Mt. Ulriken, Norway | April, 2016
The Daily Edit |11|
Norway
The Daily Edit
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.
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.
The Daily Edit.
Remember that quote?
“Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start.” – Simon Sinek
I haven’t given myself time to forget it yet. I’ve decided to give myself small goals. One at a time. So here we go.
First small goal- to edit and share photos from my last year of traveling and exploring- at least one photo a day. Just to make it seems less intimidating, I’m going to start with just one a day for a week. I will try to share a little something with each photo. Even if all it is, is a caption.
USF Verftet, May 2016
I went to Bergen as a starting point, before I went to Eid. This was where I would have a week in a restaurant where I’d only heard of the Chef through our mutual friends. Then something amazing happened. I fell in love with a community of people. I became a part of something that sucked me in and made me do everything I could to stay. Bergen, and the community I found there, became home base for the 6 months that I spent in Denmark and Norway. I tried to stay longer. I wasn’t successful, and I still find myself a little sad thinking about these amazing people and how much I miss them. A little bit before I flew back to New York, I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Irmelin and Anne Kim, a girls night. And just so much fun. I do want to visit Bergen again. But the thing that pulled me in the most was the people. We’re all a bit scattered around now, as is what happens in the restaurant industry. Maybe in this case – to a little bit more of an extreme with such an international community. I like to think that it only furthers my desire to continue my travels. If only to spend more time with each of them.
There’s a Viking King Buried in the Parking Lot & Other Stories
I’m not kidding. Really. But I’ll get to that in a moment.
Leon has this way of explaining things last minute. I imagine that running a business while working as a Chef at a local hotel means that there isn’t a lot of room for extraneous details. I arrive in Måløy by ferry late one night, left Bergen on one of the rare sunny days of my stay. Leon picked me up and we drove the 40 minutes to Eid, catching up, chatting. There’s a lot of “Oh, and did I mention…” . He tells me that we’re doing an interview with a local paper the next day. He tells me that there’s a party the following Saturday (in three days) for the Bakery, and I have something nice to wear, right? [I didn’t.] Oh by the way, did I tell you… etc. It’s pretty amazing, and great. Kept me surprised, that’s for sure.
Now back to the Viking King. We’re driving into Eid, and pass a big construction site on the fjord edge. Leon tells me in his by the way fashion that there’s a viking king buried in a mound behind the bakery. Buried with his ship as is tradition. The town is putting more earth into the fjord. Building out into it for more space as they have done in the past. And the structure that they are working on is going to be a museum for the Viking finds in Eid. I’m not sure what I was expecting to see, but literally a mound of dirt in parking lot behind the bakery wasn’t it. 
Leon said that Khang didn’t believe him. I laughed, but honestly I couldn’t blame him. It looks like some of the mounds my dad used to create with his tractor so we could ride motorcycles on new trails every year or so. No markings, no pomp and circumstance. It’s just there. It’s just so Norwegian. By the way there’s this huge archeological find, but we just know it’s there and live our lives around it.
I even hesitate to post this on the off chance that Leon was just screwing with me. Still, the point is that there’s a difference in the way that people think in Norway compared to the states. I’m no expert, so I could be completely wrong. But there are a lot of things that hold value in the U.S. that simply don’t in a country where religion hasn’t really held value in a long time. There are things that don’t hold value in a society that isn’t based on capitalism. Of course there are more influences than those two things, and it’s much more complex than a few sentences in a quick blog can express. My point is there are a lot of little differences in the way that our societies look at the world. And it’s fascinating to me. I have been spending a fair amount of time noticing the way that people in different places are still very much the same, how people are people with the same emotions and general wants and needs. Still, the ways in which we diverge are also something I have been contemplating. In social expectations, in mindsets about how the world should be. Ideas of how to behave and react. It’s an education for myself. Makes me question my own ideas of how I think. Or if not question, then to be able to reexamine them. It’s not a bad thing, opening up your mind to possibilities. To different views. Suddenly the world is bigger and smaller and a whole lot more and less complex, all at the same time. I plan to keep my eyes and ears open, understand a little more before I can tell you what I’ve learned.
I hope that you might have the chance to experience that there is a world that someone else lives in and sees. The same world that you currently occupy. That there is more than one way to live in it, to value it. I hope that you might have the chance to open your eyes and live side by side with that world. Maybe, merge a bit of yours should you desire.
Because there is a Viking King buried in the parking lot, and we’re going to live in that world that he once occupied. I love the idea that I could live in my world with respect for his. I love the idea that really, it’s all one and the same.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights over Bergen
Worth it. Worth ALL of it.
