
height:auto;
}
/*
@tab Middle Columns
@section right column text
@tip Set the styling for your email's right column text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.rightMidColumnContent{
/*@editable*/background-color:#FFFFFF;
}
/*
@tab Middle Columns
@section right column text
@tip Set the styling for your email's right column text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.rightMidColumnContent div{
/*@editable*/color:#505050;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:14px;
/*@editable*/line-height:150%;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Middle Columns
@section right column link
@tip Set the styling for your email's right column links. Choose a color that helps them stand out from your text.
*/
.rightMidColumnContent div a:link,.rightMidColumnContent div a:visited,.rightMidColumnContent div a .yshortcuts {
/*@editable*/color:#336699;
/*@editable*/font-weight:normal;
/*@editable*/text-decoration:underline;
}
.rightMidColumnContent img{
display:inline;
height:auto;
}
/*
@tab Lower Columns
@section left column text
@tip Set the styling for your email's left column text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.leftLowerColumnContent{
/*@editable*/background-color:#FFFFFF;
}
/*
@tab Lower Columns
@section left column text
@tip Set the styling for your email's left column text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.leftLowerColumnContent div{
/*@editable*/color:#505050;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:14px;
/*@editable*/line-height:150%;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Lower Columns
@section left column link
@tip Set the styling for your email's left column links. Choose a color that helps them stand out from your text.
*/
.leftLowerColumnContent div a:link,.leftLowerColumnContent div a:visited,.leftLowerColumnContent div a .yshortcuts {
/*@editable*/color:#336699;
/*@editable*/font-weight:normal;
/*@editable*/text-decoration:underline;
}
.leftLowerColumnContent img{
display:inline;
height:auto;
}
/*
@tab Lower Columns
@section center column text
@tip Set the styling for your email's center column text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.centerLowerColumnContent{
/*@editable*/background-color:#FFFFFF;
}
/*
@tab Lower Columns
@section center column text
@tip Set the styling for your email's center column text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.centerLowerColumnContent div{
/*@editable*/color:#505050;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:14px;
/*@editable*/line-height:150%;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Lower Columns
@section center column link
@tip Set the styling for your email's center column links. Choose a color that helps them stand out from your text.
*/
.centerLowerColumnContent div a:link,.centerLowerColumnContent div a:visited,.centerLowerColumnContent div a .yshortcuts {
/*@editable*/color:#336699;
/*@editable*/font-weight:normal;
/*@editable*/text-decoration:underline;
}
.centerLowerColumnContent img{
display:inline;
height:auto;
}
/*
@tab Lower Columns
@section right column text
@tip Set the styling for your email's right column text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.rightLowerColumnContent{
/*@editable*/background-color:#FFFFFF;
}
/*
@tab Lower Columns
@section right column text
@tip Set the styling for your email's right column text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
*/
.rightLowerColumnContent div{
/*@editable*/color:#505050;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:14px;
/*@editable*/line-height:150%;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Lower Columns
@section right column link
@tip Set the styling for your email's right column links. Choose a color that helps them stand out from your text.
*/
.rightLowerColumnContent div a:link,.rightLowerColumnContent div a:visited,.rightLowerColumnContent div a .yshortcuts {
/*@editable*/color:#336699;
/*@editable*/font-weight:normal;
/*@editable*/text-decoration:underline;
}
.rightLowerColumnContent img{
display:inline;
height:auto;
}
/*
@tab Footer
@section footer style
@tip Set the background color and top border for your email's footer area.
@theme footer
*/
#templateFooter{
/*@editable*/background-color:#eeeeee;
/*@editable*/border-top:0;
}
/*
@tab Footer
@section footer text
@tip Set the styling for your email's footer text. Choose a size and color that is easy to read.
@theme footer
*/
.footerContent div{
/*@editable*/color:#707070;
/*@editable*/font-family:Arial;
/*@editable*/font-size:12px;
/*@editable*/line-height:125%;
/*@editable*/text-align:left;
}
/*
@tab Footer
@section footer link
@tip Set the styling for your email's footer links. Choose a color that helps them stand out from your text.
*/
.footerContent div a:link,.footerContent div a:visited,.footerContent div a .yshortcuts {
/*@editable*/color:#336699;
/*@editable*/font-weight:normal;
/*@editable*/text-decoration:underline;
}
.footerContent img{
display:inline;
}
/*
@tab Footer
@section social bar style
@tip Set the background color and border for your email's footer social bar.
@theme footer
*/
#social{
/*@editable*/background-color:#FAFAFA;
/*@editable*/border:0;
}
/*
@tab Footer
@section social bar style
@tip Set the background color and border for your email's footer social bar.
*/
#social div{
/*@editable*/text-align:center;
}
/*
@tab Footer
@section utility bar style
@tip Set the background color and border for your email's footer utility bar.
@theme footer
*/
#utility{
/*@editable*/background-color:#FFFFFF;
/*@editable*/border:0;
}
/*
@tab Footer
@section utility bar style
@tip Set the background color and border for your email's footer utility bar.
*/
#utility div{
/*@editable*/text-align:center;
}
#monkeyRewards img{
max-width:190px;
}
</style></head>
<body leftmargin="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" offset="0" topmargin="0">
<center>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="backgroundTable" style="height: 100%px; width: 100%px;">
<tr>
<td align="center" valign="top">
<!-- // Begin Template Preheader \\ -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" id="templatePreheader" style="width: 600px;">
<tr>
<td class="preheaderContent" valign="top">
<!-- // Begin Module: Standard Preheader \ -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<div mc:edit="std_preheader_content">
FlyDrive Norway - July Newsletter<br />
New partners, new deals, new adventures!</div>
</td>
<!-- *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* -->
<td valign="top" width="190">
<div mc:edit="std_preheader_links">
Is this email not displaying correctly?<br />
<a href="http://flydrivenorway.blogspot.no/" target="_self">View It On Our Blog</a></div>
</td>
<!-- *|END:IF|* -->
</tr>
</table>
<!-- // End Module: Standard Preheader \ -->
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<!-- // End Template Preheader \\ -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="templateContainer" style="width: 600px;">
<tr>
<td align="center" valign="top">
<!-- // Begin Template Header \\ -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="templateHeader" style="width: 600px;">
<tr>
<td class="headerContent">
<!-- // Begin Module: Standard Header Image \\ -->
<img id="headerImage campaign-icon" mc:allowdesigner="" mc:allowtext="" mc:edit="header_image" mc:label="header_image" src="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/39e20c0b9f36a183348b640fb/images/The_new_monthly_newsletter_from_Norwegian_Wood_Travel1369093996.jpg" style="max-width: 600px;" />
<!-- // End Module: Standard Header Image \\ -->
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<!-- // End Template Header \\ -->
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" valign="top">
<!-- // Begin Template Body \\ -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="templateBody" style="width: 600px;">
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;">
<tr>
<td class="bodyContent" valign="top">
<!-- // Begin Module: Standard Content \\ -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<div mc:edit="std_content00">
<h1 class="h1">
July 2013 - Summer's here...</h1>
<div style="line-height: 15.555556297302246px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">We hope you're all enjoying yourselves and making the most of the good weather. Here in Norway, we got off to a damp start but have enjoyed some beautiful sunny days recently - always welcome when you're spending most of your time out on the road!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif;">We just got back from trips to Geilo, Ålesund, Geiranger and Kristiansund - all in the name of finding new partners for <a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/" target="_self">FlyDrive Norway</a>. The site helps you plan your own tour of Norway, cutting out the tour operator fees that can make Norway pricey. Our network of Norwegian partners on the site just keeps growing. Many of them are open year round, and are eager for visitors in late summer/ autumn. It's also worth keeping in mind that the summer peak season (with peak prices) finishes earlier here than in some other countries, so it's possible to get the best of the weather but still have a more affordable visit. Use <a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/" target="_self">FlyDrive Norway</a> to get in touch with suppliers directly, for their best prices.<br />
<br />
For our customers who are short of planning time, unsure of what they're looking for or (for whatever reason) just don't want to design their own holiday, fear not! <a href="http://www.norwegianwoodtravel.co.uk/" target="_self">Norwegian Wood Travel</a> will be offering great-value packages across Norway's resorts this winter. More information coming soon on <a href="http://www.norwegianwoodtravel.co.uk/" target="_self">norwegianwoodtravel.co.uk</a>! Or if you want to use FlyDrive Norway but need some help, just <u><a href="mailto:enquiries@flydrivenorway.co.uk?subject=Lend%20a%20hand%20old%20chap%2C%20this%20website's%20a%20slippery%20devil..." target="_self">ask</a>!</u></span></span></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<!-- // End Module: Standard Content \\ -->
