Trip of Wonders: Wonderful Indonesia 2016 in a Nutshell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbfJrT5R36s

 

What will do you if one day, you will receive an invitation to explore a country that you haven’t been to?

[caption id="attachment_4228" align="alignnone" width="800"] Sunrise in Gili Trawangan, GIli Islands., Lombok[/caption]

This happened to me last June (2016). I was invited by Pinneng Muljadi & Gemala Hanafiah-the author of www.WetTraveler.com in behalf of the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia. I got so excited after I read what the email was all about.

The email stated that I’ll get a chance to travel around Indonesia along with other international bloggers from the 6^th till the 19^th of August. Hooot hoot. When I left Dubai and after my previous backpacking trip around Europe and Australia, I told myself that it is about time to explore Southeast Asia. Although my home country (the Philippines) is part of this region, I haven't really explored it that much in comparison to Europe and North America (so I was really excited!).

After passing all requirements and I was about to announce in all of my social media platforms about this upcoming collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia, I got an email that after I sent my travel documents, they realized that I am holding a Philippine passport. Unfortunately, the invitation (or let me say this specific trip --- I’ll get into this later), was only for Middle Eastern, American and European bloggers, and because of that, it is unfortunate that I will not be able to join the trip. I was a little bit (well more than a bit) sad. I was ready to explore this beautiful land and also I was looking forward to meet bloggers from different countries. The confusion came upon because I am originally an ‘Influential’ based in Dubai (the Middle East)…. still feels weird whenever I call myself as an ‘Infulential’ haha.

Right before I’ll get fully disappointed, the representative from the Ministry of tourism told me that they have a different trip being planned for South East Asian Bloggers. YEY! Let me check again, I am from the Philippines, my passport is from the Philippines and I am currently in the Philippines! YES! I am very much qualified this time.-----------fast forward: after a few weeks, I just came back from this amazing trip!

I can’t be more thankful that I got moved to this batch of bloggers who will visit Indonesia. This easily became one of the best trips that I have ever been (and as you know, if you’ve been following me, I have been to a lot of places). Aside from exploring the wonderful Indonesia, I was able to meet amazing and humble South East Asian Influencers who I considered now as my friends.

For 11 days along with 39 influencers from Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, we explored the cities of Makassar, Lombok, Banyuwangi and Bandung.

[caption id="attachment_4223" align="alignnone" width="960"] #TripOfWonders Group photo in Makassar (Photo cred: Indonesia.travel)[/caption]

The next few blogs will be a series of stories and retelling of what went down during this wonderful trip. To watch our trip in a Nutshell, check out the video above by clicking in play.

Competition Alert:

Want to win a trip to Bali? Check out this link

Follow our Journey:

#Tripofwonders

@kennethsurat

Indonesia.travel

 

 

 

 

 

Bucket List: Skydive Dubai

I am sure that most of you have been listing things to do in this lifetime, popularly known as a Bucket List. I have mine and almost every now and then I always add items in the list.

In my original bucket list, I have placed climbing the top of the Eiffel Tower, riding a gondola in Venice, hiking and take a photo at the edge of Trolltunga,  visiting Liberty Island and even as simple as munching on a pizza in Italy. I have done all of these (at least the one I mentioned), also most of the items in my bucket list are all travel related and not something very extreme.

I didn't dream of jumping from a cliff and bungee, riding the fastest roller coaster in the world (although I have done this in Ferrari World) or even jumping from a plane and skydive. I can say that I am not really afraid of these.I just don't see the sense why I have to do it.

As I started traveling the world, I came to a realization that life is too short not try things (if given an opportunity) even the extreme ones. The first thing that popped in my head is SKYDIVE!

I've been eagerly anticipating the day that I will be able to skydive. Good thing, Dubai is known to be one of the best skydiving spots in the world. With this said, it is also the reason why it is hard to get a booking. You will need at least a month ahead to reserve in order to get the slot (meaning more time to prepare your mind haha).

