Bergen Because Some Journeys are Fated to Change Our Life
Some journeys are fated to change our life. They open doors to a new culture, new people, and even a chance to do something we’ve never done before. I’m not sure if it’s curiosity that leads us down new paths or if it’s a lucky streak that allows us to embark on good adventures. Whatever the case may be, my recent trip to Bergen had a significant impact on me. After returning from this Pleistocene-era city, I became intrigued by Earth’s history. During my week stay in Norway, I spent a few days exploring every nook and cranny of Bergen.
It’s a city engulfed in hypnotic beauty, a city that goes beyond the natural world. The skies are frequently draped in massive clouds, and the roads are strewn with cobble-sized stones. Every step I took forward brought back memories of Kingly days gone by. Bergen was founded in 1070 AD by King Olav Kyrre, and it flourished during his reign. Bergen hasn’t changed all that much in the intervening years. Some of the old houses have seen seven or more generations in a row. Visiting this enchanted municipality is, without a doubt, like exploring a real-life fairytale kingdom.
I had this uncanny feeling from the moment I stepped into this city like that of Alice plunging into a sort of Wonderland. Various aspects of nature are glued together like a poetic feat against the postcard-perfect backdrop. And, almost as if in a dream, I felt unseeable pixies guiding my every move. So I was blessed with good fortune wherever I went. As I retrace my steps, I recall how the benevolent magic had played right at the Bergen Airport.
Just as I was about to step onto the aerobridge, a Norwegian man approached me and asked, “Kan du hjelpe meg?” He needed to unfold the baby stroller and was hoping that I would hold his 3-month-old beautiful son in the meantime. Which I did with boundless delight! This incident demolished the myth that Europeans do not trust non-Europeans. Instead, I was convinced that energies play a major role in connecting people. As the baby and I formed a connection, the next few minutes were spent rejoicing in love.
After a long and exhausting journey, the baby’s touch and smile instantly rejuvenated me. The father quickly spread out the baby stroller, and it was time for me to say goodbye to that little angel. As I made my way to the airport lobby, however, another surprise awaited me. The jetbridge opened up to reveal a large art gallery. The vibrant collection on display is sure to take your breath away. The installation engages you like no other, whether you look at the walls or the flooring. To be honest, I felt almost guilty walking over those beautiful floor designs.
Then I arrived at the main lobby, which was a much simpler space displaying a different type of art. A miniature plane hung from the ceiling, a florist store fanning out the sweet-smelling fragrance of fresh flowers, and a slew of outlets including money exchange machines, a coffee shop, and a retail store draw the map of Bergen airport. After retrieving my luggage from the baggage carousel, I drove to Scandic Bergen City, my hotel for the next few days.
This hotel, located 17 kilometres from the airport, is an ideal boarding house near the famous Bryggen Wharf. The next morning, I set out to explore Strandkalen’s streets. I walked along Norway’s west coast, soaking in the magic of blue skies kissing the streets with a sprinkling of diamond dust. Every city square was adorned with street performers who surprised everyone with a spritz of gleaming drizzle. Everything excited me like a child, and I couldn’t help but smile.
Two bubble-blowing artists saw my joy and made my day by blowing large translucent bubbles at me. They reached beneath my smile and touched a child’s serenity. In fact, with each bubble they blew in my direction, I felt a surge of energy coursing through my veins. The act of kindness completely overwhelmed me. Soon after, as I passed through Bergen’s fish and flower market, I was met by yet another incredible event.
It was an unexpected meeting with officers from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy this time. Following the serendipitous incident, I took several photographs with these charming men in uniform. However, I got lucky when they offered me the Royal Sceptre to hold. According to what I’ve heard, a civilian would have to be extremely lucky to even get a chance to touch it. The Royal Sceptre is a symbolic trinket of a ruling Monarch that displays their omnipotence and imperial insignia. As a result, this stark touch of Royalty came as a pleasant surprise to me.
Although the awe didn’t stop here. When I arrived at the 17th-century UNESCO site of Bryggen Wharf in the evening, the same officers, along with other members of the Royal Navy, marched through the streets with the Royal Sceptre. I was swathed in goosebumps. Even more amazing was the fact that the crowds stopped as the officers marched past the Bryggen Wharf. It was as if someone had paused time for a few moments. The Ferraris, the crowds, the artists, and the shop owners all froze until the last officer made his way past the street.
Following that, I took a close look at the well-preserved Bryggen Wharf, which was gleaming with tiny wooden houses. The best views were from the Schtstuene Museum square, where I stood gawking at the reflection of these beautiful wooden houses in Bergen Havn waters. This entire site was established as a Hanseatic League trading post in the thirteenth century. The Hanseatic League was founded in the 1100s as a profit-oriented and defensive alliance of merchant guilds.
The Hanseatic League controlled one of the oldest merchant trade routes, exercising control over Baltic maritime for three centuries before disbanding in 1450. As a result, Bryggen Wharf, which runs along the eastern side of the Vågen harbour, has a significant historical significance. As the old town reflections begin to dominate the harbour after sunset, this location inspires an exceptional night scene. I could visit the Bryggen Wharf as often as I wanted because it was so close to my hotel. While you’re here, stop by the UNA bar for some incredible craft beers and burgers.
The seafood market on the other side of the Wharf will tempt you with its delicious fish and chips, deepwater prawns, farmed mussels, and paella. I couldn’t pass up the lobster meal at the seafood market, which was by far the best I’d ever had. On my way back, I was once again blessed with good fortune when a store owner, Rafiq, offered me a $15 discount on a purchase I made.
This was the first shop at the seafood market’s entrance, and they sell everything from cheese to reindeer sausages, caviar, whale meat, and a variety of other meats. I purchased brown cheese and reindeer sausages from this shop and was blown away by the discount Rafiq offered. On the other days, I went museum hopping, souvenir shopping, and cafe hopping by the harbour.
Every night, I’d go back to my hotel and take a relaxing bath in the bathtub. A routine that allowed me to stretch out my tired limbs and release all of my tensions. However, before falling asleep, I would gaze out my window at Bergen’s nightlights. These night lights would shimmer over the hills like a subtle sheet of gold, like a candle in the dark. Overall, my experiences in Bergen were far too extraordinary for me to be left in awe for months after I returned.
