Thursday 31 December 2009


HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Wednesday 30 December 2009


If you click on "labels-trees" under this text, you will see the same tree taken from the other side at other times of the year.
To the left is the Culture House with the cinema, library, cafés etc.
That is where I am off to this evening to watch a film......
This shot was taken yesterday afternoon, around 16:15.

Tuesday 29 December 2009

This afternoon I had a look over to "Paradis".
Paradis is a part of Stavanger with wooden houses/flats and a fabulous view over the harbor with all the boats of different sizes and prices.

Monday 28 December 2009


We had a little bit more snow today, and there might be more to come.
Colder weather too. Most of the main roads are ok, - thanks to these people working day and night.

Sunday 27 December 2009


LEFSE is what we call this type of traditional Norwegian food. I was just using "google" and found so many links and even "You Tube" films about how to make them. I would recommend Googling "Lefse" if you are interested in finding out more.
I have not been brought up with a mother or grandmother who has taught me about traditional food, but luckily there are plenty of places to buy LEFSE.

Saturday 26 December 2009


Still plenty of space on the beach inbetween the sea and the snow.

Friday 25 December 2009

Not much life in the centre of Stavanger today.
Some walking their dogs, some meeting up with friends, and some like me out with the camera.
Most decorations here are fairly subtle, but this pub/bar, is probably one of the most colorful buildings in Stavanger.

Thursday 24 December 2009


GOD JUL / MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you!
I hope you all have a good festive holiday wherever you are in the world!

Wednesday 23 December 2009


The sign says; "Beware of snow falling from the roof"....It is still cold, but most people do not seem to be that bothered.
This is SEAN, a Norwegian guy who is also half Irish.
He played classical guitar so beautifully, and it is a long time since I have heard such nice music in the streets!! He should have been sponsored by the city council!!
I asked if he was working as a musician, and he told me that he is a music teacher at a private school. Good luck Sean!

Tuesday 22 December 2009


This is what it looked like in Kirkegaten (Church street ) around 18.30 this evening.....

Monday 21 December 2009


A BIG "Thank You" to Mr. Falck who secured the path outside where he is living, so us passers by didn't fall over on the snow and ice.
It was quite chaotic in town, and the traffic was slow and for some, quite nerve racking!
Today I enjoyed being a relaxed passenger on the bus, even the fact that it was crowded and took an awful long time to reach the centre of the city.


Sunday 20 December 2009


Two glimpses from my Sunday morning.
"A bonus picture" from the airport in Oslo, and of course todays photo from Stavanger, just before landing.

Saturday 19 December 2009

In Norwegian we call Father Christmas a "Nisse". Here you see a group of them who seem to be off skiing..... I hope that all of these "Father Christmas's" are back from skiing before Christmas.
It looks like it will continue snowing, and that Stavanger will have a white Christmas, it is 13 years since last that happened.

Friday 18 December 2009

Congratulations to BODY SHOP who again won the prize for best service in Stavanger!!
You can see the awards in the window, together with a nice creative decorated window.
When I want to treat myself with something nice, this is the place I go to buy some luxury products for the bath (thanks to Jackie, my English friend, who also likes their products, and who has sometimes given me some really nice presents from the same chain).
Many shops have an "anonymous" shopper visiting their shop, and the shop who receives the highest scores wins.

Thursday 17 December 2009


More "creative" art from the exhibition.

Wednesday 16 December 2009


One of the many childrens drawings on exhibition at the media house

(the same place as the gingerbread houses)
Quite creative art. I really liked this one.

Tuesday 15 December 2009


A quiet evening in Stavanger.
One thing I like about December is all of the lights that brighten up the city!:-)

Monday 14 December 2009


For me, Christmas does not have to be all red.
"Blue" is my favorite color, and this window had a nice/simple Christmas decoration that I liked.

Sunday 13 December 2009

This is a type of road cleaning vehicle that I sometimes have been annoyed about, because they are often the cause of long queues in the traffic, and because it takes it's time.
When I saw one busy, early Sunday morning, I thought I should change my attitude..... they do a tremendous job, when most of us are not even thinking of getting up, or going to work!
I used their webpage this afternoon, (written on the vehicle), I looked at the film/photos also from the winter/snow season..... and I realized that we would probably not have managed very well without them!