Earlier this year, along with four of my friends we decided to finally jump. We even created a Facebook message group for this. We've been checking out Skydive Dubai's website almost everyday to know if they will start opening their bookings for the month of September (almost all of us were traveling last June - late August, so September is the perfect month for us to do it). When the portal opened, my friend Ed messaged me, and without hesitating our jump was booked. From five, only the two of us were left standing (because the other two will be traveling and one got married so their priorities changed..tsk tsk LOL).

Fast forward one month after ---- THE DAY OF THE JUMP CAME!

[caption id="attachment_3420" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Inside Skydive Dubai HQ[/caption]

Whenever my friends asked me what do I feel, I don't normally know what to say. Yes I felt scared but excited as well. Maybe because I have been anticipating this moment for quite some time now, I just want it to be done and experience what it feels like jumping out of the plane.

A lot of them thought that I was crazy, some thought I was brave and also people were reacting how expensive skydive costs. It is pretty expensive ---- so I was really hoping that it is worth every dirham.

[caption id="attachment_3412" align="aligncenter" width="800"] With Ed and his wife (and blogger) Lady[/caption]

Read also Ed's Skydiving experience 

How should one prepare when he will be jumping out of the plane? What I did is sleep early and pray. I can't back out now (I keep on telling myself), plus I don't want to back out. IT IS NOW OR NOW!

In my confirmation email I received the following regulations from Skydive Dubai:

•  Age:You must be at least 18 years of age (by Gregorian Calendar), please come with a valid ID to confirm your age. IF YOU ARE AGED 60 OR MORE, YOU MUST OBTAIN THE DOCTORS CERTIFICATE BEFORE PARACHUTING


• Clothes: Wear athletic and comfortable clothes with lace up sneakers or sport shoes for the skydive. You cannot wear sandals, boots, or heels. Please do not wear low cut tops or vests, shirts with a collar or short shorts. Please wear a T-shirt with sleeves (short or long sleeves).


• Weight: You must be within the listed weight and BMI limits


• Time: Your booking time is your arrival time. Please plan to spend at least 3 hours for your
experience.


• Weather: Skydiving is sensitive to weather, so if the conditions are not perfect, your
 experience may take a little longer.


• Personal belongings: Customers and Visitors are responsible for all personal belongings. Please remove jewelry and accessories and empty your pockets prior to Tandem Skydiving.


• 
  
  Absolutely NO alcohol and/or drugs in your system 24 hours before making a tandem 
skydive.


• 
  
  NO SCUBA DIVING 24 hours prior the jump.

[caption id="attachment_3422" align="aligncenter" width="800"] All the gears!!!!!!!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3421" align="aligncenter" width="800"] This only means one thing: JUMP  AT YOUR OWN RISK![/caption]

At the reception, I was also given a six page document just letting me know that I am jumping at my own risk. I looked at Ed and told him, well, I guess we are still signing up right? hahaha....and we did. All pages initialed and signed and we were all set.

The time of our booking was at 7am which will include all preparations such as signing the waiver, interviews (for the video) and a short briefing with your tandem partner. When we arrived, we saw that those who were scheduled at 6 am haven't been briefed and interviewed yet (so it means, more torture time). It took us around two hours to finally gear up and proceed to the plane (they did warn us that to spare at least 3 hours for the whole experience).

[caption id="attachment_3419" align="aligncenter" width="800"] With my tandem partner Lynette along with the fun and amazing Skydubai Crew![/caption]

After my jump, a lot of people asked me if I got scared. I always tell them that the scary part was when the plane door opened and everyone was starting to walk out of the plane (at this point, there really was no turning back).

What I love about the Skydive Dubai team is that, they kept the vibe inside our plane fun and lively. At some point I was just silent and thinking about the jump ahead, but got a little distracted focusing on this whenever we laughed at some of their jokes and also we had a chance to sing Do Re Mi (ala Sound of Music) just break the ice. Believe me it helped!

