Today we visited the land of fairytales. Steinar Bryn, our guide here in Lillehammer and during our upcoming time in the Balkans, took us to Hunderfossen, a park just north of the city. He prepared us for the journey by saying that, when we finished at the park, we would feel refreshed and energized. Indeed, Steinar’s tour through the park provided plentiful opportunities to revisit stories from childhood and to remember the joy of playing.

The park is full of activities, from bubble-blowing and go-carts (kids get to drive mini Mercedes) to rides and short videos. We met a giant but friendly-looking troll statue on our way in to an exhibit showcasing a variety of scenes from fairytales. A ride through a castle transported us through more Norwegian fairytales – stories about contrary wives, stubborn princesses, a three-headed troll and more.

Several displays reminded me of stories in the picture books of my past, bringing many smiles to my face. The most magical part of the park, however, was the setting. There I stood, surrounded by green, rolling hills, pots of colorful flowers, kids laughing as they played on toys, and an atmosphere of leisure. Steinar, who has years of experience working with ethnic groups in conflict, said he often brings dialogue groups to the park in order to provide a release from the intensity of a dialogue session.

I felt a sense of peace, sitting outside a fairytale castle and gazing at the beautiful land around me. As we begin our sessions with the International Summer School students who come in from the Balkans tomorrow, I am thankful to have the peace of this day in my memory. Our work will get more intense from this point on, and now I feel ready.

Ingrid sitting outside of the castle.

Jenn and Kyle play a game of chess at Hunderfossen.

It is often said that Norwegians are a reserved people, but once friends, are friends for life.

Three of my Norwegian friends I met two years ago on a PLU semester study abroad program epitomize that statement. Yesterday morning they cleared their busy schedules to welcome me at the Hamar train station.

As we ambled on a well-worn path around Lake Mjøsa, we slipped into easy conversation, reliving memories while creating new ones. I was again reminded of the value Norwegians place on outdoor fitness as we were soon passed by families on bicycles and cross-country skiers engaged in land training (running with poles).

We soon stumbled upon what appeared to be a wedding ceremony in the famous and ancient glass cathedral. As we headed back to the train station to meet up with the arriving PLU group (they took a later train from Oslo that morning), we marveled at the wedding ceremony attendees adorned with gorgeous finery in the intensely hot weather.

After meeting up with the other PLU students and professors, we took a brief tour of Hedmark University College before heading toward the central part of town.

We picked a great day to visit Hamar, as we discovered a lively festival with face-painting, excited children running about with balloon swords and heart wands, and the smell of delectable food.

The atmosphere reminded me of downtown Puyallup’s “Meeker Days” Festival, but with a slight twist: instead of the Elephant Ear crepes, we had delicious Norwegian pancakes with strawberry jam and long ropes of sour and sweet licorice.

After touring more of Hamar and grabbing drinks at an outdoor café, we enjoyed a relaxing outdoor lunch at Peppes Pizza—a popular spot for Norwegians and PLU students (as we sat at the exact table location as two years ago during my first day of orientation on the Hedmark program).

After lunch, we said a premature goodbye to our Norwegian and PLU professors as one of my friends drove us to my other friend’s beautiful country summer place. We lounged, chatted and napped and woke up to steaming mugs of tea.

After our short respite, we ventured forth again to Lillehammer

Upon arrival to Lillehammer (after a quick stop for ice cream), we found international mediator Steinar Bryn and our PLU professors waiting for us on Bryn’s porch overlooking the beautiful Lillehammer lake.

We feasted on reindeer and moose burgers (scrambled eggs and salad for the vegetarians of the group) and drank deep glasses of red wine as we watched the sun dip down behind the mountains (at 10:30 p.m.).

My friend remarked she had never seen me so happy.

I simply responded that I love Norway.

I love the spirit of dialogue and reflection embraced by Norwegian culture and ideology, and I love the simplicity of life as shared through reconnection with friends.

The visit to Hamar reminded me that change is constant, time is fleeting, and that some relationships are everlasting. Although the college bookstore had changed locations, scaffolding had morphed into a new science building, and the blazing sun had melted the blanket of snow that covered the streets, the relationships established two years ago remained strong and with it my love of Norway.

Jenn and Mona walking around Lake Mjøsa.