When we arrived at the office the morning of our departure, we found a bus and lunch packets waiting for us. The bus was decorated in the Bavarian colours and of course, all of us prepared ourselves for a long trip down to the Alps. Much to our surprise, the bus didn't take the route to the south, but instead, the bus took us to Frankfurt Hahn Airport and each of us were given a plane ticket to............ OSLO!
But, when the plane landed, it became clear that we were not staying in Oslo. Outside waited another bus. Little did we know, that we still had a 5 hour journey towards our end destination. Apparently, the bus driver that was supposed to come and fetch us at the airport, lost a wheel and and sent another bus driver in his place. Unfortunately, the new driver didn't know all the short cuts, and the journey took almost twice as long as planned. It didn't matter to me though. As we drove through the Norweigian landscape, I couldn't get enough of all the snow that was lying outside. Everything was covered in at least 80cm of snow. Sometimes, we passed lakes, that I wouldn't have recognised if it weren't for the docking points for the boats sticking out of the snow. Sometimes, we even saw boats stuck in the ice.
Two hours later, and we arrived at the Swedish border. We stopped at a petrol station to stretch our legs and after we've had our sandwiches, we continued our trip into Sweden.
Finally, shortly after 11pm, we arrived at our destination: Gammelbyn. Right in the middle of the swedish wilderness, Gammelbyn mainly consists out of a few wooden huts, a little pub and a restaurant. After everyone were assigned to their huts, we finally sat down for dinner, and afterwards slipped and slided down the slope to the lake, where our hosts have prepared a roaring campfire. Unfortunately, everyone was so tired, that they didn't stay long. We dragged ourselves up the hill, back to bed and slept the sleep of the dead!
The next day, I woke up and saw this:
After a big breakfast, we were chased out into the snow and divided into teams to compete in various swedish events. Axe throwing (no one managed that), blowing darts with a blow-pipe, 'skiing' and building snow sculptures.
Before dinner, we had two hours of free time. Most of us collapsed into bed and used the time to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Much too soon we had to get up, but at least we had something to look forward to: a party in 70's style!
The next morning, on Saturday, we dragged ourselves out of bed to pack and make our way back to Germany. During our long bus trip from Gammelbyn to Oslo, we watched an old TV serial called 'Michael'. It's about a swedish boy that gets into all kinds of trouble. After watching 'Michael' there wasn't much left to do except stare at the Norwegian landscape or catch a nap.
And finally we arrived in Oslo! Two whole hours to explore the city, drink a coffee, nearly freeze to death. What amazed me, were some teenaged girls running around in soaking wet sneakers, at -5°C. Crazy!
Two hours later, and we arrived at the Swedish border. We stopped at a petrol station to stretch our legs and after we've had our sandwiches, we continued our trip into Sweden.
Finally, shortly after 11pm, we arrived at our destination: Gammelbyn. Right in the middle of the swedish wilderness, Gammelbyn mainly consists out of a few wooden huts, a little pub and a restaurant. After everyone were assigned to their huts, we finally sat down for dinner, and afterwards slipped and slided down the slope to the lake, where our hosts have prepared a roaring campfire. Unfortunately, everyone was so tired, that they didn't stay long. We dragged ourselves up the hill, back to bed and slept the sleep of the dead!
The next day, I woke up and saw this:
After a big breakfast, we were chased out into the snow and divided into teams to compete in various swedish events. Axe throwing (no one managed that), blowing darts with a blow-pipe, 'skiing' and building snow sculptures.
And as if we haven't been playing in the snow enough already, we were taken to the sledding slopes after lunch. Getting to the top of the slope proved to be quite a challenge. Either you could take the lift and have your arms pulled out of their sockets, or walk 200m uphill. Once at the top, the hill suddenly looked very steep and long. The first time I went down, i made the mistake of trying to brake with my feet. Within seconds, I was covered in powdery snow. The 2nd time I went down, I tried to keep my feet inside the slay, but it was no use! I still stuck out my feet and got covered in snow for a second time. Luckily, there was a cup of hot glühwein waiting at the bottom to warm me up!
Before dinner, we had two hours of free time. Most of us collapsed into bed and used the time to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Much too soon we had to get up, but at least we had something to look forward to: a party in 70's style!
The next morning, on Saturday, we dragged ourselves out of bed to pack and make our way back to Germany. During our long bus trip from Gammelbyn to Oslo, we watched an old TV serial called 'Michael'. It's about a swedish boy that gets into all kinds of trouble. After watching 'Michael' there wasn't much left to do except stare at the Norwegian landscape or catch a nap.
And finally we arrived in Oslo! Two whole hours to explore the city, drink a coffee, nearly freeze to death. What amazed me, were some teenaged girls running around in soaking wet sneakers, at -5°C. Crazy!
The new Opera House:
After meeting up at the Grande Hotel, we had a lovely dinner and got back onto the bus for flight back. Eventually, we arrived back at the agency at 3:00am. My bed never felt as good as it did that night!
