Bergen - wow!

We had our first rays of sunshine this morning as we cruised down the coast. The colors of the unfolding landscape was simply stunning. Even Morgan remarked that even the rocks are beautiful. I am so grateful that we were blessed with sunshine while here. It is amazing how the colors explode once the sun shines.

The ship pulled into Bergen this afternoon to sunny skies and crystal blue waters. I have to say that Bergen is the most beautiful of Norway's large cities. The rhododendron and lilacs are in full bloom. The brygge (harbor) area is alive with history and beauty. The city is nestled between seven mountains and the neighborhoods scale up along the mountainsides - WOW!!

The hotel we are staying at is the Det Hanseatic Hotel. It is located in the brygge in the Hanseatic buildings. The Hanseatic League was an economic alliance of trading cities to establish and maintain a trade monopoly along the coast of Northern Europe - Like OPEC today. It stretched from across Europe during the 13th–17th centuries. The Hanseatic cities had their own law system and furnished their own protection and mutual aid. They were political powerhouses in their own right. Bergen was one of the main trade cities for the league and the buildings from the time period are part of the world heritage protection.

The hotel is part of these buildings, and it is beautiful and exactly like I had hoped. The building is from the 17th century built upon the foundation from a 13th century buidling. It is old timbers and lush colors. After the two nights at sea not sleeping I am incredibly excited about sleeping in this wonderful old hotel. We are right on the water and we can hear the sea gulls and water activity. It is so soothing.

Tomorrow we will explore more of Bergen beyond the water front.

Hugs to all!