[caption id="attachment_3413" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Ok ok ok.........................wait wait wait[/caption]

TIME TO FLY!

[caption id="attachment_3414" align="aligncenter" width="800"] This is how Superman feels[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3415" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Trying to tighten all my facial skin. Everything was flapping around like crazy![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3417" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ....The moment I remembered to smile![/caption]

What can I say, it was one of the craziest thing I have ever done.  If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, this is the activity that you should sign up for. Once I stepped out of the plane, all fears were replaced by the overwhelming feeling of surrender. During our briefing they repeatedly told us to smile for the camera, I completely forgot about this. I was just shouting yahoooooooooooooooooo all the time (so most of my photos I have my mouth opened in an glamorous 'O' shape).

It was funny how my skin seems like it wants to leave my body haha.. A testament that I really need to tone my muscles! So if you ask my now how someone should prepare before skydiving, my answer will be GO TO THE GYM!

Seeing Dubai from this perspective was truly amazing. I remember one conversation I had with my tandem partner while we were on parachute and just gliding around:

Me: So this is the view from your office everyday!

Lynette: (proudly answered) YES! Not bad right?

It took us around 10 to 15 minutes until we finally have our feet on the ground. We landed safely (yey!). The moment we landed, I was asked if I will do it again, my answer was a BIG YES!!!!

[caption id="attachment_3416" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I WANT MORE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/caption]

Check out my Skydive Dubai Video Montage here 

WANT TO JUMP?  

Location:

Skydive Dubai

at the base of Palm Jumeirah

Al Sufouh Road

Dubai, UAE

Website: www.skydivedubai.ae

Tandem Jump as of September 2015 : AED 1999 inclusive of photos and videos

My First Impressions of Amsterdam

My visit in Amsterdam was just an afterthought. I had originally planned to fly straight from Dubai to London in the summer and spend the whole time in the UK (and maybe parts of Ireland) but I ended up visiting 4 countries in total...whew.

[caption id="attachment_3227" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I amsterdam!!![/caption]

I decided to pursue a trip to Amsterdam knowing that I could easily get a flight from Dubai to Amsterdam and then on from Amsterdam to London. Aside from simply wanting to visit because I hadn't been there before, I was hoping that I could be granted a longer Schengen Visa there, as I had been hearing people getting 1-year to 18-month visas after applying at the Netherlands Embassy here in Dubai. I prepared a simple checklist before committing to my plan:

1. The flight from Schipol to Heathrow should be less than Aed 500 (which I got for Aed 300)
2. Accommodation should not exceed 50usd per night (I got a perfect hostel for only 24 euros/night)
3. Visa fee should not exceed AED 350 (I got it for AED 280 )

All items ticked, so off I went!---> and for those who are curious, I was granted a 1-year Schengen Visa...hooothoooot.

[caption id="attachment_3244" align="aligncenter" width="800"] On board my flight via Emirates Airlines from Dubai[/caption]

Amsterdam is indeed a city for the curious as there are a lot of things which are legal there while illegal in most other places in the world. This thought alone might be enough to encourage or discourage people from traveling there, but Amsterdam is much more than these thing; I had heard so many beautiful stories about the city that made it well worth a visit.

THE VENICE OF THE NORTH

Originated as a dam in the city of Amstel, Amsterdam was a fishing village turned into one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age.

One of the things on my priority list to do in Amsterdam was to cruise along its famous canals. The city is surrounded by a web of interconnecting canals just like Venice, although unlike Venice there is still enough land  in Amsterdam to walk, drive and cycle (we'll come to more on that later). That said, it is still  evident that water is a big part of life in the Netherlands' capital city: the canal ring area of Amsterdam even is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

[caption id="attachment_3228" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Canal Tour[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3232" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The view of Central Amsterdam from the canal[/caption]

The canals certainly contribute to the charm of the city. Houses along the canals are regarded as prime properties. I don't doubt it. Imagine, waking up with a view of the canal kissed by the morning sun...whew.