Saturday 12 December 2009


I have found out that the newspaper/media house, (where the gingerbread houses are on display), will give 200 Norwegian kroner for each house they have received for the exhibition, to the Salvation Army. That will be 34.200 Norwegian kroner
The first prize winner will receive a voucher for 2000 kroner, 2. prize is a voucher for 1000 kroner and 3. prize is a voucher for 500 kroner. (To Vogon; I have sent an e-mail to the newspaper asking your previous question, so I will let you know, hopefully after the weekend.)

Todays house I thought was quite sweet and cute....
I know a little "princess" that probably would have loved to have this in her house...

Friday 11 December 2009


This is the house I voted for... ( quite a few more could have got my vote too.)
I guess the creator of the most popular house will receive a prize.
Anyway, so many individuals, families, friends, colleges, kindergartens, etc. have made ginger bread buildings and then delivered them to the newspaper/media house where they are now on display.

Thursday 10 December 2009

I promised you a week back that I should show you more from what Yomira (from Peru) was looking at. Well, here it is: Our "new town" in Stavanger with 171 houses etc. made in gingerbread and colorfully decorated by people from Stavanger and nearby places. It is an annual event by our biggest regional newspaper, "Stavanger Aftenblad", and the exhibition is open to the public. It is amazing to see the creativity and skills that goes into making these. One of Yomira's favorite buildings was this church at the top.

Wednesday 9 December 2009


Some decorate with just lights, like this bank.
It is nice. I just wished they could turn of the lights inside the building....

Tuesday 8 December 2009


This is a famous window where they for years have had Christmas decorations that most kids in Stavanger have stopped and squeezed their faces to the window to see. Either the snoring Father Christmas, or this Father Christmas banging his walking stick on the window!!
Thanks to "HAUGE på torget", a mens clothing shop near the market place.

Monday 7 December 2009


Old and new architecture living side by side in Stavanger.

Sunday 6 December 2009


BARBIE, is probably the most international doll ever. She is now celebrating her 50th. birthday!! Until the end of 2009, it is still possible to see 70 of Sidsel Grue's huge collection of Barbie dolls, and dress up in beautiful evening dresses at the Norwegian childrens museum in Stavanger.
I only had ONE Barbie doll, but as long as my favorite doll, Carina, was with me I was ok! ;-)
Perhaps you had a Barbie doll? And perhaps your city celebrated her birthday too??
I am really impressed about our childrens museum.

Saturday 5 December 2009


An evening shot of the tree that I have posted photos of before,
- looks different this time of the year.

Friday 4 December 2009


Congratulations to the owner of "Den Lille Engleverden",( The Little world of Angels) a new shop that opened with unique handmade angels made of materials that might have previously been a tablecloth or clothes etc. that were no longer in use.
Here the customer can bring nice memories from materials that can be turned in to a very special angel..... The shop is unique, very delicate and creative, even the roof is made to look like a blue sky..
It is situated in a small but tall building at Østervåg number 45.
I met the owner late last night, when I was out taking a few nightshots. She obviously had had a very busy time before today's opening.

(Some people decorate their homes with "angles", and some seriously believe in angels, like the daughter of the King and Queen in Norway. See the link : http://newsinenglish.no/News/royalangels.html
Some call it a new trend/New Age)

Thursday 3 December 2009


It is a long way from Peru to Norway.
This is YOMIRA ( 13 years old ) from Ayacucho in Peru, photographed between Solveig and Norman, some of her Norwegian friends who had a look at an exhibition that I will show you more photos from later.
Anyway, Yomira is visiting her aunt who is married and living here. I am sure that she will have lots of memories and perhaps even picked up some Norwegian words and phrases after staying here for three months. I can`t speak Spanish, but Norman sounded like he was used to the language and will probably make progress quickly.

Wednesday 2 December 2009


This afternoon/evening there are approximately 20 women who, in groups, make 7 of the most traditional types of Christmas biscuites/cakes on a course arranged by the "Gladmat" school.
They were busy and happy,- as these two ladies show!

Tuesday 1 December 2009


A snapshot while WAITING...
This is the first time I have participated in a theme day.

Monday 30 November 2009


Poking my nose "and camera" into an empty restaurant.
I liked the way they had arranged the table.

Sunday 29 November 2009


Yesterday as well as today, has been busy at the private (Rudolf) Steiner school and kindergarden where they hold the annual Christmas marked.
There were sales of hand made products, many nice and artistic gifts. Pupils as well as parents and teachers entertained visitors. I had my lovely "aebleskiver"... yummy!!:-) And had a little shopping tour around in the very special buildings. One day I will show you some photos of the architecture.

