PEACEFULLY DRAMATIC AND HAPPY

We did a lot of this on Friday.

Flags in the air, let me see you wave ‘em around like you just don’t care.

Or.

Like you really, really, really care, as that is what Norwegian National Day is all about. A huge love for our country. So we did a lot of it. Proudly and enthusiastically.

…we studied with admiration all the colourful details of the National costumes, called Bunad, from all different parts of the country, as we do every year. And despite a Norwegian newspaper trying to pitch bunads up against each other to find the most beautiful of them all, we could not pick.

… and we did a lot of waiting for our girl to turn up in the parade.

She came, she passed, she waved her flag, we quickly wiped our eyes and ran to the meet up point where hundreds of excited little children would be collected by their parents.

And then… Then the skies opened and we had the most crazy downpour in history. True Norwegian style. Magnificent, dramatic and wet.

Four minutes later my camera broke down (rain?) and SUMMER decided to turn up! A beautiful, hot, sunny afternoon. True Norwegian style. Peaceful, colourful and happy.

Eventful day, in so many ways…

Did you celebrate Norway’s National Day? Does the day make you feel patriotic? If you are from a different part of the world, do you enjoy traditions where the entire country comes together in celebratory festivities? For many Norwegians the 17th May is their very favourite day of the year. Do you have a favourite?

xx Louisa

QUIET SUNDAY QUOTE

May 19, 2013

Inspiration, Photography

NORWAY’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

May 17, 2013

Photography

2 Comments

HURRA HURRA HURRA!

Our shoes are polished and our white, embroidered shirts are ironed. We have whistles and trumpets, proudly wearing our red, white and blue ribbons, waving our flags and calling out “Hurra!”

We are ready to p-a-r-t-y, in true Norwegian National Day style. To all our fellow countrymen, near and far, have a perfect imperfect day, celebrating our country and our history.

A little wickywawaawoo about the 17th of May from Wikipedia: “The Constitution of Norway was signed at Eidsvoll on May 17 in the year 1814. The constitution declared Norway to be an independent nation. (…) A noteworthy aspect of the Norwegian Constitution Day is its very non-military nature. All over Norway, children’s parades with an abundance of flags form the central elements of the celebration. In addition to flags, people typically wear red, white and blue ribbons. Although a long-standing tradition, it has lately become more popular for men, women, and children to wear traditional outfits, called bunad. The children also make a lot of noise shouting “Hurra!”, singing, blowing whistles and shaking rattles.”

Looking forward to sharing more photos from the day with you all!

/Louisa & Camilla

A DELICIOUS ART CAFE AND A FUNKY CHICKPEA SALAD

May 16, 2013

Food & Drink, Photography

1 Comment

PROBABLY THE BEST CHICKPEA, BANANA AND CORIANDER SALAD EVER

We literally stumbled upon this little gem of a backyard, after a hot morning trailing the souks in Deira, and a trip up the creek on an abra.

Sweaty, tired, thirsty, and in desperate need of lunch and a comfy seat, we almost walked straight past. Until we peered through the little archway that leads you into the cafe little courtyard, and saw white wicker furniture, shaded by a big,gloriously green tree, and bright pink bougainvillaea climbing up the walls.

Well, you know it’s going to be good when it has white wicker furniture.

And good it was.

A peaceful, charming retreat with a superbly refreshing made-on-the-spot smoothie selection, and a scrumptious food menu.

Including my funky salad.

Inspired by our ongoing Sister Salad Challenge, I keep seeking out new, slightly different takes on salad. Who knew chickpea, banana, mango, coriander, chilli and lemon had the ability to join forces and become such an intriguingly delicious salad?

And banana in a salad? It’s a first for me, but hello! Genius.

Yum.

Camilla x

SHADOW STALKER

May 15, 2013

Photography

CREEKSIDE SOUKS

May 14, 2013

Photography

3 Comments

15 PAIRS OF THOSE SHOES PLEASE.

I’m buying shoes for everyone this Christmas.

How could I not? They’ll love them, I’m sure. So, they might not be the comfiest shoes around, but look at them – are they not fabulous? Look at them. Just look. How to choose, how to choose.

Plus I learnt a great tip the other day; pop a comfy insole into these little gems, and they magically transform into super comfy little slip ons. But, oh. How does one choose.

And then the spices. I’m so intrigued by the colours and the aromas, yet I wouldn’t have a clue where to start. Next time I visit, I will plan ahead and bring a super awesome curry recipe, and buy whichever spices I need for that particular dish. There were pashminas in every colour and pattern you could possibly imagine, from all around the world, varying in price depending on their quality and origin, bikinis with fancy patterns and crazy mannequins, nighties your inner Bridget Jones would die for, beautifully embroidered shawls, and of course a few “we sell everything including natural viagra and snail hair growth ointment”. Nice.

I came home empty handed, but felt souk’ed out, none-the-less. I could spend hours with my camera, wondering up and down, and through and around, the narrow alleyways that form the Spice Souk and Gold Souk and the everything in between souks of Deira.