You can enjoy this famous canal ring either by boat or by walking or biking beside them. I saw a lot of locals (and even a few tourists trying to live like the locals) sitting down by the canal reading books, eating, chatting with friends (and smoking you-know-what). I loved how everyone looked so relaxed.I guess that's the kind of feeling that calm waters coursing through a city can evoke. [ ERMM - it's also the kind of feeling that smoking you-know-what can evoke..!!!]

[caption id="attachment_3235" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Watching the sun sets. Never fails to bring a smile on my face.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3234" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Aha!! Finally I found a boat house! I made a research about this during one of my projects.[/caption]

CITY OF BIKES

If the canals are all about the boats, the streets of Amsterdam on the other hand are all about the bikes,  whether chained up to railings and bike racks throughout the urban landscape or being ridden by a busy local or a tourist appreciating the city.

[caption id="attachment_3226" align="aligncenter" width="800"] bikes everywhere-----and some Vespas[/caption]

As a city bike enthusiast, the idea of a city having more bikes than people is heaven. Statistics show that for every 1 Amsterdam resident there are 2 bicycles. Last summer when I visited Denmark, I was overwhelmed with all the bikes that I saw, but Amsterdam can easily give the Danish a run for their money. I have never seen so many bikes together in one city----> and I have been to China!

[caption id="attachment_3218" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Usual parking slot![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3233" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The main bike parking area just beside Amsterdam's Central Station[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3242" align="aligncenter" width="800"] You can find a lot of bike rental shops around the city.[/caption]

Everywhere you look at, you can see bikes bikes bikes..even in the water (yes in the canal!). For everyone living in Amsterdam, THE BICYCLE IS KING!

CULTURAL CITY

Compared with other European capital cities, from a perspective of an Asian, I never really considered Amsterdam to be especially rich in culture. Sure it is an old European town but I had initially thought if I wanted to experience a taste of Europe, I should visit Paris, Rome or London instead.

[caption id="attachment_3219" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Anne Frank House[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3222" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Artwork installation along the Museum Square (Museumplein)[/caption]

While researching what to do in Amsterdam, I found out that there are multitude of museums around the city. The most popular ones are the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and the Heineken Experience. If you are in the city for a just a few days, I recommend visiting these places.

[caption id="attachment_3231" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My museum loot! :)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3216" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Monumental houses around Amsterdam[/caption]

Not only is Amsterdam brimming with museums, but you could say that Amsterdam itself is an outdoor museum. I mentioned earlier how its canals have been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, and everywhere you look you can see beautiful and well preserved monumental houses.  (check out the list of historic houses and monuments in Amsterdam)

SIN CITY

Of course when talking about visiting Amsterdam, you cannot fail to mention the tolerance for weed and prostitution there. If you are one of those (like me) who are not interested in trying different types of cannabis products you should stay away from establishments labeled as 'coffeeshops'.

[caption id="attachment_3237" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The very first coffeeshop in Amsterdam[/caption]

Keep in mind that in Amsterdam a café is different from a coffeeshop. If you are looking to pump up your caffeine level and have some sweet treats you should go to a café. On the other hand, if you are thinking of getting some space cakes or special brownies, a coffeeshop is the place to go.

Consumption of weed (and carrying it) is tolerated in the city but there are a lot of rules that you need to know when engaging in this activity (and you should take time to study them; tourist are subject to the same restrictions as residents when it comes to handling and smoking cannabis products).

In addition to weed, prostitution is also openly available in Amsterdam. In fact the Red Light District is a top tourist attraction in the city. I have traveled around a lot of cities and although I try to maintain an open mind in each culture, I must say I always feel uneasy and sad to see prostitution being offered (whether legal or not). During my first trip to Bangkok my friend persuaded me to pass by the red light district just to see how things happen there; we can put it down to curiosity that I accepted. He recommended it so my eyes would be opened to these real life occurrences. My heart was crushed to see minors being escorted by western male tourists to their hotel rooms.

