Larvik - How I got there..

I had been through a pretty traumatic time and had separated from a 10 yr. relationship so decided to try some online dating sites. I got talking to a man in Larvik, Norway and decided to Google some pictures of where he lived. we spoke of history of his city, the Vikings and such. I became fascinated by the beauty and history of the oseberg ship, Viking burials,his town and culture. He suggested I should come and take a look for myself. So I decided to throw caution to the wind, take a risk and go look for myself. It was a long journey, 29hrs all up but was well worth it and I have no regrets. From the moment I landed in Oslo I was impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness of the Norwegian folk. I had some concerns considering I did not speak the language but those concerns were laid to rest instantly. Norway is an English speaking country so communicating was not a problem. I was alone on the other side of the world for 7 days and I was so comfortable and at ease. I had to take a train ride 2 and a half hours south from Oslo to reach Larvik. The train journey was amazing, the countryside so beautiful, it was just coming in to summer, the grass was green and flowers were starting to bloom. At one stage train stopped, a message came over the loudspeaker and the only word I understood was bus. I looked over at a young girl across from me and asked had they just said something about a bus to which she responded yes, we had to get a bus a few stations down as the lines were being worked on. we travelled together to Larvik. I was in awe at the countryside and the friendliness of the people of Norway. There was one place I wanted to go to in Larvik which was Bokeskogen Forest which just happened to be opposite from where I stayed in Larvik. It has great meaning for the people of Norway and has Viking burial mounds throughout the sparse forest. I ventured out alone in this strange place on the other side of the world and I have never felt so safe. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and when I came across a burial mound the wind would get really strong and howl through my mind and body. I felt a connection to the spirits of Vikings from times gone by, it was a very surreal feeling. I wandered many tracks through Bokeskogen Forest until I reached the highest peak. The view was beyond anything I could have imagined looking down over the Larvik fjords. I never wanted to leave Larvik, the people and the beauty but some day I will return to this paradise.