Monday 31 May 2010


Two teachers outside "Katedralskolen" who are on strike. There were plenty of other people doing the same many other places in the city. This is the biggest strike we have had in the last 30 years, and it is set to increase even more on Wednesday.
At the back you can read :" Education must be rewarded."
As many other places in the world, vocations such as teaching and nursing require people to be full time students for years and to finance their own education, simply to end up in jobs that are not paid well.

Sunday 30 May 2010


Stavanger and the nearby areas have many oil related companies,
and it is also known as "the oil capital".
Many families have their work somehow related to the business.
This is actually the symbol/logo for the "Ekofisk" oil field, situated south in the north sea.
The company shown here, deals with supplying complete drilling systems to oil companies.
This division of the company manufactures CyberBase drilling cabins.

Saturday 29 May 2010


We were all laughing ...... : )
Me, because I was completely wrong. I thought they were tourists from somewhere....
Well, he was from Bergen (Norway`s second biggest city) and she was from Stavanger!
I got their permission to put this photo out on the blog, and finished with one of the very few phrases I can say in Japanese "Domo arigato geseimas".
I still smile a little when I look at this photo, they must have thought I was completely crazy:)

Friday 28 May 2010


"Nortun" is the name of this yacht that I saw when I was out with the camera. It looked as if someone had put lots of love, time an effort into restoring it. The work was probably still going on, since it looked a bit like a workplace around it. Anyway, I am so impressed about these old wooden yachts!! I promise to use the camera if I see her again, so you can have a proper look.
As you can see there are people who have a beautiful view from their houses on the outskirts of Stavanger.

Later: This is a very nice link about "Nortun" http://www.nortun.net

Thursday 27 May 2010


Not since the 1980's have we had a STRIKE as big as the one starting tomorrow morning.
17.000 members of different unions are not going to work several places in Norway.
That includes teachers, workers at kindergardens, nurses in hospitals, traffic wardens (probably not too many people who will complain about this one), librarians and some who work at swimming pools. So tonight I guess many families are discussing who will stay at home or who will bring the kids to their workplace....
This picture is from the school, the one next to the Cathedral.
Because of the strike, exams might not happen as they should have done for the Russ/those who might start at the University after the summer.....We just have to see how long the strike goes on for and what will happen....

Wednesday 26 May 2010


Isn`t this a cosy place to live?
This is only 30 min. drive from the centre of Stavanger.

Tuesday 25 May 2010


Do take a look in to the fish market when and if you are in Stavanger. Buy a plate of some tasty food.
On a sunny day sit outside and just watch life around the busy harbour:)

Monday 24 May 2010


I guess most cities have an area where many of the big companies are based.
FORUS is where thousands of people are commuting at least 5 days a week. It is about a 20 minute drive to the airport and the same amount of time in to the centre of Stavanger, when it is not the rush hour.
There are a huge variety of building styles. Some are more interesting than others.

Sunday 23 May 2010


Sunlight streaming through one of the windows inside the Cathedral.

Saturday 22 May 2010


Another "Broken Column" guy, who is standing close to the bus stop outside the Stavanger Museum. More photos and info, if you click on the labels under this text.

Friday 21 May 2010


I have been inspired by all YOUR photos with reflections, so here is what I saw...

Thursday 20 May 2010


Decorated summer house at the beach.
Even on a grey day I have to take a look and see if the sun is up :)

Wednesday 19 May 2010


Todays photo is from the Sola area.
These flats have a fantastic view.... Lucky people!!

Tuesday 18 May 2010


It takes months if not years to do roadworks, but at the end it looks nice and most of us forget all the hassle....
Anyway, this is what it looks like for many people who have got the road closer in to their houses.
At least most people get some sort of a barrier to reduce the noise from the traffic, and a bit more privacy...

Monday 17 May 2010


Today is our Constitution Day, or as we say "Syttende Mai" (May 17 th.)
I am not in Stavanger just now, but if you follow the link you will find out what the day is all about. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Constitution_Day
My photo shows flowers in red - white - and blue. The colors of our flag, and believe me, most people, shops, restaurants etc. decorate with these colors before and on the big day!
Hipp - Hipp - Hurra!!

Sunday 16 May 2010


Inside the Cathedral.
It is not common in Norway, but I think it is nice with the opportunity to buy a candle and light it for whatever reason.

