Not the biggest house, but one high up on my "Top 10" list.

I love the way the house and garden go together.

Like most places, we in Norway could not forget the Royal Wedding in London!

All major newspapers have been writing about it, and Norwegian TV followed it from early morning, so I did watch part of it on TV. Of course I thought the bride looked very pretty and the prince very handsome. What also really amazed me was the huge number of creative hats that were under the same roof. I guess there will be more about the newly weds in the days and weeks to come. Did YOU watch it?

Todays photo..... is the "breaking news" message from CNN.

Hillevåg is kind of a suburb of Stavanger, only 5 minutes drive from the city centre.

I looked at this wall, and got a feeling that this symbol has to do with communism.

I might be wrong, but anyway, here is some info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communist_Party_of_Norway

Remember the word RUSS (click underneath on the word next to labels).

These four young guys, all from "Randaberg vgs." are in the process of taking their exams after 13 years at school, but before that they are celebrating the event for weeks, some both during the day and night!

They will all attend at the National RUSS celebrating at "Kongeparken" next month, one BIG party!

Last summer I met some tourist who thought there was some kind of strange demonstration going on. But now, this is quite common, and even kids in the kindergartens collect "Russe kort", cards with names, photos etc. that most Russ give out!

Have FUN all 4 of you!:)

The school "SKEIE", looks like it has been decorated for Easter, but joking aside,- it is a colorful looking school for kids between the ages of 6-13.

Not much color at the schools I went to, so it is a sign that times have changed positively

Some people have to work, even when it is Easter Holiday.

This young man, ØRJAN MESSMER, who works for the council, was out collecting rubbish from bins as well as from areas where some people just dump cigarettes, bear bottles, papers etc.

Well done, Ørjan!

PS. Also pleased to hear that you were paid well for the important job you do!

For many months now, this road has been a bumpy ride for cars, busses and bikes.

Snow and rain did not help! Several car accidents occurred and it has not been well lit.

Well, it has been a luxury to drive on the new surface, and really quiet now when the work stopped for the Easter Holiday.

It takes time, and it looks promising and will be much better to have one more lane when it is ready. Apparently the new center lane will be a bi-directional bus lane, running in different directions based on the time of day and the traffic load.

There are many places, close to the city centre where you can relax and go fishing, like this family are doing.

"Rygerbuen", the ferry to Vassøy, one of the small islands just outside Stavanger city centre.

I met ALBERTO and CRISTIAN from Spain, or more to the point, Baskerland.

They were a bit lost, the tourist office was closed, they wanted to rent bicycles, not possible.....

Well, they asked me where all the people were? When I looked around..... there really were not many people in town, so I explained that some had gone abroad, to Spain etc. Some were up in the mountains skiing and some were taking a break at their holiday cottages..... Sorry guys, I understand why you asked why the tourist office was closed, and don't people go on holiday to Stavanger? They do, but Easter is sooooo quiet that it can be a little boring. But tomorrow they are going up to "The Pulpit Rock", and that IS a really fantastic trip in nice weather like today, and something to tell their friends about.-

I invited them for a stroll around the city centre and the area known as "Old Stavanger". We popped in to the Oil Museum, and met a service minded Danish man, who gave out info. in Spanish.

Have a nice 10-11 day holiday,

including Bergen, Oslo and Trondheim !:)

It was quiet in the city centre this morning.

Many people have taken the whole week off, some have travelled abroad, some skiing up in the mountains, and some staying at home or at their cottages.

A nice, sunny and warm day with temperatures up to +16C today!

My tiny little Easter decoration...

I passed this cosy red wooden house today.

As a child I thought of fairy tales when passing and today on my bicycle I thought just the same.

The sky is BLUE, the sun is shining. It feels good!

Crocuses,- a colorful sign of SPRING.

I used my I-phone when I saw this on a wall in an office.

It is time to sort out tax returns soon.

The text says:

1. Dear Tax office

2. ???

3. I would like to cancel my subscription

4. Please remove my name from your list.

Do you have to do your tax return at this time of the year?

The Easter Holiday started for thousands of people today, and many people were at the airport, either going away for a week or two, or perhaps there to welcome family or friends.

The queue through the security control was absolutely horrendous. Even the escalator and stairs up to the security area were completely blocked with people.

So the airport tried to make it all a bit more relaxed with live-music and even an Easter Chicken , here represented by HEIDI ROVIK, who works at the airport.

Thanks for the easter egg!

To all of you - Have fun wherever you are spending Easter!

The driver of this cement truck was lucky to escape with just a few scratches and managed to climb out of the cab by himself.

The accident happened this afternoon, and the police were out to organize the traffic.

"A little bit shy but a very good family dog," said the owner who was taking this dog for a walk.

Seriously, this is a great woofy model, and quite a unique dog who I guess will have many happy walks, and continue charming other people (with or without a camera) both at home or out along the walking paths.

A wooden villa close to the woods

I think it goes well with the landscape.

You might think this is far out in the country side, but actually, it is only a 10 minute drive from the city centre.

I wish I could give you lots of interesting info. about this. But I am afraid I can`t.

Well, one thing I know, it is our "leaning tower" on the right.

It also shows a helicopter landing pad, and I guess some of the installations has to do with oil drilling.

Click for more info.about the area, under the text, after labels.

Please click on the photo to enlarge it.

From my favorite florist shop, "Sølvberget Blomster".

My husband and I bought our new bicycles today, after visiting an auction plus 3 shops.

Mine is a retro style bike, and my husband went for something more sporty.

This afternoon we had our first tour together, trying out the gear system etc.

Stavanger has lots of cycle paths, so I look forward to trying out more of them.

I passed this Gentleman, - and somehow I got the feeling that this is something he is doing frequently.

And to everyone; - Have a nice weekend!:)

I am eager to find a new bicycle. (The last two have been stolen, even though they were locked!)

Anyway, today I popped in to see what was out for offer at an auction held by "Falck".

Some people might have got a real bargain, but I think I will still look around .....

Lots of INSPIRATION from Copenhagen, and many more places if you click on to the links that are on the right hand side of the Copenhagen site. http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/

Lunch with friends.

We all went for seafood, one of the things that Norway exports all over the world.

Some countries even have Norwegian Fish Clubs.

Yes, we all enjoyed our food, after a walk out in the wind and rain.

We met at the parking area.

The dog had nothing to say, just sitting there waiting...

Colorful flowers from "My florist".

Poor visibility this morning.

This time I want you to tell me what YOU see.... in this ART.

Perhaps something you find familiar ?

Sunday:

The mosaik was made by The British International School of Stavanger.

With contributions fromAmerican School of Doha, Qatar.

Biss Pudong, Shanghai. Gausel Skole, Stavanger. Glenealy School. Hong Kong and Pakuranga College, New Zealand.

It was given to Stavanger & Stavanger Airport in 2008.

It is named "Celebrating cultural differences" and is made by Sarah Osborne.

THIS is a sign of spring, and a HAPPY one!

Four young RUSS have bought this car, here are 3 of them, CHARLOT, SILJE and HANNE (see more info. under the text, next to labels.)

They were out giving the car a fresh coat of paint, to get it ready for their RUSS activities!

Have lots of FUN, and a fabulous time as RUSS!