In Search of the Northern Lights (and Everything Else Along the Way)

Hi Everyone,

I’ve been away from my blog for a few weeks because Marty and I just returned from a vacation. As an anniversary present, we booked a Viking cruise to see the Northern Lights – in Norway – above the arctic circle. Which probably sounds lightly glamorous but also, definitely foolhardy, considering it is winter. But honestly, it was an incredible trip.

Where We Began (and Met the Best Travel Guide on Earth)

London: Our journey began in lovely London. Neither Marty nor I have been to London or Europe before, so we were both a bit overwhelmed trying to decide what to see. Fortunately, Marty found THE BEST LONDON-BASED TOUR GUIDE ON THE PLANET on Instagram (Emily @guideemily, https://www.sketchhistorytours.com). Emily is friendly, fun, and a Blue Badge Tour guide, artist, and a literal encyclopedia of British history, colorful facts, and trivia. She patiently worked with us and planned an individualized itinerary based on what city sites interested us – plus, she offered other great suggestions for places we hadn’t considered. Even if you’ve visited London’s usual tourist areas, you should still reach out to her. I promise Emily will offer new insights and suggestions for a fun day in the city. Plus, she is incredibly gracious – she only laughed a little when I tripped and spilled my Coke Zero all over the suit of a businessman during my first London Tube experience – thankfully the man I assaulted was also a total English gentleman.

Here are a few images from London:

Our Marriott Hotel

St. Paul’s Cathedral

“The Queen of Time” sculpture on the exterior of Selfridges on Oxford Street.

A memorial for all animals that lost their lives in world wars (I LOVED this)

Big Ben

The Tower of London

The Tower Bridge

Sailing the Thames

Amsterdam: Bikes, Water, and The Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum

The Milkmaid – Vermeer

The Night Watch – Rembrandt

Norway: Mountains, Fjords, Arctic Trains, Beautiful Towns, and Those Incredible Lights

Captain Marty on board our deck in Norway

On the Arctic Train to Katterat, Norway to see the Northern Lights

Bergen, Norway

Norway

Norway Village Street

Northern Lights

Our arctic reindeer ride with Santa’s friends as we watched the Northern Lights

Life on board our Viking Cruise Ship – Heaven

The Ship’s Atrium

The View from the Shower/Bath to our Private Deck

The Explorer’s Deck

The Thermal Spa – and the Snow Grotto

The Beautiful Winter Garden - For Dining and Relaxing

The Winter Garden

And Finally, The Food….Incredible.

A Small Sample of Sweets From Mamsen’s Cafe

Their Success Cake is Indescribably Rich and Delicious!!!!!

A Final and Unexpected Event:

A gale (8-9/12) developed in the North Sea between Iceland, Scotland, and Norway as we were making our way back to Bergen. It started around 6:30 pm and lasted until 8 am the next morning. What a ride – actually, quite fun!!!!! No seasickness thankfully. Here’s a video I took…The camera shakes at 6 seconds because another big wave hit our ship and I almost dropped my phone (duh!!).