Saturday 28 November 2009


Saturday afternoon in one of the narrow little roads in the city centre.

As you can see we have got some decorations and lights up. The light issue has been discussed for weeks, on local TV and in the newspapers. Those who have the responsibility for arrangements and decorating in the centre have struggled to get the money, 400.000 Norwegian kroner that was necessary to cover the costs. But now that struggle is history. Now there is a competition to find the best decorated window. I will "keep walking" and take a proper look....

Friday 27 November 2009

I have just arrived back from a film evening together with people at the Italian Culture group.
My Italian is not good, so it is essential for me to read the text in English.
Anyway, I do like Italian films....
The trailer you can see here:

This is PIER GIORGIO (half Italian ;-) and SILKE who is from Germany, but speaks Norwegian very well and also goes to Italian lessons.

I am pleased that our city has quite a few Culture groups!
Info about the Italian group. http://italiakultur.blogspot.com/

Thursday 26 November 2009


It is amazing how many things I see while walking, instead of driving....
This is ART on a wall near the old Police Station, fairly close to the centre of the city.
Chris Stain is the artist.
Check out http://www.nuart.no for more info.

Wednesday 25 November 2009


I like looking.....
Today I passed a window that had this creative display.

Tuesday 24 November 2009


About 8.30 this morning.
This is a road close to the city center, and there are many nice old houses around this area.

Monday 23 November 2009


"Le Cafè Française" is so full of Yummy!:-)
Yesterday, I couldn't resist the temptation
And it WAS nice!!
I like to live in a city where it is possible to sometimes buy something different from Norwegian food. We have quite a range of international food shops, cafes and restaurants.

Sunday 22 November 2009


Look who I met today.
This is street ART near The Petroleum Museum.

If YOU want to be creative, click on my other blog at http://www.gunnwhite.blogspot.com
and find the link about giraffes under July 31 st.

Saturday 21 November 2009


After a morning session at the fitness centre I discovered that the sky was blue and the sun was shining. I went for a little walk and discovered that it was possible to see through the windows at the top floor at the Viking Stadium ..... todays photo.

The local football club, had until recently a German trainer, who will no longer work the next two years of his contract. I hear people all over discussing the situation, but I don`t have an opinion. But! one thing I know; Football is BIG business.

Friday 20 November 2009


Another tug boat, named "Englishman", and at the back it was written Hull.
The guys working on it, told me it was from Yorkshire.
Safe journey!

Thursday 19 November 2009

It has become trendy to use "Fretex", a branch of Salvation Army.... for many more than just those who once HAD TO use their shops.
Today young and old find furniture, and I have seen what paint and a professional make over can do. Anyway, today I took the car to do some shopping, and later took a look in Fretex. This photo shows a detail from a decorated wooden chest.
Who was Anna, and what type of belongings did she keep in her chest? Why has it ended up at this place??

Wednesday 18 November 2009


Today there has been a lot of rain, and there will be even more to come over the next few days....
I had a look in my archive, and decided to show a photo taken about two weeks ago. I have not really taken much notice to lamp posts around me, but now I have seen so many new and old from CDP bloggers, so I thought I should show you what they look like here where I am living.
Have a nice evening every one!

Tuesday 17 November 2009


Yet another umbrella killed by the wind!!

Monday 16 November 2009


Art at a corner near the harbor.

Sunday 15 November 2009


A Norwegian post box, bright and red, is what we use for outgoing post. (Yellow boxes for local mail)
These days most people use e-mail, but it is nice to get a letter or a postcard too.
I hope to send some "snail-mail" for Christmas...

Saturday 14 November 2009


Rain, rain go away!
It has been a windy, grey and wet day! 
Just to inform you,  the bridge is not falling down, it is just the way it is constructed. 

All cars in Norway have to use the lights no matter if it is day or night.

I am starting to count the days now until we are off on a little break somewhere sunny and warm!;-)

Friday 13 November 2009

There are currently roadworks in the very center of town.
The yellow sign explains that there are major roadworks in the area.
The blue bit above the orange sign "titles" the roadworks as a part of the "tusenårsprosjektene" which means the "century projects".
The orange sign explains when the roadworks should be finished.
Some person has modified the sign with a "more realistic" estimate as to when the work is likely to be completed :)

Thursday 12 November 2009


This is ART on a wall that used to be the library, but for many years now has been the town hall.