As I write this personal column, my mind still can't meet the thought of reliving the vivid journey I had when I was in Norway. I feel electrified and nostalgic as I have been tendered by the touch of life—that finally, I have gone far and was able to step my feet in the verdant grass toward its horizon. Until now, Norway is still a part of me—always bringing memories—like so-called memory retention, despite this short-term memory, or STM. Particularly in places where I sometimes found myself staring at the sea in Lapyahan sa San Remigio and dockside in Medellin as I recollected the moments I had in my lifetime.
Indeed, the myth is true; water has memories, and one of those was when Norway met the sea!
I spent two years as a ship stewardess, and most of my keepsakes were stored in Eidfjord, Norway—the only place where every time the ship docks, we always find ourselves frustrated by the internet constraint. I guess it was a call from nature. And we decide to keep our phones on but off every now and then.
Eidfjord is a small, moving town and county in Vestland, Norway. It has dramatic mountains and thoughtful waterfalls in one setting. The dramatic mountains have a snowy summit perfect for cross-country skiing, ski touring, splitboarding, Nordic touring skis, and snowshoeing. Usually, in most experiences, we can encounter an avalanche of joyful soft swishing and snowball fights. From hiking and kayaking to a farm tour, you will inevitably have your blood pumping. And to define it personally, it is an enchanting place full of mesmerizing shades! It has this monochromatic ambiance—perfect shades of gray, black, and white. A perfect fit for everyone who has these so-called serene and tranquil moods. Well, it was a match made in heaven for me. The place strongly holds a peaceful, nostalgic scheme and was appropriate for biking, giving you the cinematic biking vibes, a reminiscent experience for a person who holds touch with nature. As for me, I was the main character during the moments we toured ourselves while biking in the picturesque countryside of the county.
Commonly, Eidfjord is known for its Sima power plant, one of Europe’s largest hydropower plants. It is also known primarily for its access to a stunning waterfall that falls 597 feet, namely the Vøringsfossen. It is a port of call for cruise ships stopping their voyage in the meantime. To associate it in a Filipino context, we have it called "Pantaland,", where instead of cruise ships customarily stopping for repairs or transshipment, we have pambot mangisdaay busily making its last step as they get ready to set sail from Pantaland. And every time I hear the horn of stopping-by ships, it evokes the shout of every fisherman in my hometown.
They're hailing, like two peas in a pod.
Going back, every time we dock in Eidfjord, the internet is a scarce thing! But in a beautiful way. Due to having the same personal constraints as my fellow stewardess and co-worker, we used to gather around and sit in the bush, facing the river, to have a cold, overcast picnic. While eating, I can always hear from some of my fellow stewardesses the line "Layoa na nato," and it gives me the idea of growing up in different places.
Certainly, I have come far, and I was flattered that part of me was left in the places I will always love and come back to if given the chance.
During picnics, we used to dance there with no awkwardness or cringe. If you were to visit Eidfjord, you should know how the atmosphere and the place itself isolate you in a cinematic joy, enough for you to gyrate in extravaganza. It was a joy of success, as far as I can recall, and I was the only one sober from vodka—occasionally we drank.
The place has an avenue of trees, specifically mesmerizing pine trees. It has its evergreen needles, which add to the calmness and tranquility of the area. Moreover, as a Filipina, the flowers in the county were anomalous—it has an unusual size for a normal flower, and it was an odd discovery! But, amidst your confusion about the flower's size, the roses in Eidfjord are unexpectedly planted beside the roads. In the Philippines, roses are rarely planted, and it costs a penny to buy one for a loved one or for occasional purposes. These are sold in the market, for instance, at Dangwa Market in Manila, where they cost around P70 to P80 each (as for the current pricing). In Eidfjord, roses are red, tall, and pure. Very uncommon. No cost, and very enchanting!
You see, many exciting and life-fulfilling things can be experienced in Eidjford. From the tiniest, most beautiful way to the largest plateau of roses. It has been a core memory, which chants the "Layo pa, pero layo na" line in the back of my heart. I was pleased to leave some of my footsteps in the land of the midnight sun (as the country's northernmost region experiences sunlight 24/7 during the summer). I was shocked when I learned Eidjford considers it summer when the temperature reaches 18 degrees Celsius while shaking and trembling feet. It was, again, unusual, and I felt like a square peg in a round hole from a tropical country.
On top of that, there are no words I can use to describe the town but shocking, enchanted, and a good core memory.
Eidfjord is where Norway met the sea voyager, in the vast sea of possibilities. Luckily, I was one of the many sturdy, non-slip feet who sat foot in the land of majestic fjords. That's when I knew I was growing and slowly fulfilling the life I deserved.
*To spoil it all, the Eidfjord mountains are snow-capped peaks, and the rivers nearing are a crystal-like paradise under the ever-changing hues of their captivating atmosphere.
In Eidfjord, where Norway meets the sea, there's a river full of memories...
Memories to last a lifetime and stories hibernating beneath our hearts that keeps us from falling in life.