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;">
<tr>
<td class="leftMidColumnContent" valign="top" width="280">
<!-- // Begin Module: Top Image with Content \\ -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<tr mc:repeatable="">
<td valign="top">
<img mc:edit="tiwc300_image00" mc:label="image" src="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/39e20c0b9f36a183348b640fb/images/pudder2_640x330.1.jpg" style="max-width: 260px;" />
<div mc:edit="tiwc300_content00">
<h4 class="h4" style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Big news for Fjord Skiing</span></h4>
<div style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 100%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://myrkdalen.no/en/" target="_self">Voss Myrkdalen</a> is one of Norway's newest and most modern resorts. Our resident "tame" ski instructor loves the place, he's always going on about the quality of the snow, great facilities etc etc... Well good news, it's just about to get even better! In their own words:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">The owners in Myrkdalen are investing 60 million kroner in a new chair lift, which will double the capacity of the ski resort. The chair lift will be up and running from the first week of December 2013. The new lift, named Storhaugsekspressen, is awesome news for ski enthusiasts in Fjord Norway. With up to seven new slopes, varying from beginner to expert, Myrkdalen will become the largest and most complete ski resort in the region.<br />
<br />
"Myrkdalen has developed a lot in the last few year" says CEO Elin Bolann. "With a new hotel and more cabins we have increased the accommodation capacity. The growing numbers of ski tourists has indicated that it's time to increase the capacity in the ski resort as well."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Impressive stuff! You can read the full press release <a href="http://myrkdalen.no/en/ny-stolheis-pa-gang-i-myrkdalen/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">here</a>. With seven new runs at Myrkdalen and the exciting <a href="http://www.visitalesund-geiranger.com/en/WHAT-TO-DO/Skiing-in-Fjord-Norway/Alpine-ski-resorts/Alpepass/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Alpepass</a> scheme further north, we predict this year will be the start of something big for Fjord skiing - watch this space!</strong></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<!-- // End Module: Top Image with Content \\ -->
</td>
<td class="rightMidColumnContent" valign="top" width="280">
<!-- // Begin Module: Top Image with Content \\ -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<tr mc:repeatable="">
<td valign="top">
<img mc:edit="tiwc300_image01" mc:label="image" src="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/39e20c0b9f36a183348b640fb/images/Heidal2.1.jpg" style="max-width: 260px;" />
<div mc:edit="tiwc300_content01">
<h4 class="h4" style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 24px;">Wet and Wild Adventures</span></h4>
<div style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 100%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Norway has many sights, but some are best enjoyed close-up. Take rivers. You can watch from a bridge, but to really experience the force of white water you have to get more involved! That's why we work with top-quality activity providers. Our partners specialise in providing the right balance of fun, adrenaline, and of course safety.</strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.trysilguidene.com/index.php/en/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Trysilguidene</a>, based close to the Swedish border, have a whole range of activities at their disposal - canoeing, ducky, riverboarding, rafting... Their experienced guides will find the right challenge for your group, however young or old you feel! With the time to book ski holidays coming up fast (yes it is that time already!) It's also worth noting that <a href="http://www.trysilguidene.com/index.php/en/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Trysilguidene</a> run a comprehensive <a href="http://www.skistar.com/trysil/skiskole/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">skischool</a> at Trysil (Norway's biggest resort) in Winter too.<br />
<br />
Norway is also home to one of the most exciting rafting rivers in Europe - the Sjoa. <a href="http://www.heidalrafting.no/en/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Heidal Rafting</a> have been established for 21 yeasrs and are experts on the river. There are different trips in the area to suit all tastes, whether you've got the family along for the ride or fancy taking on the mighty gorges of the Sjoa.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.heidalrafting.no/en/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Heidal Rafting</a> also offer an <strong>exclusive deal</strong> to <a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">FlyDrive Norway</a> customers- it's a real cracker so find them on our <a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">website </a>for more info - you can't get the deal anywhere else!</span></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<!-- // End Module: Top Image with Content \\ -->
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;">
<tr>
<td class="leftLowerColumnContent" valign="top" width="180">
<!-- // Begin Module: Top Image with Content \\ -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<tr mc:repeatable="">
<td valign="top">
<img mc:edit="tiwc200_image00" mc:label="image" src="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/39e20c0b9f36a183348b640fb/images/AGS141492d.png" style="max-width: 160px;" />
<div mc:edit="tiwc200_content00">
<h4 class="h4" style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Aurora Season</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif;">If we say that Autumn will soon be here, don't think we're being pessimistic - it's one of the best times to see the Northern Lights. These natural atmospheric phenomena bring more and more people to Northern Norway every year. When it comes to seeing the lights <a href="http://arcticguideservice.com/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Arctic Guide Service</a> are on-hand and ready to help show you the Aurora Borealis in all their glory. While they can't make any guarantees on the weather, they do know the best spots to see the lights. They offer a range of different products depending on your preference, including a neat guided tour of Tromsø too (for keeping you occupied while you wait for night to fall and the lights to come out...) If seeing the Aurora is on your must-do list, <a href="http://arcticguideservice.com/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">get in touch</a> with them to arrange your own Northern Lights Chase! The season starts in September.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">FlyDrive staff trip - Skiing in July</span></span></h4>
<span style="font-size: 11px;">It's a hard life out in Norway... Earlier this month a few of us popped over to Stryn for a cheeky day's skiing! Check out the video <a href="http://bit.ly/12MjY3e" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">here</a>. We had a blast - the quality of the skiing was superb and we've all said that we'd like to go back next year. Unfortunately Stryn Sommerski is closed now, but Stryn Vinterski will be open as soon as they've got enough new snow, and if you're in Norway you can still go and carve up at Galdhøpiggen right up til September!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif;">That's it for this time - more next month!. In the meantime, keep in touch with us. If you have any questions or need any help, Sheila is contactable in the UK on 01562 67707, or <a href="mailto:enquiries@flydrivenorway.co.uk" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">email</a> Brent & Phil in Norway.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Bring Your Own Car!</span></span></h4>
<span style="font-size: 11px;">We were made-up to get <a href="http://www.fjordline.com/en/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Fjord Line</a> involved with the FlyDrive Project. Their international ferry sailings take you from Denmark to <a href="http://www.fjordline.com/en/Routes-and-destinations/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">4 different locations in Norway</a> - including right into the heart of the Fjords. If you've got a bit more time to play with and fancy road-tripping across Europe, this could be the way for you! As for those of you who have a camper van or similar... well, the possibilities have always been endless but <a href="http://www.fjordline.com/en/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Fjord Line</a> might just be the way to get even further afield than you thought possible!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif;">Geiranger 08.07.13 (see <a href="http://flydrivenorway.blogspot.no/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">blog</a>)</span></span><br />
