Hvor er vi nå ?

"Where are we now?! Are we almost there?"

Oft-heard words from the youth in the back seats with the reply from the front.. "Almost."

I received a post-card from a couple who visited a traditional stave kirke. Judy & Bill Block found it in the hills of.....

South Dakota! This full-sized replica is of a 850 yr-old stave kirke in Laedal, Norway. It's complete with dragon-heads and Scandinavian charm in the good old USA.

Ole and Leana seem to be in charge of the museum displaying artifacts of Norway's past. All near Rapid City, S.Dakota..

So, we really don't have to go too far to experience Scandinavian activities. Right here, in Wisconsin, we can journey through the Ocooch Mountains to a famous Norwegian settlement, better known as Norsekedahlen.

This 43 acre Scandinavian settlement is just west of Westby on Hwy 14/61.

You can even stay in Per & Ann Paulsen's 130 yr-old Cabin. Just be ready to climb the steep Norwegian stairs to the sleeping loft! Activities abound all summertime.

Or, travel to Niessedahle, Valley of the Elves, again better known as Little Norway with another stave kirke modeled after a 12th century stavkirke.

It was built in Trondheim and moved to Chicago for the World's Exposition in 1893, later finding its way to Wisconsin with some interesting historic mementos. Several Scandinavian buildings and guides in costume will be on-site to tell you all you wish to know.This summer attraction is located 20 miles west of Madison on Hwy18/151.

Of course, everyone knows about Stoughton, the Dancers, and its reputation. If you journey north to Door County, you will probably join all the other photographers who are pointing out the goats on the sod-roof..Lots of Scandinavians up there in Door County!

We could go on and on....So...."Hvor er vi" going??? Have a great trip!

Hva koster det...?

How much???

Okay, you have all summer to spend in Norway and you are looking for the cheapiest vacation you can. Everyone has heard that Norway is very expensive, and chances are, you are booked for at least TWO of the most expensive cities, ever! Even lunch in New York will be cheap..New York isn't in the top fifteen!

--------------------------------

You'll be sure to visit Oslo. Oslo has been known to be one of the world's most expensive cities. The cost of a "light lunch" is going to cost the equivalent of $45.00 USD. (That's right behind Japan's Tokyo and three other Japanese cities.)

---------------------------

These rankings have been compiled from the international human resources organization called ECA ( Employement Conditions Aboard) for Bloomberg Business Week. This report is based on the cost of local goods and services in various cities.

--------------------------

And now, Stavanger has moved into the number four spot. Stavanger was a relatively poor fishing town with many canneries, however it became an important oil and oil offshore location, including the State-controlled Statoil! That "Light-lunch" will cost about 177 NOK..That's USD $32.30.

---------------------------

Four of other "most expensive cities in the world" are in Switzerland, which, like Norway, refuses to join the European Union. Norway, Switzerland and Japan are known to have protectionist policies to keep out lower-priced imports, especially in the food department!

---------------------

One more Scandinavian city makes it onto the list......

Copenhagen...Number 12

------------I believe they take credit cards..Enjoy your summer.---------