This is from a bit of a photo mission with Hubert and John. We didn’t hike up the mountain that day, deciding instead to take the aerial tramway. It wasn’t snowing at home, so we weren’t well dressed for the weather change. Should have known better. Still, we did wander around the top, taking careful steps over steep rocks and trying not to slide in the ice and snow. I took a few shots of Hubert with his camera, and was pleasantly surprised to find that I had captured the snow coming towards my lens.
Friends
The Daily Edit
Day three. Even before I logged on and began work today, I was reminded by facebook of the birthday of a certain dapper English gentlemen. The following photo is an unusual sight, with Elias in a chef’s coat and apron rather than quite handsomely dressed behind a bar. Still well coiffed, either way. Happy Birthday, dear Sir.
Elias Vega, Lysverket Sunday. April 3, 2016
Yorkshire puddings? Turns out, they aren’t what we Americans would call a pudding at all. More like a pancake looking batter that bakes up into these soft, moist and buttery rolls. Our first attempt even, and I recommend that it should be a required dish for an English inspired Sunday roast. In this case- a Chilean English inspired Sunday roast. I may have to make some more pretty soon.
The Daily Edit
Okay, I’m still considering this Day 2- even though it’s after midnight. Only because I just got home from work and to me it’s still the same day. Today’s image I may have posted a version of before. I have edited it again now with different software. Even after editing it again- each time I see it, I want very much to improve my photography skills. So that if I ever get an opportunity like this again, I can capture it in a way that is closer to what I saw and wanted to convey.
Aurora Borealis Bergen, Norway March 6, 2016
After service one evening, a handful of us walked outside to see the Nothern Lights over the lake. AMAZING! Right? I didn’t think I would get the chance to see them this trip. I was too far south in Bergen. It was truly an unusual phenomenon, to have the Aurora hit the atmosphere at such a low longitude. The best part was that I had two friends with me who were even more photo nerds than I, willing to geek out together and sit on the frozen ground for what I think was at least a half an hour- trying to get a good shot. Having the company there taking those photos with me-made it more than just an amazing sight, it made it a very special memory. I would say that Justin’s photo from that night is still my favorite. In any case, this one is mine.
To a Year of Exploration and Fewer Complaints
Christmas in Eid, 2015
Eid, Norway. December 2015
This year I spent Christmas in Eid. I celebrated with my new friends and family that I met there. A few of the days I spent quietly by myself, watching movies, trying to relax and reading a book or two. One afternoon was bright and clear and beautiful, if cold. I went for a walk for a while, did my best to appreciate the moment, and the little things in my life that had brought me there. It was easy to feel full of love with the world around me, taking in the life and the beauty that was in front of me. The views- so gorgeous, like a postcard of a winter wonderland- were amazing.
Since I moved to Europe, there simply haven’t been many opportunities for me to complain or to unload. That simple act of grabbing a bear or a coffee at the end of a long shift and being able to talk about the things that bothered you is not part of my life right now. I spend time with people who I am so humbled to be taken care of by, I don’t feel it’s appropriate to spend any of their time with my moments of frustration. I don’t feel like I’ve been part of the long haul enough to have that luxury. The time difference and my work schedule make it difficult to share my thoughts as easily with my friends and family. The communication is harder. When I do talk with them, I want to be positive. I want to talk about the wonderful things that I have experienced. Because of this, there have been very interesting consequences. One is that I believe that I do need to find a better outlet for the concerns and frustrations of my day to day. Not talking about any of it or unloading in some way can begin to wear on me. I’m hoping that making time for a routine with more creative and physical outlets will help with that. In my travels it hasn’t been easy to be consistent with working out or practicing music. I want to make a better effort to give myself time to reflect, to write, to complete tasks. I think it’s important to make little things consistent, since the more common ones such as having my own place to land, having more than just a suitcase to live out of, etc. are not available to me right now. I want too much to be grateful for the experience that I am having. It doesn’t feel right having thoughts that aren’t all positive. But that’s also unrealistic. It’s unrealistic to imagine that what I’m doing isn’t still hard. It’s wonderful. I’m working in Europe. At some of the best restaurants in the world. I’m traveling and meeting new people and exploring new places. I’m working enough in each place to learn more than I would if I was only visiting for a few days. But I’m also having to leave those people that I have met and made friends with behind. I’m having to be the new person figuring out a new kitchen over and over again. Living frugally can be very freeing, but also effects the way that I have used my income and freedom with my time and money as a means of empowerment. I have to find that feeling of responsibility in other ways that don’t involve that freedom to spend. I have to take care of people, and show my gratitude in ways that don’t involve a purchase. So much of my time here has been an invaluable learning experience in ways I never expected.
The other side of not complaining so much, is that I have been more happy. Very much like changing a mood with a smile. My everyday is more about the good things. I feel like a better friend. I feel like a person that I might want to talk to. I have been concentrating everyday on the things that I am grateful for, humbled by, in awe of. I am so lucky for this experience. I have also been learning about how some of it isn’t just luck, but skill. As well as strength and bravery, and perseverance.
It’s not always perfect, and I’m still trying to find a better balance. I’m trying to find my feet. Trying to learn. Trying to be open and honest with myself about why I feel the way I feel.
This Christmas I gave and received few physical gifts. But I have been learning so much. So very happy with my experience and my time. Above I have posted a few photos from my walk on Christmas Day. I hope you can enjoy them. I loved taking them.
As always, I wish for you More Love. And more lightness of heart.
Amanda
Photos From the Road
Road trip, camera in hand.
My coworker Khang and I drove from Eid to Bergen and back last weekend. We worked Saturday morning, drove to Bergen that afternoon. Two ferries across the fjords each way. One ferry ride just long enough to leave the car and grab a coffee and a svele. For the hour or so that we had some light, everything that I could see was beautiful. Khang teased me about how many photos I took. I plan to post a little something more about the weekend itself, and I admit to sleeping most of the drive back- I opened my eyes just enough to see more gorgeous views, but let my camera rest with me. For now, I wanted to share a few of the photos I managed out the window of Khang’s car. (I took them while I was not driving, of course.)
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zFZqV0ZU2cH8.k3MgtB_9Px74&usp=sharing
This One is Mine 