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</html>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-29404374085420542072013-07-10T00:12:00.000+02:002013-07-10T00:12:10.738+02:00Aw naw Alesund, not more rain!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I imagine kids don't read this. Therefore I can categorically state that it has pissed it down today. All day. Cue grumpiness and depressed state.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's no good complaining about it I know. The topography and geography of the fjordlands mean they take a lot of weather. You wouldn't get the same weather here without the fjords, and the fjords would certainly look different if they were closer to the equator. But I am after all British. Complaining about the climate is a learned behaviour...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was washed out in Stranda this morning, with no let-up as I drove through the glorious Sunnmøre Alps - they still looked fantastic though. Some great ridges and glacier-capped plateaus up there, as well as first-rate skiing by all accounts. The</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.alpepass.no/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Alpepass</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">system they're trying up here is well worth a look, nothing new but it could make people seriously consider the fjords as a ski-holiday option.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a long damp journey I was left with no option than to assume Ålesund was "probably alright", after the wall of grey drizzle made it hard to appreciate Norway's most Art-Nouveau city. Later though, we got an hour of clearer skies so I headed up Aksla.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can use your legs to climb to the viewpoint at Aksla - 400-odd steps. Or you can drive up like I did today. I initially wished I'd walked up to be honest - but then it started raining again. Car was a good choice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This hill is right in the city and gives a great view - especially from the cafe. Following my trip up there I have a sneaky camping spot in mind for tonight... And it looks like tomorrow could be quite nice! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things are looking up. Depression over, beer in hand. That is all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-82521695518818183722013-07-08T23:22:00.000+02:002013-07-08T23:22:13.598+02:00Geiranger to Stranda - Back On The Road<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I must confess, I felt guilty before writing today's blog. Guilty because things have been happening, we've been off to good places, but we've not shared as much as we'd like due to time pressure. Sigh. Well, it's too late now. Best get on with recent events.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An antisocial 5.45am start saw me in Lom early this morning. It's a small town squeezed in between the impressive mountains of Jotenheimen National Park, and it's a bit of a honeypot for Adventure Tourism. I didn't stay long today though - my target was a bit further, and a lot bigger...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Geirangerfjord. It's a UNESCO world heritage site, but you probably knew that. What you might not realise if you've not been is how bloomin' big it is. I don't mean the town - that's small. But the scale is massive. Giant mountains, towering up from the vast blue fjord dotted with big cruise ships. Cameras don't fit enough in to do it justice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wasn't a fan of the hoards of coach-borne tourists. It'd be great to convert some of the masses to Fly & Drive fans, just to spread everyone out a bit. If Lom is a honeypot for Adventure Tourism, Geiranger is that and more for people who want a convenient view of a fairytale fjord. It doesn't take anything away from the place, but personally I'd rather not share the experience with quite so many other people. To each his own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a business note, it's been a successful day - details will have to follow but we will be working with at least one new partner in Geiranger. Suffice to say that the best way to see the fjord is not from a coach, but from the water...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">I'm in Stranda tonight, ready for more meetings tomorrow. Ferries are a standard part of travel in the fjords - I got two today across Storfjord, £7 each time for me and the Merc. Not too steep I thought. It's possible to take a fjord cruise with the car and travel the length of Geiranger, but the price does shoot up for this (around Eighty quid)...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it was, I got to enjoy two extra views of Storfjord - Stor is Norwegian for big, and it's a big fjord! By this time tomorrow, I'll have crossed it again and probably be in Ålesund. But tomorrow is another day... Have a good one!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-78851059491635664692013-05-22T00:58:00.002+02:002013-05-22T12:08:19.636+02:00May madness<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May is a time for celebration in Norway - sometimes formal, other times less so... Let's start with the sensible - there's time for madness later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First of all, there's May 17th - Norwegian Constitution Day. Everyone fills the bars during the afternoon, and enjoys a traditional feast in the evening. If you can take the pace, there's plenty of time to head out and party after too. Many Norwegians are fiercely patriotic, and this is their annual chance to proudly celebrate just being Norwegian! That's not to say that outsiders can't join in of course - I had a great day and was made to feel very welcome in a friend's family home for dinner (thanks Henrikke, Børre and Stine). But just for one day, it really helps if you can understand a bit of Norwegian - would you want to speak a foreign language on your national day? It was actually refreshing to watch people celebrating their national identity together, without having to worry about upsetting anyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another reason to celebrate is that Spring has sprung! After an unusually cold March & April, we were treated to blue skies and soaring temperatures over the weekend. In response, we reacted the only way we know - we had a barbeque. We also ventured up to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raudsjøen, a high mountain lake in Gausdal. This spot is well known for its secluded beauty, and is popular in the summer. In the mountains though, it's not summer yet:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">That'll be ice then. Just as well I didn't want a swim. We managed to venture out quite a way before we bottled it. Cracking sounds from the ice curbed our enthusiasm - for some reason no-one fancied being stuck on a mini iceberg, with the others looking on and mocking from a safe distance. Dry feet are important after all.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">But wait. This is all very civil, isn't it? Nationwide festivities, barbeques and sightseeing - where's the madness? Well...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Norway has a lot of red tape. Most of it stems from a desire to keep everyone safe, but sometimes it can feel strict and over-regulated. Norwegians aren't naiive - they know this as well as anyone. So they've built in a few opportunities for folk to go a bit, er, well, mad. One is Easter. Easter here isn't like Easter in the UK. It's big, and messy. Really messy. This year in the local bar, we had to put the doors back on their hinges whilst a fight was being stopped and others were being refused entry. That was on the Thursday... but that's another story.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The<b> russefeiring</b> is another Norwegian tradition where things get a bit wild. For 3 weeks, graduating high school students become "Russ". They hit the road in badly-painted converted vans, don brightly-coloured trousers, and get smashed for 3 weeks. Don't question it - it's a tradition. During this time, they earn knots for completing tasks that vary from imitating a dog in a supermarket, to having sex in a forest...</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">On May 17th, the russefeiring ends with graduation (before exams have even started!). As a final fling, the Russ parade through the streets. They're mostly drunk or hung-over (not the drivers though), and they often choose themes for the pageant. Sometimes these themes are based on recent important events, but sometimes they're just mental. I tried to photograph some of the daftest bits. Enjoy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocking-Horse Russ</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We grieve our illustrious leader"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes they are carrying a real human boy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No he's not dead. But they really got into character - they pretended to cry for the whole parade.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little tractor, big danger when the tow car (bad idea) pulled away too quickly...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big tractor, bigger danger. Like the little tractor, this nearly ended up in the back of a car too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Half the ideal number of wheels, divided by double the ideal number of passengers, means a very wobbly scooter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Russ-tafariiiiiiiiii!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unsurprisingly enough, this poor girl looked knackered...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzG7318cSUec5Dmo02Ou1zs-Ozs4FNZOOwcogzo6O0kwdEDugtTdGrFcNjKzgG6LXvgFVOecJajhZkNqXE-CK4ZVbTnGyK6jDKCs62ltEaYXp0gMf82oCY2vt5pYNh85dHCGJJubZlpk/s1600/P1010030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzG7318cSUec5Dmo02Ou1zs-Ozs4FNZOOwcogzo6O0kwdEDugtTdGrFcNjKzgG6LXvgFVOecJajhZkNqXE-CK4ZVbTnGyK6jDKCs62ltEaYXp0gMf82oCY2vt5pYNh85dHCGJJubZlpk/s320/P1010030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...But not as knackered as this smoky Merc. Maybe it was the extra weight on the roof that did it?!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8Hq8iwVNzeI8RZy4THIFMASa5pKvtkjDbTMvRUvikgTiZuVwUE9mXAuIexpM0OsOW8OLWeCNKHw7oDrRuSlQbBWB7F4MTEO99wfpgMQNnwhWzydiYrSIY-4bn3PEApKj8hr7Mew_9-g/s1600/P1010035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8Hq8iwVNzeI8RZy4THIFMASa5pKvtkjDbTMvRUvikgTiZuVwUE9mXAuIexpM0OsOW8OLWeCNKHw7oDrRuSlQbBWB7F4MTEO99wfpgMQNnwhWzydiYrSIY-4bn3PEApKj8hr7Mew_9-g/s320/P1010035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So there you have it. The united people of a strong and proud nation get together to laugh at drunk teenagers in the street! You couldn't make it up. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Don't get me wrong, I like the tradition, and I appreciate the need for people to let their hair down, but you'll have to work pretty hard to convince me that this isn't totally mad! Great fun though!</span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-28048893090698485172013-05-21T11:35:00.000+02:002013-05-21T11:57:28.574+02:00FlyDrive Norway Newsletter - May 2013<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">We're putting out a monthly newsletter to our mailing list at Norwegian Wood Travel - nothing too </span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">taxing, just a brief round-up of news and information from FlyDrive Norway and from our partners. In future months we'll be running competitions through the newsletter too, so why not join the mailing</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">list through our </span><a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/AboutUs.aspx" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;" target="_blank">website</a><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">? Take a look at our first FlyDrive Newsletter here:<span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span><br />