Saturday 15 May 2010


More "Russ"..... using the McDonalds "drive through". One of the many crazy things they "have to do" in order to earn knots for their hats (like earning points).

Friday 14 May 2010


It is a sign of summer when all the cruise ships arrive.
Here is the "Aida" from Germany.
It was not that warm but it was sunny, so I guess the tourists were happy to take a look around Stavanger.

Thursday 13 May 2010


They arrived at Tananger, Sola, just a few hours ago.
Four German men, two from Bremerhaven and two from Hamburg.
They had only had two stops all the way from Germany.
I hope they will have a nice time in "Norwegen" and later a safe journey back home!

Wednesday 12 May 2010


The huge cottage, owned by Statoil seen from the beach at Sola.

Tuesday 11 May 2010


We don't have that many brick houses in Stavanger.
This is a house now owned by a company.
I like it!

Monday 10 May 2010


Today has been like "The Four Seasons".....
It was time to put on warm clothes again. Only +3C this morning and snow in the air.
Long walk this afternoon/evening. It was nice and fresh:)

Sunday 9 May 2010


The sky is blue and when the sun is shining it feels like summer is on it´s way.
This is a little road at Hundvåg about 15-20 minutes drive from the city centre.

Saturday 8 May 2010


Every Saturday from May to September we have a Flea Market in Stavanger from 10-15.
It is situated at Nytorget just outside the Rogaland Art Centre, fairly central in the city.
A popular place both for sellers and buyers.

This woman is supporting a project in Cambodia. She, together with some friends and colleagues from the oil business, are supporting pupils and their families by paying for school uniforms and school fees.
That way the kids will be able to stay with their families and be able to finish school.
It always impresses me to meet enthusiasts who for no political or religious reason just help out people who are less fortunate. If you are in, or coming to Stavanger, stop by and take a proper look at the things that she is selling and also information and photos from the school.
All the money from her sale goes to the project:


Friday 7 May 2010


This young man helped me when my car window got damaged a couple of days back.
I was so pleased by the professional work and the service he showed! A big THANK YOU!:)

Thursday 6 May 2010


Say "Hello" to these 3 young girls, who are all RUSS.
(See the posting from April 26 th. Click on labels RUSS under the text.)
MIRA, HANNA LOUISE, and KAJA AURORA. They have plans for the future, and have so far had FUN doing some of the many crazy things they have to do, to really celebrate!
Eight girls had a red "mini bus" named "Absolut Volkswagen".
They had already done the famous "driving 10 times around a roundabout".....
This weekend they will go to a big Leisure Park where 11.000 RUSS will be partying for several days and nights. Best of luck!!:)

Wednesday 5 May 2010


MAIJAZZ started yesterday. It is an annual festival that has a very good reputation with many artists from all over the world. Tonight I had the pleasure to attend a concert by Richard Galliano/ Gonzalo Rubalcaba Duo.
Wonderful music, full of atmosphere. This was a concert sponsored by French company's and even the French ambassador had taken a trip to Stavanger to be here for the concert.
Check out the music and the artists on internet.
More info at http://www.maijazz.no
I have to admit that MAIJAZZ has introduced me to many names and music that I would perhaps not heard without MAIJAZZ in town.

Tuesday 4 May 2010


This is the entrance to the biggest cottage at Sola Beach.
It is owned by Statoil. (Oil and Gas company)
Well, I guess it must be a magnificent view from inside as well as many nice details.
What I do like is the architecture and the natural materials they have used.
And the building fits very well in to the landscape.

Monday 3 May 2010


A very windy day on Sola beach today :)

Sunday 2 May 2010


This is a photo from an exhibition from the gallery at Hå that I visited today.
The artist is Kari Dyrdal, who has some interesting contemporary textile art there at the moment. The piece in this picture is named "Jacquard Kort", and it is huge, 217 x 160 cm.
I am always surprised about the variety of art they have at Hå.

Saturday 1 May 2010


May is here, and so is the Theme Day.
This month it is STATUES that is the theme, and you can see more by clicking on this link: Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

My choice is one of my favorite statues in our city. "The boy and the Pony", a gift from the Bank, Hetland Sparebank back in 1976. It is a popular statue where kids can climb up, and thousends of pictures have been taken over the years.
The name of the artist is Ottar Espeland.
The statue is not far from the Cathedral in the beginning of Kirkegaten (Church Road).