Day 99: Troll’s trail, Norway
The events that have occurred in Oslo today are shameful and terrible. Norway has been a peaceful country for decades and there is much trust amongst the people. I’ve felt this all through my travels in Norway – the locals trust each other and trust tourists – doors are often not locked, cabins are fully equipped with all the cookware and amenities you’d need for a comfortable stay, and they’re not checked when you leave, you’re asked to clean up after yourself and it is, indeed, a very clean country. I’m afraid that events like the bombings and shootings today will breed fear within ourselves, against our fellow humans. I’m saddened and ashamed to be part of our species at times like this.
I am thankful, however, that I’m not in Oslo at the moment. I’m spending the night with family and friend in the area of Romsdal in western Norway. Our cabins are in the valley at the base of “Troll’s Trail” (Trollstigen). I wish I could send you pictures of the road down into this valley but is was foggy and raining the whole way down so we could only see about 20 meters ahead. I’m sure it is beautiful if you could see it. Here is the view from my cabin window.
Peace to all.
This afternoon, when I found out about the terrorist incident, I thought about you first.
Because Norway is such a beautiful and peaceful country, I couldn’t believe the shocking videos of the destroyed downtown that CNN showed.
Fear doesn’t bring peace.
Fear doesn’t solve problems.
Fear doesn’t unite people’s hearts.
Fear doesn’t keep our beliefs and trust.
Anger destroys but doesn’t build anything that we need.
I pray for the people whose bodies and hearts were wounded due to this incident.
I still feel pain in my heart and very sad.
I thought of you & Jen when I heard about the attacks — grateful that you weren’t near them, saddened, like you, that they have taken place and will likely color how people view each other there.
Hey Sandy, I’m glad you weren’t caught up in the middle of the attacks. Stay safe, and keep having fun!