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The brand new newsletter from Norwegian Wood Travel Ltd, saving you money on your Norwegian summer or winter holiday!</div>
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Email not displaying correctly?<br />
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<span style="font-size: 34px;">We're moving forwards</span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/" target="_self">FlyDrive Norway</a> is Norwegian Wood Travel Ltd's new initiative. We've created a website that helps you design your whole holiday package. It's easy to use, and you book directly with Norwegian suppliers - making Norway <strong>far more affordable</strong> and giving you <strong>complete freedom</strong>. Now all aspects of your Norwegian holiday can be found and booked from one free-to-use site.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;">From now on, all of our holidays will be arranged through <strong>FlyDrive Norway</strong>, but for our customers who would rather not go it alone, don't panic! We can still help to arrange your holiday. Just <a href="mailto:info@nwtltd.co.uk" target="_self">contact our office</a> - we're more than happy to help. Or to see what's possible on you own visit <strong><a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/" target="_self">www.flydrivenorway.co.u</a><a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/" target="_self">k</a></strong> and take a look around! </span></span></div>
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<h4 class="h4" style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;">Bye bye winter...</span></span></h4>
<div style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 100%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11px;">Another ski season has passed - where did that go??</span></div>
<div style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 100%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11px;">Thanks to those of you who visited us in Norway, many of you returning yet again. It was great to welcome you back and we look forward to seeing you on your next visit.<br />
<br />
To those of you yet to visit Norway why not give it a try? We know from experience that once you visit, you'll be hooked!<br />
<br />
To get the best dates and prices, we always advise booking early - <a href="mailto:info@nwtltd.co.uk?subject=Enquiry%20-%20Ski%20holiday%20in%20Norway%202013%2F14" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">contact our office</a> or check out <a href="http://www.flydrivenorway.co.uk/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">FlyDrive Norway</a> today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Socially aware</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you know we're always in Norway? We like to share the things we see and do, because if we're honest we see and do some cool stuff!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlyDriveNorway" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/FlyDriveNorway" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">twitter</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/flydrivenorway" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">instagram</a>,<br />
<a href="http://ow.ly/ldfxV" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">google+</a>, <a href="http://flydrivenorway.blogspot.no/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">blogger</a>, youtube...<br />
<br />
We couldn't get much more social really (short of phoning you for a chat on skype every evening).<br />
<br />
Keep an eye on us, and you'll find out first about new deals, partners and competitions at FlyDrive Norway- that sounds good, doesn't it? And by seeing some of the things we see, you might just get some inspiration for your next visit too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Hello Spring!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been warm and sunny here in the Lillehammer valley recently, with temperatures reaching 25°C! At this time of year, the landscape is stunning - there's a striking contrast between the lush green lowlands, and the high mountains where the snow's still hanging on!<br />
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Most of FlyDrive Norway's partners are open year round. Norway isn't just about skiing - it's a great summer destination, and there's plenty to see in the spring or autumn too. Many of our partners offer exclusive deals through the site - booking a holiday in the low season can save you even more!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">New Partners for April & May</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;">We've been busy - we've got a whole host of new partners for you to book with! Cutting out travel agent fees can save you a pretty penny, and our partners are eager to help more tourists from the UK enjoy Norway! Here's the latest additions:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.trysilhotell.net/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Trysil Hotell</a>, Trysil</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.trysilhotell.net/restaurant.aspx" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Gamle Stua Restaurant</a>, Trysil<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.rica-hotels.com/hotels/elverum/rica-elgstua-hotel/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Rica Elgstua Hotel</a>, Elverum</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.whalesafari.no/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Whalesafari Andenes</a>, Andøy</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.anker-brygge.no/english" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Anker Brygge</a>, Lofoten</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gamlesalten.no/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">M.S. Gamle Salten</a>, Bodø</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hardangerhotel.no/en" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Hardanger Hotel</a>,Hardanger Fjord</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gudvangen.com/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Gudvangen Fjordtel</a>, Sognefjord</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.klingenberghotel.no/index.html" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Klingenberg Hotel</a>, Sognefjord</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.nordicchoicehotels.com/Clarion-Collection/Clarion-Collection-Hotel-Havnekontoret/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_self">Hotel Havnekontoret</a>, Bergen</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;">Partner spotlight -</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 24px;">Whalesafari</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>We add new Premier Partners to FlyDrive Norway all the time, and we'll be showcasing one every month. This time around, Daniele from Whalesafari Andenes has been in touch to tell us more about searching for (and usually finding) whales in the North of Norway:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;">"Whalesafari Andenes was established in 1989, and since then we have taken over 260,000 tourists out into the nature to watch whales.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;">Andenes lies at the northern tip of the island of Andøy, a real natural paradise. This island is located very close to the edge of the continental shelf, so we only have to sail 7-8 nautical miles to reach the whale ground. Off Andenes there is a stable population of sperm whales year round, so we offer our guests a 100% whale guarantee (if the boat does not find a whale, you can join another safari free of charge or get the safari part of the ticket refunded).<br />
