It’s possible to hear the low, rhythmic rumble permeating the city at any point during the day and not unusual to see a young drummer and their mentor as they stand tucked in amongst the old white houses of Bergen. Called Buekorps, these neighborhood youth organizations are particular to Norway’s western city of Bergen and started in the 1850’s by the youth themselves. Most active during the spring and summer, and especially on 17 May, Norwegian Constitution Day, they can be heard practicing. Up until recently, the bataljoner was reserved for boys. Norway, much like other parts of Scandinavia, has the well-deserved reputation of cultivating the most gender equal societies in the world. But even Norway isn’t entirely free of a history steeped in beautiful, yet unequal, traditions. From what relatives have told me, in addition to the boys' groups, there are now drumming clubs for girls who wish to be a part of something that Bergen holds so special. The first girl buekorps formed in 1991, causing a bit of controversy, though the girl and mixed gender battalions now appear to be widely accepted. I spent a few weeks in Bergen this year, including 17 May. My Aunt, who lives nestled in one of the hills surrounding the city, pointed out the buekorps whenever we saw or heard them. She is a life-long resident of the city and is fiercely proud of this Berganese tradition - and quick to point out the girl buekorps during the 17 May parade.

Flag-bearer for a buekorps on 17 May, Bergen, Norway

My time in Bergen was also spent hiking all seven fjells (mountains) surrounding the city with friends where we experienced breathtaking sunsets on the fjord and quad burning uphills. I also popped up north to see the midnight sun in the Lofoten Islands and was stunned by the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done in my life (see Horseid Beach Hike). Friends from the USA joined me throughout my time in Norway and as I spent time with my family. From learning how to operate my Uncle’s farm equipment (spot the woman with the wild smile in the scooper thing -getting technical here-), to playing soccer with my cousin's women's league team, to slowing down each day with multiple cups of coffee, I find it hard to articulate how much my family's welcoming, loving and relaxed approach to life means to me. Until next time, Norway, jeg elsker deg.

*Trading Russ cards on 17 May, Bergen, Norway*

Midnight sun, Lofoten, Norway — *Midnight sun, Lofoten, Norway*

Two and a half weeks, five people in a five person car, all of our camping gear and the west coast of New Zealand's South Island to explore. We experienced the beautiful contrasts between the cultivated and wild landscapes, felt dwarfed by the mountains and calmed by crashing waves that lulled us to sleep. We kayaked in the Tasman sea, hiked up mountains, drove (a lot), swam in blue pools, and jumped from bridges (bungees attached...sometimes). We are now left with indescribable moments of awe at what nature has to offer and a hunger to come back and continue exploring. This is an incredibly abbreviated version of our trip and it will take me a while to cull through my memories to choose one to recount here. In the meantime, enjoy these images.

*Sunrise on Te Pukatea, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand*

*Sunset on Onetahuti, Abel Tasman National Park , New Zealand*

*Catching a water taxi in Awaroa Bay, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand*

*Car trouble in Hari Hari, New Zealand (our car is not pictured).*

*Gillespies Beach Campground, Fox Glacier, New Zealand*

*Reflection of Mt. Cook at Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier, New Zealand*

*Summit of Roys Peak, Wanaka, New Zealand*

*Our trusty car entering Fiordland, New Zealand*

*Sunrise at Cascade Creek Campground, Fiordland, New Zealand*

*Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand*

*Setting up camp near Queenstown, New Zealand*

*(Somewhat successful shot) near Queenstown, New Zealand*

All the Fjells in Norway

I've Been to the Land Down Under