I have a wonderful PhD supervisor, Knut! He coordinated an overnight sightseeing trip for the two others in the Maasai Research Group, Anya, and me. The two others, Hoyce and Zephania, are from Tanzania, and at least Zephania has not been outside the Stavanger area in his previous 2 years as a master’s student and 5 months for this PhD study.
I’ll give you a bit of yesterday’s visit today, but than continue on over the next day or two relaying the story of the journey and photographs of beautiful Norway. At times, I felt we were in coffee table book gorgeous scenery. Unfortunately, my photography won’t capture the stunning beauty!
We took off Saturday morning, and first visited the church that Anya’s great-great (great?) grandfather was the architect and built in Ivesdahl. (Look at pictures from April 3rds post, as those are better than what I took yesterday.)
Along the drive we saw the longest and best preserved stone bridge in the Nordic region. It is built entirely from stone.
We continued on to Ivesland area, north of Kristiansand, in the woodland area of the southern part of Norway–also passing the production area of Voss water, an internationally marketed brand of Norwegian water.
Knut’s one room cabin was extended a few years ago into a beautiful, 3-bedroom lake cabin. It doesn’t have running water or grid electricity, but solar keeps the basic lights on when needed. Propane stove (for heating water for the shower in addition to cooking) and fridge are available. A gas generator can be used if needed, but we didn’t end up using it. And a microbial toilet works just fine.
The pine floor, walls, and ceiling in the two story cabin are so cozy.
Anya and I took a walk to the lake and marsh, and avoided the snakes that are sometimes seen in the area.
We looked through his guest book, and I saw 5 African theologians that I had me that Knut had hosted previously. He is a gracious host, and we laughed as he translated Nordic fairy tales, played simple games, and told stories. Knut closed the evening with Psalm 103 (he read from the Hebrew Bible and translated by sight) and prayer for us and for our families.
I read once that an invitation to a “hytte” or cabin is one of the greatest honors of hospitality in Norway. Indeed, we were blessed.
More tomorrow!
With blessings,
Beth