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Our summer season runs from the 1st of May to the 30th of September, while the winter safaris are from the 1st of October to the 30th of April. In winter there is the chance to observe other species such as killer whales, humpback whales, fin whales and pilot whales. Every tour includes in a guided trip around our whale exhibition, lasting 45 - 60 minutes. Our centre also features an exclusive souvenir shop with unique articles (t-shirts, teddy whales, postcards and more), and a restaurant with both international and local menus. There is a research team on board all of our safaris, taking identification photographs of all the species encountered. Sperm whales' clicking sounds are recorded as well and used later on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to sea activities, we offer a midnight sun hiking tour from the 19th of May to the 23rd of July in the spectacular mountains located only 15 minutes away from Andenes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;">From the 2nd of May to the 29th of September the airline Norwegian flies directly from Oslo Gardermoen to Andenes. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 100%;">For more information about us, visit </span><a href="http://www.whalesafari.no/" style="color: #336699; font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; text-decoration: underline;">www.whalesafari.no</a><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 100%;"> or </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/whalesafariandenes" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;">https://www.facebook.com/whalesafariandenes</a>"</span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;">We were astounded by the low prices Whalesafari are offering. They deliver unforgettable experiences at great value - be sure to check them out!<br />
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Oh, and if you could pick us up a teddy whale while you're there...</span></span></strong></div>
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sales@flydrivenorway.co.uk</div>
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-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-82379865537281662982013-05-08T19:13:00.000+02:002013-05-08T19:13:21.350+02:00Cashing up<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 long and punishing days into my week in the office, and I'm just about prepared to discuss the figures from my recent trip. Make no mistake about it, Norway's not a cheap country. They say that being born Norwegian is like having won a lottery - your money is worth so much in the rest of the world.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMCsx3d29nqyC0MnMWEHp48p8yhMsYJFC4uRJiDzXnjJ3J2ekGvEiZC79sPveXNjkS5heDfEWBACrUS_jVOfhpvP356P_iaIYPQXnmc1nfoZBptgvjkzzB7Zl0i6x-YSVvoPyOefT-tw/s1600/money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMCsx3d29nqyC0MnMWEHp48p8yhMsYJFC4uRJiDzXnjJ3J2ekGvEiZC79sPveXNjkS5heDfEWBACrUS_jVOfhpvP356P_iaIYPQXnmc1nfoZBptgvjkzzB7Zl0i6x-YSVvoPyOefT-tw/s1600/money.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a "BUT" though. As with most places, there are expensive ways of doing it and there are cost-effective ways of doing it. During my 10-day trip I wanted to enjoy myself and make the most of being there, without bankrupting myself! I figure it's probably the same for the majority of tourists.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To help give potential visitors inspiration, and show you how much some things actually cost, I've worked out my spendings in Pounds Sterling based on today's exchange rate (the Norwegian Krone is currently weakening - a result for foreign tourists). The figures don't account for banking charges - these vary (for tips on travel money take a look at <a href="http://wwww.moneysavingexpert.com/" target="_blank">Money Saving Expert</a>).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHXHGyAOnH9Hz06sxkf2dippoV2fLuCh8KCiYns6gjcqbCL8z3kzGy4rZZZQQyFj3L6P7IEBb0u7QguU7k94BZ3aOckpiWCXljUxjQTO3EvSf_Nh8kWK8ELJZc_dwqL9VwnJCXnQBdDc/s1600/NSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHXHGyAOnH9Hz06sxkf2dippoV2fLuCh8KCiYns6gjcqbCL8z3kzGy4rZZZQQyFj3L6P7IEBb0u7QguU7k94BZ3aOckpiWCXljUxjQTO3EvSf_Nh8kWK8ELJZc_dwqL9VwnJCXnQBdDc/s1600/NSB.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overnight
train Lillehammer-Bodø with <a href="https://www.nsb.no/?lang=en_US" target="_blank">NSB</a>, including a 1/2day stop in Trondheim. 450 miles.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£27.53 </b>(same price from
Oslo if you book far enough in advance)</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes free sleeping blanket, eye mask, pillow etc</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thn.no/english/default.aspx" target="_blank">Torghatten Nord</a> Express Boat from Bodø - Svolvaer </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£39.46</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wild
camping - the good (Kabelvåg) and the bad (Riksgränsen...) </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FREE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes weather</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_pVOLbcW3N1qgpQuOfCcrorKfjf16DEMi02U-yoM8JMDGkne4HbFqmnjeZKW3EzSJZUI5SNIPHzvHPZMrW43h76N4y7FwYpwURJSu2c0cZt8vilH9Yh6kC6xKrqrPLahBO3QbMDlaO0/s1600/P1010099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_pVOLbcW3N1qgpQuOfCcrorKfjf16DEMi02U-yoM8JMDGkne4HbFqmnjeZKW3EzSJZUI5SNIPHzvHPZMrW43h76N4y7FwYpwURJSu2c0cZt8vilH9Yh6kC6xKrqrPLahBO3QbMDlaO0/s320/P1010099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Self-Catered <a href="http://www.svolver-sjohuscamp.no/English/index.htm" target="_blank">Guesthouse</a> in Svolvær</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£44.22</b>/night for 2 people sharing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A quirky Reggae night that's as good as any entertainment you'll find anywhere</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£16</b> entry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes "Skanking"</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">500ml Beer in the Lofoten Isles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£7.50</b> on average - it's an expensive place to drink. If you just want a booze-up, go to Spain!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enough food for a full day's ski touring and recovery afterwards (from a supermarket)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Less than <b>£6.50</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bus from Svolvær to Narvik - 4hrs journey through the eastern Lofoten</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>£28.74</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good pizza in Narvik at <a href="https://www.pizzabakeren.no/" target="_blank">Pizzabakeren</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£8.40</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes friendly service :) </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Train from Narvik to Riksgränsen with <a href="http://www.sj.se/start/startpage/index.form?l=en" target="_blank">SJ</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£4.36</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lift-served skiing at <a href="http://en.riksgransen.se/" target="_blank">Riksgränsen</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£33.69</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes "Hucking". Hopefully not "Bailing".</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">500ml Beer in resort at Riksgränsen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£5.90</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bar meal in resort<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£12</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Night train from Riksgränsen - Stockholm - approx. 900 miles</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£70</b> booked last minute, even cheaper if booked earlier<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner and a drink on the night train<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£6.40</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes rummaging for change when they won't accept your card</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Big lunch in Stockholm</span><span lang="EN-GB">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s old town (Gamle Stad) </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£7.90</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Includes tea, coffee, salad, bread and a good old catch-up.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lunch in Lidingö, Stockholm suburbs</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£125</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes everything above, but the food and the area are fancier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luggage locker Stockholm</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£11.90</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luggage locker Oslo <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£6.60</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes headline "Norway cheaper than Sweden in luggage locker SHOCK"</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Night bus Stockholm - Oslo with <a href="http://www.swebus.se/SwebusExpress_com/" target="_blank">Swebus</a>, just over 300miles</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£32.60</b> re-bookable ticket<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes no sleep.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coffee and a pastry at Oslo S Station </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£2.80</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nice lunch on Karl Johans gate, centre of Oslo <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>£20</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wifi connection</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FREE </b>everywhere if you look hard enough, except the night train</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5alrQbVO89D-ZSFaXqruMaybA4p-CKFPyzrcgSCX605zQwygxhgBhPB_2riEr9HFJILRagT6f8WpM7NFSayeL4I7-8SMNKBk61FXXRT1R3sjPBIoxr6yEx5mjgRJc-LR9pPhyphenhyphena6VQm6U/s1600/Oslo+Wifi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5alrQbVO89D-ZSFaXqruMaybA4p-CKFPyzrcgSCX605zQwygxhgBhPB_2riEr9HFJILRagT6f8WpM7NFSayeL4I7-8SMNKBk61FXXRT1R3sjPBIoxr6yEx5mjgRJc-LR9pPhyphenhyphena6VQm6U/s320/Oslo+Wifi.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lift home from Oslo to Lillehammer</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 10 days on public transport? <b>Priceless.