Distance means so little when someone means so much.
For my spring break, I was fortunate to go to Norway! In 2017 my family hosted an exchange student for the summer through 4-H. Maren is from Norway and she instantly connected with the family. I’d have to say the summer she spent with us was one of my favorite summers of all time. Last year Maren came back to visit us for a couple of weeks, and my brother went to Norway to visit Maren and her family. This year, it was my turn!
I had such an amazing time! Maren’s family is absolutely great! Maren and I went into the city of Stavanger for shopping and sightseeing. (I bought lots of postcards!) Stavanger is a really pretty city. It may have been raining, but we still had lots of fun. Plus it gave us a cute photo opportunity with our umbrella.
One of the days we had lunch with Maren’s extended family for a birthday celebration. It was really nice getting to meet everyone. For lunch we had tacos! I was so excited because I hadn’t had tacos in about eight months. Afterward, Maren and I went to her aunt’s sheep farm and we got to help out with the new lambs. They were so cute!
Another day I got to go on a hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a very famous natural landmark. The cliff is about 1,982 ft (604 meters) above the Lysefjord and was formed about 10,000 years ago. (For more info about Preikestolen check out this link: https://outdoorlifenorway.com/pulpit-rock-preikestolen-guided-hikes/) After about a 2.5 hour hike we made it to the plateau. The view was breathtaking!
Throughout my week in Norway, I had fun getting familiar with the area and sightseeing. One of the places I visited was Sverd I Fjell (Swords in Rock). Sverd I Fjell is a monument remembering the battle of Hafrsfjord, which helped unify a part of Norway. The three swords represent peace, unity, and freedom.
I also got to visit Maren at the bakery that she works at and meet her coworkers. One of Maren’s coworkers is from Germany, so it was pretty cool to speak with her in German. She said that the German and Norwegian languages have some similarities. Maybe I’ll learn Norwegian next! I even got to try one of the most popular cakes that they make. It was delicious! The cake was marzipan and raspberry filled.
I am so happy I had the opportunity to visit Maren and her family. I had a wonderful stay. I am so thankful for 4-H for bringing us together. 4-H has given me so much, including one of my best friends. I can’t wait for the next time I can visit Norway!
Maren and me in Stavanger. 
Some of the cute little lambs! 
We took a ferry to get to Priekestolen. 
Having fun on our hike! 
One of the views of our hike. 
On our way to Priekestolen 
The view of the fjords was amazing! 
Priekestolen 
I’m the one who looks like they’re dancing to YMCA. 
Livin on the edge 🙂 
Sverd I Fjell (Swords in Rock) 
Beautiful and delicious! 
Time for some cake!
Oh, the Places I'll Go! 