Since then, I can't help but pray for an end to this kind of activity around the world.

In Amsterdam, most of the prostitutes are regarded as entrepreneurs, with business licenses and may well have turned to prostitution 'willingly' but I can't help but think that there are still better opportunities out there than becoming a sex worker.

[caption id="attachment_3238" align="aligncenter" width="800"] You will know that you are in the Red Light District when you start seeing ----> RED LIGHTS[/caption]

I walked along the Red Light District with the same heavy heart I had when I was in Bangkok. The area looks like a normal neighborhood with mixed-used buildings, except the store windows display no produce or apparel for purchase, but ladies in their underwear. There is no signage to point out that you are entering the district: anyone (even minors) can just roam around the center of Amsterdam and suddenly find themselves in the middle of the Red Light District.

I understand that the Red Light District is regarded as an intrinsic part of Amsterdam and I am just a tourist and I don't have any right to intervene, but I am still hopeful that we could all do something to change it. (ok next topic!!! ^^)

PANCAKES AND WAFFLES

I don't know why the Dutch are so fascinated with pancakes and waffles but I am not complaining!

The most famous ones are the Poffertjest which is a mini pancake topped with powdered sugar and Stroopwafel (my favorite), a waffle made from two thin layers of baked waffles with caramel filling in-between.

[caption id="attachment_3243" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The very bite size poffertjes[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3223" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My favorite!! ----> Stroopwafel[/caption]

The best part is, they are available E V E R Y W H E R E!

A BIG PLAYGROUND

With all being said, Amsterdam is a big playground. You can do almost anything and everything there! This is perhaps the reason why Amsterdam is becoming Europe's fastest-growing tourist destinations.

[caption id="attachment_3214" align="aligncenter" width="800"] No Data => No Google Map[/caption]

You cannot run out of things to do in this city: biking (including tandem riding) water activities (such as cruising along the canal, canoeing and dragon boat racing), Ice skating (during winter), horse riding and even tai-chi and lots more.

[caption id="attachment_3221" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Filipinos I met and told me that they read my blog featured in Rappler :)..yippeeee[/caption]

Amsterdam is a tourist-friendly city and for sure if you are traveling solo (like me) you can easily navigate around it. People are friendly and almost everyone speaks English. My trip to Amsterdam as mentioned earlier, was an afterthought and driven by curiosity, but I can say that if I were given more opportunity to visit the Dutch capital, I would visit over and over again.

Why Visit Bergen This Summer

Most of my trips happened during summer and winter ( I wish it will be all season ---someday, someday) and I must say, summer for me is always the best time to travel. You can travel light! That is a big plus for me. With only a pair of jeans, tank top, a couple of shirts, flipflops and a comfortable trekking shoes, you can survive already. While during winter, you'll need to wear layers, layers...and you guessed it right, LAYERS.

As I am planning for another summer trip, I thought of sharing a series of places which you can consider visiting on your next short (or maybe long) summer holidays.

First city for this series is my favorite! Bergen in Norway!

[caption id="attachment_3125" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Viewing Deck on Top of Mount Ulriken.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3130" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A very busy town center.[/caption]

Bergen is often called 'the city among the seven mountains'  aside from being one of the rainiest city in Europe. It is also a place known for its historic and picturesque wharf where you can travel back in time walking along its cobbled streets.

[caption id="attachment_3134" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Typical view of a sunny summer in Bergen.[/caption]

I went to Bergen last summer after one of my travel (best) buddies invited me to visit his beautiful city. He told me (almost) everything about Bergen, trying to convince me that visiting Bergen is a great idea for my next adventure. Well, it was not a long persuasion, I said yes right a way, after the sentence "come to Bergen and I will take care of you" hahahaha.... I BOOKED A FLIGHT RIGHT AWAY!