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You don't need to be too observant to realise that the two things I didn't do on this tour were either Fly or Drive. Ah, the irony. Don't worry, I'll be doing plenty of both over the coming months. Using public transport in Scandinavia is easy though - if you're planning a FlyDrive holiday don't forget about trains and buses, as they can give you a useful break from driving and save you some cash! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope this blog can help give potential visitors some inspiration, as well as share our adventures and help promote what we're doing - making Norway a more affordable place to visit. If I compare how much I've spent against the things I've seen, my trip was excellent value.</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-30329908773829734192013-05-08T01:40:00.000+02:002013-05-08T01:43:52.281+02:00Closing the loop<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s been a while. In the last installment I was at Riksgränsen in Northern Sweden, exactly one week ago, thinking about how exactly to get out...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I made a mistake when booking my ticket for the SJ night train to Stockholm - a mobile ticket can only be sent to a Swedish or Danish mobile (not UK or Norwegian - take note as it’s not that clear on the SJ website, you will need an e-ticket instead). For a while, it looked like I was stuck. Luckily Patrik at Riksgränsen Resort was very helpful in getting me a printed e-ticket. This went some way to make up for the miserable night I spent sleeping out. The weather turned and I found myself in sub-zero temperatures with snow blowing sideways at me. Camping eh. Rough with the smooth and all that, but it was a <i>really</i> bad night's sleep. I was glad to get up in the morning. Relieved even.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The overnight rail journey from Riksgränsen to Sweden’s capital aboard an SJ sleeper train takes some 21hours and covers just under 1000miles - although there’s not much to see once you start heading south into Sweden’s dense forests north. Once clear of the Abisko national park I caught up on sleep - for my good , and for the benefit of anyone unfortunate enough to have to speak with me. I did take note of the mining town of Kiruna, whose freight trains trains hauling iron ore from the mines to the sea at Narvik were the single biggest barrier to sleep the night before... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the lack of a view, this journey is a winner if only because of the price! Given the distance covered and the money saved on a night’s accommodation, it’s a really cheap and effortless way to get from Stockholm (lots of well-priced international flights) to the North of Norway. And the Arctic Circle line across Lapland from Abisko to Narvik is jaw-dropping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">I woke up in Stockholm, feeling confused. After Lofoten and Lapland, being back in a Capital city comes as a bit of a shock. But the "Venice of the North" is vibrant, cultured and beautiful. I soon got into the swing of things. This ancient city is built on a series of islands so you're constantly</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"> surrounded by water and beautiful architecture. I was lucky enough to meet up with several friends during my visit, and Stockholm has plenty for social types to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a fairly-priced lunch in the old town, a coffee with a view in the culture house, or a cheeky pint on the South Side, there's no shortage of choice here. It's got efficient (if slightly hard-to-understand) public transport too, so getting around was no hassle. I loved it - I stayed two extra days than I first planned, that's how much I loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dusk in the city centre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Unusual street art in Stockholm's centre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Relaxing with friends by the waterside in Gåshaga, Stockholm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a lot of moving around with awkward heavy bags, it was great to be surrounded by friends in a friendly place, but sooner or later the time comes to move on. I had decided to travel overnight by Swe-Bus to Oslo on Saturday. This had pros and cons. Pros - cheap, efficient, free wi-fi, friendly helpful driver. Cons - bus like a sauna, smelly next-door-neighbour, 1 hours sleep. Although I did get to watch "Searching for Sugar Man" (can't recommend this docufilm enough).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6am was a bit early to be in Oslo, but I did get a rare treat. The often-crowded Karl Johans gate (the main shopping street in Oslo's centre) was <a href="https://twitter.com/FlyDriveNorway/status/330928549475266561/photo/1" target="_blank">deserted</a>. It was eery, but cool, wandering around - a bit reminiscent of 28 Days Later. No zombies here although Norwegians often enjoy a drink on a Saturday night! Many folk visit church on a Sunday morning, so I didn't have to wait that long before the devout and the recovering alike came out to enjoy the glorious sunshine. I spent the afternoon relaxing up on the walls of Akershus Fortress, which offers a great <a href="http://instagram.com/p/Y7yhk9CwEl/" target="_blank">view of the city</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that was that. Following a lift home from the boss (as in the Company Director, not Springsteen - he was in Stockholm...), my journey was complete. I've seen some amazing sights, met some great people, had good times and less good times - both just as important in my opinion - and I've scratched the surface of this spectacular country. And been to Sweden!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rest assured, there's plenty more to come. Now just to work out where FlyDrive Norway is off to next. I think we'll head East...</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-68707457582852592202013-04-30T21:55:00.001+02:002013-04-30T22:06:23.578+02:00Crossing the line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5jLztYG_Ee4_JMB1HnfdI2tnj7f_hc0DBnMj26QmmyotGVdtyiFwAsrZ8VYeuRh4FRHO4MZEC5GPCxZ6yJ8USkXZPtlRJBbT1-y_uaFn0XhJSe7ITBDqKqeCyIl6-u8MxHnSTrKcSVQ/s1600/P1010002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5jLztYG_Ee4_JMB1HnfdI2tnj7f_hc0DBnMj26QmmyotGVdtyiFwAsrZ8VYeuRh4FRHO4MZEC5GPCxZ6yJ8USkXZPtlRJBbT1-y_uaFn0XhJSe7ITBDqKqeCyIl6-u8MxHnSTrKcSVQ/s320/P1010002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are prettier places to wake up than Narvik. The town was flattened in WWII, and the style of rebuilding reflects its industrial heritage. It's still in an impressive setting though, and the skiing here runs right into town. It's meant to be good skiing too, but given how late in the season we are, the lifts are only open at weekends to help save the snow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keen to do something with my day, I jumped on the train. Funny how the train line that brought Narvik's industry and slightly dour looks, offers some of the finest views in the area. I spent the journey gawping out of the window at towering cliffs (loads of ice climbing potential in winter) and beautiful fjords, before the scenery changed to that of an Arctic plateau.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The small Swedish ski resort of Riksgr</span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">änsen </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">actually straddles the border. It's the most northerly resort in the world, and is characterised by lots of cliff drops and acres of off piste. I spent a really enjoyable afternoon skiing here - the potential of the place under some fresh powder was evident. I had to settle for a bit of wind-blown and some slush, but I was more than happy just to be charging around, using my skis on a new mountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The summit of Nordal is an easy bootpack from the top of the lifts, and a good ride down:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftC6vVL7xwsTegSyFq2RgiqXLKUmDmM0c-w8SQX5svjnDQQx-n7SAg1TImZx1fF3A2zdWD7BMvNYFXDHCJ329VIyDALWlFJD2gnKcb83SJe1ae4THyUbTFBHEfnzNgcpTMxWvbaQqfIo/s1600/P1010014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftC6vVL7xwsTegSyFq2RgiqXLKUmDmM0c-w8SQX5svjnDQQx-n7SAg1TImZx1fF3A2zdWD7BMvNYFXDHCJ329VIyDALWlFJD2gnKcb83SJe1ae4THyUbTFBHEfnzNgcpTMxWvbaQqfIo/s320/P1010014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But my favourite run of the day involved seeing how many times I could cross from Sweden to Norway to Sweden again! Here's a photo on what I'm pretty sure is THE border (looking into Norway).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's something special about skiing in Lapland - the whole place just feels properly 'Arctic' - something you don't always feel closer to the coast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the lifts closed and I had to call it a day, I was shocked (in a good way) to find a really rowdy afterski downstairs in the hotel complex! Mid-week, late season... those Swedes still love a party!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq4CRKPW4yhgpQ9lknWCq0na-fPr_cztBS4UivCuAjxv2PP6Avwy0guKRgrq7pSHX97VxWgOAFK__EDMMcHj_ITLHDfdycn88DRAt_s_sFWr2nKmKIqAcNr1aLa64SY8wsZPpopxJ1Vw/s1600/P1010027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq4CRKPW4yhgpQ9lknWCq0na-fPr_cztBS4UivCuAjxv2PP6Avwy0guKRgrq7pSHX97VxWgOAFK__EDMMcHj_ITLHDfdycn88DRAt_s_sFWr2nKmKIqAcNr1aLa64SY8wsZPpopxJ1Vw/s320/P1010027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going to be taking the train down to Stockholm tomorrow - provided they let me on, as I may have ballsed the ticket up. Assuming I do go, it's supposed to be a beautiful journey. Although quite long, it's also one of the cheapest ways to get to Northern Norway (provided you book well in advance) so worthy of mention on FlyDrive Norway's blog! Watch this space, hopefully I'll get away with it. If not, there are worse places to be stranded!