Yep, we are on hoildays

We woke at 2am, tried to doze until 6am before walking in the darkness along icy cobblestones reflecting old street lights and modern window displays. We arrived at the train station in time to catch the 6.34am train instead of the intended 6.48am. (That is Max for you!)

The train has quiet carriages, I mean, every where there are signs in the carriage to be quite. It was like sitting in a library or a church. We proceeded through the airport routines thanks to marvellous Norwegian efficiency ... signs in Norge and English, a friendly person stationed just where help was needed to manage the fully automated checking in, bag drop and security checks all with a smile and utmost courtesy. We breakfasted on a traditional waffle with caramel cheese, jam and sour cream and a fabulous hot coffee.

Boarding into economy was a bit of a let down and we were jammed like the proverbial sardines for the 2 hour flight North. We paused before take off for the plane to be washed down with glycol to remove ice and snow and then we left the grey behind, climbed through the clouds into brilliant sunshine and beyond the Arctic circle. Decent into Kirkenes revealed a snow covered landscape of hills and mountains and rivers and lakes alight with the soft golden glow that a sun low on the horizon can produce, and it was barely midday.

The beanies and gloves and jackets and scarves that seemed so ridiculous at home in the sub tropics, now played their part perfectly as we walked into -6c with a stiff breeze making it seem more like -15c. We smiled during the entire bus trip into town, everything covered in a metre or two of snow like so many Christmas cards that never quite seemed real. Even a car wreckers yard looks beautiful covered in that much snow! We passed back yards deserted for the winter, boats filled with snow in the driveways, trampolines sagging under its weight waiting for the children in spring, and motor homes parked behind garages looking neglected.

The town revealed itself like a series of postcards and we settled into a room with a view so u usual to Queenslanders. We sat in the bar drinking Spanish wine and Norwegian Christmas beer, munching on a snack of reindeer sausage and Norwegian ham, watching people go about life in their village. The Restaurant manager came by and chatted with us for. About 20 minutes or so, telling us wonderful stories and tis bits of information ... Like did you know that this is a popular surfing spot in winter??? .... And tonight we dine on a meal prepared solely from local produce .... And cloudy days clear up to reveal clear nights and the chance for the northern lights to enthrall us. Yep, we are on holidays.