Last days in Norway

After a wonderful last two months in Norway, where I did my defense and passed with an A, or as my co-supervisor said "with flags flying", I have arrived back in Minnesota only to go immediately to my other favorite place, Holland, Michigan.  Before leaving I stayed with my Norwegian fourth-cousin, who has been instrumental in my decision to go to Norway and has supported me along the way.  We went a few places together around her town and had dinner with her parents, who have also been my family's gracious hosts on all of our trips to Norway.

                               

Here we are at a nice beach near her home with her cute dog, there in time for the sunset.

                               

I'll miss the high season for heather, but I got to see some blooming before I left.

                                

Delicious Norwegian dinner of roast pork with currant jam, vegetables and potatoes, covered in one of the most delicious gravies I've ever tasted.

                              

After dinner we had coffee and currant jam (it was in season so it was homemade) covered in a vanilla sauce.  Yum!

                              

From the plane I got one last glimpse of the dramatic Norwegian landscape.

I traded this sunset in Norway for this one:

Which is not a bad trade.  Especially when it comes with my endlessly entertaining family.  I'm glad to be back.