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-5797955693893798042013-04-29T23:07:00.002+02:002013-04-29T23:07:47.912+02:00Getting out in Lofoten, going "out out" in Lofoten, and getting out of Lofoten<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a hectic few days here in the North of Norway. I've been staying on-and-off at Svolvær Sjøhuscamping, which is a budget guesthouse right on the harbour front. The setting is great, it's really well-looked after and actually very well-appointed in every respect - I'd recommend them fully! As is often the way in these places, I got chatting with Matias, an Argentinian backpacker, and Christine, daughter of the owners. Christine was kind enough to invite me to a reggae night in Kabelvåg on Friday night, called "Dread Light District".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A reggae night? In </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kabelvåg????</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Damn straight. It was one of the best nights I've had in Norway.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKUm9Xfmfii3v_v83VBEvk87udgzl-XloG3kz9pMzWQZz1KjVZpNuhjFW4a-1xr0YQCoYV_klQBptvYIdt28nhBd4zJDwNQsYGSdsUO3BwouUHPVKXdD2vJqCgmFwhlo8_seTLQjrF1I/s1600/P1010033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKUm9Xfmfii3v_v83VBEvk87udgzl-XloG3kz9pMzWQZz1KjVZpNuhjFW4a-1xr0YQCoYV_klQBptvYIdt28nhBd4zJDwNQsYGSdsUO3BwouUHPVKXdD2vJqCgmFwhlo8_seTLQjrF1I/s320/P1010033.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 bands played, firstly a group of keen local youngsters - most of them students at </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kabelvåg's art college.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Chatting to the lads afterwards, Lofoten sounds a tough place for aspiring musicians. Band members continually leave to continue their education elsewhere - as a result the guys had a whole new line-up for the evening, and had only rehearsed twice. Despite this they really got the crowd involved and played a great opener.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyQGHqNfsrbgAOgucISRoR6jVew5PuvmnEO6pduxTBqu71Umygr42jzL8nA4l7o9viFr9E178skxKsNmOPLsmk0doHPkU_0nMEY6_aXtttxdI5IHYSF0fFzc9pkI1xSwg51cURCzVNOk/s1600/P1010018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyQGHqNfsrbgAOgucISRoR6jVew5PuvmnEO6pduxTBqu71Umygr42jzL8nA4l7o9viFr9E178skxKsNmOPLsmk0doHPkU_0nMEY6_aXtttxdI5IHYSF0fFzc9pkI1xSwg51cURCzVNOk/s320/P1010018.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The three remaining acts all hail from Troms</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ø - Bislaget, Dread Men Walking and Skada Vara. While Skada Vara were great headliners, I preferred Dread Men Walking's set of upbeat reggae and ska. The crowd were loving it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the encore, all the acts performed together - it was hard to tell where the band stopped and the crowd started. There aren't that many people in Lofoten outside of the season, but I think everyone was at this gig! What a good night!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day, I was struggling. So after a late start, I set off up Fløya, the mountain behind Svolvær. This is a relatively small peak, but it rises straight out of the sea so the climb up (passing the celebrated 'Svolvær Goat') </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">soon saw the hangover off!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Svolværgeita, a popular goal for rock climbers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The views from the top were something else - I'll put some of the best shots on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flydrivenorway/" target="_blank">Flickr</a> in due course. Once I gained the summit, I traversed around the ridge, aiming to climb the next peak around. However I soon realised that the sun's heat was making the snow unstable, so I picked a safe spot to bail out (although not without setting off a small 'sluff' of wet snow first). On the way down I met some guys who had been making a TV show, and were climbing on the goat that day - a good effort so early in the season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I camped out that night. In Norway, as long as you're 150m from the nearest house and you're only stopping for 1 night, you can camp pretty much anywhere. I found a rocky outcrop sticking out into the sea at </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kabelvåg. Great view, and I found some more <a href="http://instagram.com/p/Yn5nyfCwD6/" target="_blank">live music</a> that night too. The locals are so friendly - probably because they've barely seen anyone all winter! It was an unexpected bonus night, and I finally made it to the tent at 3am ready to crash out. Shame it snowed on me at 4am!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday promised to be the best weather day of the week, so I was up early for some ski touring on nearby Småtindan. The skiing on Lofoten is legendary, and we got some great runs in that day - nothing too difficult but the 4am snow had its uses! Blue sky day and fresh tracks on perfect slopes - yes please! If you're thinking about skiing in Lofoten, get some local knowledge and guidance first - we had to be pretty careful of wet, avalanche-prone snow lying on blank rock slabs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the touring was done, I realised I'd screwed up - being a Sunday I had missed the bus. "Never mind", I thought. "I'll hitch". Yeah, right. With two large bags, on a Sunday afternoon, I had no hope. My 10km walk home took me past the beautiful Lofoten Cathedral, so I grabbed a quick picture before slogging it out up and over the hill. Just what you want after a full day's ski touring!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today the weather's been turning, and I was cream-crackered from my escapades over the weekend. As a result, I jumped on a bus to Narvik earlier (260NOK, 4hr20min journey) and am now preparing to sleep out again before heading to Riksgränsen tomorrow. That's right, it's got an 'ä' in it - because it's in Sweden. FlyDrive Norway in Sweden? I'll explain more later. It's time for bed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Safe travels, Phil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-38924758615359263582013-04-25T20:05:00.000+02:002013-04-25T20:08:26.372+02:00Inside Anker Brygge<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoy sleeping outside. Just saying. I love a good camp, I do. On this trip, I'll probably spend quite a few nights out - partly to save money, and partly because I like it! A downside this far north is that it's daylight by 4am (getting earlier and earlier...), but I was knackered yesterday so slept straight through to 8ish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rate I'm going this week, I could write a blog on touring Norway's libraries. But in all seriousness, if like me you're in need of an internet connection and don't want to pay for it then the 'Bibliotek' is a good bet. After a morning of battering through emails, I managed to get down to <a href="http://www.anker-brygge.no/english" target="_blank">Anker Brygge</a> for a look round. During my travels around Norway, I'll be dropping in on FlyDrive Norway's partner suppliers, to give you a bit more insight on what they offer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rorbuer are traditional waterfront fisherman's cottages. In Svolvær, they characterise the look of the town's focal point, the harbour. <a href="http://www.anker-brygge.no/english" target="_blank">Anker Brygge</a> has several Rorbuer of various sizes, some old and some new, but all traditional on the outside and well equipped on the inside. Staying in one is a must-do for anyone visiting Lofoten, and it shows in the bookings - they're full tonight and we're still in the low season!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The inner courtyard at <a href="http://www.anker-brygge.no/english" target="_blank">Anker Brygge</a> houses the prettiest and most <i>unusual maintenance building</i> I've ever seen (former employers take note - your sheds do not meet expectations):</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxVyDRp6AZkrAXx-WqTKDaCWj2pz25SNm1AtT7LvaHzWBu4t83Qh7j8PtlJ2Qxp1S90FR1lYZFJWi97ljB3ra3NHviNRyj-BegZMmN7TUvQ2fZ96j0rY53GDIwPRwpA5Q6SNe9_FJvjM/s1600/P1010034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxVyDRp6AZkrAXx-WqTKDaCWj2pz25SNm1AtT7LvaHzWBu4t83Qh7j8PtlJ2Qxp1S90FR1lYZFJWi97ljB3ra3NHviNRyj-BegZMmN7TUvQ2fZ96j0rY53GDIwPRwpA5Q6SNe9_FJvjM/s320/P1010034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's also a sauna for guests to use (complete with nautical decor including a ship's wheel - love it), and that's not all. Last night I enjoyed a beer in the Bryggebaren, a warm and welcoming pub just across the bridge as you enter Anker Brygge - take a look at our twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/FlyDriveNorway" target="_blank">@FlyDriveNorway</a>) or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FlyDriveNorway" target="_blank">facebook</a> for a picture of the karaoke carnage...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFJk8e5XO-y2jMy13CgR3YoreKB8anBsi6oaJFA9MrxKGNbotWtMmjyePt57F9Pyenm8-3Rc0T0DBM-zcbR9-A577G3Ot1lUQFllPsG0JsK_5s2zrDMnLdnJuEqZSiClwxkGfLbelAps/s1600/P1010002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFJk8e5XO-y2jMy13CgR3YoreKB8anBsi6oaJFA9MrxKGNbotWtMmjyePt57F9Pyenm8-3Rc0T0DBM-zcbR9-A577G3Ot1lUQFllPsG0JsK_5s2zrDMnLdnJuEqZSiClwxkGfLbelAps/s320/P1010002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just next door to the Bryggebaren is the </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kjøkkene restaurant. They serve a traditional regional menu, including Stockfish, Lofoten's signature dish. Inside the restaurant is bright and charming, with plenty of unique touches to finish:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So visitors to Anker Brygge don't need to venture into the rest of town then? That's not how Market Manager, Morten Moe seems to see it. Morten was kind enough to show me around, and I was impressed by his pragmatic and open-minded views on bringing visitors to Lofoten. There's no doubt in my mind that as a visitor to <a href="http://www.anker-brygge.no/english" target="_blank">Anker Brygge</a>, you are more than welcome (encouraged even) to explore the other restaurants etc in Svolvær during your stay. And for non-residents, the doors to the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Kjøkkene and Bryggebaren are wide open. Anker Brygge is open year-round - in fact, most of </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;">Svolvær is, making the winter a great time to visit if you'd like to avoid the crowds and the high-season prices.