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
Spiced (á la Mexican) Hot Chocolate Pops
I had a list. A list of items I was coming up to Eid (Norfjoreid, Norway) to make that I thought was fairly ambitious. Over the last few months when Leon and I messaged back and forth the list grew. Still, I thought that I could make it work. Well, I hoped. It has grown, this list, even more since I got here. We’ve made a few things I wasn’t expecting to get to at all, and left a few things that I was excited about behind. I’ve loved the process, and I wish I had more time, more of me to make more of these fun things. It’s in this last week that we’re stuck trying to play catch up to a demand we weren’t expecting that I’m having to pare back down to what feel like the essentials. Or the “best sellers we’ve had so far”. Slowing down a bit on new things. Ramping up on everything we (and that we is mostly me) make, getting ready for Christmas shoppers.
The Hot Cocoa Pops that Chef Leon asked me to make have been the sneaky guys on the shelf, getting sold when I least expect. Almond brittle far outsells them, but I like them just the same. I intend to make time to keep some on the shelves of Minibakeriet for stocking stuffers. They are pretty tasty. Also very simple to make. And I promised I would post a recipe, so that my mom and my cousins (and anyone who wanted, of course) could make them at home.
I want to mention that I have adjusted a recipe I found from The Giver’s Log to suit my personal tastes and the bakery’s needs. I have always loved chocolate that is spicy and rich, and the darker the better. If it was me, I would double the amount of chocolate on one pop, or use two for one 8oz glass of milk, top it off with more spices- stir it with a cinnamon stick even. A good thick sipping chocolate. But I wasn’t just making this for me. So we’ll go with the version I made for the bakery. Something that appeals to even the kiddos, and still evokes in me memories of the Ibarra chocolate I love and have no chance of finding here in Norway. (Mom, mail me Ibarra!)
Spiced Hot Chocolate Pops
Ingredients:
- 455 g 72% Valrhona Araguani (Dark Chocolate)
- 40g Valrhona Cocoa Rouge (Cocoa Powder)
- 110g Powdered Sugar (Confectioners Sugar)
- 8g Cinnamon
- 1/8t Cayenne
You will also need: Wooden spoons or popsicle sticks, a silicon mold- a silicon Ice cube tray will work great, and a piping bag.
Method for pops:
- Make sure silicon mold is as clean and dry as possible. I recommend washing it and popping it in the oven for a few minutes. It won’t melt, and should cool down enough to use once the chocolate mixture is ready.
- Sift together the Cocoa Powder, Powdered Sugar, Cinnamon, and Cayenne.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a heat proof bowl, either stirring carefully over a pot of simmering water or in a microwave in small increments of 30-60 seconds.
- Mix the sifted ingredients into the melted chocolate thoroughly.
- Pour mixture into piping bag and pipe into prepared molds.
- Once the chocolate starts to set, place wooden spoons in each mold.
- Do not refrigerate. Let harden in a cool, dry place. Package as desired.
A note on Chocolate: In the bakery I use Valrhona or Callebaut. High quality chocolate is best, not “melting chips” or chocolate with a lot of added oil. Valrhona’s 72% is one of my favorites. It may also be harder to get, and a little pricey. Guittard, Scharffenberger, Cacao Barry are all good options. Still, my best recommendation is to use something that you like. And if you’re saving a penny or two: the Trader Joe’s Dark chocolate will work just fine.
A note on Spices: The freshest spices will have the best flavors. This is especially true of ground spices. The ideal is to use a smaller amount of fresh spices, rather than worry about the overall mixture becoming gritty. Cinnamon, cayenne or whatever chile mix that might be available are all good options, adjust to fit personal tastes.
To Make Hot Chocolate:
Heat 1 cup/8oz/2.4 dL of Whole Milk just to a simmer. (I really love using a dash of Heavy Cream with my milk). Stir in chocolate pop until melted. Keep spoon around to make sure you get all of that chocolate goodness from the bottom of cup.
Variations:
For Peppermint Chocolate: Omit Cinnamon and Cayenne, finish melted chocolate with a 2-3 small drops of Peppermint Oil before adding in dry ingredients. Coat finished pops with powdered sugar OR sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top of pops before they set.
For Marshmallow Chocolate: Finish pops with mini mallows before set. Make your own if you can. Fresh Marshmallows are fantastic.
For (ALL OF THE POSSIBILITIES): Add what you like. Keep in mind that a few drops of essential oils, extracts, liquor should be okay. BUT too much liquid makes the chocolate seize and discolor. This is a best as a dry ingredient recipe. Add other flavors in as toppings for best results.
A note to my cousins and my mom and anyone who wants to make these: I’m happy to answer questions. I hope you make them with your monkeys and take photos. And send me the photos. And drink lots of Ibarra for me.
Love,
Amanda
This One is Mine 