After my trip I can now say that it was one of my best summer trips. Although this blog is not really a 'How To' blog, what I will be sharing are some points on why visiting Bergen on your next summer holiday is a good idea.

1. You'll experience one of the longest days in your life (not in a bad way).

[caption id="attachment_3159" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Sunset Bergen at 11pm.[/caption]

Day time on summer months in the north is one of the longest, not only in Europe but in the world. Yes, Norway is in the north, so Bergen is part of these places. During my stay there (July), the sun sets normally around 11pm and by 4am, you can already start to see the sunlit sky. That's 19 hours of sunny outdoors! Talk about adding hours to experience the city.

2. You'll have a view of the city in seven different angles

Surrounded by seven mountains, you'll have seven summits with seven different views of the city. During my trip, I have been to 4 of those summits and each one will give you a different perspective of Bergen.

[caption id="attachment_3158" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Bergen view from Mount Sandviksfjellet (the first mountain I hiked in Norway). Mostly locals are trekking this mountain and very few tourists.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3160" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Bergen view from Mount Ulriken. You can ride a cable car to get to the summit (so if you are not the hiking type of person, this is the mountain for you). This a top destination for most tourists.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3168" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Bergen view from Mount Floyen. Another tourist summit.[/caption]

3. You can hike in seven different paths

In relation to point number 2, being a city with seven summits, you'll also get seven different hiking paths. The seven mountain (and summit paths are) Lyderhorn, Damsgårdsfjellet, Løvstakken, Ulriken, Fløyen, Rundemannen, and Sandviksfjellet. In Ulriken, which is the highest summit, you'll have an option to ride a cable cart ---which we did haha.

[caption id="attachment_3141" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Our very first hike in Mount  Sandviksfjellet. Because it was my first Norwegian hike, and straight from the airport, I was so tired but upon seeing the view from the summit, I can say is it was worth all the effort![/caption]

I think if you are looking for a place to experience and appreciate the outdoors, Bergen is the perfect place for you. Did I mentioned that you can hike all these mountains for FREE?

[caption id="attachment_3126" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Our last trek, Mount Lyderhorn. I was a bit emotional knowing that this was my last view of the city after climbing its mountains almost everyday.[/caption]

4. You can visit one of Unesco's World Heritage Site

During the summer, you can join one of the historic walks around Bryggen, a UNESCO protected wharf. This place will take you back to the medieval Bergen with well preserved (and colorful) old wooden architecture and cobbled pathways. This is also Bergen's main tourist attraction within the the city's harbour. It is said to be the nerve of the city ever since and once was the hub of commerce, seafaring and crafts-manship.

From being a trading capital, Bryggen now houses a lot of artisan shops, restaurants and souvenir outlets but still preserving its history.

[caption id="attachment_3157" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The very charming Bryggen![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3138" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The Traveling Journal Project at Bergen's most famous attraction.[/caption]

I think I can stare at these houses for hours while I imagine how it was like during those early days.

5. You'll enjoy the daily fresh catch

Situated between the fjords and the seven mountains of Bergen is the famous fish market. A lot of Norwegians (and tourists) visit Bergen just to experience this picturesque and lively market. You can see an array of fresh catch from salmon to king crabs. The best will be dining al fresco with the harbour as your back drop while you enjoy the best summer weather.

[caption id="attachment_3133" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Afternoon scene in the fish market[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3131" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The very fresh catch! YUM YUM YUM[/caption]

6. You can swim in an open lake 

Experiencing the beauty of nature is one of the reasons why a lot of backpackers and travelers are falling in love with Norway, and the city of Bergen is not an exemption. When my friend told me that we'll go for a bath because we are meeting his friends, in my mind I translated it this way: 'It is time to take a shower because we are going out to see his friends', but in reality this is what he meant: 'We will be meeting my friends and we'll all go for a swim in the near by lake'. Too cool for school right?