</em><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">After I left Morten, I spent a little time wandering around taking pictures. This one in particular sums the place up for me - out on the quayside with a coffee, newspaper and cigarette if you like, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the view. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't fancy camping tonight - it's going to rain later. As in WEST COAST OF NORTHERN NORWAY rain. It'll probably be biblical in scale and ferocity. So I've rented myself a little room with a view at </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Svolvær Sjøhuscamp, very pleasant indeed. It didn't take long for me to strike up some banter (shock) with the other guests, so it looks like I'm heading out for a bit later on. Expect instagrams. This could get messy.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-65756603479833304392013-04-25T17:02:00.001+02:002013-04-25T17:11:37.128+02:00All Change...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mentioned before that Bodø is the end of the train line, so now my mode of transport would need to shift to the sea! I spent the morning on the 'Gamle (old) Salten', but my trusty vessel for the next leg of the journey would be her younger (but not smaller) sister.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Torghatten Nord operate ferries and express boats throughout Norway's coastline. The Salten serves the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bodø to Svolv</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ær express route. This crossing gets busy in summer, so it's advisable to book in advance. Yesterday I had ample space to stretch my sea legs and try to get pictures through sprayed-up windows. The scenery on the trip was amazing, but there's no 'above deck' area. To be quite honest, the boat's not hanging about and I don't fancy man-overboard drills in the Arctic Circle, so no outside area is fair enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The express boat's route links many isolated communities to civilisation. I saw plenty of passengers who had just popped into town on the boat for a bit of shopping! The voyage was similar to visiting the Small Isles off Scotland's west coast, only the the isles had become Big instead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The journey takes 3hrs 50mins - there's a reasonably priced cafe-kiosk on board and the views keep getting better and better. The final leg involves crossing Vestfjord. There were plenty of big rollers, and the sea was calm (for here) yesterday. I've spent plenty of time on boats, but seriously, walking was a struggle. I'd not drunk anything either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The famous Lofoten wall crept closer and closer, until after a final stop at the tiny island settlement of Skrova we reached Svolvær, Capital of the Lofoten.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fishing is in the heart of this town - there's a rack of fish drying just outside my front door right now. I wasn't sure how the mixture of traditional buildings and modern fish plants would work, but it all sits together pretty easily. The backdrop plays its part too. As a climber, I've always wanted to visit here! Lofoten is famous all over the world for its sheer granite cliffs, rising straight out of the sea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night however was not about climbing - I'd been up since 5am, and I took the photo above at 11pm on my way into the Bryggebaren pub. I couldn't choose between beer and bed, but seeing as it barely got dark last night and I was doing a little 'urban' camping, the beer won. Turns out, not all things change!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-66306023111487180352013-04-24T16:07:00.001+02:002013-05-06T15:38:04.112+02:00Damp in Bodø, and all aboard the M/S Gamle Salten!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Woke up on a train heading North. As far North as possible without going into Sweden first, to be precise. A combination of full-blown daylight and sleeping on a train seat meant a 5am wake up, still the ride through Nordland featured some dramatic scenery and cool views so I can't complain - especially when you see the price of the ticket:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So 249 NOK (around £28) got me from Lillehammer to Bodø. 650 miles, on comfortable and quick trains. All you have to do is book at least a day in advance and look for 'minipris' tickets. Nice one NSB!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bodø today felt a bit like Mallaig in Scotland - end of the train line, end of the road, all future options out at sea. It's been grey and wet outside, so I've been hitting the paperwork and haven't got to see that much of town. I did have time to head down to the M.S. Gamle Salten though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This former Hurtigruten ship has been lovingly restored, and now sails throughout the summer on short tours around the Lofoten Isles. They're one of our newest partners on www.flydrivenorway.co.uk so I dropped in to lend a hand with their web listing. In return, Kristin Konradsen the General Manager was kind enough to let me have a look around! Here's some photos from above and below decks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The M.S. Gamle Salten is the only ship of her kind in Norway - historic sailing and floating accomodation all in one package! Surely a must-do if you're in Nordland.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway I must dash - as it happens I've got a boat to catch of my own!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-67336828479206273582013-04-23T21:46:00.001+02:002013-04-23T21:46:44.164+02:00Trondheim - Gateway to Nordland<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi folks, I'm in Trondheim! I've been waiting for my connecting train since arriving from Lillehammer at around 3pm local time. As a result, I've had plenty of time to look around and get a feel for the place (as well as work out which local suppliers we will be looking at for new Premier Partnerships).</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trondheim is great! It has a quirky mix of influences, with traditional waterfront architecture meeting a boho student population. The result is fairly unique - quaint old buildings housing chic cafes and bars, and bicycles everywhere. Despite being Norway's 3rd largest city, it's easy to walk around and is fairly quiet - but then what would you expect in a country with five and a half million inhabitants? Despite the lack of people, there's a certain buzz about the place, particularly early in the evening as the bars start to fill up. Having such a young population is doing Trondheim no harm at all it seems. Not that the history has been overlooked - I went to take a look at Norway's oldest cathedral in the centre of town, the Nidarosdomen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmRZDlWZiTVFjCmzRcUEqReV8wUIOy27mtDlCn2SFvnNf0sYF3annd9mmUMK5zo0pPQpLex3mqWQ_3uoJ7Ua_PbFx4mkNDbtK4ZdzwG-L_7pNijawWDAmEjCfO1sGP__WNUutYy1setU/s1600/P1010010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmRZDlWZiTVFjCmzRcUEqReV8wUIOy27mtDlCn2SFvnNf0sYF3annd9mmUMK5zo0pPQpLex3mqWQ_3uoJ7Ua_PbFx4mkNDbtK4ZdzwG-L_7pNijawWDAmEjCfO1sGP__WNUutYy1setU/s1600/P1010010.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's worth bearing in mind if you're visiting that opening hours out of season are limited - I just missed out on looking around inside as the ticket office currently closes at 2 on a Tuesday. Not that the outside wasn't impressive! You can see all of my pictures from today on the <b>flickr </b>stream at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flydrivenorway/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/flydrivenorway/</a> .</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKxFY5zQtR_lNSRMxt8M_JPwknhNRiZTXacQdkoOf2yDewpv9Y2IT15f1AtN5xXfMpb5535TQfwsBWHSNg3aNqiusvbVrTBpwhX9_71ZAJ08cEE0S8VARmuDDatgbNfgd4NgQblyljTw/s1600/P1010017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKxFY5zQtR_lNSRMxt8M_JPwknhNRiZTXacQdkoOf2yDewpv9Y2IT15f1AtN5xXfMpb5535TQfwsBWHSNg3aNqiusvbVrTBpwhX9_71ZAJ08cEE0S8VARmuDDatgbNfgd4NgQblyljTw/s1600/P1010017.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, and just for your reference, in case you didn't know, this is me, trying to look inconspicuous...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right, time to eat! I'll not say where I'm off to now - all I will tell you is that when I wake up, I'll be somewhere very different without spending much money!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013823986758942390.post-83685208736798001802013-04-23T12:07:00.000+02:002013-04-24T00:53:01.183+02:00Welcome<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi. I'm FlyDrive Norway's 'man in the field'. To start off with, I should clarify that I'm not in a field. I'm sitting at my laptop, which is where I'll be spending part of my time over the next 6 months. The rest of the time, I'll be travelling all over Norway, promoting www.flydrivenorway.co.uk and bringing you pictures and blogs that I hope will inspire you to get out here and take a look for yourself!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01803408230348093292noreply@blogger.com0