[caption id="attachment_3149" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My Norwegian friends acting like kids while enjoying the 'warm' water. Well, for them it was warm, but for me 24 degrees was still freezing cold, but as what they said, cold water is just like ripping the bandaid off from your hairy leg, do it in one quick motion, well, in my case, it was ONE QUICK DIVE![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3143" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Beautiful fjords of Bergen![/caption]

I think when God created Norway, He made sure that in every community there should be a designated lake where people can go fishing or if the summer weather will be at its peak, go for a dip. Summer is the best time (only logical time) to experience this in Bergen. As most of the other seasons, it is either too cold or rainy.

7. I C E C R E A M

I was surprised that a softie ice cream is a big hit (aside from expensive) in Scandinavia. I had to queue in Stockholm just to get a cone-ful softie. In Bergen me and my friends got a softie topped with sugary sprinkles in a manner that it was mandatory while we stroll along the town square. I can't blame them, it was perfect on a sunny afternoon. I guess no one wants an ice cream during winter and rainy season? (You think?)

[caption id="attachment_3135" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A softie with colorful sprinkles. We bought this in the town square (I cant remember how much but, I know it was expensive hahaha).[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3148" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I think we had ice cream wherever we went This one was in Mount Ulriken.[/caption]

SUN + OUTOORS = ICE CREAM WORTHY MOMENT

8. You can party in the town center

Summer is the season in Norway where being indoor is a waste of time. This is the reason that if you'll choose to visit Bergen during the summer, there is huge probability that you will find yourself caught up in a party somewhere in the town center.

During my summer visit, I was lucky enough to witness the Annual Tall Ship Races. The town center and the whole harbour was transformed into a big celebration venue. Musical presentations, games, food stalls, theater acts and of course tall ships from different countries were everywhere.

[caption id="attachment_3129" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Tall Ship Races 2014 parade of ships.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3128" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Concert along the town square (where the fish markets are)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3153" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Some actors along the town square[/caption]

9. You'll avoid rain in one of Europe's rainiest city

I think the real main reason why you should visit Bergen during the summer is to avoid the rain in the rainiest city in Europe! Bergen is a very beautiful city but you can't really enjoy it if it is raining or snowing right?

[caption id="attachment_3123" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A very sunny Bergen! Yheap we are on top of the mountain (this became our daily routine during this trip)[/caption]

My summer trip in Bergen was blessed with one of the warmest summer that they've had (according to my friends) and the whole time I was there, it didn't rain, not even a drizzle. Because of this, we really enjoyed everything Bergen can offer.

10. You'll meet friendly and awesome Norwegians in their best mood

Two of my travel best buddies are Norwegians and we all know that the weather can alter one's mood (this is applicable to all of us haha). So if you will meet Norwegians in the season that they like the most, you are doing yourself a great favor and for sure you are going to enjoy every moment that you are in the city. Hike along with them, swim by the lake, watch the sunset while holding a cold bottle of beer.

[caption id="attachment_3150" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My Norwegian swimming buddies![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3152" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Yey for Norwegian friends. They are one of the sweetest![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3144" align="aligncenter" width="800"] .....also very mystical![/caption]

Rain = Gloomy = Moody Norwegians

Summer = Sun = Very Happy Norwegians

Bergen is one of those cities that instantly became very close to my heart. I fell in love with this city as fast as I fell in love with its people. Visit Bergen on your next summer trip and you'll find yourself in one of the most beautiful cities in this world.

[caption id="attachment_3156" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My Norwegian Best Buddies making this trip not only possible but also fun.  I love these two so much![/caption]

 

Tip: There is no guarantee that summer will be 100% rainless, better check the weather forecast when planning for a trip---again, this is Europe's rainiest city ^^ 

 

Additional references in planning your trip to Bergen

http://www.visitnorway.com/

http://www.visitbergen.com/